Review: Finch House by Ciera Burch

September 9, 2023Book Review and Content, Middle Grade 8-12, Paranormaldebut, eerie, friendship, haunted house, Moving, netgalley, sentient houseKasey

Finch House
Ciera Burch
Margaret K. McElderry Books
Published September 5, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Finch House

Encanto meets Coraline in this spooky middle grade story that deals with family ties, fear of change, and generational trauma as it follows a girl who must convince an old, haunted house to release its hold on her and her family.

Eleven-year-old Micah has no interest in moving out of her grandfather’s house. She loves living with Poppop and their shared hobby of driving around rich neighborhoods to find treasures in others’ trash. To avoid packing, Micah goes for a bike ride and ends up at Finch House, the decrepit Victorian that Poppop says is Off Limits. Except when she gets there, it’s all fixed up and there’s a boy named Theo in the front yard. Surely that means Finch House isn’t Off Limits anymore? But when Poppop finds her there, Micah is only met with his disappointment.

By the next day, Poppop is nowhere to be found. After searching everywhere, Micah’s instincts lead her back to Finch House. But once Theo invites her inside, Micah realizes she can’t leave. And that, with its strange whispers and deep-dark shadows, Finch House isn’t just a house…it’s alive.

Can Micah find a way to convince the house to let her go? Or will she be forced to stay in Finch House forever?

My Review

Sometimes it feels like a bit of a gamble to read a debut, but this book sounded so interesting right from the moment I heard about it. I loved the eeriness of it. And the fact that it centers on a girl main character and her family.

Micah’s relationship with her grandfather really drove the story home for me. I love the way they connect to one another. He is her anchor in a lot of ways, and I love that.

I didn’t totally follow how the story resolves. Micah made an agreement that felt a little nebulous to me, even after the story concluded. Despite that, I enjoyed the characters, the eerie strangeness of Finch House, and Micah’s explorations through it.

I think readers who like eerie stories, as opposed to horror or truly scary ones, will like the balance this story strikes.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Micah is Black.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Micah and her friend Theo encounter translucent people they refer to as ghosts.

Violent Content
Micah sees a scene from the past in which a girl falls, and blood pools around her after she lands.

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 FINCH HOUSE in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Bravest Warrior in Nefaria by Adi Alsaid

September 8, 2023Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Middle Grade 8-12bravery, evil schemes, friendship, Funny, Humor, Magic, netgalley, speaking upKasey

The Bravest Warrior in Nefaria
Adi Alsaid
Aladdin Books
Published September 5, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Bravest Warrior in Nefaria

Phineas and Ferb meets the Despicable Me series in this hilarious and heartwarming middle grade debut from acclaimed author Adi Alsaid about a wannabe hero who lives in a goofily evil kingdom where nefarious schemes abound.

Welcome to Nefaria, where nearly every day the kingdom faces another evil scheme.

Most are harmless, though, so the citizens of Nefaria simply learn to live with the latest hijinks and go on with their lives. This includes Bobert Bougainvillea, who is much more concerned with the fact that he seems to be invisible. From the teachers in his school to his classmates, almost no one notices Bobert, no matter how visible he tries to be. Then everything changes when Bobert follows his classmates to a cursed gumball machine.

Before he knows it, Bobert is sucked into one of Nefaria’s most villainous evil schemes, a plot that has been a long time in the making—too long, in the evil wizard Matt’s opinion. And retreating into invisibility this time won’t do, not when Bobert is the only one with the drive, knowledge, and—if his newfound courage doesn’t fail him—bravery to foil Matt’s plan.

My Review

I’ve read a couple of young adult books by Adi Alsaid, and when I heard about his middle grade debut, I could totally see how his writing style would suit middle grade as well as young adult. He has this incredible sense of when to shift point-of-view and how to piece scenes together to show all the important moments in a story.

THE BRAVEST WARRIOR IN NEFARIA is packed with silliness. Think A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS in a fantasy landscape. The characters’ names are silly, from the main character, Bobert, to the kids he hopes to call his friends, Candelabra, Stanbert, and Jennizabeth. They live in a kingdom in which evil schemes are as common as Mondays and sometimes annoying but harmless.

Before the story truly gets underway, Bobert already has a problem in which he is invisible to the people around him. He mostly winds up following other kids around and staying near them, but not really interacting with them, until one day, he plows right into the back of a group of kids walking toward town. I loved the way the story resolves this particular problem of Bobert’s and the way what he experiences changes how he feels about his invisibility.

On the whole, the absolute refusal to take itself too seriously and the never-ending antics make this book lots of fun. It’s got subtle messaging wrapped in humor, a fabulous combination. I hope Adi Alsaid writes more middle grade– though I thoroughly enjoy his young adult novels, too!

