Isabel is our storytime queen, sign artist, and talented window dresser! Check out the books she loves below.
Local Witch Agnes and her vegetable companions’ peaceful lives are thrown into unease when a vampire moves in nearby! And only one vegetable can face him: poor anxiety-ridden Garlic! Garlic is tasked with confronting this vampire in order to help her friends, and her journey becomes one of finding her courage and discovering that people we don't know are not always as terrifying as our anxiety tells us. Absurdly cute and weirdly wonderful, with exemplary autumn vibes, this magical Witchy story is an all-ages, heart-filled adventure to sink your teeth into, with each character vibrant and completely lovable. I've never identified with vegetables so much in my life!
(Graphic Novel, Ages 8+) - reviewed by Iz
This powerhouse teen graphic novel follows Becca, the new girl at school, who is immediately chosen to join the coolest clique of girls in her school. These girls are eerily close-knit and hold a secret, one that Becca is soon pulled into: the coolest girls in school are werewolves, preying on boys who take advantage of girls without consent! Squad is a classic over-the-top teen-flick storyline with a fabulous cauldron brew of horror, queer representation, and searingly relevant commentary on consent and predation, featuring young women taking back their power and holding boys accountable. The perfect read for the next full moon!
(Graphic Novel, Ages 15+) - reviewed by Iz
This book remains one of my all-time favorite books ever. This story is told in such a strikingly intimate way, you are pulled right into the time of the Trojan war, into a time of heroes and legends, and most of all, you're privy to a love story so epic and deep that it will hold your heart forever. What's more, Madeline Miller's writing is just the most pleasurable thing to read; she writes in such a way that feels as if she wrote it just for your eyes to read. You feel the wind in your hair on warm beaches, your heels kicking up sand; you feel the sticky sap of figs as you bit into their sweetness; you feel the cool spring light filtered through tall forest trees; and most of all, you see the world through the eyes and heart of young Patroclus, as he discovers the mighty hero Achilles and begins their stunning journey together, and their love story for the ages.
(Adult Fiction) - reviewed by Iz
Okay, don't get me wrong, this book is VERY different from Harry Potter. But comparing it to Harry Potter serves my purposes here very well so bear with me: This book is like a teen-Harry Potter series, complete with a British boarding school for magic and an abundance of quirky characters that fill this charming world. However, the magic system is based off of language and the influence of it has on culture. And also, most importantly, in this world, Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy are terribly and disastrously in love with one another.
This book is a triumphant, wonderful, and absolutely iconic piece of Young Adult literature. Devour it and don't miss the fantastic sequel, Wayward Son! (And hopefully a third book very soon too...)
(Young Adult ages 13+) - reviewed by Iz
What a truly magnificent work of graphic novel artistry. The Queen of the Sea uses the graphic novel medium superbly, reminding me just how powerful this mode of story telling is. The acutely rich historical details in this book truly make it a feast to behold. I was taken in from the very start!! - reviewed by Iz
Wow.... What an incredible book. Tillie Walden's work is always a deeply visceral ezperience; it seeps into your soul and never leaves you. This book haunted me for weeks after I read it (in a good way, of course). Potently poignant, vividly beautiful, and quietly impactful in the loudest way Spinning is truly a masterpiece of graphic novel storytelling. I will ALWAYS jump on board any story that Tillie has to tell!! - reviewed by Iz
This is my desert island book. It is the most perfect high-fantasy book I’ve ever read, with everything I could ever want: dragons, diverse characters that you absolutely fall in love with, fantastic settings and kingdoms, dragons, great plot that leaves you riveted, the sights and smells and sounds of the worlds you're in, dragons, love stories that leave you aching, epic battle scenes..... And did I mention dragons??
This is a book that I literally still think about daily. And nearly every day I’m tempted to pluck it off my shelf again and slip right back into that beloved world again.
Do not fear the large page-count-- I am a slow reader, but it did not take me long to read this huge tome! Every page is a pleasure to read and the journey sweeps you off your feet.
(Adult Fantasy) - reviewed by Iz
This book is an EPIC, to be sure! It spans millennia, taking you through the life of a so-called "lesser goddess", Circe, who we come to know intimately and to love dearly. Circe's story is a quiet one, yet a righteously triumphant redemption story, as she comes into her own power and owns the world as her own. You find yourself riveted, rooting for Circe’s successes and growing power at every turn. Madeline Miller's words read like poetry, every sentence a living thing in itself, full of so much...Oh, what a true PLEASURE to read!!
