Tiến doesn’t know the Vietnamese words to tell his mom he’s gay. His mom misses her home and family back in Vietnam. Together, they read fairy tales, and the stories help them both – to process grief, to bridge cultures, and ultimately to reach out to each other. The art is so beautiful -- and so is the story!
When introverted Artemisia is forced to wield an ancient spirit to save her convent, she realizes she has no idea how to release that same spirit from her body. As she fights to prevent the spirit from possessing her, Artemisia must also fight the mysterious evils that have begun to surface.
In this vibrant fantasy, Rogerson asks readers to consider what it takes to trust someone–or something.
All my rage, indeed. More like "all my feelings", because reading this book was a full emotional spectrum roller coaster. I was drawn into the story immediately, but the way it unfolded was so subtle and sensitive I was able to experience the more difficult revelations alongside the characters. All My Rage hooked me, held on, and hasn't let go.
This beautifully crafted, inter-generational story follows two childhood friends during their final year of high school in a small Mojave desert town. I was instantly drawn into the lives of Salahudin and Noor as they navigate grief, the unpredictability of their parental figures, racism, isolating secrets and fears. Told in alternating perspectives, you cannot help but rage against all the obstacles they face. Sabaa Tahir tells their story so eloquently, you will not be able to put it down and it will stay with you long after you’ve read the final page.
A moody and atmospheric murder mystery with a unique setting and magic system. This book does a great job representing anxiety and chronic illness without making them hurdles for the characters to overcome.
This medieval India-inspired tale is full of mythology, goddesses and magic. A prophecy has destroyed everything in Gul's life, now she'll stop at nothing to avenge her family. Cavas wants nothing more than to care for his sick father, but a mysterious girl threatens to upend all his plans. As their lives intertwine, the fate of their kingdom is thrown into chaos.
At its core, this is a story about a girl reclaiming her power and a boy learning to forgive. I absolutely adored the character dynamics and was utterly swept off my feet by this epic fantasy adventure inspired by Chinese mythology and martial arts. In both plot and characters, it explores the pull between opposites and reconciling the gray reality that exists between the two. And not to mention, it has major Zuko and Katara vibes from Avatar the Last Airbender!
This book will steal your heart like you stole that glittery nail polish at Target when you were 15. It’s full of witty comebacks, clever grifts, and scoundrels who are hot and secretly have big hearts. Come for the crime, stay for the dysfunctional found-family antics that'll melt your heart like expired nail polish.
P.S. Suggested theme song = Superbeast by Rob Zombie
Dark academia and murder and witches, oh my! Felicity Morrow feels ready to return to school after a tragic accident, but when she finds herself tangled up with the elusive teen prodigy Ellis Haley, Felicity will have to face the darkest parts of herself before moving on. Between the atmospheric setting and gorgeous writing, I couldn't put this book down. Part fantasy, part thriller, A Lesson in Vengeance is guaranteed to lure you in and keep you entranced.
This gender-bent Beauty and the Beast retelling with Ella Enchanted (the movie) vibes was an absolute treat. It genuinely made me laugh out loud with all its smart quips and the adorable romance made me swoon, repeatedly. The two main characters have chemistry that leaps off the page and there's a lovable diverse friend group that you won't want to part with. Get ready for balls, masquerades, and posh garden parties as well as enchanted forests, silly princes, and a support group for those who've been cursed. Also Tevin is a total dreamboat and I love him. That is all.
