Tag Archives: friendship

Review: I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Connor

Graphic Novel or Adaptation, Historical, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , ,
I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner

I Shall Never Fall in Love
Hari Conner
HarperAlley
Published November 19, 2024

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About I Shall Never Fall in Love

George has major problems: They’ve just inherited the failing family estate, and the feelings for their best friend, Eleanor, have become more complicated than ever. Not to mention, if anyone found out they were secretly dressing in men’s clothes, George is sure it would be ruination for the family name.

Eleanor has always wanted to do everything “right,” including falling in love—but she’s never met a boy she was interested in. She’d much rather spend time with her best friend, George, and beloved cousin Charlotte. However, when a new suitor comes to town, she finds her closest friendships threatened, forcing her to rethink what “right” means and confront feelings she never knew she had.

Inspired by Jane Austen and queer history, I Shall Never Fall in Love shines a light on what it means to be true to yourself and rewrites the rules for what makes a happily ever after.

My Review

Elisabeth at The Dirigible Plum recommended this book during a KidLit chat recently, and I immediately requested a hold on it through my library. After reading Renegade Girls: A Queer Tale of Romance and Rabble-rousing by Nora Neus, I craved more historical graphic novels, so this fit perfectly into that need for me.

I didn’t spot the connections to Pride & Prejudice and Emma by Jane Austen right away, but once I saw the parallels, I found them delightful. There are certain scenes that can’t help but call to mind moments from Austen’s novels. I love that.

I also loved the evolution of the characters, especially Ellie and George. At the start of the book, Ellie assumes that she simply doesn’t want to marry anyone. As the story progresses, she begins evaluating her feelings more closely and discovers that she has romantic feelings for someone unexpected.

George always seems to walk this tightrope line in which they know they’re unusual and make uncompromising choices regardless of societal norms. At the same time, they hide parts of themselves that they worry are “too much” or too far outside the expectations of others. As they find a supportive community, they grow more comfortable being their true self.

The romances develop in such a sweet way, too. I loved Charlotte’s romantic story, and especially the backstory about her family and their desires for her. Ellie’s romance really shows the giddiness that comes from finding your person, someone who truly sees you and being able to celebrate that wholeheartedly.

If you like regency-era fiction and graphic novels, don’t miss this fabulously fun story.

Content Notes for I Shall Never Fall in Love

Recommended for Ages 12 up.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
mild profanity used very infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
None.

Drug Content
I think there’s a brief reference to drinking alcohol, but nothing on-scene, if I’m remembering right.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I borrowed this book from my library. All opinions are my own.

Review: The Snowman Code by Simon Stephenson

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , , , , ,

The Snowman Code
Simon Stephenson
Simon & Schuster
Published December 16, 2025

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Snowman Code

A beautifully hopeful, funny and heartwarming tale about the lasting power of love and friendship, from the critically-acclaimed and award-winning screenwriter behind Pixar’s Luca and Paddington 2.

In London, in a winter which shows no sign of ending, a unique friendship begins.

This is the story of Blessing, aged ten-and-a-half, and Albert Framlington, aged six hundred – an eccentric snowman who has seen many winters in many cities, and who is duty-bound by the Snowman Code to help any child in need. Together, Blessing and Albert must find a way to defeat Blessing’s bullies, win back Albert’s long-lost love Clementine, and even overcome the never-ending winter itself…

Perfect for fans of The Christmasaurus, A Boy Called Christmas, The Snowman and Paddington, The Snowman Code is a heartwarming, hilarious and unforgettable modern classic for families to curl up with on frosty winter nights.

My Review

This is the kind of book that people will either love or feel pretty indifferent about, I think. Through the whole story, Albert Framlington “educates” Blessing about the way the world works. Africa, a land of glaciers, is where penguins live. When people go to the hospital, appendix problems are generally the cause. Blessing tries to correct him, but he persists in his way of thinking.

It’s cute, and it keeps the story away from the snowman serving as a magically wise mentor, and makes Blessing the decision-maker and chief problem-solver.

Blessing’s mother has what appears to be seasonal depression (it’s never labeled in the text). The longer the winter drags on, the more severe her depression becomes, and Blessing worries that her mom will be hospitalized and Blessing will have to live with a foster family. Blessing understands that her mom is sad and that she can’t fix it, but the story doesn’t delve deeply into her mom’s experience or show many interactions between Blessing and her mom. This does help to keep the story age-appropriate.

I can definitely see younger middle grade readers enjoying this playful story. The chapters are pretty short and feature frequent illustrations, making this a good choice for readers transitioning from the shorter chapter books to middle grade novels.