(Adult Fiction) - reviewed by Iz
This is a book that just makes everything better. When you read it, everything is just somehow better. This riotous and joyous romance will bring happiness to your life from start to finish--and then from the start again, because YOU CAN'T HELP BUT RE-READ IT AGAIN!! This journey of the First Son of the U.S. falling in love with the Prince of Wales feels like such an honor to be part of...from awkward personal discoveries, to begrudging friendship, to sweeping and history-making romance, let Alex and Henry's story be your comfort in good times and bad. This romance is cathartic, exciting, hilarious, touching, and never fails to make me smile!
(Adult Romance) - reviewed by Iz
I had such a BLAST with this book. This book is an oral history of a hugely-popular fictional rock band from the 70s--which, by the end of the book, you can hardly believe isn't a real band!! This book is so darn comfortable to sink into, and it’s so weirdly entertaining to watch this band have all of its meltdowns and successes, all its failures and triumphs. You get to know each of these characters and their quirks so well that by the time Daisy Jones and the Six are performing onstage, you feel like you're right there in the audience as a fan. You get to be part of all the moments that make a rock band go down in history… What a blast!!
Truly, the only problem I have with this book is that there isn't a Daisy Jones and the Six album to listen to along with it.....
(Adult Fiction) - reviewed by Iz
This young adult historical fiction packs an absolutely powerful punch and it absolutely blew me away. It is ENORMOUSLY FUN to read, and it’s rich with juicy historical goodness, from the locations to the language used to the many chaotic adventures our characters get wrapped up in. The story introduces Monty, a young British lord being groomed to grow up as a gentleman, but to absolutely no avail. Before he takes over his family’s estate (much to his father’s chagrin), Monty embarks on a Grand Tour of Europe with his best friend (whom he’s disastrously in love with), and his sister, but they end up on a whirlwind manhunt across Europe that leaves behind everything they knew before! Full of mayhem and mystery and written with such wit, this book is also balanced with commentary about many historical prejudices involving race, sexuality, and physical ability that persisted in history.
Fall in love with their story, and be sure not to miss the sequel, Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy!
(Young Adult Historical Fiction and Romance, Ages 16+) - reviewed by Iz
This book stands as such an enormous icon in graphic novels. It’s so iconic in its wit and dry humor and really grabs hold of your heart as soon as you open it! Nimona follows a young shapeshifter of the same name, who is chaotic and full of whim and working hard to become an iconic villain. She enlists as a sidekick to Lord Blackheart, and the two are ready to wreak havoc! But the involvement of a hero, Sir Goldenloin, brings their battle to epic proportions while also bringing out unexpected adventures: good-deeds, kindness, and even love! Noelle Stevenson’s illustration style is so fantastic and perfectly matches the wit with which she crafts the story. This is a re-readable delight!
(Young Adult Graphic Novel, Ages 13+) - reviewed by Iz
This book is vastly important. It deals with one of the darkest parts of American history that is so often left untaught and overlooked: the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII. This graphic novel tells George Takei’s story of going through that dark time as a child, with the strangeness of growing up in an interment camp, the weight his parents carried for the family, and the deep cultural and personal trauma left behind by the internment-- but also the inspiration this experience gave him to be an activist for change. This book is heavy but oh-so necessary and very moving, and it is truly a very engaging and enthralling read.
(Young Adult Graphic Novel, Ages 12+) - reviewed by Iz
This book is peace. This book is quiet love. This book is flowers in bloom. This book is a TREASURE. The story of Tea Dragons, small dragons that grow tea leaves from their horns, and their caretakers, a task that takes deep love and dedication, and an art form that needs to be passed on by someone who feels love deep in their heart.... You cannot help but fall head over heels for Katie O'Neill's stunning story and beautiful artwork!! Her work takes me to a safe and beautiful place every time I read it. Truly a treasure of a book.
(Graphic Novel, Ages 9+) - reviewed by Iz
Wow oh wow, this book is so special, and so lovely, and so dear. This book is a gift to the world. In Prince and the Dressmaker, we meet Prince Sebastian of Paris, who is working hard to uphold a good image for the kingdom with a lot of weight on his shoulders. And part of that weight is his biggest secret: at night, he dresses in stunning gowns and becomes Lady Crystallia, a Parisian icon of fashion and beauty! Not a soul knows Sebastian’s secret, until the palace’s new dressmaker Frances discovers his secret, and the two become best friends, working together to create more and more stunning dresses and looks for Lady Crystallia, until this secret begins to conflict with Frances’ dream of becoming a world-renowned dressmaker... This book is gorgeously drawn and fantastically written, a story of love, friendship, and most of all, being true to yourself. This book is an absolute fairytale!
