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About Kasey

Reads things. Writes things. Fluent in sarcasm. Willful optimist. Cat companion, chocolate connoisseur, coffee drinker. There are some who call me Mom.

Review: Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves by Meg Long

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Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves by Meg Long

Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves
Meg Long
Wednesday Books
Published January 11, 2022

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves

After angering a local gangster, seventeen-year-old Sena Korhosen must flee with her prize fighting wolf, Iska, in tow. A team of scientists offer to pay her way off her frozen planet on one condition: she gets them to the finish line of the planet’s infamous sled race. Though Sena always swore she’d never race after it claimed both her mothers’ lives, it’s now her only option.

But the tundra is a treacherous place, and as the race unfolds and their lives are threatened at every turn, Sena starts to question her own abilities. She must discover whether she’s strong enough to survive the wild – whether she and Iska together are strong enough to get them all out alive.

A captivating debut about survival, found family, and the bond between a girl and a wolf that delivers a fresh twist on classic survival stories and frontier myths.

My Review

I liked this book from the beginning, and then Remy, one of the minor characters that’s part of a scientific expedition visiting Sena’s planet, entered the scene. She’s spunky and teasing and I loved her so much. She really added a lot of light and balance to Sena’s serious and sometimes moody personality. I felt like the story picked up a lot as soon as Remy walked into it, which was maybe 20% in?

I also loved the relationship between Iska and Sena. I’ve had the experience where an animal chooses you as their family. It was much less dramatic than a fighting wolf, but still, it’s an amazing thing, and I felt like COLD THE NIGHT captured that really well.

The planet where Sena lives is this rough, gritty icy place. Think Wild West meets Arctic tundra. It seemed exactly like the kind of place that Captain Mal and his crew from Firefly would end up at some point. Those gritty elements really worked to create high stakes and desperate characters, which definitely kept me engaged in the story.

All in all, I thought this one would make a great addition to the YA sci-fi shelves. I think readers who enjoy books by Claudia Gray or Hayley Stone will love this one.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Sena was raised by two mothers.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Strong profanity used frequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
Some scenes briefly show wolves being forced to fight each other. Animals attack people in several scenes. Goblins attack people in a couple scenes. Some of these scenes show some graphic violence and fatality.

Drug Content
Some characters drink alcohol.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog. I received a free copy of COLD THE NIGHT, FAST THE WOLVES in exchange for my honest review.

Best Young Adult Books from 2021

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Best Young Adult Books from 2021

2021 was quite a year! I had lots of ups and some pretty dark downs, but one of the things I’m truly thankful for is the books. Some of the best young adult books from 2021 kept me company on long sleepless nights and provided a safe place to escape for a few hours.

I’ve been a fan of YA since before I started blogging, both as a reader and writer. I’m always excited to see new, fresh takes on familiar themes or entirely new ideas and broader representation bursting from the pages. These books are a mix of all those things. They really only have one thing in common, and that’s how much I liked them!

Here are some of the young adult books I still can’t stop talking about and thinking about that were published in 2021.

Best Young Adult Books from 2021

Into the Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A deadly forest guarded by siren trees. A grieving boy. Forbidden love. A gender-flipped Beauty and the Beast in all the best ways. I couldn’t stop reading this one. So. Good.

Published January 12, 2021 | My Review

You Have a Match by Emma Lord

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A secret sister revealed by a DNA test. Summer camp and a chance to get to know her. Best friends to lovers. All the quirky, hilarious fun you want in a RomCom.

Published January 12, 2021 | My Review

The Project by Courtney Summers

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl looking for the sister who disappeared into a shadowy cult. She swore never to trust its charismatic leader, suddenly he feels like her only ally on her search for the truth. This one swallowed me whole. Content warnings in my review.

Published February 2, 2021 | My Review

Amelia Unabridged by Ashley Schumacher

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Searing grief. Found family. A love story to books and beautiful tale of first love. If you like books by John Green (or the idea of them), buckle up and grab a copy of this one. I just want to read it again and again.

