Tag Archives: friendship

Review: Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Graphic Novel or Adaptation, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , , ,
Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen

Garlic and the Vampire
Bree Paulsen
Quill Tree Books
Published September 28, 2021

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Garlic and the Vampire

A farm-fresh debut graphic novel starring a heroine who is braver than she realizes.

Garlic feels as though she’s always doing something wrong. At least with her friend Carrot by her side and the kindly Witch Agnes encouraging her, Garlic is happy to just tend her garden, where it’s nice and safe.

But when her village of vegetable folk learns that a bloodthirsty vampire has moved into the nearby castle, they all agree that, in spite of her fear and self-doubt, Garlic is the obvious choice to confront him. And with everyone counting on her, Garlic reluctantly agrees to face the mysterious vampire, hoping she has what it takes.

After all, garlic drives away vampires…right?

My Review

I’ve heard other reviewers raving about how much they love this book, so it’s been on my reading list for a bit. I grabbed a few more graphic novels for our home library recently and added a copy of this one to the shelf.

Most of the main characters are vegetables, which is really cute and different. Garlic, the main character, has a lot of anxiety, and she depends on her friend Carrot to help steady her. I think all the vegetable characters were originally created by a witch whose garden they used to work in. Now, they plant and harvest what they choose, and the witch sees them as autonomous beings with free will.

I really liked the scene in which Garlic meets the vampire. She’s terrified but trying to put on a big, brave front, and the vampire’s reaction made me smile. I liked the way the story resolved, too.

On the whole, I’m glad I read this one. It’s super short and really different. I think readers with anxiety will find Garlic easy to identify with, and those looking for a warm, fall vibe with a little Halloween flavor will find lots to love in GARLIC AND THE VAMPIRE.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Most characters are vegetables. There’s also a witch and vampire who appear white or white-passing. Garlic has a lot of anxiety.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
There are witch and vampire characters. The witch made the vegetable characters alive to act as her helpers, but now she respects them as individuals with autonomy.

Violent Content
Garlic worries about facing the vampire. She brings a hammer and stake made of hawthorn wood.

Drug Content
The vampire character is shown holding a wine glass full of red liquid. It’s not alcohol, though.

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

Review: Call Me Iggy by Jorge Aguirre and Rafael Rosado

Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Graphic Novel or Adaptation, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , ,

Call Me Iggy
Jorge Aguirre
Illustrated by Rafael Rosado
First Second
Published February 13, 2024

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Call Me Iggy

Ignacio “Iggy” Garcia is an Ohio-born Colombian American teen living his best life. After bumping into Marisol (and her coffee) at school, Iggy’s world is spun around. But Marisol as too much going on to be bothered with the likes of Iggy. She has school, work, family, and the uphill battle of getting her legal papers. As Iggy stresses over how to get Marisol to like him, his grandfather comes to the rescue. The thing is, not only is his abuelito dead, but he also gives terrible love advice. The worst. And so, with his ghost abuelito’s meddling, Iggy’s life begins to unravel as he sets off on a journey of self-discovery.

Call Me Iggy tells the story of Iggy searching for his place in his family, his school, his community, and ultimately—as the political climate in America changes during the 2016 election— his country. Focusing on familial ties and budding love, Call Me Iggy challenges our assumptions about Latino-American identity while reaffirming our belief in the hope that all young people represent. Perfect for lovers of multigenerational stories like Displacement and The Magic Fish.

My Review

This is such a sweet story. Iggy accidentally wakes the ghost of his grandfather and the two agree to help each other. Iggy needs help learning Spanish and getting the girl he’s interested in, and in exchange, Abuelito would like Iggy to find an orchid field where the family can scatter his ashes.

Sometimes Abuelito’s help leads to disastrous (but funny) consequences. At other times, he helps Iggy see things in a new way or challenges the views he holds about himself, his culture, and his family.

The story takes place during the 2016 presidential election, so some scenes reference some of the campaign speeches and rhetoric that some voters ascribed to. Iggy’s parents share their views on the political climate, and so does Iggy’s friend Marisol, who could be deported under the new presidential administration.

As a character, Iggy demonstrates so much growth and new confidence through the conversations he has with his grandfather and his friendship with Marisol. I loved the illustrations of his different expressions. Those paired with the dialog made for an incredibly moving story and a pretty quick read.

I had a lot of fun reading this book. I can see the comparison to The Magic Fish, though there are no fairytales in this book. It has some of the same feeling of searching for one’s place in the world. Readers looking for a sweet romance or story about finding where you belong will enjoy this book.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 10 up.

Representation
Iggy and his family are Columbian-American. Marisol and her family are undocumented Mexican immigrants.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Iggy’s grandfather teaches him his favorite swear word in Spanish. He and Iggy use the word several times.

Romance/Sexual Content
A boy and girl have romantic feelings for one another.

