pickI enjoyed this historical fiction about a brother and sister who work at Bletchley Park while also trying g to unravel the mystery of their mother‘s disappearance. There‘s lots of interesting information about codes and code breaking. I agree with some other reviewers that the ending is a bit rushed, but overall it‘s a great story with an interesting group of characters, including mentions of a few real people who worked at Bletchley Park.
pick
I started this book during our independent reading time in seminar today, and I did not want to stop when the bell rang. I‘m really intrigued to see where this story goes. However, the book has to stay on my desk at school for the week, so I may not get much further until this weekend.
#TeachersOfLitsy #YA #TRS2025
pickIt has been a very long time since I read the original novel, so I can‘t speak for exactly how well this adaptation compares to it. However, it fit well with what I remembered and was a great story with fantastic illustrations. Alanna is one tough and determined girl!
#YA #GraphicNovel
so-soAs a former camp counselor for GSCV (2017-2023, technically; Klutziana “Klutzy” Louise Pamunkey-Fallz-Peg-Cooke, head of archery) this scratched that camp itch for me. The camp names, the activities (even if they were far grander than my camp‘s), the vibe. Spot on. The story tho? Felt a little lacking for me. There was a ton of feelings in the beginning that…didn‘t have great payoff? Idk, I felt disproportionately angry for it to end like that.
pickWhat a beautiful novel in verse!
This book tells the story of two young women in two different timelines. The first is Lula, a present day young vocal prodigy studying at a music conservatory. The other is Barbara Strozzi, a 17th century Italian servant turned composer who was a real person. Both storylines were compelling and I loved how they merged!
Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2025/07/25/review-the-siren-and-the-star/
so-soMmmm I thought this was YA, since the MC is 16, but…maybe like older YA?? It was alright. The story felt a little half-baked, and it was a lot of sitting around and waiting for things to happen. Also, how in this small town has no one noticed a BASEMENT full of goths going missing???
3 stars | #vampires #ya?? #contemporaryfantasy
pickGemma is such a funny protagonist, not just bc she's in her own bubble, but bc she just can't let go of that one project perfect Xander ruined! There's a lot of heart in this book, not just for a culture that Gemma was purposely excluded from, but also for her family and, yes, even that pesky cardboard dog. I loved the puzzles, the banter, the reluctant friendship, and the obvious HUGE CRUSH only Gemma couldn't see. I wanna reread it now 😂 #ya
pickWell OBVIOUSLY this is a good book. I‘m rereading so I can go into Ballad and Sunrise with all the info I need. It took me a minute to get into Collins‘ writing style, and since the YA voice isn‘t something I‘ve read in a LONG time. But first one down! Four to go!
4.5 stars | #ya #dystopia #modernclassic
#YA #MiddleGrade #TRS2025 #audiobook 7d