Category Archives: Young Adult/Teen 12-18

Review: Funny Gyal by Angeline Jackson and Susan McClelland

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Funny Gyal by Angeline Jackson and Susan McClelland

Funny Gyal: My Fight Against Homophobia in Jamaica
Angeline Jackson and Susan McClelland
Dundurn Press
Published June 7, 2022

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Funny Gyal

“Instead of remaining silent, she chose to speak out…that’s the power of one person.” — Barack Obama

The inspiring story of Angeline Jackson, who stood up to Jamaica’s oppression of queer youth to demand recognition and justice.

When Angeline Jackson was a child, she wondered if there was something wrong with her for wanting to kiss the other girls. But as her sexuality blossomed in her teens, she knew she wouldn’t “grow out of it” and that her attraction to girls wasn’t against God. In fact, she discovered that same-sex relationships were depicted in the Bible, which she read devoutly, even if the tight-knit evangelical Christian community she grew up in believed any sexual relationship outside of marriage between a man and woman was a sin, and her society, Jamaica, criminalized homosexual sex.

Angeline’s story begins with her traumatic experience of “corrective rape” when she is lured by an online predator, then traces her childhood through her sexual and spiritual awakening as a teen — falling in love, breaking up, coming out, and then being forced into conversion therapy.

Sometimes dark, always threadbare and honest, FUNNY GYAL chronicles how Angeline’s faith deepens as a teenager, despite her parents’ conservative values and the strict Christian Jamaican society in which she lives, giving her the courage to challenge gender violence, rape culture, and oppression.

My Review

This book blew me away. I kind of expected that, to be honest. I was interested in reading more about Angeline Jackson for her activism and her experiences, but I’ve also read EVERY FALLING STAR by Sunju Lee and Susan McClelland. It’s been years since I read that book, but I still think about it, so I had high expectations for another memoir with Susan McClelland assisting in putting it together.

FUNNY GYAL drew me in from its early pages and didn’t let me go until the end of the book. I loved reading a queer, faith-positive story that continually challenged the idea that a person much choose between different aspects of who they are: faith or identity. Over and over Angeline Jackson returns to the idea that she can be, and is, both a person of faith and a lesbian, and that those two ideas aren’t in competition with one another.

I won’t lie– some parts of the book are hard to read. She describes some encounters with homophobic people. She also describes the trauma of rape, and the fears and doubts about the police taking the case seriously. Through her shared experiences, though, she reveals how the prejudices against LGBTQIA people leave them vulnerable as victims of violent crime. She shows incredible resilience and love, not only for herself, but for her country and her people.

She speaks frankly about the continual pain that it causes her for her family to choose a “love the sinner, hate the sin” kind of relationship with her. And how that makes her feel as though she can never fully be herself with them.

All in all, FUNNY GYAL is a rich, bold and vulnerable memoir about courage and resilience and finding your people. I loved this book. If you’re still looking for a good memoir to add to your Pride TBR this month, definitely check out this book!

Content Notes

Content warning for rape, homophobia, and abuse.

Recommended for Ages 16 up.

Representation
Angeline and her family are Jamaican. Angeline is a lesbian.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Extreme profanity used infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Two men rape Angeline and her friend at gunpoint. The event itself isn’t graphically described, but her trauma is.

Two girls kissing. Mentions of sex between two girls. Mention of oral sex between a boy and girl. At one point, Angeline (a teenager) enters into a sexual relationship with an adult who has had a position of authority over her.

Spiritual Content
Angeline is raised in a devout Christian home and church where she’s taught that same sex attraction or relationships are a sin. She points out that other Christian churches believe differently, and some are LGBTQ+ affirming. Angeline herself remains a Christian.

Violent Content
See sexual content. At times people say homophobic things to Angeline or others.

Drug Content
References to drinking alcohol. Reference to drugs slipped into a person’s drink. Angeline also attends a party and drinks 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 FUNNY GYAL in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Defending Orcas: No More Captivity by Captain Paul Watson and Tiffany Humphrey

Young Adult/Teen 12-18

Defending Orcas: No More Captivity
Captain Paul Watson and Tiffany Humphrey
Groundswell Books
Published January 31, 2022

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Defending Orcas

This book provides an educational and sobering look at the conditions orcas face by being captured or born into captivity. Young people will learn how orcas (who are part of the same biological order as whales) thrive at sea and have highly evolved forms of communication that are unique to each orca family.