Spiritual Content
Iggy knocks over his grandfather’s urn, spilling his ashes, and his grandfather’s ghost appears, offering Iggy a deal: Spanish lessons and help getting the girl he’s crushing on in exchange for his finding a place to scatter his grandfather’s ashes.

Violent Content
Includes racist quotes from one of Donald Trump’s campaign speeches. Some other minor characters make racist comments. Iggy helping a girl pick up her school papers becomes a racist meme shared online. Characters assume Iggy is Puerto Rican and speaks Spanish.

Drug Content
At one point, Iggy’s father asks him if he’s using drugs. He’s guessing– there’s no evidence to make him think this.

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 CALL ME IGGY in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.

Review: The Boyfriend Wish by Swati Teerdhala

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

The Boyfriend Wish
Swati Teerdhala
Katherine Tegen Books
Published February 13, 2024

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Boyfriend Wish

A charming romantic comedy about a South Indian American teen girl who makes a wish upon a flower for her perfect boyfriend…and then a new boy moves in right next door. With love triangles, prank wars, and a sizzling sweet romance—this is perfect for fans of Sandhya Menon and Jenny Han.

Deepa’s a hopeless romantic. And even though Deepa’s checklist for the perfect boyfriend is a mile long, her mom and dad’s fairy-tale love story makes her feel like romantic success ought to be a family trait. It’s why when her grandmother gives her a jasmine flower with the promise that it will fulfill her heart’s greatest desire, and then a new boy moves in across the street, Deepa knows—he must be her wish come true.

Rohit checks off every box on Deepa’s timelessly handsome, a thoughtful listener, and a romantic who knows his flowers. Deepa’s next-door neighbor (and constant tormentor) Vik also surprisingly approves, though she knows it shouldn’t be a mark against Rohit.

Is it luck or is it magic? Deepa doesn’t want to take chances, so when her grandmother warns her that the wish is only permanent if she seals it with a kiss, she knows she needs to move quickly. Rohit is the right boy in every way, so then why does Deepa not feel like he might not be the right choice?

My Review

This is such a perfect Valentine’s Day book, which is why I’m posting about it today. I enjoyed the whole book, but I think the second half is where all the pieces really come together. In the first half, I found myself wanting to know more about Deepa’s sisters and wanting to understand the connections in the neighborhood a little better. As I crossed into the second half, I felt like I started to see all those connections and relationships more clearly.

The whole setup with the wish adds a dash of whimsy to the book, but it doesn’t dominate the story. This reads like a contemporary romance with a fun cast of characters and a girl whose heart wants what it wants. I loved Deepa’s character. She’s hyper-organized and an overthinker, which automatically endeared her to me. She’s also funny and thoughtful, so it was easy for me to root for her from the first page to the last.

I totally see the comparison to Sandhya Menon’s books here, and I actually thought it had a similar vibe to TEN THINGS I HATE ABOUT PINKY, which is probably my favorite of her books so far. If you’re looking for a romance that’s more sweet than spicy and has a great family and friend group included, check this one out.

Content Notes for The Boyfriend Wish

Recommended for Ages 12 up.

Representation
Most characters are South Indian American. One girl character is interested in dating another girl.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Mild profanity used somewhat infrequently.

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

Spiritual Content
Deepa’s grandmother tells her that the last blossom of the season has the ability to grant someone’s wish. Deepa wishes for the perfect boyfriend and then wonders if the boy who mysteriously shows up next door is the boyfriend she wished for.

Violent Content
Characters play paintball. The neighborhood engages in a prank war, in which they are assigned a person to prank (all participants have opted in), and the best prank wins. Pranks are not harmful but can be embarrassing, such as getting a pie to the face.

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 BOYFRIEND WISH in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.

Review: The Awakening Storm by Jaimal Yogis and Vivian Truong

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Graphic Novel or Adaptation, Middle Grade 8-12, Sci-Fi, , , , , , ,

The Awakening Storm (City of Dragons #1)
Jaimal Yogis
Illustrated by Vivian Truong
Graphix
Published September 21, 2021

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Awakening Storm

Grace and her friends must protect a newly hatched dragon from mysterious evildoers.

When Grace moves to Hong Kong with her mom and new stepdad, her biggest concern is making friends at her fancy new boarding school. But when a mysterious old woman gifts her a dragon egg during a field trip, Grace discovers that the wonderful stories of dragons she heard when she was a young girl might actually be real–especially when the egg hatches overnight.

The dragon has immense powers that Grace has yet to understand. And that puts them both in danger from mysterious forces intent on abusing the dragon’s power. And now it’s up to Grace and her school friends to uncover the sinister plot threatening the entire city!

My Review

I think I expected something a little different based on the cover art of this book, so as I started reading, it took me a while to catch up to what the story was actually about. Based on the cover art, I expected there to be more dragons in the story. Some are mentioned, but only one is a main character.