(Graphic Novel, Ages 9+) - reviewed by Iz
Okay folks, get ready for one of the MOST PERFECT GRAPHIC NOVELS EVER. This book felt like such a gift when I read it. Our main character Snapdragon stumbles into what she believes is the lair of the local evil witch-- turns out the local witch is a fantastically chill, cool, older lady named Jacks who ends up taking Snapdragon on as her apprentice. Together they discover friendship, learn amazing new kinds of magic, and uncover age-old love stories that may yet be fulfilled. The diverse representation in this book is SO stellar, and honestly this book brings me to joyful tears every time! Snapdragon is also a great example of the power of the graphic novel storytelling format--what a stunning piece of work!
(Graphic Novel, Ages 9+) - reviewed by Iz
This book is a delight! It serves a great role as a perfect segue book for those kids who love reading graphic novels, but need to try reading chapter books as well! I’ve loved Kenneth Oppel’s books since I was a kid, and he continues to deliver treasures that are original and unique. Inkling follows Ethan, whose father used to be a very successful comic artist, and now Ethan struggles with his legacy, but things are shaken up when a little ink blot, an inkling, comes to life from his father’s work!! This book is at once charming and touching, and full of bits of chuckle-inducing humor and heart. Inkling is packed with illustrations too, which make it even more fun for those that love art or graphic novels! After Inkling, whenever I see an ink blot or an ink stain, I gasp and think, “IT’S AN INKLING!!”
(Middle Grade, ages 8+) - reviewed by Iz
Oh my gosh, here's the next comic series to get you hooked! Lumberjanes brings you to an absolutely rad summer camp for “hard-core lady-types”, where you meet a cast of characters who are adventurous, loud, happy, kind, and absolutely ready for anything they might encounter at this wild camp. There are many volumes of this wonderful story, starting us right off with these girls’ adventures solving the mysteries surrounding the “Holy Kitten”. And while we’re along for the ride, we end up totally falling in love with all these awesome characters and their dynamics and friendships. Not to mention, the art is full of energy and vibrancy to match their wild adventures! Lumberjanes is always such fun!
(Graphic Novel, Ages 8+) - reviewed by Iz
"The celery stalks at midnight!!!"
This book is a CLASSIC. Bunnicula is such a charmingly good time: you enter the Monroe household and join Harold (the family dog) and Chester (the family cat) as they witness the acts of the Monroe family's newest pet, a vampire rabbit that's sucking the juice out of vegetable every night!!!!! *GASP*
What a fantastic time this book is, seeing the world through the eyes of two family pets as they investigate this strange and mysterious new bunny in their house!
(Middle Grade, Ages 8+) - reviewed by Iz
This book is so fantastically unique and fills a niche for young readers that dearly needed to be filled. This book is about a young tiger who, with the help of her imaginary friend, fights off her nightmares that try to scare her at night. This book is empowering for those kids going through nightmares and wondering what to do.... Empowering, and also utterly delightful! Lovely illustrations and phenomenal storytelling, this book is one of my go-tos. Part graphic novel, part picture book, I absolutely adore Tiger Vs. Nightmare!!
(Ages 6+) - reviewed by Iz
Oh, Dory....what an ICON of early chapter books she is! Even as a grown-up, these books make me laugh, following Dory's hilarious and relatable kid antics through her daily life. There's relatable and delightful content for both kiddos and their parents. Perfect for your next choice after Princess in Black or Junie B. Jones. Let your imagination run as wild as Dory's!
(Early Chapter 6+) - reviewed by Iz
This book is a true treasure. This book has become one of our store's staples, and it is not only iconic, but presents a fantastic message about loving yourself just as you are, however that may be! Kelp the unicorn lives under the sea with his narwhal family, feeling quite at home and assuming he is just like them. But one day Kelp sees someone just like him—a land narwhal!! (unicorn!)—and Kelp becomes keenly aware that he is a bit different from everyone else. Kelp takes a journey of self-acceptance, and learns that you can be part of more than one world and still be loved for who you are. A picture book masterpiece!!!