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Bobert is described as having an olive skin tone.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Some characters have the ability to perform magic. Spellbooks teach how to perform or undo spells.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. References to evil schemes that have caused harm. Kidnapping children. Controlling others (using magic) against their will.

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 THE BRAVEST WARRIOR IN NEFARIA in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Milk Bar: Kids Only: A Cookbook by Christina Tosi

September 7, 2023Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Cookbook, Middle Grade 8-12, Nonfictionbaking together, cereal bars, cookbook, dessert, kids cookbook, muffins, Recipes, wafflesKasey

Milk Bar: Kids Only: A Cookbook
Christina Tosi
Clarkson Potter Publishers
Published October 27, 2020

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Milk Bar: Kids Only: A Cookbook

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER – Over 85 stellar, totally do-able desserts and other fun-fueled treats for kids (or adults!) to make, from Christina Tosi, founder of Milk Bar and MasterChef Junior judge!

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW AND FOOD NETWORK

Dedicated to the next generation of young bakers, Milk Bar: Kids Only presents more than eighty-five fun and empowering recipes to inspire imagination in the kitchen, from Apple Pie Waffles to PB&J Cereal Treats to Strawberries and Cream Cupcakes to marshmallowy Choco Crunch Cookies. This is a cookbook that teaches kitchen skills–perfect for kids as well as anyone who’s learning to bake–and reminds newbies and veteran bakers alike that a little personality adds a whole lot to the mix. Whether they’re transforming a donut into a milkshake or creating their own flavored butters for smearing onto biscuits, readers will have plenty of opportunities for mixing and matching within recipes to help their creativity run wild.

My Review

One of the big reasons I bought this cookbook is that I wanted my daughter to be able to browse through the book– no screens required– and plan recipes to make together. The book worked great for that.

The recipes are organized by month they’re intended to be made in, which makes finding seasonal recipes really easy. There’s also a key at the beginning that lists recipes by category (muffins, pancakes, cookies, bars, etc.) to make it easy if you want to browse all the recipes of a single type.

Recipes We Tried

Tropical Mermaid Muffins, page 107. I had a moment where I wasn’t sure they would come out okay. The batter is really thick and kind of spongy after it sits for a few minutes. By the time the muffins were in the oven for a bit, though, they began to rise nicely. They have a nice flavor with the texture from the coconut and pineapple. My daughter doesn’t like the pineapple but wants to try the recipe again with blueberries in it instead, so I’m still gonna call this one a win.

B-Day Cereal Squares, page 227. We actually used red, white, and pink sprinkles and handed these out to my daughter’s class for a Valentine’s Day party. They were easy (though I forgot how sticky cereal bars can be, especially before they set), and delicious.

Banana Crunch Bread, page 57. We have a tried-and-true Banana Bread recipe, so I was curious to see how this one compares. It’s a little different than ours– it has a little sour cream in the bread mix and a crunch topping, too. I really liked it! I don’t think it’ll replace my other recipe, but I’d say it’s equally delicious and a little more decadent. Possibly something I’d serve with a fancier brunch.

Strawberries and Cream Cupcakes, page 109. The only drawback to these is that because the frosting has fresh strawberries in it, they have to be eaten the day you frost them. Otherwise, they’re delicious. I especially liked the frosting– the strawberries gave it a fresh, summer-y taste.

Conclusion

I am really pleased with this cookbook. It’s been great to have handy to whip up a treat with my daughter. Everything we’ve tried has been delicious, and I predict we’ll get a lot of use from this one.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
The book contains a few pictures of children (and a couple of adults). The kids represent a racially diverse group.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Recipes are organized by month of the calendar, so there are some recipes intended for holidays like Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, etc.

Violent Content
None.

Drug Content
None.

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

Review: All That Shines by Ellen Hagan

September 6, 2023Contemporary, Poetry, Young Adult/Teen 12-18Bloomsbury USA Children's, classism, friendship, incarcarated parent, Kentucky, Lexington, novel in verse, poverty, wealthKasey

All That Shines
Ellen Hagan
Bloomsbury
Published September 5, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About All That Shines

A contemplative novel in verse that questions what it means to lose everything you once treasured and rediscover yourself, falling in love along the way.

Chloe Brooks has only ever known what it’s like to have everything. Her parents’ wealth and place in society meant she had all she wanted, and friends everywhere she turned. Until it all crashes Her father is arrested in the middle of the night, under investigation for fraud.

