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bookdragon217's reviews
597 reviews
Lola Reyes Is So Not Worried by Cindy L. Rodriguez
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"Whatever the reason, Mama holds it in. So I do, too. We're like soda bottles, all shook-up and fizzing, praying the cap holds so we don't explode."
Lola Reyes Is So Not Worried by Cindy L. Rodriguez was such a delight to read. Lola recently lost her father and is dealing with her own feelings of grief, while navigating her mother's sadness and dealing with changes in her friendship with her best friend. Her anxiety is getting the best of her, and the one person who she can be her most authentic self with is her grandmother in Guatemala. She brings home her father's worry dolls to the U.S. after his life celebration and the adventures begin.
The writing really captured my attention from the beginning. Rodriguez does a great job of exploring grief through both a child's and spouse/parent's POV. I liked being in Lola's head as she examines how her mom is dealing with her grief and what mixed messaging she is receiving about ways to grieve. On the one hand, Lola is looking for something tied to her culture to give her relief with her anxiety and on the other she values science and logic and just wants to talk about her feelings with someone. Bringing back the worry dolls was her way of holding on to something of her dad's and at the same time trying to find out how they helped him deal with big emotions when he was a kid. Grief books always get me in my feelings, and I loved how this one balanced the heaviness with so many moments of laughter. It was a great reminder that it is OK to find moments of joy even when you're grieving.
Read this one for: Guatemalan culture and rep, exploring grief and anxiety, friendships, and girls who love science. Thanks to @harperkids @hearourvoicestours for the gifted copy and tour opportunity.
Some book recs that would pair perfectly with this one are:
π Iveliz Explains It All- Andrea Beatriz Arango
π Grow Up, Luchy Zapata- Alexandra Alessandri
Lola Reyes Is So Not Worried by Cindy L. Rodriguez was such a delight to read. Lola recently lost her father and is dealing with her own feelings of grief, while navigating her mother's sadness and dealing with changes in her friendship with her best friend. Her anxiety is getting the best of her, and the one person who she can be her most authentic self with is her grandmother in Guatemala. She brings home her father's worry dolls to the U.S. after his life celebration and the adventures begin.
The writing really captured my attention from the beginning. Rodriguez does a great job of exploring grief through both a child's and spouse/parent's POV. I liked being in Lola's head as she examines how her mom is dealing with her grief and what mixed messaging she is receiving about ways to grieve. On the one hand, Lola is looking for something tied to her culture to give her relief with her anxiety and on the other she values science and logic and just wants to talk about her feelings with someone. Bringing back the worry dolls was her way of holding on to something of her dad's and at the same time trying to find out how they helped him deal with big emotions when he was a kid. Grief books always get me in my feelings, and I loved how this one balanced the heaviness with so many moments of laughter. It was a great reminder that it is OK to find moments of joy even when you're grieving.
Read this one for: Guatemalan culture and rep, exploring grief and anxiety, friendships, and girls who love science. Thanks to @harperkids @hearourvoicestours for the gifted copy and tour opportunity.
Some book recs that would pair perfectly with this one are:
π Iveliz Explains It All- Andrea Beatriz Arango
π Grow Up, Luchy Zapata- Alexandra Alessandri
Gabi, a Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"Well, what is a Mexican supposed to look like? Am I supposed to be brown and short? Carry a leaf blower on my back? Speak with a thick accent? Say things like 'I no spik ingles?' Should I have dark hair and dark eyes, like my mother and grandmother?"
I adored Gabi A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero. I wish it existed when I was in high school because I related to it so much. Even though Gabi is Mexican, I felt so seen in so many of the chapters. Quintero captured the teen mindset and Mexican Spanglish/slang so well it created a really authentic reading experience. The format of the book also made it more enjoyable. I really vibe with books that include mixed media and this one had diary entries, poems and even a zine. Gabi is a protagonist that I will never forget. She's nerdy, quirky, observant, snarky, loving, loyal, with a solid moral compass and flexible.
Quintero tackled so many relevant themes from the Mexican perspective that will resonate with many other Latine folx. There was fatphobia (internalized & societal), religion, sex and abstinence messaging, addiction (meth), teen pregnancy, racism, colorism, being first generation heading to college, queerness and misogyny. As I was reading, I could see this book in conversation with others such as:
π Poet X- Elizabeth Acevedo
π Fat Chance Charlie Vega- Crystal Maldonado
π I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter- Erika Sanchez
π Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass- Meg Medina
A big thank you to @leeandlow @hearourvoicestours for the gifted copy and tour opportunity. There is a reason this book is an award winner. If you are in the mood for a nostalgic read with authentic Mexican/Latine representation, give this one a try.
I adored Gabi A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero. I wish it existed when I was in high school because I related to it so much. Even though Gabi is Mexican, I felt so seen in so many of the chapters. Quintero captured the teen mindset and Mexican Spanglish/slang so well it created a really authentic reading experience. The format of the book also made it more enjoyable. I really vibe with books that include mixed media and this one had diary entries, poems and even a zine. Gabi is a protagonist that I will never forget. She's nerdy, quirky, observant, snarky, loving, loyal, with a solid moral compass and flexible.