Be sure to check out Jessie Sima's other books and follow her work as obsessively as I do! Check out Harriet Gets Carried Away, Love Z, Spencer's New Pet, and pre-order Jules Vs. The Ocean!!
(Picture Book) - reviewed by Iz
Take a visit to the wild and ridiculous Sharemore Hotel, and find out just why Mr. Snore is having an IMPOSSIBLE time getting a good night’s sleep!! This book makes me laugh every time I read it. It reads like an instant classic. A story-time favorite!
(Picture Book) - reviewed by Iz
This book always tops my list of favorite read-aloud picture books!
Jasper Rabbit is SURE he is ready for his very-grown-up pair of Creepy Underwear, which glows in the dark! After convincing his mom to get him a pair, Jasper learns that the Creepy Underwear may be a bit creepier than he was ready for! This book is far more than just a Halloween book—it’s hilarious and delightful ANY time of the year! Be sure to enjoy its perfect companion book, Creepy Carrots!
(Picture Book) - reviewed by Iz
Grumpy Monkey is one of my favorite picture books about emotions, and feeling feelings that you just don’t know what to do with! We all have those days, and Monkey is having one of those days—real bad! He’s grumpy, and all his friends just want to help make him feel better, but it only makes him feel worse! Along the way, Monkey learns about his feelings, and that sometimes you have to let yourself feel exactly what you feel…and very soon, you’ll feel better again. Don’t miss the lovely companion books, Grumpy Monkey Party Time and Grumpy Monkey Up All Night!
(Picture Book) - reviewed by Iz
Dinosaurs? Fantastic. Yoga?? Also fantastic. Put them together and you get…Dinosaur Yoga!! In this lovely book, some gentle dinos takes you through kid-friendly, gentle yoga poses and breathing exercises, guiding you through the movements and motions. It’s a wonderful book for kids wanting to start yoga, for kids who need extra help in settling into relaxation and mindfulness, for kids who love dinosaurs, or all of the above!
(Picture Book) - reviewed by Iz
Pokko has a history of getting REALLY enthusiastic about her hobbies, and her parents just keep encouraging her…until things get out of hand, when Pokko gets a drum. This book is hilarious, with wonderfully dry humor and wit. The gorgeous storybook illustrations take us through Pokko’s epic and unexpected adventures with her new drum, getting sillier and more surprising as it goes!
(Picture Book) - reviewed by Iz
A perfect book for the start of a new school year, or for any time that you need a wonderful guide into the wide and beautiful world we live in! Inclusive and full of love, All Are Welcome shows us that no matter who we are or where we come from, we can all live together and flourish together, and the world is a better place when we make one another feel welcome!
(Picture Book) - reviewed by Iz
There is one VERY important piece of information to know before you read this book: Dragons HATE spicy salsa. They love tacos, but under NO circumstances can you give them spicy salsa….. So when you’re throwing a Taco Party for a group of dragons, keep this important information in mind. Dragons Love Tacos is the story of when that mistake is made….UH-OH. This book is ridiculously funny and a fantastic read-aloud for all…as long as you keep the spicy salsa away from any dragons!!!
And of course, don’t miss the sequel, Dragons Love Tacos 2!
(Picture Book) - reviewed by Iz
Another picture book favorite! Natsumi is very used to getting told by her family that she does things with too much vigor: she is too loud, or she is doing things too much, or too hard, or too wild… No one seems to see this as a strength, except for her grandfather, who guides her to a hobby that she was born for, where she can be as loud and as wild as she wants. Natsumi is a perfect story about how there is something perfect for each of us, and to stay true to yourself until you find that!
(Picture Book) - reviewed by Iz
This book is so lovely and soft-spoken, but packs a powerful and beautiful message. A young boy visits his grandfather, and while the two do not speak the same language, they find communication through things even more powerful than words: art, family, and love. This book is so magical, taking us through this journey of discovery with stunning artwork.
