raethereviewer's Reviews (863)

challenging emotional hopeful lighthearted
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book has kept me up past 1 AM for the last two nights (mind you, I’m usually in bed by 11) and for good reason! The immigrant experience hit super close to home for me, as did the references to purity culture. I loved the disability rep and how the different aspects of Vero’s identity affected her. This book brings up really interesting questions and I love seeing the way Verònica grows as a person throughout it. I’m also a fan of family drama so I was on the edge of my seat for that last quarter.
lighthearted
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

This was a fun read that captures that teen voice really well. The concept was cute and it’s a great escape, especially when you need something light.
adventurous challenging dark emotional tense slow-paced
Strong character development: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

This was a whole lot and I’m still processing my thoughts. I think this would’ve been even more up my alley during my dystopian phase. The world building was amazingly done, super detailed. I liked a lot of the characters, though I did have trouble distinguishing between several crew members. Most only had one or two things that set them apart but the crew started to blend together at parts and I couldn’t remember who was who. I honestly think the main crew could’ve been smaller and it wouldn’t have lost much, if anything. 

Eris and Sona, on the other hand, were very distinct characters and I loved the dual POV. The romance was great! I love a good slow burn and I’m looking forward to reading the sequel.
adventurous emotional funny medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Every part of this book was pure perfection but that ENDING! The way my jaw dropped and tears filled my eyes. I don’t think I’ll ever recover from this ugly cry. It’s a masterpiece, babes.
funny informative lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This was such a great book! As someone who is also Black and learning how to swim, it felt more than a little personal. I wish I’d learned back when I was Bree’s age, but as the epilogue shows, it’s never too late to learn. This is perfect for middle grade readers and I’m planning to convince my younger cousins to read it next. I loved the themes of friendship, resilience, and problem solving.

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I have so many thoughts but I no clue how to put them into words. This was such an interesting story and the author did a great job of making these characters distinct. I liked the inner monologue and the way we see Korode’s motives in helping her sister play out. It’s a bit slow going at times but overall such an intriguing premise. Some character actions frustrated me but they also made a lot of sense for the characters, themselves. 
emotional hopeful fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Saw this on Hoopla and decided to check it out. I’m glad I did. This was such a great allegory for the trans experience and I loved the characters. I don’t read DC Comics often but I have been enjoying the newer graphic novels.

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adventurous lighthearted 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: Yes

This was a fun read. There’s definitely a difference in the writing and illustration style since it’s a different team, but both still stay fairly true to the characters. The plot wasn’t as exciting or high stakes as previous volumes, but it was fun seeing aspects of old Hollywood.
challenging dark sad
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This was a heavy read but such a wonderful exploration of grief and coming to terms with things outside of your control. I loved the way that Jade uses her art to process her feelings toward Phoebe and understanding that space is necessary, even when you want answers. I could see this being a great read for teens. 

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This was such a fun read. I love the central theme of staying true to yourself and I think this is a story that a lot of immigrant children will be able to relate to. The magical elements served the plot well and my favorite character was probably the talking rat. He was so funny. I’m really happy to see a Haitian author writing Middle Grade!