This would be a great reading choice for that moment when winter seems like it will never end, and we all wish for a little sunshine and magic.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 11.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Reference to adults in love.

Spiritual Content
Snowmen are alive and can move and talk. They adhere to a strict set of rules called “The Snowman Code,” which keeps them discreet.

Violent Content
Three kids have been bullying Blessing (mostly off-scene).

Drug Content
Having a pipe is a big deal for a snowman, especially a real one. One snowman has a pipe so new it still smells of tobacco.

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

Review: Linus and Etta Could Use a Win by Caroline Huntoon

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

Linus and Etta Could Use a Win
Caroline Huntoon
Feiwel & Friends
Published

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Linus and Etta Could Use a Win

Linus is the new boy at school, and he’s trying to keep it quiet. After coming out as trans last year and managing the attention that came with it, he’s more than happy to fade into the background of his new middle school.

Etta isn’t like other kids at school, and she’s proud of it. The class misanthrope and the owner of the greenest hair at Doolittle Middle School, she’s still reeling from a painful friendship breakup, making her more than happy to burn middle-school bridges before she heads off to the local alternative high school next year.

When Etta’s over-it-all attitude sparks a challenge from her ex-best friend, Marigold, to get Linus elected student body president, Linus is thrust back into the spotlight. But what started out as a bet quickly turns into a true friendship between Linus and Etta, one that could be in jeopardy if Linus finds out the real origins of his and Etta’s connection. Can Linus and Etta’s friendship withstand the betrayal of the bet?

My Review

This is the first book by Caroline Huntoon that I’ve ever read, but I can tell you it won’t be the last! This was so readable, and it’s short, too. I think it’s about 214 pages. The banter between Linus and Etta is fabulous. Puns and jokes abound. As a former 90s kid, I loved the 90s jokes that made it into the book, though mostly they leave Linus and Etta staring at one another in utter confusion. Honestly, I found that even funnier.

I also have to say that it was glorious to read a book about a transgender character that wasn’t about them being outed (though there was a near miss) or having to defend or explain his identity. Linus knows who he is, his parents accept him, and so does Etta, when he tells her. There’s absolutely space for stories exploring coming out and how people respond, and I’m grateful for those. But it was so great to read a story that primarily celebrated Linus’ existence without question and let him be lots of other things, too: funny, kind, and a strong leader to name a few.

The friendship between Linus and Etta was also charming. She’s a prickly cactus in the opening pages, but it doesn’t take long for him to win her over with his humor and sincerity. I also loved seeing a student council race in a middle grade novel.

Overall, I’m adding a new favorite author to my list! I’ve already found a copy of Huntoon’s next release, Going Overboard, which came out earlier this year. Can’t wait to read it!

If you enjoy quick, uplifting middle grade novels, definitely put this one on your list. It’s such a fun read.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
One instance of mild profanity.

Romance/Sexual Content
One brief kiss on the lips.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
A relative misgenders Linus. Other adults in the room don’t correct this person. Eventually, the person apologizes and tries to do better.

Drug Content
None.

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

Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday

Today is Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday! MMGM is a weekly round-up of middle-grade posts called Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday. Check out other blogs with posts about middle-grade books today on Marvelous Middle-Grade Mondays at Always in the Middle.

Why are the comments off?

So… my website host is currently experiencing a problem and has suspended access to comments on WordPress sites. Since I use WordPress, this affects me. Please know I miss your comments, and as soon as this issue is resolved, I’ll turn comments back on. Special gratitude to Rosi Hollinbeck for alerting me to the problem. Check out her blog and leave a comment there for me! 🙂

Review: A Time Traveler’s History of Tomorrow by Kendall Kulper

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Historical, Romance, Sci-Fi, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , , , , , ,

A Time Traveler’s History of Tomorrow
Kendall Kulper
Holiday House
Published November 4, 2025

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About A Time Traveler’s History of Tomorrow

A time-bending love story between a prickly young woman and a carefree stranger, who are tasked with saving the universe—after accidentally destroying it in the first place.

Genevieve Newhouse and Ash Hargreaves weren’t supposed to meet like this. Unless it was always meant to be . . .

Gen is a fastidious science prodigy with a chip on her shoulder, and she can turn herself invisible.

Happy-go-lucky Ash has just escaped a sheltered (read: cultish) childhood, and he can manipulate time.

The gifted eighteen-year-olds cross paths at the 1934 Chicago World’s Fair, where Genevieve’s experimental physics project causes an apocalyptic explosion. Ash tries to avert catastrophe by gallantly rewinding time a few minutes, but instead, he transports them back to 1893. The duo finds themselves trapped in an unfamiliar, unwelcoming era, with no idea how to return to their own time—or if their own time even exists. Their cataclysmic leap across decades might have destroyed the world as they know it . . .

