naomiysl's reviews
1004 reviews

Rosa by Starlight by Hilary McKay

3.0

On the one hand-- so sweet! great ambiance! Plucky protagonist! magic cats! What's not to love? On the other hand, SO MUCH is left unsaid and unexplained.

Whatever happened to her first cat friend? What's the deal with the magic? What's the deal with the bracelet? What's the deal with the connection between the mother and the old man? Why is the kitten alive?

What is going on??!! I'm left unsatisfied with so many answers. Still, I gotta appreciate a very villainous villain pair, they were wonderful as villains. And I did still enjoy this read. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, and Death of parent

At Our Table by Patrick Hulse

3.0

Perfect by Waka T Brown

2.0

a little too heavy on the morals for my liking

We Miss You, George Floyd by Shannon Gibney

4.0

Such an important topic, and well handled. Wish the artwork was more evocative, but it's still a solid book. 

This Is My Brain!: A Book on Neurodiversity by Elise Gravel

3.0

Solid as far as it goes, but that isn't super far. 

Sam and the Incredible African and American Food Fight by Shannon Gibney

4.0

A bit long, but such a good read. Loved it

Raven's Ribbons by Tasha Spillett

4.0

such a sweet story of elders celebrating new generations

Boozhoo! / Hello! by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley

4.0

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

So cozy! Like reading a warm hug.

The Creepening of Dogwood House by Eden Royce

emotional mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

The second half of this story is wonderful. Creepy, based in real cultural practices, some touching connective family moments, great suspense, it's got everything. Why did I have to wait 150 pages before it got good? I wish the first half of this story were cut down to one chapter and then we got into the good stuff right away. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Religious bigotry and Death of parent