Quintero tackled so many relevant themes from the Mexican perspective that will resonate with many other Latine folx. There was fatphobia (internalized & societal), religion, sex and abstinence messaging, addiction (meth), teen pregnancy, racism, colorism, being first generation heading to college, queerness and misogyny. As I was reading, I could see this book in conversation with others such as:
π Poet X- Elizabeth Acevedo
π Fat Chance Charlie Vega- Crystal Maldonado
π I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter- Erika Sanchez
π Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass- Meg Medina
A big thank you to @leeandlow @hearourvoicestours for the gifted copy and tour opportunity. There is a reason this book is an award winner. If you are in the mood for a nostalgic read with authentic Mexican/Latine representation, give this one a try.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia and Pregnancy
Minor: Addiction, Misogyny, Racism, Sexual assault, Abortion, and Death of parent
Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers
funny
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"Chooch learns by watching. You're one of his most important teachers."
Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers was such a cute, heartwarming read. I thought it was going to be about an annoying little brother, but it turned out to be so much more. One of the main themes was about the importance of family and community and preserving Indigenous ways. It was also about the importance of supporting curiosity and exploration in young children. My biggest takeaway was that it is important for children to practice their culture as young as possible so that they can learn to have pride in their communities and carry the traditions forward. I loved the sweet moments towards the end between the siblings, and they made me smile so much. I loved the Cherokee words and representation in the illustrations. The details of the book are absolutely gorgeous. Thanks to @levinequerido @hearourvoicestours for the gifted copy and another tour opportunity.
Here are some book recommendations that have some similar themes:
π Circle of Love by Monique Gray Smith
π Rock Your Mocs by Laurel Goodluck
π You Are Sacred by Sarah-Anne Tourond
π Tanna's Owl by Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley
π When We Were Alone by David Roberston
Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers was such a cute, heartwarming read. I thought it was going to be about an annoying little brother, but it turned out to be so much more. One of the main themes was about the importance of family and community and preserving Indigenous ways. It was also about the importance of supporting curiosity and exploration in young children. My biggest takeaway was that it is important for children to practice their culture as young as possible so that they can learn to have pride in their communities and carry the traditions forward. I loved the sweet moments towards the end between the siblings, and they made me smile so much. I loved the Cherokee words and representation in the illustrations. The details of the book are absolutely gorgeous. Thanks to @levinequerido @hearourvoicestours for the gifted copy and another tour opportunity.
Here are some book recommendations that have some similar themes:
π Circle of Love by Monique Gray Smith
π Rock Your Mocs by Laurel Goodluck
π You Are Sacred by Sarah-Anne Tourond
π Tanna's Owl by Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley
π When We Were Alone by David Roberston
This Book Kills by Ravena Kaur Guron
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Imagine writing a murder story and someone kills a person you didn't particularly like exactly like your story? That's the premise of this YA thriller.
This Book Kills by Ravena Guron is just what I've needed recently to get out of a reading funk. I enjoyed the author's writing style and her ability to keep me reading despite there being so many characters to hate. But that's exactly the point she was trying to make especially since this one takes place in a private boarding school and our protagonist is a poor brown girl of Indian descent. I loved how the author didn't shy away from showing the realities of the climate in rich, white schools and how easy it is for BIPOC students to get blamed for crimes while dealing with racism and microagressions daily. Guron also shines a spotlight on misogyny and the idea that "girls are so emotional".
I love books that are told from a very interior viewpoint of a main character and Guron does this seamlessly. The personalities of the side characters were realistic to the setting and they helped to shape the themes Guron was trying to point out throughout the story. I kept reading because I wanted to know the whole truth, despite wanting to tell some of these characters off. I appreciated Guron's storytelling and I can't wait to read more of her books especially since I couldn't figure out the killer early on. Thanks to @sourcebooksfire @coloredpagesbt for the gifted copy and tour opportunity. Pick this one up of you enjoy YA thrillers that are heavier on the mystery than scary.
This Book Kills by Ravena Guron is just what I've needed recently to get out of a reading funk. I enjoyed the author's writing style and her ability to keep me reading despite there being so many characters to hate. But that's exactly the point she was trying to make especially since this one takes place in a private boarding school and our protagonist is a poor brown girl of Indian descent. I loved how the author didn't shy away from showing the realities of the climate in rich, white schools and how easy it is for BIPOC students to get blamed for crimes while dealing with racism and microagressions daily. Guron also shines a spotlight on misogyny and the idea that "girls are so emotional".
I love books that are told from a very interior viewpoint of a main character and Guron does this seamlessly. The personalities of the side characters were realistic to the setting and they helped to shape the themes Guron was trying to point out throughout the story. I kept reading because I wanted to know the whole truth, despite wanting to tell some of these characters off. I appreciated Guron's storytelling and I can't wait to read more of her books especially since I couldn't figure out the killer early on. Thanks to @sourcebooksfire @coloredpagesbt for the gifted copy and tour opportunity. Pick this one up of you enjoy YA thrillers that are heavier on the mystery than scary.