Published February 16, 2021 | My Review

Down Comes the Night by Allison Saft

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A soldier/healer whose heart keeps running away with her head. A legendary enemy. An mysterious estate. Dark secrets. Forbidden love. This one blew me away. One of my favorites for the year.

Published March 2, 2021 | My Review

Can’t Take That Away by Steven Salvatore

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A genderqueer teen who dreams of being a diva. A battle against discrimination. A perfect celebration of family relationships, friendship, and love for Mariah Carey. I adored this book as I read it, and so much more now as I’ve followed the author on social media. Steven Salvatore’s is a wise voice we need.

Published March 9, 2021 | My Review

Fragile Remedy by Maria Ingrande Mora

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A dystopian world dependent on genetically engineered humans to treat diseases that ravage the population. Explores addiction and its destructive power. Features a M/M romance. The dystopian world and high stakes made this one a great read for me.

Published March 9, 2021 | My Review

Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A summer in Paris, ballet dancing, mysterious rumors about a Degas painting, and of course a whirlwind romance. Perfect for fans of LOVE AND GELATO.

Published April 6, 2021 | My Review

These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Sisters– one to become queen, one to become the Firebird, a powerful being who maintains the balance of magic. F/F romance. Political intrigue. Kept me on the edge of my seat.

Published April 20, 2021 | My Review

The People We Choose by Katelyn Detweiler

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A post-climate-disaster world. A girl searching for her missing sister. A sister stranded on a strange island. So. Many. Secrets. I couldn’t stop reading this one.

Published May 4, 2021 | My Review

The People We Choose by Katelyn Detweiler

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A small town girl wondering about the identity of her biological father. A new neighbor with undeniable chemistry. A best friend/unrequited love. So many feels.

Published May 4, 2021 | My Review

Lucky Girl by Jamie Pacton

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A seventeen-year-old with a secret: she’s won the lottery. And she can’t tell anyone. Explores grief, hoarding, and best friendships. I really liked that this story didn’t center on romance.

Published May 11, 2021 | My Review

Misfit in Love by S. K. Ali

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A faith-positive story with Muslim rep. First love at a wedding. Speaking up about assault and finding your people. Beautiful and moving.

Published May 25, 2021 | My Review

Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Fake dating. Faith-positive. Sweet and salty. I really enjoyed this one.

Published May 25, 2021 | My Review

The Marvelous by Claire Kann

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Great gamer references. A sweet friends to lovers romance. A powerful dissection of online bullying against female players. Quirky characters and loads of fun.

Published May 31, 2021 | My Review

The Marvelous by Claire Kann

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Three young women in a high-stakes reality show game. A mysterious mansion and more mysterious hostess. Unexpected and unforgettable friendships. If you like twisty, mystery-slash-riddle stories with strong characters, you have to check this one out.

Published June 8, 2021 | My Review

Rule of Wolves (King of Scars #2) by Leigh Bardugo

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: More Nikolai, Zoya, and Nina (Plus cameos from some of your favorite Crows!). Witty banter. Desperate battles. The last book in the Grishaverse. SIX OF CROWS is still my favorite by Bardugo, but this one is a close second.

Published June 8, 2021 | My Review

The Sea is Salt and So Am I by Cassandra Hartt

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Twin brothers and a rivalry that began with a girl. A tiny town perched on the edge of the sea and a hurricane that could swallow it. Depression and first love. Lyrical prose. Crushing and beautiful.

Published June 8, 2021 | My Review

We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A practical harpist with zero interest in romance. Her bestie, a hopeless romantic and amazing baker. A summer of weddings together that kindles feelings. I think I read this one in one sitting.

Published June 8, 2021 | My Review

Broken Web (Shamanborn #2) by Lori Lee

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: More creepy trees! Forbidden magic. Lots of twisty storytelling. Fierce characters. I loved this and can’t wait for the rest of this series.

Published June 15, 2021 | My Review

We Can Be Heroes by Kyrie McCauley

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Incredible friendships. Fierce girls in a fight for justice. This book broke me in all the best possible ways.