I really liked Grace’s friend group. They’re an inclusive bunch, and they have well-defined personalities. I liked how their input shaped Grace’s quest, and the banter and jokes kept the tone light.

Though the story started off slow, once Grace and her family moved to Hong Kong, I felt like things picked up. She finds the dragon, and bad guys start chasing her. The tension just kept going up from there.

I got this book because I know my nephew loves stories about dragons. I liked the book well enough to consider buying the rest of the series, too. It was really fun to read once I got past those opening scenes.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Grace is Chinese American and biracial. Her mom is white, and her dad is Chinese American. Her friend Ramesh is Indian, and her friend James is Black and Australian.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Grace’s dad tells her tales about the Yellow Emperor and the warriors who served him. Grace cares for a young dragon and searches for others. A goddess speaks to a fisherman.

Violent Content
Racist comments and bullying. Death of a parent.

Drug Content
Grace learns about medical experimentation that took place years before.

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

Review: A Bit of Earth by Karuna Riazi

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

A Bit of Earth
Karuna Riazi
Greenwillow Books
Published March 14, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About A Bit of Earth

Maria Latif is used to not having a space of her own. But what happens when she feels the sudden urge to put down roots in the most unexpected of places?

Growing up in Pakistan, Maria Latif has been bounced between reluctant relatives for as long as she can remember–first because of her parents’ constant travel, and then because of their deaths. Maria has always been a difficult child, and it never takes long for her guardians to tire of her. So when old friends of her parents offer to “give her a better life” in the United States, Maria is shipped to a host family across the world.

When Maria arrives on Long Island, things are not quite what she was expecting. Mr. Clayborne has left on an extended business trip, Mrs. Clayborne seems emotionally fraught, and inexplicable things keep happening in the Claybornes’ sprawling house. And then Maria finds a locked gate to an off-limits garden. Since she’s never been good at following rules, Maria decides to investigate and discovers something she never thought she’d find: a place where she feels at home.

With a prickly main character, a sullen boy, two friendly allies, and a locked garden, A BIT OF EARTH is a reimagining of THE SECRET GARDEN.

My Review

I probably say this every time, but I feel like it’s always a little bit of a risk to read a reimagined version of a childhood favorite story. One of the reasons I was excited about this is that it centers on a girl from Pakistan with an inclusive cast.

I loved the way this book highlighted and connected Maria’s rigidity and contrariness with her grief and loneliness. This is present in the original story, too, but I loved the way the author brought those parts of Maria to the page. I felt like I understood Maria’s character and her heart in a way that I’m not sure I ever understood the main character from the original.

Another fantastic but unexpected element of the story for me was in the relationship between Maria and Lyndsay. She’s the second wife of Mr. Clayborne, the wealthy couple who has taken Maria in. Not only does Maria find a way to bring life back into the neglected garden, but she also helps Lyndsay’s courage to blossom again. I loved the way the story captured that transformation and celebrated the relationship between those two girls.

Readers who enjoy reimagined stories will like this one. I think readers looking for realistic fiction about a lonely girl and the way that gardening helps her find herself again will also love this one.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Maria is from Pakistan. Additional characters are Desi, too.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Maria attends a Milaad, which she tells Lyndsay is a religious celebration.

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. I received a free copy of A BIT OF EARTH in exchange for my honest review.

20 Most-Anticipated Young Adult Books Coming Winter 2024

Lists, News and Fun, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , ,

20 Most-Anticipated Young Adult Books Coming Winter 2024

I’m scurrying to catch up from a long Christmas celebration with family and friends, but at last– here I am with a list of young adult books coming out in January and February that I can’t wait to read.

As you can tell from the list, my interests generally land somewhere near contemporary romance and fantasy. I’m also trying to catch up on the Remixed Classics series, which I’ve only read a couple of novels from so far. (I loved both the books I read.)

Note: This list contains affiliate links that don’t cost anything for you to use but do generate support for this blog when you use them to do your shopping. Thanks!

20 Most-Anticipated Young Adult Books Coming Winter 2024

Diary of a Confused Feminist by Kate Weston

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Fifteen-year-old Kat journals her adventures pursuing a feminist mindset, something she’s still trying to wrap her brain around. Hilariously awkward and relatable.

Published January 2, 2024 | My Review

Sky’s End by Marc J. Gregson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A seventeen-year-old desperate to save his family joins a team of elite hunters tasked with taking down the giant monsters threatening the floating cities of his people. Packed with adventure and high-stakes danger.

Published January 2, 2024 | My Review

Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Theater. After school jobs at the family business. Dungeons and Dragons. Fake dating. I think I’ve always been okay with fake dating as a trope, but this book made me love it.