The book delves into the history of capturing orcas for sale to marine parks that then attempt to tame and train the orcas to provide entertainment to park visitors. Readers will find stories about individual orcas―some of them world famous―and discover how difficult it is for them to adapt to captivity.

My Review

Several years ago, I watched the documentary Blackfish. I was pretty shocked about some of the information contained in the film. When I received an opportunity to review DEFENDING ORCAS and learn more about what’s happening to Orcas and how to help protect them, I knew I wanted to read the book.

The author of DEFENDING ORCAS also the founder of the group Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, whose mission is to protect all marine wildlife. The book discusses the organizations efforts with regard to Orcas and their goal to return all Orcas to the wild or, where that’s not possible, to enclosures which more closely mimic the spaces in which they naturally live.

Reading this book, I learned a bit about where different Orca populations live and some facts about Orcas in the wild. Much of the content of the book is devoted to discussing how damaging captivity is to the wild populations and to the animals who are in captivity themselves. There are also brief biographies of some of the Orcas at different marine parks and what has happened to them.

All in all, I really appreciated reading this book. It affirmed a lot of what I already believe about Orcas belonging in the wild. It gave me some new information about Orcas as well. Some details about Orcas being injured or dying due to circumstances of captivity might be tough for sensitive readers. However, I think it’s a compelling book that makes a powerful case for no more captivity for Orcas.

Readers interested in conservation will also enjoy MAKING WAVES by Albert Bates, which explores the effect of pollution on marine life.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 12 to 14.

Representation
The book is about Orcas.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
The book shows several images of orcas caught in nets, lying dead on beaches, with harpoons sticking out of them. There are also some descriptions of injuries and deaths of orcas in captivity.

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 DEFENDING ORCAS in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Breaking Time by Sasha Alsberg

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , ,

Breaking Time
Sasha Alsberg
Inkyard Press
Published June 14, 2022

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Breaking Time

Fate brought them together. Time will tear them apart.

When a mysterious Scotsman appears out of nowhere in the middle of the road, Klara thinks the biggest problem is whether she hit him with her car. But, as impossible as it sounds, Callum has stepped out of another time, and it’s just the beginning of a deadly adventure. 

Klara will soon learn that she is the last Pillar of Time—an anchor point in the timeline of the world and a hiding place for a rogue goddess’s magic. Callum is fated to protect her at all costs. A dark force is hunting for the Pillars, to claim the power of the goddess—and Klara and Callum are the only two standing in the way. Thrown together by fate, the two have to learn to trust one another and work together…but they’ll need to protect their hearts from one another if they’re going to survive.

My Review

I think I was hoping for a SEEKER vibe from this book. Long tradition of people trained to protect a magical portal or something. Time travel to stop the bad buy from stealing the magic. Something like that. BREAKING TIME isn’t that story, not exactly. Which is okay. I made assumptions from the cover copy that turned out to be inaccurate.

At the beginning of the story, Klara doesn’t know she’s anybody important. She doesn’t believe in spiritual stuff– she’s much more comfortable with things being explained by science. Then a sixteenth century Scotsman pretty much tumbles into her life, and suddenly her scientific explanations come up empty.

I liked the story and the tension between Callum and Klara. I wish that some questions would have been answered, though. Like, Callum travels in time, but how? The story didn’t explain that. Also, it seems like someone else killing Klara (or maybe even her doing that herself) would have also resolved the magical problem they faced, but that idea never came up, either. I wouldn’t have wanted that to happen, of course, but it seemed weird that the whole magic system that’s set up left that loophole wide open and no one ever addressed it.

BREAKING TIME ends in a whirlwind followed by a pretty steep cliffhanger, so I expect there will be a follow-up novel. Initially I’d assumed this was a standalone, but judging from the ending, I think it’s not.

On the whole, I liked Klara and Callum’s relationship and some of the historical details, but I wish there had been more explanation holding the pieces of the story together. I enjoyed reading it, but I’m not sure I would continue the series.

Fans of The Falconer series by Elizabeth May might enjoy this one.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Both main characters are white.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Strong profanity used somewhat frequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Lots of kissing between boy and girl.

Spiritual Content
Some characters are able to travel in time or manipulate time. Klara and Callum have encounters with monsters, spiritual beings, and a goddess. Some references to pagan or druid traditions.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Battle scenes with some gory descriptions.

