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Review: The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton

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The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton

The Belles (The Belles #1)
Dhonielle Clayton
Disney-Hyperion
Published February 6, 2018

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Belles

Camellia Beauregard is a Belle. In the opulent world of Orléans, Belles are revered, for they control Beauty, and Beauty is a commodity coveted above all else. In Orléans, the people are born gray, they are born damned, and only with the help of a Belle and her talents can they transform and be made beautiful.

But it’s not enough for Camellia to be just a Belle. She wants to be the favorite—the Belle chosen by the Queen of Orléans to live in the royal palace, to tend to the royal family and their court, to be recognized as the most talented Belle in the land. But once Camellia and her Belle sisters arrive at court, it becomes clear that being the favorite is not everything she always dreamed it would be. Behind the gilded palace walls live dark secrets, and Camellia soon learns that the very essence of her existence is a lie—that her powers are far greater, and could be more dangerous, than she ever imagined. And when the queen asks Camellia to risk her own life and help the ailing princess by using Belle powers in unintended ways, Camellia now faces an impossible decision.

With the future of Orléans and its people at stake, Camellia must decide—save herself and her sisters and the way of the Belles—or resuscitate the princess, risk her own life, and change the ways of her world forever.

My Review

Note: A few years ago, I partnered with another reviewer who reviewed THE BELLES for The Story Sanctuary. I don’t want to negate or take anything away from her review, but ever since I read the sequel, THE EVERLASTING ROSE, and found that I enjoyed it, I have been thinking of adding my own review of the first book in the series. So at last, here I am with my own review. Yay!

I really enjoyed THE BELLES. I liked the strange story world, in which tiny blimps trail perfume down hallways and balloons deliver messages. Where tiny teacup pets are all the rage.

It’s a story about powerful women who can impart beauty to others, but in a world which doesn’t allow them their own freedom.

I was a fan of Camellia from the very beginning. She’s smart and a bit impulsive, but she consistently reminds others of their value beyond beauty treatments. She tries to see the best in people. She wants to be the best.

Since this is a story that centers around beauty, I think I was prepared for it to be a shallow kind of book. Parties and glamor and fashion. And there are all those things present in the story. But I think because they’re set against this really sinister backdrop– with the Belles having so little freedom of their own, and with deeply troubling things coming to light– I felt like it had a great balance of celebrating beauty and also looking beyond it.

The relationship between Camellia and the story’s villain had me on the edge of my seat. I did not expect a lot of what happened between them. I did not expect her to be so terrifying. So, I had to keep reading because I had to know what Camellia would do.

Conclusion

On the whole, I really enjoyed this book– both books in the duology, actually. Dhonielle Clayton will be the author of one of the books in The Mirror series, and I’m even more excited now to read that book. (Check out my review of the series opener BROKEN WISH by Julie C. Dao.)

I think fans of THE SELECTION by Kiera Cass will love this book centered around women, power, and beauty.

Content Notes for The Belles

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Characters have various skin tones and racial characteristics, but other than the Belles, these are artificially created. The Belles themselves represent a diverse group of people. A couple of minor characters are lesbians.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kisses between boy and girl and two girls. (See violent content for trigger warning.)

Spiritual Content
Belles are created by the Goddess of Beauty. Other mentions of the God of the Sky and the God of the Sea.

Violent Content – Trigger Warning for Sexual Assault
A man attacks a woman, kissing her against her will and ripping her dress. It’s clear he means to rape her and it’s later hinted that he has a long history of this kind of predatory behavior.

A woman describes another person tormenting an animal and eventually killing it. Other brief mentions of harm to animals.

A woman bullies others, including forcing a Belle to transform them in humiliating or inappropriate ways.

In a couple instances, intense beauty treatments result in the death of the person being treated.

Drug Content
Belle Rose tea acts as a pain reliever, allowing clients to endure physical transformations with less pain than they would ordinarily cause. One of Camellia’s clients brews her own, stronger elixir from the tea.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog.

Review: The Case for Jamie by Brittany Cavallaro

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , ,

The Case for Jamie (Charlotte Holmes #3)
Brittany Cavallaro
Katherine Tegen Books
March 6, 2018

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Case for Jamie

The hotly anticipated and explosive third book in the New York Times bestselling Charlotte Holmes series.

It’s been a year since the shocking death of August Moriarty, and Jamie and Charlotte haven’t spoken.

Jamie is going through the motions at Sherringford, trying to finish his senior year without incident, with a nice girlfriend he can’t seem to fall for.

