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mjenae's reviews
254 reviews
Focused by Alyson Gerber
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Fantabulous.
I feel like the author did a great job of portraying ADHD, which isn't a surprise since she has it herself. She focused mainly on how it affected Clea's schoolwork and relationships, and I came away with a much clearer picture of how ADHD affects a kid Clea's age.
Speaking of the relationships—that was the secondary focus of the story, and can I just say for a moment—YES. THIS IS WHAT I WANT. There was conflict, but it was resolved. All the main characters were fleshed out, each with their own backstories and personal problems. There was a lot of miscommunication and impulsive anger and ridiculing and fighting, but it was always explained and taken care of. There was only one antagonist who didn't have much redeemability, but she didn't play a prominent part in the story except to help track Clea's progress, so I was fine with that. I just love to see a middle grade book modeling growth in relationships and mature conflict resolution (mostly). I can very easily get tired of the "toxic friendship" trope, so I was glad it didn't show up here.
I feel like the author did a great job of portraying ADHD, which isn't a surprise since she has it herself. She focused mainly on how it affected Clea's schoolwork and relationships, and I came away with a much clearer picture of how ADHD affects a kid Clea's age.
Speaking of the relationships—that was the secondary focus of the story, and can I just say for a moment—YES. THIS IS WHAT I WANT. There was conflict, but it was resolved. All the main characters were fleshed out, each with their own backstories and personal problems. There was a lot of miscommunication and impulsive anger and ridiculing and fighting, but it was always explained and taken care of. There was only one antagonist who didn't have much redeemability, but she didn't play a prominent part in the story except to help track Clea's progress, so I was fine with that. I just love to see a middle grade book modeling growth in relationships and mature conflict resolution (mostly). I can very easily get tired of the "toxic friendship" trope, so I was glad it didn't show up here.
Anne of West Philly: A Modern Graphic Retelling of Anne of Green Gables by Ivy Noelle Weir
4.0
[*cue me being highly disappointed]
So the illustrations are so, so great. I love the way the authors translated all of the characters (especially Gilbert—he's JUST as cool as the one from Green Gables, even cooler if I dare), and things like The White Way of Delight and the liniment cake incident.
But I'm just really disappointed with how they changed the romance.
I don't think I reccomend it, for that reason. Otherwise, the book was lots of fun. I was just really hoping it would follow the same storyline as the original book.
I still have to give it four stars because it's just such a well-executed graphic novel, especially the panes where Gilbert says nothing but you can totally tell what he's thinking just by his facial expressions. But I won't be reading it again.
So the illustrations are so, so great. I love the way the authors translated all of the characters (especially Gilbert—he's JUST as cool as the one from Green Gables, even cooler if I dare), and things like The White Way of Delight and the liniment cake incident.
But I'm just really disappointed with how they changed the romance.
I don't think I reccomend it, for that reason. Otherwise, the book was lots of fun. I was just really hoping it would follow the same storyline as the original book.
I still have to give it four stars because it's just such a well-executed graphic novel, especially the panes where Gilbert says nothing but you can totally tell what he's thinking just by his facial expressions. But I won't be reading it again.
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko
5.0
Things I liked:
1. Moose. He's really smart, and I don't mean school-wise. He has a good feel for people. He's so good with Natalie, and his discernment around Piper is spot-on. He almost always handles things well (although I do wish he would've told his parents about 105).
2. His dad. He's such a strong and gentle presence. I was on the brink of tears during multiple of his talks with Moose. Just the way he handles things; you can feel his fierce love through the pages.
3. The autism representation. Natalie's story is almost a bigger part of the book than Alcatraz itself.
4. The familiar setting. I've been to the island twice, and reading this made me want to go back again, just to see it in a new light. I love reading books that take place in familiar places.
Things I disliked:
1. Piper. I'm a little miffed that she never really changes. She's fishy til the end. You never know what she's thinking, or if she's actually telling you the full truth. Plus, she's fairly toxic and manipulative, even of her parents.
2. The whole business with 105. The whole situation never really came to the light. What happened? No one knows. It felt slightly disgusting, especially Piper's whole nonchalant attitude around it. I didn't quite understand that subplot; it felt like possible sexual assault, and yet the book dealt with it so casually (other than Moose initially freaking out). I wish adults would've been notified about it. The whole incident was just too strangely vague.