Drug Content
References to drinking alcohol. One character appears to be drunk in one scene. Klara remembers her grandmother smoking a joint.

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 BREAKING TIME in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Veil of Winter by Melanie Dickerson

Book Review and Content, Christian World-View, Historical, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , ,

Veil of Winter (Dericott Tales #3)
Melanie Dickerson
Thomas Nelson
Published June 14, 2022

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Veil of Winter

Princess Elyce is on the verge of marrying the nephew of the unscrupulous King Conrad of a neighboring kingdom when she discovers that Conrad will use her marriage to force her people to work in his mines. In order to fake her own death and escape him, she takes a sleeping potion, planning to awaken on the third day and then travel to Prague to seek help from King Wenceslaus, who rules the Holy Roman Empire. But her plan goes awry: the third day comes without her waking up.

Sir Gerard is convinced by Delia, his sister and Elyce’s best friend, to go help the sleeping princess, still slumbering and held captive by King Conrad’s guards. He manages to wake her with a kiss, but the princess is not pleased at this rude awakening. Still, he is her only hope of escape. Thus begins their journey to Prague in the dead of winter, hounded on all sides by elements and enemies. The greatest threat may come from within, though, as they desperately fight against their growing feelings for one another.

My Review

My daughter loves another series by this author, so I often try to check out her latest books with my girl in mind. I think the sweetness of the romance and the Christian storytelling both appeal to her. She likes lots of different kinds of books, but the Hagenheim series hold a special place in her heart.

VEIL OF WINTER is the third book in the Dericott Tales, which is a new series for me. It took me a while to get into the story. I think I expected the story to be about Elyce’s taking the sleeping potion and for the story to be more centered around that. But all that happens in the first few chapters of the story. There was also a big deal about Sir Gerard “kissing” the princess to wake her up, when actually he’d been about to perform CPR for her, thinking she needed to be revived.

Once the story got going and Elyce and her allies were on their way, I felt like I invested more in the characters. I felt like Elyce’s struggle to understand whether it was bad to have emotions or better to stifle them was an internal conflict that I could really identify with. I think I would have liked to see her grow more in self-confidence through the story. She stays pretty passive and sweet, which make her an unusual heroine. I liked that she’s different, but I think I still wanted to see her have the confidence to make her own decisions in a few situations.

On the whole, I think fans of Dickerson’s stories will love this addition to their shelves. It’s a very sweet historical romance with lots of emphasis on prayer.

Content Notes

Elyce’s father is emotionally and physically abusive.

Recommended for Ages 12 up.

Representation
Characters are white.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between boy and girl.

Spiritual Content
Both main characters (and others) are Christians and pray to God throughout the story, especially anytime they need to make a decision.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Some battle scenes (not graphically described). Elyce’s father is emotionally and physically abusive.

Drug Content
Wine served with dinners.

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 VEIL OF WINTER in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler

Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , , ,

Home Field Advantage
Dahlia Adler
Wednesday Books
Published June 7, 2022

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Home Field Advantage

In this sweet and funny new f/f romance from the author of Cool for the Summer, a cheerleader and the school’s newest quarterback are playing to win, but might lose their hearts in the process.

Amber McCloud’s dream is to become cheer captain at the end of the year, but it’s an extra-tall order to be joyful and spirited when the quarterback of your team has been killed in a car accident. For both the team and the squad, watching Robbie get replaced by newcomer Jack Walsh is brutal. And when it turns out Jack is actually short for Jaclyn, all hell breaks loose.

The players refuse to be led by a girl, the cheerleaders are mad about the changes to their traditions, and the fact that Robbie’s been not only replaced but outshined by a QB who wears a sports bra has more than a few Atherton Alligators in a rage. Amber tries for some semblance of unity, but it quickly becomes clear that she’s only got a future on the squad and with her friends if she helps them take Jack down.

Just one problem: Amber and Jack are falling for each other, and if Amber can’t stand up for Jack and figure out how to get everyone to fall in line, her dream may come at the cost of her heart.

Dahlia Adler’s HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE is a sparkling romance about fighting for what – or who – you truly want.

My Review

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE is one of those books that every time I heard people talk about it, I couldn’t wait to read it. I’m not usually a big reader of football player/cheerleader romances, but I loved the concept of this one and its celebration of girls playing football.