Bankrupt and facing foreclosure, Chloe must forgo her lavish summer plans as she and her mom are forced to move into one of the rundown apartments they still own, just outside Lexington, Kentucky. Without her riches, Chloe loses her friends, her comfort, her confidence, and her sense of self, unsure of who she is and if she is even worth anything if she nothing to offer.

To Chloe’s surprise, she bonds with her neighbors, Clint, Skye, James, and Natalia, and they introduce her to the side of Kentucky she’s long ignored. Her new friends are the only ones who see her for who she truly is, but will they stay by her side once they discover her family’s true identity, or will Chloe lose them, too?

In her signature captivating verse, Ellen Hagan encapsulates the hesitant joy of reshaping your identity and rediscovering yourself.

My Review

This is the third novel in verse by Ellen Hagan that I’ve read, and I always enjoy the way she captures emotion with her writing. Both RECKLESS, GLORIOUS GIRL and ALL THAT SHINES are set in Kentucky and touch on state pride and love. It’s so rich and deep that it doesn’t surprise me at all that the author is from there herself.

I loved the relationships in the book between Chloe and the other kids at the Limestone Apartments. I loved the way they pulled her into their family and the way they reacted to information about Chloe’s past. Chloe’s relationship with her mom also really touched me. It was so sweet watching them both figure out how to connect to themselves, each other, and their possible new community in this new life they were living.

The only thing that I struggled with was how quickly Chloe believed her dad was guilty and how his guilt seemed a foregone conclusion. I wasn’t sure if that was because she knew things and had put pieces together. She seemed to describe herself as feeling close to him but also a little afraid of him, so I expected her to wrestle more with whether he was truly at fault.

I ended up assuming that that part of the story was summarized so that we could move on to the bigger, more central parts of the book: Chloe’s personal reformation.

All in all, I enjoyed this book. I think DON’T CALL ME A HURRICANE is probably still my favorite of the books I’ve read by Ellen Hagan, but I liked a lot of things about this book, too. Readers who enjoy novels in verse or stories about resilience and community should add this one to their reading lists.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Chloe is from a white, wealthy family. Minor characters are BIPOC and LGBTQ+.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Strong profanity used very infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between boy and girl.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
Mentions of suicidal thoughts.

Drug Content
Chloe and her friends get drunk on champagne at her dad’s business celebration.

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 ALL THAT SHINES in exchange for my honest review.

Best Young Adult Books I Read From Summer 2023

September 5, 2023Blogger's Favorites, Lists, News and Fun, Young Adult/Teen 12-18Fantasy, Favorites, friendship, graphic memoir, graphic novel, grief, Romance, sisters, summer 2023, suspenseKasey

At the start of the summer, I had all these grand plans of lists to share and updates to post… and then reality hit like a stack of overdue library books. Don’t get me wrong– I had a great summer, but it was a much busier summer than I predicted. Between family responsibilities, work, and my out-of-control review calendar (Yep, I’m still struggling to say yes to fewer books. It was much easier before I knew so many irresistible books were coming out!), most of my glorious plans went out the window.

Now that school is back in session, I’m ready to catch up a bit on things I missed. One such thing was a most-anticipated summer release post. Obviously, now that summer is done, I’ve read my summer books. The good news is that instead of telling you about books I haven’t read yet that might be amazing, I’m here to talk about the books that lived up to my anticipation. Here are 24 of the best young adult books I read from summer 2023.

Best Young Adult Books I Read From Summer 2023

Andy and the Extroverts by Jessica K. Foster

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Concerned about Andy’s isolation and refusal to make new friends, her parents force her to attend leadership camp. There, Andy must navigate actual outdoor activities and enthusiastic camp counselors… without her morning coffee. This delivered all the fun summer camp vibes I was looking for.

Published: May 16, 2023 | My Review

Limitless Roads Café by Samantha Picaro

Amazon | Goodreads

What you need to know: When the café where Kinsey works faces permanent closure, she reluctantly teams up with her former best friend and the girl who landed a prized internship in order to plan a fundraiser to keep the café’s doors open. A main character with autism by an author with autism. I loved the commentary on ableism and the centering of multiple characters with disabilities. Great summer job vibes.

Published: May 30, 2023 | My Review

Always Isn’t Forever by J. C. Cervantes

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: After the tragic loss of her perfect boyfriend, Hart, Ruby can’t figure out how to move on. When a cosmic mix-up leaves Hart’s soul trapped inside the body of the school bully, he’s determined to find a way to convince Ruby to give him another chance. The cover copy compared this one to YOU’VE REACHED SAM by Dustin Thao. A sweet second-chance-at-love story.

Published: June 6, 2023 | My Review

Borrow My Heart by Kasie West

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: When Wren overhears a boy being bullied for getting catfished, she decides to pretend to be the girl he was supposed to meet. Fake dating, secrets, summer romance, dogs… what’s not to love in Kasie West’s latest novel?