Charlotte is on the run, from Lucien Moriarty and from her own mistakes. No one has seen her since that fateful night on the lawn in Sussex—and Charlotte wants it that way. She knows she isn’t safe to be around. She knows her Watson can’t forgive her.

Holmes and Watson may not be looking to reconcile, but when strange things start happening, it’s clear that someone wants the team back together. Someone who has been quietly observing them both. Making plans. Biding their time.

Someone who wants to see one of them suffer and the other one dead.

My Review

I feel like suddenly this year I’ve become such a series reader! THE CASE FOR JAMIE is another book I listened to through my insomnia (during election week), and it was such a great book to distract me from the things that were on my mind.

I liked that in this one, the chapters alternate between Charlotte and Jamie’s perspectives, where in the past the story has been mostly Jamie’s point-of-view. For much of the story the two are separated, so that also brought something different to this one, because instead of Jamie reporting on and analyzing and pining after Charlotte, he kind of works on his own stuff a bit. I was into it.

Another thing that I enjoyed was again getting to see the relationship between Jamie’s dad and Charlotte’s uncle, so a previous generation of Holmes and Watson besties. That was interesting and fun, too.

If you’re unfamiliar with the series, I definitely recommend that you start with book one, A STUDY IN CHARLOTTE, because the stories do continue and build on one another. This one especially has lots of threads in it that relate to things that happened in the first two books.

I think fans of mysteries and star-crossed-ish romances will love the fast-paced adventure of this series and the complex relationship between Charlotte and Jamie.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Charlotte is from London. Jamie is white American.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Extreme profanity used somewhat frequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between boy and girl. References to a conversation between boy and girl about whether they should have sex. One scene hints that two characters are about to have sex and then cuts to pick up afterward with no details about the exchange.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. In one scene, a man beats a boy. A boy beats a man. Several times guns are pointed at people. A couple times people are shot.

Drug Content
Charlotte is an opiate addict. She carries two pills with her and takes a picture of them each day to send to a contact for accountability. Jamie and his friends attend a party where teens are drinking alcohol.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support running this blog.

Review: Pride: The Celebration and the Struggle by Robin Stevenson

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Pride: The Celebration and the Struggle
Robin Stevenson
Orca Book Publishers
Published March 24, 2020

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Pride: The Celebration and the Struggle

Like the original version, this new edition of Pride: The Celebration and the Struggle celebrates the LGBTQ+ community’s diversity and the incredible victories of the past 50 years–but it also has a larger focus on activism, the need to keep fighting for equality and freedom around the world and the important role that young people are playing.

The new edition has been updated and expanded to include many new Proud Moments and Queer Facts as well as a profile of LGBTQ+ refugees from Indonesia, a story about a Pride celebration in a refugee camp in Kenya and profiles of young activists, including teens from a Gender and Sexuality Alliance organizing Pride in Inuvik and a trans girl from Vancouver fighting for inclusion and support in schools. There is also a section on being an ally, a profile of a family with two gay dads (one of them trans) and much, much more!

Praise for the first edition, Pride: Celebrating Diversity & Community

“LGBTQ culture and rights are covered through the prism of Pride in this timely work…This attractive work will be welcomed by readers searching for guidance and hope.”–Kirkus Reviews

“Informative…Positively festive in its attitudes and outlook, this book more than lives up to the word celebrating in its subtitle.”–Booklist

“Upbeat and matter-of-fact…These stories, sad and happy, are where vulnerable preteen kids may see themselves.”–Quill & Quire

“An excellent and necessary addition for all collections.”–School Library Journal

My Review

I haven’t read any other books about the history of Pride, so I don’t have anything to compare this one to, but I really enjoyed reading the book. I love that it’s a book for kids, and I think it’s written in a really accessible, engaging way.

The opening of the book focuses on the history of Pride celebrations and protests, and I felt like it gave tribute to a lot of specific people who made big differences in the movement. The margins contain powerful and inspiring quotes. Sometimes a bar at the bottom of the page would show “Queer Facts” or important definitions.

One of the chapters that really sticks with me is the one about how Pride is celebrated around the world. Not only does the book teach about places where positive steps are being made for freedom and equality, but it also highlights places where Pride has been outlawed, or where identifying as LGBTQIA+ is dangerous or illegal.