Published September 14, 2021 | My Review

Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: I kind of thought Brigid Kemmerer would never write another book that I loved as much as I love LETTERS TO THE LOST and I was so very wrong. I was on the edge of my seat until the very last page.

Published September 14, 2021 | My Review

This Is Why We Lie by Gabrielle Lepore

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A murdered girl. A boy running from a dark past. Complex characters and loads of tension. Definitely an edge-of-your-seat read! Perfect for fans of Karen McManus.

Published September 21, 2021 | My Review

The Splendor by Breeana Shields

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: I couldn’t put this one down. Juliette and Henri are the kind of characters that hit like an arrow to the heart: vulnerable, desperate to save/protect the people they love, wounded, and smart.

Published September 28, 2021 | My Review

Tonight We Rule the World by Zack Smedley

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Friends to lovers. ASD rep. Explores PTSD and recovery from a sexual assault. A heartbreaking but so real look at abusive relationships and healing. This one will stay with me a long time.

Published October 12, 2021 | My Review

We Light Up the Sky by Lilliam Rivera

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: An alien invasion. Unlikely allies and friendships. A post-pandemic Los Angeles. Eerie and beautifully written.

Published October 26, 2021 | My Review

You Can Go Your Own Way by Eric Smith

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A pinball machine arcade and fantastic love for 80s music. Friends to enemies to lovers. A blizzard that traps two people together. Grief and daddy issues. So sweet and so fun. Perfect and nostalgic. I still have heart eyes for this one.

Published November 2, 2021 | My Review

The Ballad of Dinah Caldwell by Kate Brauning

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A dystopian America. A lone girl taking on a powerful, wealthy man who controls her whole world. Gritty, raw prose. Aching storytelling.

Published November 23, 2021 | My Review

The Excalibur Curse (Camelot Rising #3) by Kiersten White

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The last in a female-centered King Arthur legend trilogy. The fiercest, most magical Guinevere you’ve ever seen. High stakes battles and unforgettable friendships plus a bit of romance. I love this whole series.

Published December 7, 2021 | My Review

Spin Me Right Round by David Valdes

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: LGBTQ spin on Back to the Future. Time travel to the 1980s. A flashy, fun protagonist desperate to change history and save another boy’s life. Possibly the most fun book I read last year.

Published December 7, 2021 | My Review

What were your favorite books from 2021?

What were the best young adult grade books from 2021 that you read? Did you read any of the books on my list? If so, did any of them rank among your favorites?

If there are any books on my list that you’re thinking of checking out now that you’ve seen them here, please let me know! Knowing someone is going to check out one of my favorite books totally makes my whole week.

If you like this list, check out my list of Best Middle Grade Books from 2021.

Review: Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy by Emmanuel Acho

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Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy
Emmanuel Acho
Roaring Brook Press
Published May 4, 2021

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy

UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS WITH A BLACK BOY is an accessible book for children to learn about systemic racism and racist behavior. For the awkward questions white and non-black parents don’t know how to answer, this book is an essential guide to help support communication on how to dismantle racism in our youngest generation.

UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS WITH A BLACK BOY  creates a safe, judgment-free space for curious children to ask questions they’ve long been afraid to verbalize. How can I have white privilege if I’m not wealthy? Why do Black people protest against the police? If Black people can say the N-word, why can’t I? And many, many more.

Young people have the power to effect sweeping change, and the key to mending the racial divide in America lies in giving them the tools to ask honest questions and take in the difficult answers.  UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS WITH A BLACK BOY is just one way young readers can begin to short circuit racism within their own lives and communities.

My Review

I read this book in part because of the YouTube series by Emmanuel Acho called “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man”. I think he started posting the series after George Floyd’s murder. One of the things I love is that he creates this space in which people are welcomed to face that they have questions and to ask them.

So the book is more of a brief walkthrough of the history of racism in America and why it’s important to take time to be better educated and how to go about doing that. In more than one place in the book, Acho recommends other great resources for continuing education and conversations about these issues.

