Kingdom of the Cursed Kingdom of the Wicked #2 by Kerri Maniscalco Fantasy Romance Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Emilia becomes the Queen of the Wicked with only one vow – to avenge her sister’s death. That means even wedding the Prince of PRide, the king of demons. Emilia must overcome a series of tests and steps to avenge her sister. No matter the cost. The ending had me on such … Read more
Music for Tigers by Michelle Kadarusman Realistic Fiction for tweens (grades 4-8) * * * Stars (Pretty good) Louisa is sent to stay with her uncle in Tasmania at a small camp in the Tarkine wilderness for her summer vacation while her biologist parents are off doing research. Louisa would have preferred to stay at home and prepare for her audition with the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, but has to make do with a radical … Read more
Malice Malice duology #1 by Heather Walter Fairytale retelling Fantasy LGBTQ+ Romance for adults/older teens * * * * Stars (Great!) Alyce, known as “Malice” the Dark Grace, is part Vila, and one of her ancestors is responsible for having cursed the princesses of the Queendom of Briar with death if they do not receive true love’s kiss by their 21st birthdays. Although she is extremely powerful and patrons regularly seek out her dark magic, … Read more
Entwined by Heather Dixon Fantasy Romance Supernatural Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) A retelling of “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” fairy tale, but with more romance and suspense. It is about twelve princesses who are trying to find a place to dance after their father, the king, tells them they’re not allowed to. They find their way into a magical garden and discover the mysterious man, “Keeper,” who lives there. … Read more
Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate Novel in Verse Realistic Fiction Tween (grades 4-8) * * * * Stars (Great!) Kek is young boy who comes to America from a refugee camp in Africa to stay with relatives. His father and older brother were shot by men who came to their village. He ran when they came, and was separated from his mother. Now he doesn’t where she is or if she even survived, … Read more
Twins by Varian Johnson Illustrated by Shannon Wright Graphic Novel Realistic Fiction Tween * * * * Stars (Great!) Maureen and Francine are identical twins who are starting 6th grade. Although they’ve spent all of their lives together up until now, on the first day of school it becomes clear that Francine wants to reinvent and distance herself from Maureen and their group of friends, which really hurts Maureen’s feelings. Francine has always been more … Read more
Toilet-bound Hanako-kun (series) by Aidairo Adventure Fantasy Manga Mystery/Thriller Supernatural Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) OKAY. The name is weird, but the story is hilarious and interesting. I will promise you now that it won’t be about random bathroom jokes. The story has a main character of Hanako as the series implies. He is one of 7 ghosts in a school (as they are known, The 7 Mysteries). A girl named … Read more
Sunny Song Will Never Be Famous by Suzanne Park Funny Realistic Fiction Romance Teens * * * Stars (Pretty good) Sunny Song, also known as “Goggle Girl” from her social media minute of fame, has been trying to increase her audience/views and monetize her virtual presence – possibly to the detriment of everything else (academics, activities, family, friendships). After her brownie baking video goes viral and almost gets her expelled from school, Sunny is forced … Read more
The Lion of Mars Science Fiction Survival Tween * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Bell lives in a small compound on Mars along with a group of other Americans – scientists, researchers, etc. – who all contribute to their community to keep things running, growing, working. He and some of the older kids are curious about the other settlements on Mars (France, Germany, etc.), but their interest is firmly rebuffed by their Commander who … Read more
Aster and the Accidental Magic book #1 by Thom Pico and Karensac Adventure Fantasy Graphic Novel Tween * * * * Stars (Great!) Aster is not super thrilled when her parents move them from the city to a small mountain town so Aster’s mother can continue work on her robo-birds (that will save them all from the enormous crow migration that’s about to take place). After she meets a mysterious old lady shepherd who gives … Read more