The first chapter was a little bit rough for me because it’s really setting up how much Amber feels like she needs to become cheer captain the next year and why she’s so obsessed with that goal. As the story went forward, those early pages made a lot more sense, but I didn’t feel connected with her at the time I read that opening chapter. Once I got to know her and to see that even though she had very scripted goals and wants, she also had a lot of empathy and determination. Those things definitely made me fall in love with her.

As for Jack– I was a fan from minute one. Her passion, her fierceness, and even her guilt over the sacrifices her family made so she could have this one dream were so real and raw. Honestly, I couldn’t help rooting for her from the first minute to the last. I loved her so much.

My favorite part of the book was actually the part where Jack is on the field, the stakes are high, and she’s not at all sure she can get anyone on her team to come through for her. I feel like I read those pages on the literal edge of my seat, back straight, barely breathing as each play began. So, so good. I absolutely loved that scene (and the cheer immediately after the game, too…).

On the whole, I would say HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE is a total win for me. I feel like if you read LGBTQ+ fiction, you’ve probably already heard of Dahlia Adler from her blog, but if you haven’t– you’ll definitely want to check out both the blog and the book!

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Amber identifies as polysexual (attracted to more than one but not all genders). Jack identifies as a lesbian.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Extreme profanity used somewhat frequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between two girls. References to making out.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
Some instances of bullying and some homophobic statements. References to one character who was blackmailing and bribing another character because he was gay and closeted.

Drug Content
Teens drink alcohol at parties. One of the football players died in a car accident while he was drunk driving.

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 HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE in exchange for my honest review.

25 Most-Anticipated YA Books Coming Summer 2022

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Here are My Most-Anticipated YA Books Coming Summer 2022

I love reading during the summer. There’s something about the longer days that makes me feel like I can afford to squeeze in extra reading time. This year, there are so many titles I’m excited about reading. I have no idea if I’ll be able to get to them all, but I’m sure gonna do my best! I expect I’ll get to most of these most-anticipated YA books coming summer 2022.

As always, I’ll try to come back to this post as I put up reviews so that if you find it later you’ll be able to see how I liked the books I read. For now, enjoy the list, and happy summer reading!

25 Most-Anticipated YA Books Coming Summer 2022

Before Takeoff by Adi Alsaid

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This one pretty much had me at “THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR meets JUMANJI.”

Release Date: June 7, 2022 | My Review

Forging Silver into Stars by Brigid Kemmerer

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Technically this one also made my spring anticipated books list, but the publication date has been pushed back. I’ve already read it, and I absolutely loved getting more time in the Curse Breakers universe.

Release Date: June 7, 2022 | My Review

Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A sweet and funny f/f romance between a cheerleader and football quarterback. This one looks like lots of fun!

Release Date: June 7, 2022 | My Review

Veil of Winter by Melanie Dickerson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This sounds like a historical Sleeping Beauty reboot by one of my daughter’s favorite authors. A sleeping potion gone wrong. A forbidden kiss. A desperate escape to Prague. I’m excited to check it out!

Release Date: June 14, 2022 | My Review

Breaking Time by Sasha Alsberg

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A dark force hunts for absolute power, and only Klara and the Scotsman from another time stand in their way. Sounds eerie and intense– I’m intrigued.

Release Date: June 14, 2022 | My Review

Valiant Ladies by Melissa Grey

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Inspired by real seventeenth century Latinx teens. Two teen vigilantes set off on an action-packed investigation to expose corruption and deliver justice.

Release Date: June 14, 2022 |

The Loophole by Naz Kutub

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Not sure I could say it better than the cover copy: “This YA debut is equal parts broken-hearted love story, epic myth retelling, and a world-journey romp to find home.” So excited for this one!

Release Date: June 21, 2022 | My Review

Bad Things Happen Here by Rebecca Barrow

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: An island with a history of unsolved murders. A girl whose best friend and sister were both murdered on the island will stop at nothing to find out why.

Release Date: June 28, 2022 | My Review

Boys I Know by Anna Gracia

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Explores relationship expectations in love and family and the “overlap of Asian American identity and teen sexuality.”

Release Date: July 5, 2022 | My Review

The Charmed List by Julie Abe

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Road trip. Enemies to lovers. A girl determined to take risks and complete 13 items on her Anti-Wallflower List. Looks fantastic!

Release Date: July 5, 2022 | My Review

No One Is Alone by Rachel Vincent

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Secrets. Family drama. Grief over the death of a parent. This one looks like a really deep read.