He does a great job making points in a really accessible, gentle way. This book is a great welcome to the conversation about racism. This version is specifically for kids, and I think it does a great job introducing ideas and giving an age-appropriate view into the history and the issues. I think I also own the e-book of the adult version. This made me want to check that out for comparison to see if it goes deeper into some of the topics covered.

All in all, I think this book makes a great beginning read for kids in middle or late elementary school. It’s perfect for those who have questions or are looking for more information on racism in America.

If you haven’t seen any of the Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man videos Emmanuel Acho has posted in his YouTube channel, please check them out. That link should take you to the playlist of all the videos in the series.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 9 to 12.

Representation
Emmanuel Acho is a Black man.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
Brief references to murder and lynching, violence during the Civil Rights Movement, and other historical events.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog. I received a free copy of UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS WITH A BLACK BOY in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Kindred by Alechia Dow

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The Kindred
Alechia Dow
Inkyard Press
Published January 4, 2022

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Kindred

To save a galactic kingdom from revolution, Kindred mind-pairings were created to ensure each and every person would be seen and heard, no matter how rich or poor…

Joy Abara knows her place. A commoner from the lowly planet Hali, she lives a simple life—apart from the notoriety that being Kindred to the nobility’s most infamous playboy brings.

Duke Felix Hamdi has a plan. He will exasperate his noble family to the point that they agree to let him choose his own future and finally meet his Kindred face-to-face.

Then the royal family is assassinated, putting Felix next in line for the throne…and accused of the murders. Someone will stop at nothing until he’s dead, which means they’ll target Joy, too. Meeting in person for the first time as they steal a spacecraft and flee amid chaos might not be ideal…and neither is crash-landing on the strange backward planet called Earth. But hiding might just be the perfect way to discover the true strength of the Kindred bond and expose a scandal—and a love—that may decide the future of a galaxy.

My Review

I really enjoyed Alechia Dow’s debut, THE SOUND OF STARS, so I was really excited about reading this book. The first chapter was a bit rough for me. I felt like there was a LOT of worldbuilding that kind of got squeezed into a busy scene, and I didn’t always feel like I understood the connections. Like, it outlined Felix’s connection with the ruling Qadin family, but at that point, I wasn’t sure what exactly that meant. By the end of the first chapter, I wasn’t sure about the book.

In the second chapter, we meet Joy, who is joined to Felix as his Kindred, and shares a connection to him through her mind. I immediately adored her. She’s a bright, determined girl raised on a planet where women’s primary worth comes from their ability to bear children. More than anything, Joy wanted to be seen and valued. I couldn’t help but identify with that.

The storytelling smoothed out a lot from there, too. Felix learns about the assassination just before realizing he’s the number one suspect. Immediately, he sets out to find Joy (whom the authorities will target for her ability to communicate with and locate him) and escape to a place he can set about proving his innocence.

Once that happened, I felt like the story picked up pace and the characters became all the more compelling. I liked their encounters on earth and the way those relationships shaped their decisions going forward.

All in all, I thought this was a super fun read, and I’m glad I had the chance to review it. I think readers who enjoyed WE LIGHT UP THE SKY by Lilliam Rivera will enjoy this one.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Both Joy and Felix have brown skin. Joy identifies as demi-ace. Felix is pansexual. One minor character is gay. Another is nonbinary.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Extreme profanity used infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between boy and girl. Brief references to other things.

Spiritual Content
Most people in Felix and Joy’s worlds worship Indigo, a creator god, or Ozvios, a god of chaos.

Violent Content
Battle scenes and some brief descriptions of torture.

Drug Content
Felix drinks a lot of alcohol to numb his feelings. Later, at a party with a lot of teenagers, a girl announces that there’s beer.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog. I received a free copy of THE KINDRED in exchange for my honest review.

Best Middle Grade Books from 2021

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Best Middle Grade Books from 2021

Well. 2021 was certainly a mixed year for me. It had a really rough start, not a great middle, and a painful and chaotic end. But, it also had some really great books!

Maybe it feels silly to think that the books were one of the brightest spots in the year, but to be honest, they kinda were? I mean, some other good things happened, too, and I have a lot to be grateful for, but the books… those are one of the best gifts from this past year to me.