(Picture Book) - reviewed by Iz
Welcome to Doodleville, everyone!!! This beloved author, Chad Sell, brings us to his next fabulous graphic novel, Doodleville, which grabs the reader, heart and soul!! Doodleville brings us into a normal school, to a normal group of kids, in a normal art club.....except that these kids' doodles come alive!!! Drew loves her doodles dearly, but when one of her doodles goes rogue and hurts the other student's characters, she is wisked away on an adventure that teaches her so much: the complexities of friendship, the strength that lies in trusting yourself, and the power of working together with friends that can save the day!! Chad Sell's trademark combo of fun, vibrant artwork and deeply emotional and human storytelling makes you smile throughout, and reminds you that "being different can make you powerful." Sell's work is also a perfect example of representation as it should be: people of all types existing together, just like in real life. And while having a blast visiting Doodleville, you may even learn a bit of art history! No matter what, you'll surely be smiling till the very last page.Be sure to check out this author's first wonderful graphic novel too, Cardboard Kingdom!(Graphic Novel, Ages 8+) - reviewed by Iz
Lightfall was love at first sight. Entering this world of Irpa is utterly enchanting, and it feels as if you're discovering for yourself the wonderous details of its magic with each turn of the page. The story follows two unexpected companions, Bea and Cad, both looking for their lost families but finding each other instead, as they get whisked away on a more and more miraculous journey--while meanwhile a darker and more ancient magic is awakening. Lightfall is awe-inspiring in its worldbuilding, compelling in its storytelling, and delightful in it's humor, with a sprinkling of commentary about anxiety and facing our fears. By the end of the book, I was thinking deeply of how much we can each learn from Cad and Bea!
(Graphic Novel, Ages 8+) - reviewed by Iz
Written in the Stars made me immensely, outlandishly happy. I was smiling the entire time I was reading this book. This romance brings together Elle, a heart-on-her-sleeve astrologer who is very simply looking for her soulmate, and Darcy, a by-the-book business woman who is very simply NOT. Elle and Darcy decide to fake a romance to appease their nagging families, but an oh-so-real romance ensues. This book plays fabulously on our favorite romantic tropes like fake dating and enemies-to-lovers, with nods to our beloved Pride & Prejudice. It is rich in its charm and humor, its vibrant characters, and its emotional storytelling. One of my favorite books of the year, I can't get Elle and Darcy and their marvelous love story out of my head.
(Adult Romance) - reviewed by Iz
Twins is a charming new middle-grade graphic novel that is uplifting and entertaining, but also extremely realistic in its portrayals of just what it feels like to start the shift from elementary school from middle school. This story follows Maureen and Francine, two twin sisters, as they enter into middle school together. This story perfectly captures that strange and liminal space that one feels when transitioning from elementary school from middle school, where you are still a kid, but suddenly the world sees you as so much older. It captures all those confusing moments: the innocent conflicts while making new friends and wanting to find yourself; mixed with the scarier, more adult stuff like academic pressure and even how scary it feels to be witness to racial prejudice or vandalism. Twins is written and illustrated with intelligence and charm and is the next pick for fans of such things as Raina Telgemeier’s many books, the Baby Sitter’s Club, or the Nat Enough series!
(Graphic Novel, Ages 8+) - reviewed by Iz
Displacement is simply incredible. This story follows a young girl, Kiku, living in San Fransisco who has been making small efforts to connect with her Japanese American descent, when suddenly, Kiku begins to be whisked away in time and place—what she calls being “displaced”—and she realizes she is being pulled into the time of Japanese American incarceration during WWII. These displacements keep happening, until suddenly, Kiku is trapped in the past. She is displaced into a Japanese incarceration camp, and must learn to live during this terrible time and place for her fellow Japanese Americans, without knowing if she’ll ever return. This graphic novel is so quietly powerful and so superbly genius in the way it tells the story. Kiku discusses these displacements and how horrifying it is to be taken from her home and unsure of when she’ll ever get back—which functions as a perfect allegory to the very experience of those Japanese Americans who were taken from their homes and their lives wrongfully, without knowing where they were going or how long they’d be there. It connects the reader to this painful, real experience in an amazing way. This graphic novel is also deeply educational, taking you through many facets and details of the experience of those Japanese Americans who lived through these camps, while also pointing out how limited public education is around this terrible part of our American history. Displacement will stay with me forever; this gem is a must-have for any graphic novel collection, and an extremely important read for all Americans.
(Graphic Novel, Ages 10+) - reviewed by Iz
Exquisite! Full of hilarity and absurdity and down-right wonderfulness, Sir Ladybug follows the daily adventures of a few delightful bug friends, up against a new foe--or maybe friend? Do NOT miss this early graphic novel, the perfect younger sibling to Bug Boys!
(Graphic Novel, Ages 6+) - reviewed by Iz
If you're like me and you worship at the shrine of Not Quite Narwhal, get ready for the most joyful follow up ever, with Perfectly Pegasus!! Joyful, touching, and funny—an absolute treasure!! Jessie Sima continues to bring goodness to our world with their affirming, adorable, and universal stories.