Fate and free will intertwine in this page-turning historical romance that sets two irresistible strangers down a chaotic, potentially apocalyptic path. “Will they or won’t they” takes on a whole new meaning as Gen and Ash fight for survival while falling in love.

Hand to fans of Immortal Longings and Anatomy: A Love Story, and don’t miss companion novels Murder for the Modern Girl and A Starlet’s Secret to a Sensational Afterlife.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

My Review

I read The Starlet’s Secret to a Sensational Afterlife by Kendall Kulper, which is about Genevieve’s sister Henny, two years ago, so I was excited to read this companion novel. The historical setting has the same noir feel as the other book, which I love. Most of the story takes place in Chicago in 1893, in and around the World’s Fair.

The chapters alternate from Genevieve and Ash’s perspectives, and I enjoyed both characters. I like that she is the scientist and he is the romantic, people-oriented person in the partnership. It would have been easy to write the characters the opposite way, and I like that Kulper challenged some gender expectations with these characters. Genevieve also finds a talented Black woman in 1893 who mentors her. That created some opportunities for the narrative to note the ways that misogyny didn’t only affect white women, but also women of color.

The pacing in the last quarter of the book felt so fast to me. I loved how quickly things unfolded, though I think I lost the thread of the character arcs for both Genevieve and Ash as they prepared for their big move to save the world and un-pretzel the timeline.

Despite that, I had a lot of fun reading this book. I didn’t realize that Genevieve and Henny’s older sister, Ruby, has her own novel: Murder for the Modern Girl. So I’m definitely adding that one to my reading list.

Definitely check out Kulper’s books if you enjoy a good historical novel with a bit of magical realism or fantasy elements.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 13 up.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Mild profanity used fairly infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing.

Spiritual Content
Some characters have supernatural abilities, like traveling through time and turning invisible. At the beginning of the story, one character lives in a highly controlling religious cult community.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Two scenes include a person nearly falling to their death. Two scenes include someone nearly drowning. One person dies in the water. Someone collapses with some kind of apparent medical crisis. Reference to death in a fire (not shown on scene).

Misogynistic and racist characters restrict the ability of talented women and people of color to participate in the science field and/or receive credit for their work. References to the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893 and the Indigenous people and people of color incarcerated at the fairgrounds as part of an exhibit. The narrative also acknowledges the fact that certain cultures and people groups were excluded from exhibits on progress and science.

Drug Content
None.

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

MMGM Review: Graciela in the Abyss by Meg Medina

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

Graciela in the Abyss
Meg Medina
Candlewick Press
Published July 1, 2025

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Graciela in the Abyss

“A thrilling, action-packed journey filled with heart, bravery, and ghostly exploits.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

A sea ghost, a mortal boy, and a dangerous enchanted harpoon . . . A Newbery Medalist takes us far beneath the waves in this extraordinary foray into fantasy.

In the deepest recesses of the ocean, Graciela—once an ordinary girl—now makes sea glass and assists her friend, Amina, as she welcomes newly awakened sea ghosts from their death sleep. Though Graciela’s spirit is young, she has lived at the bottom of the ocean for more than a hundred years. Meanwhile, in the mortal world on land, twelve-year-old Jorge Leon works in his family’s forge. He’s heard of the supernatural spirits living beneath the ocean’s waves—tales that do nothing to quell his fear of the water. But when Jorge discovers a hand-wrought harpoon with the power to spear a sea ghost, he knows he must destroy it any way he can.

When the harpoon is accidentally reunited with its vengeful creator, unlikely allies Graciela and Jorge have no choice but to work together to keep evil spirits from wreaking havoc on both the living and the dead. If only the answer to saving what they care about didn’t lie within the depths of the abyss . . . Newbery Medal winner Meg Medina and illustrators Anna and Elena Balbusso have crafted a thoughtful tale infused with magic and high-stakes adventure that will leave readers wondering what power lies in the depths of the ocean—and inside each of us.

My Review

That this book received a starred review from Kirkus is no surprise to me. The story world is so imaginative and immersing. The characters feel so real.

I will say the opening is a little bit jarring, only because it’s unusual to open a story with the main character’s death, and especially a death by such a tragic accident. (Graciela falls off a cliff into the sea.) But it does offer a lot of insight into who Graciela is, so that as she awakens as a spirit, we’re unsurprised by some of her choices.

She really grows as a character, and it feels very organic. I love the contrast of her character in the opening scene versus in the final scene. What a transformation.

