willowtree7's reviews
252 reviews

A Quick and Easy Guide to Coming Out by Ravi Teixeira, Kristin Russo

informative lighthearted medium-paced

4.5

I really enjoyed the art style that went into this book. I feel like it was the perfect way to show that coming out isn't just a one time thing and there is no one right way to come out. I loved getting to read the journeys that both contributors have gone through over their lives and showing that gender and sexuality are both fluid, and that labels can and do change over time and that that's okay. If you or someone you know is dealing with figuring out their identity or having to come out, this book really helps you know you've got people on your side no matter what and that you are okay and normal for changing your labels. 

Abigail by Daemon Manx

adventurous dark mysterious 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

5.0

Did not see the twist coming, but loved it! Such a great short story

Bye Forever, I Guess by Jodi Meadows

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced

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

5.0

I don’t know where to start with this incredible story! It’s been a long time since I managed to read a non-graphic novel in one sitting, but here I am. 

Jodi Meadows set up this story well from the beginning really drawing me in. Ingrid felt a lot like myself as a tween but without the anonymous online fame! I liked getting to see her depths of emotions and her connections to those around her in person and online. While I was able to figure out the twist in the end, it was more so exciting getting to see Ingrid figuring it all out than disappointing. 

While I am a grown adult, this novel is a fantastic read for all ages, tween and up. I highly recommend picking this one up, and I can’t wait to get my own proper copy on its release to read again. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Toxic friendship

Minor: Death, Death of parent

How Could You by Ren Strapp

adventurous emotional fast-paced

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

3.5

I enjoyed the art style of this book but found the overall storyline just ok. While this book definitely encapsulates college life and the dumb decisions people make in their late teens/early 20’s, I found it hard to like some of the characters and root for them. Overall this was a good read, just not my cup of tea! 

Navigating With You by Jeremy Whitley

adventurous 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 a fantastic story of friendship, romance, and connecting with people around you after grief. Both characters had gone through hardships that brought them together through a mutual love of a manga series. I laughed, cried, and felt emotions alongside the characters as they grew and developed together. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would gladly put myself through the turmoil of enjoying their connection again and again. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Biphobia, Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Lesbophobia, Gaslighting

Moderate: Grief

There’s a lot of content warnings, but I swear it’s worth the read

Crumble by Meredith McClaren

emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad 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 never thought I’d find myself sobbing while reading a graphic novel, but here I am. Meredith McClaren does a beautiful job telling the story of Emily and her family as they deal with grief and how that grief impacts their special powers of baking emotions into treats. Andrea Bell beautifully brings this story to life with vibrant colours and details. I love that you get little recipes through the story that matches what the characters are baking at any given time. 

I can’t wait for this to be officially published so I can destroy my emotions for a second time but in print. I highly recommend you pick this one up so you too can feel all the feels as Emily explores her emotions through baking. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief

Moderate: Death, Car accident

death of a parental figure

The Book of Purrs by Luís Coelho

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

5.0

Each page is filled with cuteness, inspiration, and potentially a good giggle. This book made me both laugh and tear up, but also remind me of why I’ve got my own little purr balls in my life. Luis really captures life with cats, but also provides uplifting messages for all aspects of life. A really cute read that I can’t wait to purchase and have in my home for when I need a good pick me up!

Once Upon a Witch's Broom by Beatrice Blue

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

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

5.0

I really enjoyed the storyline and moral to this book. It’s told in a way that’s easy to grasp by young people which you want from a children’s book! The illustrations are gorgeous and really add to the story.

If you are looking for a book about self love and acceptance for your young person, this is a great choice!

Sir Cumference and the 100 PerCent Goose Chase by Cindy Neuschwander, Wayne Geehan

adventurous informative medium-paced

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

4.0

This book is a really creative way to introduce young people to mathematics, in this book specifically, percentages. It explains the concept in a context that makes it fun and interesting. If you’re looking for a unique way to introduce your young people to percentages, or maths in general, this is a great way to do it. The series itself keeps continuity to learning different maths topics. Highly recommend!

The Best of Assigned Male by Sophie Labelle

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

I love Sophie’s work so much! I’ve been following her comics on Facebook for years so to get to read them all in one place was fantastic. I love her she has her characters dealing with daily queer struggles but facing them head on and with their well-being at the forefront. I can’t wait to continue enjoying her work.