I feel like I learned so much reading this book. It made me want to find the nearest Pride parade and join. It made me want to learn even more about the history of gay rights. Reading this book, I felt more connected to what’s happening right now not just in the US where I live but across the world. This is one of those books I want everyone to read. Not just those identifying as queer and allies, but everyone.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 12 up.

Representation
The book focuses on some members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their contributions to Pride protests and celebrations.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
No explicit sexual content.

Spiritual Content
Some pages talk about LGBTQIA+ people of different faiths, mainly Christians, Muslims, and Jews.

Violent Content
References to police brutality or violence against members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support running this blog.

Review: Undecided by Genevieve Morgan

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Undecided (2nd Edition)
Genevieve Morgan
Zest Books
Published October 6, 2020

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Undecided

For high school students all over the country, figuring out what to do after graduation is a major question. For many, the logical answer is continuing their education, whether in a training program, a community college, or a four-year university. But no matter what the path, the preparation can be overwhelming, and it’s hard to know where to start.

That’s where “Undecided” comes in! This comprehensive handbook outlines the different options available to teens after high school and provides suggestions on how to follow each path efficiently and successfully. It covers everything from SAT preparation and personal statements to trade school pros and cons and advice on how to prepare for life in the military.

Full of checklists, anecdotes, brainstorming activities, and journal exercises, UNDECIDED leaves no stone unturned and no option unconsidered. So settle in, keep an open mind, and find the future that really works for you!

My Review

I’m so impressed with this book. I want to go back through it and highlight so much stuff. I really wish I’d had a book like this as a high school student.

Though a large chunk of the book focuses on college– including how to figure out which schools are right for you, how to apply, and how to pay for it– there is a LOT more that’s covered here. There’s a lot of information on trade programs, joining the military, internships, and travel opportunities. I learned about programs I had no idea existed. I read about volunteer opportunities that sounded incredibly life-changing.

UNDECIDED is an incredible resource not only for students looking at going to college, but anyone who’s not sure college is right for them, but isn’t sure what all the other options even are.

I also love how practical the advice and information is. There are some personality tests aimed at helping you consider the type of personality you have and how your needs fit with different types of careers. The author gives some great information on how student debt works and things to consider before taking out a loan.

This is a must-have for any school library or guidance office or any family with kids reaching the high school level, especially if they’re not sure what they want to do. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

Genevieve Morgan’s TedTalk on Undecided

I noticed in her author biography, that Genevieve Morgan gave a TedTalk on her book, Undecided. If you’re on the fence about whether the book would be helpful for you, check out the TedTalk and see what you think.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
The book contains profiles with information about a diverse group of Americans.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Mild profanity used very infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
None.

Drug Content
The author cautions readers that certain careers, like the military, do random drug testing, so basically don’t join if you’re using recreational drugs.

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

Review: The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Clean Fiction, Contemporary, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , , ,

The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe
Tricia Springstubb
Margaret Ferguson Books
Published June 1, 2021

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb

Eleven-year-old Loah Londonderry is definitely a homebody. While her mother, a noted ornithologist, works to save the endangered birds of the shrinking Arctic tundra, Loah anxiously counts the days till her return home. But then, to Loah’s surprise and dismay, Dr. Londonderry decides to set off on a perilous solo quest to find the Loah bird, long believed extinct. Does her mother care more deeply about Loah the bird than Loah her daughter?

Things get worse yet when Loah’s elderly caretakers fall ill and she finds herself all alone except for her friend Ellis. Ellis has big problems of her own, but she believes in Loah. She’s certain Loah has strengths that are hidden yet wonderful, like the golden feather tucked away on her namesake bird’s wing. When Dr. Londonderry’s expedition goes terribly wrong, Loah needs to discover for herself whether she has the courage and heart to find help for her mother, lost at the top of the world.

Beautifully written, THE MOST PERFECT THING IN THE UNIVERSE is about expeditions big and small, about creatures who defy gravity and those of us who are bound by it.

For fans of SHOUTING AT THE RAIN by Lynda Mullaly and THE ADVENTURES OF A GIRL CALLED BICYCLE by Christina Uss, a novel about one unadventurous girl who discovers she is anything but.

My Review

I want to say all the things about this book at the same time, which could be my coffee kicking in. This book is odd in all the best possible ways. It has super quirky characters. A mysterious home deep in the woods. I love stories that feature the importance of community and found family, and THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE UNIVERSE absolutely does that so well.