Published January 9, 2024 | My Review

Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A young adult reimagining of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE in which a transgender boy longs for freedom to be himself and finds the unexpected possibility of solace in a wealthy young man named Darcy. Part of the Remixed Classics series, a project I want to follow more closely.

Published January 23, 2024 | My Review

The Summer Queen by Rochelle Hassan

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: In the sequel to THE BURIED AND THE BOUND, Leo, Aziza, and Tristan face a new threat from the fairies of the Summer Court. I devoured the first book in the series and must have more.

Published January 23, 2024 | My Review

Destroy the Day (Defy the Night #3) by Brigid Kemmerer

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Prince Corrick, a captive with few options, must ally with a rebel leader to escape. Tessa, his love, is stranded unless she agrees to her own unlikely alliance. Back at home, Corrick’s brother is on the run and unable to help anyone. I’ve followed this series since the beginning and I have to know how it ends.

Published January 23, 2024 | My Review

My Fair Brady by Brian D. Kennedy

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Wade agrees to help shy Brady learn to be popular in a bid to get his ex back that could backfire when Wade realizes he may be falling for Brady. The cover copy describes this one as MY FAIR LADY meets SHE’S ALL THAT. Wouldn’t it be loverly!

Published January 23, 2024 | My Review to Come

The Dark Fable by Katherine Harbour

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A lonely orphan is invited into an elusive magical family only to learn there are dangerous secrets within. I’m getting CARAVAL vibes maybe? I need to check this one out.

Published January 30, 2024 | My Review

No Time Like Now by Naz Kutub

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Described as a “timely twist” on A CHRISTMAS CAROL, this is about a boy with the ability to give more life to any living thing… who gave away more than he has left and now has to collect some of the time back. Sounds super unique.

Published February 6, 2024 | My Review

All This Twisted Glory (This Woven Kingdom #3) by Tahereh Mafi

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The thrilling conclusion to a trilogy that’s packed with betrayal, magic, romance, and possibly revenge. I’ve only recently started reading this series, and I’m unbelievably hooked.

Published February 6, 2024 | My Review to Come

The Cursed Rose (Bone Spindle #3) by Leslie Vedder

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: This is the finale I’ve been long anticipating to a gender-bent reimagining of Sleeping Beauty with a bit of a Little Red Riding Hood mash-up. The Spindle Witch has our four heroes in her sights. Fi, who broke the prince’s curse, is caught by a curse of her own. I absolutely cannot wait for this book.

Published February 6, 2024 | My Review

The Absinthe Underground by Jamie Pacton

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Hailed as a MOULIN ROUGE meets Holly Black sapphic romantasy. I’ve loved everything Jamie Pacton has written so far.

Published February 6, 2024 | My Review

The Boyfriend Wish by Swati Teerdhala

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A wish for the perfect boyfriend appears to deliver him right next door. Ooh, and there’s a prank war! This is a rom-com for me.

Published February 13, 2024 | My Review

Call Me Iggy by Jose Aguirre and Rafael Rosado

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A boy tries to win over the girl of his dreams with advice from the ghost of his grandfather. For fans of THE MAGIC FISH, which I adored.

Published February 13, 2024 | My Review

With a Little Luck (Fortuna Beach #2) by Marissa Meyer

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A boy with magic lucky dice seems to have it all until he loses them. How can he win the girl of his dreams now? Sounds like a sweet music-filled romance.

Published February13, 2024 | My Review

This is How You Fall in Love by Anika Hussain

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: Fake dating– maybe friends to lovers? Since those are two of my favorite rom-com tropes, I predict I’m gonna love this one!

Published February 13, 2024 | My Review

The Someday Daughter by Ellen O’Clover

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: An estranged mother and daughter reconnect on her mom’s book anniversary tour, where she faces truths and possibly finds love? O’Clover’s debut absolutely blew me away, so I can’t wait for this.

Published February 20, 2024 | My Review

A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A teahouse by day becomes a vampire haven by night, and its owner will do whatever it takes to save her establishment. This promises swoony romance and a dangerous heist. All I can say is, “Yes, please!”

Published February 20, 2024 | My Review to Come

Where the Dark Stands Still by A. B. Poranek

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: The cover copy is giving me some Beauty and the Beast vibes. A girl is sentenced to a year in a secluded castle after breaking an anti-magic rule. She’ll only survive by uncovering her host’s secrets and facing his past.

Published February 27, 2024 | My Review

Daughter of the Bone Forest by Jasmine Skye

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: A princess desperate for magical allies in a war teams up with a magical girl desperate to save her grandmother. Romance, political intrigue, dark fantasy. I am intrigued!

Published February 27, 2024 | My Review

What are your most-anticipated young adult books coming winter 2024?

Are any of the books I listed above on your reading list? What’s coming soon that you can’t wait to read? Is there anything I need to add to my reading list?

Leave a comment and let me know!