All in all, though, I enjoyed the book. Took me a bit to get into, but I really loved the family relationships (most of them). I plan to read the rest of the series when I can.
1. Moose. He's really smart, and I don't mean school-wise. He has a good feel for people. He's so good with Natalie, and his discernment around Piper is spot-on. He almost always handles things well (although I do wish he would've told his parents about 105).
2. His dad. He's such a strong and gentle presence. I was on the brink of tears during multiple of his talks with Moose. Just the way he handles things; you can feel his fierce love through the pages.
3. The autism representation. Natalie's story is almost a bigger part of the book than Alcatraz itself.
4. The familiar setting. I've been to the island twice, and reading this made me want to go back again, just to see it in a new light. I love reading books that take place in familiar places.
Things I disliked:
1. Piper. I'm a little miffed that she never really changes. She's fishy til the end. You never know what she's thinking, or if she's actually telling you the full truth. Plus, she's fairly toxic and manipulative, even of her parents.
2. The whole business with 105. The whole situation never really came to the light. What happened? No one knows. It felt slightly disgusting, especially Piper's whole nonchalant attitude around it. I didn't quite understand that subplot; it felt like possible sexual assault, and yet the book dealt with it so casually (other than Moose initially freaking out). I wish adults would've been notified about it. The whole incident was just too strangely vague.
All in all, though, I enjoyed the book. Took me a bit to get into, but I really loved the family relationships (most of them). I plan to read the rest of the series when I can.
Animal Rescue Friends, Volume 1 by Gina Loveless, Meika Hashimoto
5.0
Totally irresistible.
I mean, how adorable are these illustrations? I laughed and laughed at the escapist bunny named Houdini, then showed it to my siblings so they could laugh and laugh too.
This book reminds me very strongly of the Critter Club books, which I loved as a kid. Each chapter is a separate story, featuring a different POV (there is one recurring POV in this book). They are full of fabulous morals, like standing up to bullies and coping with anxiety and being inclusive and forgiving.
My little sister devours these—she's read this one at least three times within the last week alone. And after reading this, I see why. I want this whole series when I have kids. I would hand them to a 6-10 year old with absolutely no qualms.
I mean, how adorable are these illustrations? I laughed and laughed at the escapist bunny named Houdini, then showed it to my siblings so they could laugh and laugh too.
This book reminds me very strongly of the Critter Club books, which I loved as a kid. Each chapter is a separate story, featuring a different POV (there is one recurring POV in this book). They are full of fabulous morals, like standing up to bullies and coping with anxiety and being inclusive and forgiving.
My little sister devours these—she's read this one at least three times within the last week alone. And after reading this, I see why. I want this whole series when I have kids. I would hand them to a 6-10 year old with absolutely no qualms.
Positively Izzy by Terri Libenson
4.5
Such fun! I love the way the styles (even the illustrative format) changed as the POVs changed. And the twist at the end made me smile and smile.
Dear Martin by Nic Stone
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
5.0
I became so connected to these characters. The voices are very strong; I could hear each character clearly when they spoke.
I got angry. I got sad. I got angry sad. And I'm so glad I read this (evidenced by the fact that this is a five star rating in spite of all the swearing on the pages). It made me laugh in the middle of my tears, which always without fail makes me fall in love.
I got angry. I got sad. I got angry sad. And I'm so glad I read this (evidenced by the fact that this is a five star rating in spite of all the swearing on the pages). It made me laugh in the middle of my tears, which always without fail makes me fall in love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Police brutality, and Grief
Blubber by Judy Blume
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Actually one of my favorite—possibly favorite—Judy Blume book I've read yet. Most of the kids in this book made me go a little insane—they're truly evil at times—but I like when books make me feel.
I loved the style, Jill's voice. I kept laughing and having to read the funny parts out loud to my family. I loved Jill's family, and the random facts included that had no bearing on the plot. It really felt like a story being told by an eleven-year-old.
I think I'll give it to my ten-year-old sister to read next. Every girl her age needs this book.
Update: my little sister gobbled it up, loved it, and passed it on to a friend. Success! Thanks, Judy.
I loved the style, Jill's voice. I kept laughing and having to read the funny parts out loud to my family. I loved Jill's family, and the random facts included that had no bearing on the plot. It really felt like a story being told by an eleven-year-old.
I think I'll give it to my ten-year-old sister to read next. Every girl her age needs this book.