I have to talk about Jorge, too. He has such a joyless life, and yet, he still finds ways to create joy for himself. He’s kind to others, too. I love the way the story works out for him, though there were moments that I could not see how there would be any happiness at the end for him. That final scene really got me. So perfect.

This story has such a unique setup. Usually, the living human is the main character and the ghost is more of a side character. While both Jorge and Graciela tell the story in their points of view, it feels a little more weighted toward Graciela’s perspective to me. So much of the story is set in the spirit world with Graciela and her community. I love the fantasy landscape that Medina created beneath the ocean’s surface.

The back of the book has a glossary of terms related to the spirit world and the book has a map as well.

If you’re looking for something dark and unusual for your middle grade reader, check this one out.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
When someone dies in the ocean or at sea, they sleep for 100 years and then wake as a spirit, where they’re tasked with certain roles to protect the ocean or other spirits. The Almas are guardians who watch over the ocean and all the spirits.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Description of a girl’s accidental death falling from a cliff into the sea. Descriptions of a ship’s crew lost at sea. Some characters use a harpoon to hunt spirits, intending to kill them and steal their pearl teeth. Jorge’s parents are cruel, threatening him with violence (burning out his tongue, for instance) if he doesn’t do what they expect.

Drug Content
None.

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

Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday

I’m sharing this post as a part of a weekly round-up of middle-grade posts called Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday. Check out other blogs with posts about middle-grade books today on Marvelous Middle-Grade Mondays at Always in the Middle.

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Review: Going Overboard by Caroline Huntoon

Blogger's Favorites, Contemporary, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , ,

Going Overboard
Caroline Huntoon
Feiwel & Friends
Published May 27, 2025

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Going Overboard

From author Caroline Huntoon comes a sparkling new middle grade novel, Going Overboard, a reverse-Parent Trap story where tweens Piper and Colton must force their parents to break up, or their lives will change forever.

Piper Shapiro has the best mom in the world: Noura, a single parent by choice who always has a plan, whether it’s for a spontaneous Saturday adventure or helping Piper navigate middle school as a nonbinary kid. They’re a package deal, and they tell each other everything. At least, they used to. But then Noura invites Piper out to dinner with her girlfriend Gwinny… and Gwinny’s son, Colton—a boy Piper knows, and doesn’t exactly get along with. Piper panics when the realization Noura and Gwinny are serious about each other. Suddenly, Piper’s life as half of a duo has an expiration date, and ze is horrified.

To put a stop to any potential wedding bells, Piper makes a plan to break up the parents and keep things the way they are—the way they should be. When Gwinny surprises everyone with a getting-to-know-each-other cruise for spring break, Piper’s game is on—and Colton is in on it. The two of them work hard to make it clear that they are not one big happy family, even though it turns out that Colton might not be so bad after all. But when things with Operation Break Up go a bit too far, Piper starts to question everything… and realize that maybe a little change isn’t a bad thing.

My Review

I read Linus and Etta Could Use a Win, another book by Caroline Huntoon, earlier this year, so when I saw a review copy of this one up for grabs, I jumped at the chance to read it. Going Overboard is the first novel I’ve read in which the main character uses neopronouns. Piper uses the nonbinary pronouns ze/zir/zem. Piper’s pronouns don’t come up as often as you’d think in the story. At one point, a salesperson in a store misgenders zem, but someone immediately corrects the clerk, and she switches to the correct pronouns. Piper’s pronouns simply aren’t the focus of the narrative beyond the support that Piper feels from zir mom and others around zem.

The real focus of the story is the attempt to break up Piper’s mom and her girlfriend, Colton’s mom. The narrative does a great job showcasing the shift in Piper’s feelings about the relationship despite the commitment to the breakup project. While Piper is certain Colton is a jerk and Gwinny is too perky, ze begins to see qualities ze enjoys and admires in both of them.

The cruise creates a close-proximity environment in which Piper really only has Colton to talk to, and an artificial deadline (return to port) in which to accomplish zir mission. Both of those things drive the story forward and keep the narrative from drifting too far from the central plot.

Piper and zir mom’s relationship is really sweet. I think it borders on maybe too enmeshed at some points, but I loved seeing a mom of a middle schooler so engaged and supportive.

Going Overboard feels like the perfect read for someone needing a slightly aged-up Alex Gino book.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 9 to 12.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Mild profanity used very infrequently (twice, I think).

Romance/Sexual Content
Reference to Piper’s best friend’s crush on someone. Colton also has a crush on someone.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
A group of older kids make fun of Piper and Colton, who are dressed similarly at the dance.

Drug Content
Adults drink alcohol socially on a vacation.

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