raethereviewer's reviews
730 reviews

Color Struck by Zora Neale Hurston

3.5

I don’t really know how to rate plays since they aren’t a medium I read often but I enjoyed the last scene a lot. It was such an interesting exploration of race in the society of the time and the impact that colorism can have on one’s self esteem.

Caprice by Coe Booth

challenging hopeful sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I read this for a middle grade book club and I’m so glad I did because I probably wouldn’t have picked it up otherwise. I appreciate the care that Coe Booth put into writing this. This is such a needed story and one I’d recommend for middle school classrooms. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual violence

To Be a Cheetah a Bedtime Story by Joanne C. Hillhouse

5.0

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz

lighthearted

4.5

I had a grilled cheese sandwich while reading the last 50 pages and it truly elevated the experience. Highly recommend to all those looking for a cute, sapphic romance. It’s perfect for fans of The Prince and the Dressmaker.

Extraordinary Jordyn and Her Bionic Ears by Jasmine Simmons

• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

This picture book has a deaf MC who experiences an unkind reaction from another child. Her parents talk about the positives of her hearing loss, like how she can sleep despite her brother crying at night, and how her hearing loss is a part of her. She goes on to see this child again and they end up bonding over a common interest.

I think this would be great for emerging readers as it does have more words per page. It may also work as a readaloud in a 1st grade class. It would work great for kids who are beginning to read independently as a pre-cursor to early chapter books. It's a great book for introducing conversations around disability and reinforcing compassion for others.

The author reached out to me for a review. All opinions are my own. 

Oliver's Great Big Universe by Jorge Cham

funny informative slow-paced

5.0

This was such a cool book. It combines the silly narrative style of books like Big Nate with actual science about the universe. It’s a great way to explain these intricate topics to late elementary and middle schoolers. This is definitely one I’d keep in a classroom library.

Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang

emotional funny hopeful 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

5.0

This was absolute perfection! I’m not just saying that because I’m a fan of Gene Luen Yang, this book reminded me WHY I’m a fan of his writing and the combination of LeUyen Pham’s illustrations made this a story I’ll be recommending for as long as I can.  I hope they team up for more graphic novels in the future because I’ll read anything they put out together.

Ghost Roast by Shawneé Gibbs, Shawnelle Gibbs

adventurous funny 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? Yes

5.0

This is a perfect example of when the writing and illustrations work together. I couldn’t put this one down and it’s one I’ll definitely be recommending to others. The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous and it’s clear that this team understood the assignment. I loved the growth in Chelsea’s character arc. The paranormal aspect works within the storyline in such a fluid way.

Primer by Thomas Krajewski, Jennifer Muro

adventurous

3.0

The illustrations were gorgeous but something I notice a lot with DC Comics is how the tone and pacing often feel off for me. I wish Ashley could’ve been fleshed out a little more but this is a very short comic so that’s a factor. I also wish there was more subtle foreshadowing to give a better pay off for the victory. I understand it’s for a younger audience but some of the dialogue felt too on the nose. 

Mari and the Curse of El Cocodrilo by Adrianna Cuevas

adventurous funny hopeful mysterious 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

5.0

I loved every minute of this story and the audiobook elevated it to another level. It was really nice to see Mari learn about the family she hadn’t met before. I absolutely love the ghost element and everything tied together beautifully. I was in tears by the end.