Update: my little sister gobbled it up, loved it, and passed it on to a friend. Success! Thanks, Judy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Fatphobia, and Toxic friendship
The Record Keeper by Charles Martin
3.5
Okay.
Okay.
[*steadies self on bookcase]
Um... let's just say I'm glad not all Charles Martin books are written in this fashion.
I can say this isn't quite as graphic as the previous book as far as injury detail. I was never really "grossed out."
But the absolute fury-filled revengeful hatred—it's pasted plain and clear all throughout this book. And I was so deathly disappointed in Murphy. I know it was done on purpose for the sake of character development—he learns the biggest lesson of all in the end, and I was glad to see it on the page—but the way he thought and acted in this book made me really upset.
And I wish Bones hadn't had to die for Murphy to finally see how thick-headed he was being.
Also. The ending, the scene at the well. It was very sudden, I hadn't even suspected it, and I did have to set the book down for a bit. I don't like the way it ended. I don't think it could've ended differently, but I don't like it.
Probably the most unrealistic book in the series so far, mostly because of the dialogue—no one talks like that. Also because of the emphasis it put on Frank having no heart, and then making him so passionate about his birth certificate and so heart-broken in the end—it just didn't match up. Of course I enjoyed the story because it's Charles Martin. But it made me very weary. I hope he writes something a little more lighthearted next.
Okay.
[*steadies self on bookcase]
Um... let's just say I'm glad not all Charles Martin books are written in this fashion.
I can say this isn't quite as graphic as the previous book as far as injury detail. I was never really "grossed out."
But the absolute fury-filled revengeful hatred—it's pasted plain and clear all throughout this book. And I was so deathly disappointed in Murphy. I know it was done on purpose for the sake of character development—he learns the biggest lesson of all in the end, and I was glad to see it on the page—but the way he thought and acted in this book made me really upset.
Also. The ending, the scene at the well. It was very sudden, I hadn't even suspected it, and I did have to set the book down for a bit. I don't like the way it ended. I don't think it could've ended differently, but I don't like it.
Probably the most unrealistic book in the series so far, mostly because of the dialogue—no one talks like that. Also because of the emphasis it put on Frank having no heart, and then making him so passionate about his birth certificate and so heart-broken in the end—it just didn't match up. Of course I enjoyed the story because it's Charles Martin. But it made me very weary. I hope he writes something a little more lighthearted next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Gun violence, Suicide, Violence, Trafficking, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Murder
Moderate: Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual violence, Medical content, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
I Know Your Secret by Daphne Benedis-Grab
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It's not written very well, but there are multiple reasons I'm glad I read this.
1. Todd. I always like a middle grade character with mental health issues who's learning to deal. He was definitely my favorite character (even though I didn't get very attached to any of them).
2. The subplot with Gemma and Miles and that whole toxic friendship. I can honestly say I have never read a middle grade book that explores that kind of dynamic in a relationship (power imbalance—basically a 16-year-old using a 12-year-old as a therapist). It was extremely interesting, and something I was glad to see addressed.
3. How incredibly wholesome their foursome is. It's an enemies-to-friends journey for every single one of them, and it made me happy.
1. Todd. I always like a middle grade character with mental health issues who's learning to deal. He was definitely my favorite character (even though I didn't get very attached to any of them).
2. The subplot with Gemma and Miles and that whole toxic friendship. I can honestly say I have never read a middle grade book that explores that kind of dynamic in a relationship (power imbalance—basically a 16-year-old using a 12-year-old as a therapist). It was extremely interesting, and something I was glad to see addressed.
3. How incredibly wholesome their foursome is. It's an enemies-to-friends journey for every single one of them, and it made me happy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Racism
The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
4.5
"Child," said the Voice. "I am telling you your story, not hers. I tell no one any story but his own."
"Who are you?" asked Shasta.
"Myself," said the Voice, very deep and low so that the earth shook: and again "Myself," loud and clear and gay: and then the third time "Myself," whispered so softly you could hardly hear it, and yet it seemed to come from all around you as if the leaves rustled with it.
"Who are you?" asked Shasta.
"Myself," said the Voice, very deep and low so that the earth shook: and again "Myself," loud and clear and gay: and then the third time "Myself," whispered so softly you could hardly hear it, and yet it seemed to come from all around you as if the leaves rustled with it.