It Waits in the Woods by Josh Malerman
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
They Thought They Buried Us by NoNieqa Ramos
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Classism
Minor: Murder
We Have Always Been Who We Are by Sofia T. Romero
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
No More SeΓ±ora MimΓ by Meg Medina
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
No More SeΓ±ora Mimi by Meg Medina & Illustrated by Brittany Cicchese was such a cute, wholesome read. It's a wonderful to show children that babysitters and grandparents can love them in their own special way and that there is room in their lives for both. This was such a special story to remind children that found family is also important and that babysitters enforce rules because they have their best interest at heart.
The artwork has a fall vibe and makes this book a perfect read for back to school. The illustrations are beautiful. I appreciated seeing diverse children on the pages, as well as, the inclusivity of having depictions of disabled children. It was a great way to normalize the diversity of communities that children encounter. The fall scenery made me so happy.
Because babysitters and caregivers play different but special roles in some children's lives, here's a list of book recommendations that would pair well with this one:
π Just Me and My Babysitter by Mercer Mayer
π Dear Nanny: My Special Caregiver and Me by Kateina Liu
π See You Soon by Dilraz Kunnummal
π Don't want to Go! by Shirley Hughes
π The Berenstain Bears and the Babysitter by Stan and Jan Berenstain
π What Kind of Babysitter is This? by Delores Johnson
Thanks to #partners @candlewickpress and to the team at @hearourvoicestours for the gifted copy and the opportunity to review this lovely book.
The artwork has a fall vibe and makes this book a perfect read for back to school. The illustrations are beautiful. I appreciated seeing diverse children on the pages, as well as, the inclusivity of having depictions of disabled children. It was a great way to normalize the diversity of communities that children encounter. The fall scenery made me so happy.
Because babysitters and caregivers play different but special roles in some children's lives, here's a list of book recommendations that would pair well with this one:
π Just Me and My Babysitter by Mercer Mayer
π Dear Nanny: My Special Caregiver and Me by Kateina Liu
π See You Soon by Dilraz Kunnummal
π Don't want to Go! by Shirley Hughes
π The Berenstain Bears and the Babysitter by Stan and Jan Berenstain
π What Kind of Babysitter is This? by Delores Johnson
Thanks to #partners @candlewickpress and to the team at @hearourvoicestours for the gifted copy and the opportunity to review this lovely book.
Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow by Damilare Kuku
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"I wished my body was different. But we must all be stronger than the words people throw at us; otherwise, we never move forward."
Only Big Bumum Matters Tomorrow by Damilare Kuku was the perfect escape read. It made me laugh but it also made me reflect on body image, family and the things we think about ourselves in secret. Kuku's first book was a short story collection and this one had the same feel. It has multiple perspectives from multiple family members but you never get confused or lost. The story is dripping with Nigerian culture and language with gives the narrative a very vibrant and lighthearted feel.
Kuku's writing style is one I continue to vibe with especially when I need a break from the heaviness of life. Her writing is always laced with humor that will have you chuckling to yourself and she creates characters that will make you want to tell people about them. She's not afraid to tackle heavy themes and give them a lighthearted feel as opposed to didactic. You always think you know what to expect but Kuku surprises you everything.
What I loved about this one was that it felt unique and contemporary. It tackled the hot topic of plastic surgery and body image but it also delved into womanhood, marriage, family and self-image. If you're looking for a refreshing voice and new storyteller to add to your TBR, then consider picking this one up. Thanks to partners, @harperviabooks and @coloredpagesbt for the gifted copy and opportunity to review this one.
Only Big Bumum Matters Tomorrow by Damilare Kuku was the perfect escape read. It made me laugh but it also made me reflect on body image, family and the things we think about ourselves in secret. Kuku's first book was a short story collection and this one had the same feel. It has multiple perspectives from multiple family members but you never get confused or lost. The story is dripping with Nigerian culture and language with gives the narrative a very vibrant and lighthearted feel.
Kuku's writing style is one I continue to vibe with especially when I need a break from the heaviness of life. Her writing is always laced with humor that will have you chuckling to yourself and she creates characters that will make you want to tell people about them. She's not afraid to tackle heavy themes and give them a lighthearted feel as opposed to didactic. You always think you know what to expect but Kuku surprises you everything.
What I loved about this one was that it felt unique and contemporary. It tackled the hot topic of plastic surgery and body image but it also delved into womanhood, marriage, family and self-image. If you're looking for a refreshing voice and new storyteller to add to your TBR, then consider picking this one up. Thanks to partners, @harperviabooks and @coloredpagesbt for the gifted copy and opportunity to review this one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Rape, Sexism, Sexual content, Lesbophobia, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Abortion and Death of parent
Mother Island: A Daughter Claims Puerto Rico by Jamie Figueroa
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
5.0