Published: June 13, 2023 | My Review

Going Bicoastal by Dahlia Adler

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Torn between spending the summer in NYC with her dad or in LA with her mom, Natalya lives out both lives and summer romances in alternating chapters in the book. A SLIDING DOORS rom-com perfect for a poolside afternoon.

Published: June 13, 2023 | My Review

Something Close to Magic by Emma Mills

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: An overworked baker’s apprentice with an outdated magical skill, a bounty hunter with a perfect memory for details, a troll with zero patience for nonsense, and a prince known for his well-intentioned follies embark on a quest to unmask a plot against the crown. Something about this book gave me THE PRINCESS BRIDE vibes in the best way. My top favorite book of the summer!

Published: June 13, 2023 | My Review

You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: At a theme park celebrating slasher films, a true killer strikes, leaving Charity and her friends scrambling to escape before the killer strikes again. Honestly, is there anything Kalynn Bayron can’t write? I ate this one up in one sitting.

Published: June 20, 2023 | My Review

Ode to My First Car by Robin Gow

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: After Claire totals her first car, she feels adrift. In letters to her car, she shares her blossoming feelings for her best friend and her quest for romance and autonomy from her watchful parents. A powerful novel in verse.

Published: June 20, 2023 | My Review

The Shadow Sister by Lily Meade

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A missing sister returns, but her behavior is… odd. Casey can’t figure out if Sutton is playing a game or truly processing trauma. Unraveling her sister’s secrets takes Casey on a journey into a darkness she may not be ready to face. A brilliant debut on sisterhood, family connections, and power. Another summer favorite for me.

Published: June 27, 2023 | My Review

Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story by Sarah Myer

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A Korean-American girl adopted by white parents faces bullying and racism growing up in a mostly white, rural Maryland town. Evocative illustrations and honest storytelling make this one a must-read.

Published: June 27, 2023 | My Review

Manslaughter Park by Tirzah Price

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A queer retelling of MANSFIELD PARK by Jane Austen wrapped inside a murder mystery. This is my second read from this series, and it was such a blast to read.

Published: June 27, 2023 | My Review

A Song of Salvation by Alechia Dow

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A reincarnated god tasked with saving her people, a pilot filling the void of familial rejection with dangerous missions, and a podcast celebrity who’ll do anything to speak truth to power embark on a quest to save the universe from total destruction. Dow’s writing is always immersive, and her stories engaging. This one is no exception!

Published: July 11, 2023 | My Review

Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Summer camp for Deaf and blind campers and a sweet romance. I loved getting immersed in Deaf culture and Lilah’s journey of self-acceptance. Perfect summer camp romance vibes.

Published: July 11, 2023 | My Review

A Warning About Swans by R. M. Romero

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: SWAN LAKE meets THE LAST UNICORN by way of the Brothers Grimm. A girl with a cloak that transforms her into a swan who must guide spirits to their resting place. A boy who will use her power to make dreams real. An artist who paints truths no one else can see. A lush, fantastic novel in verse by the author of THE GHOSTS OF ROSE HILL.

Published: July 11, 2023 | My Review

All That’s Left to Say by Emery Lord

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Leave it to Emery Lord to write a book that turned me inside out emotionally and kept me coming back to every page for more. Powerful, raw, and honest. Have your tissues ready.

Published: July 18, 2023 | My Review

Clementine and Danny Save the World (And Each Other) by Livia Blackburne

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A teen blog writer and a boy trying to save his family’s tea shop. Rivals to lovers romance. This one pretty much had me at “You’ve Got Mail with a YA twist.”

Published: July 18, 2023 | My Review

All Alone with You by Amelia Diane Coombs

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A grumpy-sunshine/rivals-to-lovers story packed with great lines and a salty mentor character. This was one of the most fun books I read this summer.

Published: July 25, 2023 | My Review

Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A girl enters a strange, elite competition that promises to grant the winner the life of her dreams. Creepy, eerie, and filled with rock-solid writing.

Published: July 25, 2023 | My Review

House of Roots and Ruin (Sisters of the Salt #2) by Erin A. Craig

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The youngest sister from HOUSE OF SALT AND SORROWS leads this perilous journey to an estate tangled with dangerous, disturbing secrets and a slowly blossoming tale of first love. I liked this one better than the first book in the series.

Published: July 25, 2023 | My Review

The Reunion by Kit Frick

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Four teens gather in a family reunion at a Mexican resort. One of them will not make it home afterward. Filled with secrets and lies, this one kept me on my toes until the very last page.