This is my favorite book of the year! This alternative history novel raises questions about race that are still relevant today, including straddling the line between respectability and morality. With tightly-written prose, heart-pounding pacing, and social relevance, this novel is one that will both entertain the reader and make them question widely-held beliefs.

I went into this one blind after a recommendation from my sister and I‘m so glad I did. This is a fantastical, scientific thriller that kept me hooked from the beginning.

TW: this book contains description of child death, but it‘s not very graphic.

Gutted. I am absolutely hollow. In a good way.

If you‘re an X-Files fan and like YA, you‘ll dig this story of Mulder as a teen. Fast-paced & well-written, it will leave you craving more X-Files origin stories.

so. good. highly recommend, especially if you like Japanese horror & (slightly) experimental novels.

This book got me out of my book slump! If you love Shakespeare, tragedy, ghosts, and revenge, you‘ll love this novel.

I still can‘t decide if I love this book or if I‘m angry with it. Quick, compelling read, but I was a bit disappointed with the ending, although I can‘t imagine it ending any other way.

I saw this book and knew it was meant for me. Picture me as the black Wednesday Addams. I wouldn't say I'm a pessimist, but rather a realist. The main character in this YA romantic drama is definitely a realist. There's no typical romantic ending--instead the reader is given something real to match the main character's perspective on life. A well-told story beginning to end.

This book is a must-have for any junior library, for any child who is transgender or anyone who works with children. I don't have much experience working with transgender people and this book was eye opening in so many ways. Not only is it an exceptionally important book, the writing is also clean and the pacing fast. And I'll be honest--the ending made my allergies act up.

First off, this book is one of a kind. I've never read anything like it.

Second, I had no idea whether I was surprised by the ending or if I'd really seen it coming. It was perfect, inevitable, and unexpected.

Now that we got that out of the way, let me tell you why you should read this book: it makes you think about everything, question everything, consider different perceptions and experiences. Great book for teens and adults alike.

Picture book. A true story of 2 male penguins who are a couple and raise a chick. A beautiful, heartwarming & adorable story that serves as a great introduction for children to non-traditional families.

Another middle grade fiction, this time with a protagonist with autism spectrum disorder. It was a good book & it certainly helped me understand neurodivergent people better. Great pacing. Definitely recommend if you want a window into the world of someone with ASD.

Middle grade fiction. The MC loses both of her adoptive parents in a car crash, but the book isn't as intense as you'd expect. But don't mistake that for not getting to the heart of what it means to lose a parent, to grieve and your impact on the world. A must-read.

The main character in this book is a cheerleader. Pretty much the antithesis of who I am, but this book was amazing. I thought I'd hate it, but my librarian friend urged me to give it a try. I'm so glad I did.

CW: rape (not graphic, but central to the character arc)

This book was so, so good. Creepy & intense with a great protagonist. I couldn't put it down.

I wish I'd had this book as a t(w)een. A young girl must learn to cope with the unexpected death of her friend and withdraws from the world. If you're looking for a poignant read, or one to help a teen grieve a loss, this is an excellent choice. I borrowed it from the library and bought a copy so I could have it on my shelf at home.

I finished this book weeks ago and I'm still thinking about it and processing it. I'm still envious of the nearly perfect writing, pacing, characterization and setting. Everything about this book is amazing and if you haven't read it, you are definitely missing out on one of the best reads during our lifetime.

A great thriller that kept me guessing to the very end.

My god. This collection of short stories gutted me. So beautifully written, each story cuts to the core of the dark places we go when the unthinkable happens. I'm amazed at the author's ability to make me feel what her characters feel. This is a dark read, and I recommend that you read a little at a time. Not a good binge read & not for a time you're feeling vulnerable. Nevertheless, it is so worth reading.

I loved this book. Set in Mexico City, Aztec culture and vampires that don't sparkle or act all precious about life? Yaaaaassssss. And the prose is AMAZING. Gonna have to pick up the author's debut novel SIGNAL TO NOISE soon.

THIS BOOK. OMG.
This is such an atypical read for me, but my friend sent it to me as a surprise and the synopsis and her recommendation had me intrigued. There is so much truth in this book. It cuts to your heart and reshapes it. It's a romance, sappy in some ways, but painfully realistic and haunting. I LOVED this book. Beautiful prose, and tightly + creatively written. READ IT.

Got this one from My LitBox. So much of this play hit home for me. My childhood, my father, my mother. This book healed a part of me that I never thought would be healed, but more than that, it's wonderfully written and pushes you to confront thoughts you're not entirely comfortable with facing. You're better for it in the end, though.

I hadn't read this classic, so when I spotted it at my local library, I decided to read it. It was a short, quick juvenile fiction read that dealt with heavy topics in a way that was reminiscent of my own background & how I feel now as a mother. It was both gut-wrenching and hopeful, somehow. Another book I'll buy a copy of to read again and again.

I stumbled upon this book at the library and I'm convinced it was fate. This free verse memoir is EXACTLY what I needed to help me break out of my reading rut and kickstart my writer brain into high gear. There are very few books that I will read more than once, and this is one of them. Beautiful prose that cuts to the heart of the experience of being a brown girl in America. ❤️❤️

My favorite part of this book: the city is a character. Great writing, nice pacing & memorable characters.