2021 was a good year for me particularly for middle grade books. When I first started blogging, I only reviewed young adult books, but once I started reading middle grade, I couldn’t stop. I had to add them to my review list, and I’ve never been sorry I did!

With all that in mind, here’s the list of the best middle grade books I read last year. There are a couple backlist titles on there that I didn’t get to until this year that were too good to leave off the list. Other than that, all of these books came out in 2021. I hope you enjoy!

Best Middle Grade Books from 2021

Vasilisa (Old Rus #1) by Julie Mathison

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Based on Russian Folklore. Set in 1919. The story of a brave girl and first love.

Published February 23, 2021 | My Review

These Unlucky Stars by Gillian McDunn

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Intergenerational friendship. An adorable dog. A small town parade. So much fun and so heartfelt!

Published March 2, 2021 | My Review

Amina’s Song by Hena Khan

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Faith-positive. Family. A trip to Pakistan. An anxious but talented singer. The unforgettable companion to AMINA’S VOICE.

Published March 2, 2021 | My Review

Breathing Underwater by Sarah Allen

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A younger sister worried about her older sister’s depression. A road trip in an RV. Deeply moving storytelling.

Published March 30, 2021 | My Review

The Great Cookie War by Carolyn Stellings

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: COOKIES! A Mennonite community. A snarky New York Lawyer. A talented artist with big dreams. Based on a true story.

Published April 13, 2021 | My Review

Six Feet Below Zero by Ena Jones

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: OMG. This book is hilarious and so sweet. I can’t say it any better than this clip from Goodreads: A dead body. A missing will. An evil relative. The good news is, Great Grammy has a plan. The bad news is, she’s the dead body.

Published April 20, 2021 | My Review

Ways to Grow Love (Ryan Hart #2) by Renée Watson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A precocious protagonist. Adjusting to a new baby. Summer camp! A sweet, fun read following WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE.

Published April 27, 2021 | My Review

Glitter Gets Everywhere by Yvette Clark

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: New friends and heartbreaking grief. New York City. Family relationships. I laughed and cried. So good.

Published May 4, 2021 | My Review

The Kate In Between by Claire Swinarski

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Explores consequences of bullying and the cost of telling the truth. Broken friendship. Loneliness. Courage.

Published May 18, 2021 | My Review

Everywhere Blue by Joanne Rossmassler Fritz

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: An oboe player in a musical family. A missing brother. Told in beautiful verse.

Published June 1, 2021 | My Review

The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Quirky, unforgettable characters. Friendship, birds and found family.

Published June 1, 2021 | My Review

The Firebird Song by Arnée Flores

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: One of my favorite books of the year. Unforgettable, hopeful, and beautifully told.

Published June 8, 2021 | My Review

Rea and the Blood of the Nectar by Payal Doshi

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Set in India. A girl travels to a magical world to find her missing brother. Fun and adventurous.

Published June 15, 2021 | My Review

The Other Side of Luck by Ginger Johnson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Lyrical prose. Friendship, grief, and magic. Gorgeous storytelling. I’m so glad I read this one.

Published August 10, 2021 | My Review

The Raven Heir (Raven Crown #1) by Stephanie Burgis

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: One of my latest favorite MG titles. Siblings! Magic! A high-stakes quest to find a lost crown! It’s so, so good.

Published September 14, 2021 | My Review

The Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna by Alda P. Dobbs

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Set during the Mexican Revolution in 1913. A small family flees violent soldiers, led by a brave girl.

Published September 14, 2021 | My Review

The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Magic and friendship. A boarding school packed with secrets. Girls who are told they’re broken discovering their true strength.

Published October 12, 2021 | My Review

Frankie and Amelia by Cammie McGovern

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Told from a cat’s perspective observing a girl on the Autism spectrum. Sweet and genuine. The companion to CHESTER AND GUS.

Published October 26, 2021 | My Review

Tidesone by Wendy Xu

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Graphic novel. Witches and water dragons. Unexpected friendships. Discovering self-worth. A deliciously fun story.

