Category: book review

— book review, children's —

The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad, S.K. Ali & Hatem Aly (Review)

September 28, 2019

A powerful, vibrantly illustrated story about the first day of school–and two sisters on one’s first day of hijab–by Olympic medalist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad. With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It’s the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it’s her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab–a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong… Read More The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad, S.K. Ali & Hatem Aly (Review)

— book review, children's —

Ping by Ani Castillo (Review)

September 28, 2019

With the visual ingenuity of Press Here and the emotional resonance of What Do You Do with a Problem?, this wise and timely book about the fragile art of personal connection will strike a chord with children and adults alike. In the era of social media, communication feels both more anxiety-producing, and more inescapable, than ever before. This clever, comforting picture book debut explores the challenges and joys of self-expression and social connection.… Read More Ping by Ani Castillo (Review)

— Adult, ARC review, book review —

Our Stop by Laura Jane Williams (ARC Review)

September 22, 2019

What if you almost missed the love of your life? Nadia gets the 7.30 train every morning without fail. Well, except if she oversleeps or wakes up at her friend Emma’s after too much wine. Daniel really does get the 7.30 train every morning, which is easy because he hasn’t been able to sleep properly since his Dad died. One morning, Nadia’s eye catches sight of a post in the daily paper: To the cute girl with the coffee stains on her dress. I’m the guy who’s always standing near the doors… Drink sometime? So begins a not-quite-romance of near-misses, true love, and the power of the written word.… Read More Our Stop by Laura Jane Williams (ARC Review)

— book review, indigo book box, indigo teen staff pick, young adult —

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin (Review)

September 5, 2019

Bound as one to love, honor, or burn. Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned. Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou’s, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.… Read More Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin (Review)

— book review, indigo teen staff pick, young adult —

Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim (Review)

August 30, 2019

Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia poses as a boy and takes his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she’ll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There’s just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailors vying for the job… Read More Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim (Review)

— Adult, book review —

Night and Silence by Seanan McGuire (Review)

August 29, 2019

Things are not okay. In the aftermath of Amandine’s latest betrayal, October “Toby” Daye’s fragile self-made family is on the verge of coming apart at the seams. Jazz can’t sleep, Sylvester doesn’t want to see her, and worst of all, Tybalt has withdrawn from her entirely, retreating into the Court of Cats as he tries to recover from his abduction. Toby is floundering, unable to help the people she loves most heal. She needs a distraction. She needs a quest.… Read More Night and Silence by Seanan McGuire (Review)

— ARC review, book review, young adult —

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo (ARC Review)

August 20, 2019

Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness.… Read More With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo (ARC Review)

— ARC review, book review, young adult —

Wicked Fox by Kat Cho (ARC Review)

August 16, 2019

Kat Cho’s debut, Wicked Fox, was one of my most-anticipated releases of this year! I’ve actually been following along with the book’s journey on Twitter since last year and still remember when it was titled Gumiho instead of Wicked Fox! For those of you who don’t know, I am very very into kdramas (Korean dramas) and have posted about them on this blog even (although not in a while). You can find my kdrama rambles here, but back to Wicked Fox…I was very very excited for this book, and now that I’ve read it, definitely have some thoughts to share with you guys… Read More Wicked Fox by Kat Cho (ARC Review)