Release Date: July 12, 2022 | My Review

We Made It All Up by Margot Harrison

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A town full of secrets. A love-story fan-fic written by two unlikely friends. A murder: the boy they’ve written about. Sounds twisty and suspenseful. I can’t wait to read this one!

Release Date: July 12, 2022 | My Review

Don’t Call Me a Hurricane by Ellen Hagan

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A novel in verse. From Goodreads: “An affecting and resonant YA novel in verse that explores family, community, the changing ocean tides, and what it means to fall in love with someone who sees the world in a different way.” I love the sound of that!

Release Date: July 19, 2022 | My Review

Beating Heart Baby by Lio Min

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This one pretty much had me at Marching Band Romance. I’m hooked on the idea of this story about tentative friendship to something more.

Release Date: July 26, 2022 | My Review

Long Story Short by Serena Kaylor

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A homeschooled math genius goes to Shakespeare Camp to prove to her parents that she’s ready for college at Oxford. This one promises lots of laughs and love.

Release Date: July 26, 2022 | My Review

Love Times Infinity by Lane Clarke

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: From Goodreads: “The swoon of Nicola Yoon meets the emotional punch of Elizabeth Acevedo in this breakout debut novel that answers big questions about identity, family, and love.” Looks amazing to me!

Release Date: July 26, 2022 | My Review

Master of Iron (Bladesmith #2) by Tricia Levenseller

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Sisters! A magically gifted blacksmith with social anxiety. Romance and danger at every turn. This is the conclusion to the Bladesmith duology. I loved BLADE OF SECRETS, so I’m super excited about this one.

Release Date: July 26, 2022 |

The King Will Kill You (Kingdoms of Sand and Sky #3) by Sarah Henning

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The thrilling conclusion to the trilogy described as THE PRINCESS BRIDE meets GAME OF THRONES. I love Sarah Henning’s books, so I’m absolutely down for this one.

Release Date: August 2, 2022 |

The Honeys by Ryan LaSala

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: I’m not usually brave enough to read horror, but this is RYAN LASALA, y’all. So… I feel like I have to give it a try after the way I adored REVERIE. A twin’s sister dies under horrific circumstances, and he will do whatever it takes to find out why.

Release Date: August 2, 2022 |

The Stars Between Us by Cristin Terrill

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl with an unexpected inheritance on a glittering planet. A mysterious young man who is always in her way. Secrets. Murder. An underground rebellion. Tiny problems, really. Ha! I’ve read two other books by Cristin Terrill, and both were twisty and wonderful, so I have high expectations for this one.

Release Date: August 2, 2022 | My Review

Hello Goodbye by Kate Stollenwerck

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A perfect summer ruined by tragedy. A road trip to uncover lies. A girl who must decide who she is and what she values as her past and present collide. I love a good family drama, so I can’t resist this one.

Release Date: August 2, 2022 | My Review

My Imaginary Mary (Mary #2) by Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows and Brodi Ashton

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: I really enjoyed MY CONTRARY MARY and this team of authors has been a solid win for me. This newest book follows the stories of Mary Shelley and Ada Lovelace. I really want to read this one!

Release Date: August 2, 2022 |

The Memory Index by Julian R. Vaca

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: An elite academy that will change science forever and a girl lucky enough to attend. Then students start disappearing, and she decides it’s time for her friends to find out what’s in the mysterious bunker in the woods behind the school. Looks gritty and suspenseful. I’m eager to check this one out.

Release Date: August 2, 2022 | My Review

Three Kisses, One Midnight Roshani Chokshi, Sandhya Menon and Evelyn Skye

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Three friends will use art, science, and the magic of a powerful legend to seek the perfect romance. I haven’t read anything by Evelyn Skye, but I love the books by Sandhya Menon and Roshani Chokshi that I’ve read, so this one looks like a sure win to me.

Release Date: August 30, 2022 | My Review

The Dragon’s Promise (Six Crimson Cranes #2) by Elizabeth Lim

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A princess who must journey to the kingdom of dragons to deliver a pearl brimming with magic. I’ve loved the books by Elizabeth Lim that I’ve read, so I really want to read this one.

Release Date: August 30, 2022 |

What books are you most excited about reading this summer?

What are your most-anticipated YA books coming summer 2022? Are you looking forward to any of the books on my list?

Let me know what you’re most excited to read this summer. If there are titles you’re excited about that I missed– tell me about them, too!