Published November 16, 2021 | My Review

Spell Sweeper by Lee Edward Födi

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Quirky characters. A fun and fantastic story about the under-appreciated crew who clean up after spellcasters.

Published November 30, 2021 | My Review

Birdie’s Billions by Edith Cohn

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Explores ideas about integrity and the snowball effect of lying. A skateboarding girl and a friendly cat named Jackpot.

Published December 14, 2021 | My Review

The Storm Keeper’s Battle (Storm Keeper #3) by Catherine Doyle

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: One of my most-anticipated books of 2021. I adore this series from beginning to end. It’s packed with magic, friendship, courage, and a time pretzel. Last book in the series that began with THE STORM KEEPER’S ISLAND.

Published December 28, 2021 | My Review

Brother’s Keeper by Julie Lee

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A brother and sister set out on a desperate attempt to escape North Korea during the Korean War. Beautiful and aching. (This technically came out in 2020, but I read it in January 2021.)

Published July 21, 2020 | My Review

Double the Danger and Zero Zucchini by Betsy Uhrig

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A reluctant reader critiques his aunt’s book, testing the stunts, discovering ghosts, and making new friends along the way. Hilarious and heartfelt. (This technically came out in 2020, but I read it in April 2021.)

Published September 22, 2020 | My Review

What were your favorite books from 2021?

What were the best middle grade books from 2021 that you read? Did you read any of the books on my list? If so, did any of them rank among your favorites?

If not, are there any books on my list that you’re thinking of checking out now that you’ve seen them here? Please let me know! There’s nothing better than knowing someone is going to check out one of my favorite books.

Review: When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord

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When You Get the Chance
Emma Lord
Wednesday Books
Published January 4, 2022

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About When You Get the Chance

Nothing will get in the way of Millie Price’s dream to become a Broadway star. Not her lovable but super-introverted dad, who after raising Millie alone, doesn’t want to watch her leave home to pursue her dream. Not her pesky and ongoing drama club rival, Oliver, who is the very definition of Simmering Romantic Tension. And not the “Millie Moods,” the feelings of intense emotion that threaten to overwhelm, always at maddeningly inconvenient times. Millie needs an ally. And when a left-open browser brings Millie to her dad’s embarrassingly moody LiveJournal from 2003, Millie knows just what to do. She’s going to find her mom.

There’s Steph, a still-aspiring stage actress and receptionist at a talent agency. There’s Farrah, ethereal dance teacher who clearly doesn’t have the two left feet Millie has. And Beth, the chipper and sweet stage enthusiast with an equally exuberant fifteen-year-old daughter (A possible sister?! This is getting out of hand). But how can you find a new part of your life and expect it to fit into your old one, without leaving any marks? And why is it that when you go looking for the past, it somehow keeps bringing you back to what you’ve had all along?

My Review

Such a cute book! Stories about theater kids will always be dear to my heart, since I was in theater myself in high school. I really enjoyed Millie’s character as well as her evolving understanding of herself and the people she is closest to. The whole MAMMA MIA spin was absolutely inspired, I think. I laughed out loud about her finding her dad’s LiveJournal account. Wow.

I feel like there are a lot of little pieces of the book that I enjoyed, too. The internship. The dance classes. The Milkshake Club! The geocaching app that Millie’s best friend is obsessed with. The behind-the-scenes ways people turn out to be connected. The brothers and their band. So many bits of story that all came together in a magical way to create a whole that is so much more than the sum of its parts. This book made me laugh and long to see shows on stage or at least blast a musical soundtrack at top volume and dance like nobody is watching.

Which totally makes it a triumph, if you ask me. I think fans of Lord’s other books will not be disappointed in this one, and readers who delight in romcom will find lots to love about WHEN YOU GET THE CHANCE.

Content Notes for When You Get the Chance

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
One minor character is Asian American. Millie’s aunt is a lesbian.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Extreme profanity used somewhat frequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between boy and girl. Kissing between two girls.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
None.

Drug Content
None.

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