B- Reviews / Book Reviewschildren's literature / Dark Fantasy / friendship / middle grade / picture books / redemptionNo Comments
Lemony Snicket meets Roald Dahl in this riotously funny, deliciously macabre, and highly illustrated sequel to The Beast and the Bethany in which Bethany and Ebenezer try to turn over a new leaf, only to have someone—or something—thwart them at every turn. Once upon a very badly behaved time, 511-year-old ... more >
B Reviews / Book Reviewscats / dog / First-Person / found family / friendship / middle grade / neurodiverse / neurodiversity / school2 Comments
A heartfelt companion novel to the critically acclaimed Chester and Gus about inclusivity, autism, friendship, and family, perfect for fans of Sara Pennypacker and Kate DiCamillo. After being separated from his family, Franklin becomes an independent cat, until he meets a goofy dog named Chester. Chester is a service dog ... more >
B- Reviews / Book Reviewsanxiety / friendship / graphic novels / Magic / middle grade / self discovery2 Comments
With humor, heart, and an unusual heroine who is braver than she realizes, Bree Paulsen’s colorful and cozy debut graphic novel is a farm-fresh tale that reminds readers to believe in themselves—and that strangers are not always as scary as they seem. An enchanting debut graphic novel to give to ... more >
Book Reviews / C+ Reviewsfairy tale / found family / friendship / Historical fiction / middle grade / self discovery6 Comments
From two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo and two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall comes a fantastical meditation on fate, love, and the power of words to spell the world. We shall all, in the end, be led to where we belong. We shall all, in the end, find our way home. ... more >
Book Reviews / C+ ReviewsArt / Asian characters / Contemporary / cultural representation / England / family relationships / First-Person / friendship / grandmother / immigrant / math / middle grade / picture books / POC / POC author / racism / school bullyComments Off on REVIEW: Danny Chung Sums It Up by Maisie Chan, illustrated by Natelle Quek
A touching and funny middle-grade story about a boy whose life is turned upside down when his Chinese grandmother moves in Eleven-year-old Danny’s life is turned upside down when his Chinese grandmother comes to live with his family in England. Things get worse when Danny finds out he’ll have to ... more >
B- Reviews / Book Reviewscats / Dark / Friends / macabre / middle grade / mystery / POC / The Zombert ChroniclesComments Off on REVIEW: Return of ZomBert (The Zombert Chronicles) by Kara LaReau, illustrated by Ryan Andrews
A second meaty serving of the ZomBert Chronicles offers a suspenseful treat for animal lovers and fans of spooky mysteries. ZomBert is back in book two of a wry new mystery series by award-winning creators Kara LaReau and Ryan Andrews. A stray cat who escaped the YummCo Laboratories on the ... more >