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raethereviewer's reviews
861 reviews
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
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
This has been one of my most anticipated graphic novel releases since I first heard about it. I read Weirdo by Tony Weaver, Jr. last month and loved the illustration style of the twins. With this story, I got to see this vast and beautiful world they’ve built and the characters they’ve created. It was so well done! I love the multicultural aspect and how this story shows what it’s like growing up with more than one language and community, then having to navigate that on a new planet. The complications of a blended family are shown really well. It’s also an unapologetically queer story that is sure to resonate with so many kids and young teens who are trying to figure themselves out. I think this would be especially perfect for middle schoolers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia
Minor: Death of parent
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
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
This was such a beautifully illustrated story. I loved the way that beauty is used and how it’s subverted from its usual Disney-esque “pretty is good and ugly is bad” trope. It reminded me a bit of the film Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken which came out last year. I’d recommend this to middle school and up.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
This was such a sweet, cozy sci-fi. I listened to this during my car rides and it was perfect for that. I loved following along Sibling Dex and Mosscap. The little philosophical bits were really nice parts of the story. I’m looking forward to reading the next book on other long drives.
dark
mysterious
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Complicated
This was so much fun! It reminds me of Coraline and Goosebumps. I’d probably give this to 2nd grade and up, depending on spooky tolerance. The illustrations are creepy but not terrifying. It’s great for kids getting into chapter books or looking for a quick read that’ll keep them on the edge of their seat.
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
I got an e-galley from the publisher and absolutely loved this. It heavily features bullying and how that affects Tony but it also shows his journey in making new friends and finding people who like him just as he is. Beautifully told and accompanied by illustrations that elevated the story immensely. This is one I’ll be recommending to fans of Brave, Guts, and New Kid. It’s one of those graphic novels that middle schoolers will be able to relate to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Suicide attempt
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
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
Jordan Ifueko has done it again. Not only has she done it, she’s actually managed to set the bar even higher this time around.
The themes of disability, class, and status are woven into Sade’s story as beautifully as the weeds Dele embroiders into her curtains. They are central to understanding who Sade is and who she believes herself to be. Her understanding of these concepts brings her to who she is meant to be. That journey is one that I wouldn’t change a moment of.
As for the romance: this is a SLOW burn. The pining from the Crocodile is the exact level of groveling that I expect from a man in romance. If he is not physically ill from yearning, I don’t want him.
The themes of disability, class, and status are woven into Sade’s story as beautifully as the weeds Dele embroiders into her curtains. They are central to understanding who Sade is and who she believes herself to be. Her understanding of these concepts brings her to who she is meant to be. That journey is one that I wouldn’t change a moment of.
As for the romance: this is a SLOW burn. The pining from the Crocodile is the exact level of groveling that I expect from a man in romance. If he is not physically ill from yearning, I don’t want him.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Death of parent, Classism
Minor: Domestic abuse, Suicide attempt
I read an e-ARC provided by the publisher.
This was so beautifully illustrated and the story is broken down nicely for a young audience. I also appreciate the author's note at the end and think the older scale of children reading it (and parents) would benefit greatly from it.
This was so beautifully illustrated and the story is broken down nicely for a young audience. I also appreciate the author's note at the end and think the older scale of children reading it (and parents) would benefit greatly from it.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I got an e-galley from NetGalley and absolutely loved this. The illustration style is adorable and it’s a perfect bridge book for kids transitioning from picture books to chapter books.
I started this expecting to read it throughout the week but I couldn’t put it down at all. I listened to the audiobook while reading the physical copy and it worked to elevate the poems, especially since Hala Alyan is the one who narrates. Several of these poems felt like a punch to the gut and there are many that I plan on coming back to. I love how experimental many of these poems were and the themes of gender, displacement, family, and grief were woven together perfectly.
I watched the movie a few weeks ago and wasn’t a fan but then I saw a YouTube video talking about how the movie omits a big part of the book and decided to read it. I liked this a lot more than the movie but still have many qualms. Seeing Victoria/Bella’s account made things a lot more interesting and if the entire book was written in her POV, I probably would’ve enjoyed it more.