raethereviewer's reviews
720 reviews

We Are All So Good at Smiling by Amber McBride

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective

4.5

This story was incredibly well crafted and I loved the way these poems were structured. A lot of the poems hold up really well on their own, outside of the story, but together they craft such a transformative narrative. It’s honestly one of the most creative novels-in-verse I’ve ever read. I think the author handles the portrayal of depression and mental illness so well. There were a few times I had to take a break but there weren’t any overly gruesome moments. 

Time is a Mother by Ocean Vuong

5.0

These poems were absolutely beautiful. I reread several of them multiple times and annotated quite a lot. This is a collection I’ll come back to, time and again.

Finna by Nino Cipri

adventurous funny mysterious 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

4.0

I decided to pick this up because I’ve seen so many people speaking about it and I’m always down for a multiverse story. I think this was a really cool take on alternate realities and I really like the commentary of what capitalism expects from us. Ava is a multi-faceted MC who isn’t necessarily good or bad in a way that’s so relatable. 

Sunflowers by Keezy Young

informative

5.0

I read Taproot a few years ago and loved it so decided to read this. It’s so beautifully illustrated. Keezy Young gives us a bit of insight into their personal experience living with Bipolar 1 Disorder. It was a short but incredibly impactful read.

A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns by Tristan Jimerson, Archie Bongiovanni

4.5

As the title suggests, it is a quick and easy guide to they/them pronouns, specifically. There’s also a general overview of pronouns and the importance of gender neutral language. I think this would be especially helpful for readers who don’t know many (or any) people who identify outside the gender binary. I think it could also be a good teaching tool.

Dear God. Dear Bones. Dear Yellow. by Noor Hindi

5.0

I’ve read some of Noor Hindi’s poems online over the years and the one about craft is one I find myself going back to often. I’m glad I finally read this collection. She has such a great range of styles and I love the way she plays with form.

Ghost Book by Remy Lai

adventurous dark hopeful mysterious

4.5

This was such a lovely story about life, death, grief, and being remembered. I think it tackles these questions in such an age appropriate way for late elementary and middle schoolers. Definitely one I’d add to a classroom library.

Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango

emotional hopeful

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was such an excellent novel and so greatly needed. I think it would be perfect for classroom read-alongs in 5th and 6th grade classrooms because it could be very helpful for kids going through something similar and open up kids outside of that experience to what their classmates may be going through. It’s also a great read for reluctant readers and I’d highly recommend accompanying the physical book with the audiobook. The narration adds to the story wonderfully.

Milk & Mocha Comics Collection: Our Little Happiness by Melani Sie

3.5

This was a cute collection and nice for passing time on the bus. I think it’s fun saving a few of the ones that stand out the most and sending them to loved ones.

Pocket Peaches by Dora Wang

lighthearted

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

I read this on a bus ride and it was so cute. It’s a great, all ages read and something I’d add to an elementary classroom. I think it could also work in a middle school classroom library too, especially for reluctant readers.