At the beginning of the story, Loah is isolated and fearful. She’s counting down the days until her mom comes home and life will be normal again. Not only does that not happen, but her mom extending her trip is only the first in a series of dominoes that change Loah’s carefully ordered small world. As she faces circumstances that challenge her, she finds a fierceness that she didn’t know she had. The girl who once felt as isolated as an endangered bird becomes the catalyst for bringing a group of unconnected people together as a community.

I love the characters in this book. Sweet, soft-spoken Theo who can always be counted on to slip Loah some gummy worms and pragmatic, no-nonsense Miss Rinker reminded me of Matthew and Marilla from ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. Loah’s neighbors, a keep-to-themselves, self-sufficient family also have strong personalities. At first they scare Loah, but they teach her a lot about resilience and family.

I haven’t read either of the two books mentioned in the book summary, but THE MOST PERFECT THING IN THE UNIVERSE reminded me of SIX FEET BELOW ZERO by Ena Jones or CHIRP by Kate Messner. I think readers who enjoyed either of those books or who just like stories featuring small, quirky towns with big characters will love this one.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 10 up.

Representation
One minor character is described as having dark skin.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
Some pieces fall from Loah’s roof, nearly injuring someone. A vulture vomits on someone.

Drug Content
None.

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

Review: Everywhere Blue by Joanne Rossmassler Fritz

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Middle Grade 8-12, Poetry, , , , , , ,

Everywhere Blue
Joanne Rossmassler Fritz
Holiday House
Published June 1, 2021

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Everywhere Blue

After twelve-year-old Maddie’s older brother vanishes from his college campus, her carefully ordered world falls apart. Nothing will fill the void of her beloved oldest sibling. When her parents fly out to Strum’s college to search for answers, Maddie is left in the care of her sixteen-year-old sister, who seeks solace in rebellion and ignores Maddie. Drowning in grief and confusion, the family’s musical household falls silent.

Though Maddie is the youngest, she knows Strum better than anyone. He used to confide in her, sharing his fears about the climate crisis and their planet’s future. So, Maddie starts looking for clues: Was Strum unhappy? Were the arguments with their dad getting worse? Or could his disappearance have something to do with those endangered butterflies he loved . . .

Scared and on her own, Maddie picks up the pieces of her family’s fractured lives. Maybe her parents aren’t who she thought they were. Maybe her nervous thoughts and compulsive counting mean she needs help. And maybe finding Strum won’t solve everything–but she knows he’s out there, and she has to try.

A brother’s disappearance turns one family upside down, revealing painful secrets that threaten the life they’ve always known.

My Review

When I started reading this book, I was super excited to learn that Maddie plays the oboe! You might remember from my review of AS FAR AS YOU’LL TAKE ME (another book featuring an oboist) that I’m pretty much surrounded by oboe players. I feel like it’s an unusual instrument to play, so I’m really excited that I’ve found two books that include the oboe.

EVERYWHERE BLUE is a novel in verse from Maddie’s point of view. She’s a hard working, super anxious girl who doubts her musical ability but also sees her life in musical terms. I loved her from the first page. Her family relationships are complicated. The person she’s closest to, Strum, her brother, has gone off to college. Her sister is angry and isolates herself from the family. Her father is angry and uses rules to control the household. Maddie often looks to her mother to comfort her and bring the family together.

I think I imagined from the cover summary that the story would be focused on Maddie finding the trail of breadcrumbs to learn what happened to her brother. And she does look for clues and wonder. But the bulk of the story focuses on Maddie and her processing what has happened to her family and her attempts to keep them together. I still enjoyed that a lot– this is a really rich emotional story. Maddie also processes a lot through her music, so I loved all the scenes that showed her practicing or listening to a piece of music that moved her. It made me want to find recordings of the music from the story to listen to.

I think readers who enjoy novels in verse, like ALONE by Megan E. Freeman, or stories about an emotional journey within a fractured family, like GLITTER GETS EVERYWHERE by Yvette Clark will want to add this one to their shelves.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 10 up.

Representation
Maddie has a counting ritual that she uses to cope with anxiety. She’s not labeled/diagnosed in the story. Maddie’s best friend is Asian-American.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
In one scene, Maddie sees a girl sitting on a boy’s lap.

Spiritual Content
At one point Maddie says something like, if there’s a god, she hopes he’ll keep her brother safe.

Violent Content
None.

Drug Content
Maddie’s older sister comes home smelling like pot. (Maddie doesn’t specifically identify the smell.) Later, Maddie sees her sister and her sister’s friends drinking beer.

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