(Picture book, all ages!) - Reviewed by Iz
This is a beautiful fantasy-adventure story that starts at the crossroads of adventure—we witness the ushering-in of a new generation of heroes after the former heroes saved the kingdom, and of course this next generation of heroes have their own journeys to follow. Our young protagonist takes a journey of finding his strength in what he loves, music and magic, as he strives to become a bard in the shadow of a threat to his kingdom, of course finding friends along the way. This is your next great fantasy adventure with an awesome music-based magic system and charming characters that will make you smile!
(Graphic Novel, Ages 8+) - Reviewed by Iz
A new masterpiece of graphic novel fantasy!! In Squire, young Aiza is getting to fulfill her dream of beginning her military training to become a squire and serve her kingdom, she begins to realize that the dream she believes in does not align with the beliefs of the empire she's fighting for, and the truth is much darker than she ever knew. Not only is Squire epic in its scope-- both in richness of story-telling and realness of war and colonialism-- but it gets down to questions of celebrating your identity and trusting what you know is the right thing to do. Superb!! I'm so excited for this new epic, and it’s definitely one that stays with you.
(Graphic Novel, Ages 13+) - Reviewed by Iz
Messy Roots is a masterpiece of memoir storytelling, with delightful depictions of family, the heartbreaking truths and difficult journeys of adolescence, the messiness of identity and of self-exploration, and even hilarious meme references strewn throughout, making this a pleasure to read from start to finish. My heart both ached and rejoiced the whole way through! Gao’s memoir spans exploration of identity in its many forms and the beauty of one’s heritage, but also grounded things in the present by interspersing truths on the horror that Asian Americans during the racism that clouded the covid pandemic.
I'm in love with Laura Gao's storytelling, who’s writing and artwork positively bursts with personality. I can't wait for everyone, young adults and adults alike, to devour this beautiful work like I did.
(Graphic Novel, Ages 14+) - Reviewed by Iz
Ummm, adorable?!?! Swan Lake: Quest for the Kingdoms is a high-energy mashup of famous fairy tales and classic ballets, retold in a fresh way with wonderful adventure, heartfelt messages about authenticity, and enough jokes and slapstick humor to keep it silly and joyful. Two princesses from enemy kingdoms lead our story, as they set out to find the truth of their kingdoms ongoing war, a curse, and so much more. Light yet exciting! (And to top it all off, one of the Kingdoms is called Montrose!!!)
(Graphic Novel, Ages 8+) - Reviewed by Iz
I could use a swimming pun about this book “making a splash,” but it would diminish the triumphant celebration that is this book!! Swim Team follows our young protagonist as she starts at a new school and is quite literally pushed into the deep end of the world of swimming, where she discovers an amazing cultural history, inner strength, and lifelong friends. This graphic novel is a charming middle grade story about facing your fears, but it’s also a reclamation of Black swimming, and a gorgeous conversation around the history of swimming for the Black community.
(Graphic Novel Ages 8+) - Reviewed by Iz
One of my very favorite romances!! There’s not a lot of books that cause me to physically laugh out loud, but this is one of those books. With its snort-inducing, razor-sharp wit, it had me smiling the whole time. This romance features our favorite trope, fake dating, with wonderfully weird characters, hilarious and heartfelt scenes, and a truly memorable relationship. Endlessly charming, and also delightfully British!
Perfect for folks who love a fade-to-black style romance, I can’t recommend this queer love story enough :)
(Don't miss the sequel, Husband Material!)
(Adult Romance) - Reviewed by Iz
OH. MY. GOSH. What a great romance!!
This is a superb romance from start to finish, with two engaging protagonists, amazing representation, and a totally swoony romance. It’s a great balance of overcoming life’s difficulties and finding love! Also, it has just the right amount of steaminess: A LOT.
Definitely on the top of my romance recommendation list!
(Adult Romance) - Reviewed by Iz
The Lost Ryū is such a fascinating and unique book, blending whimsical magical-realism with heavy-hitting emotional content. In this world, every family has dragons, and in Kohei’s family, dragons may be the answer to their family’s pain. As the family deals with their Grandfather’s illness, Kohei and his new friend set out to find a big ryuu—dragon—that may hold the answer to many unanswered family questions. Written with a blissful sprinkling of Japanese language throughout, this story is all about growing up and making sense of very big emotions, with a gentle reflection on multigenerational trauma and how powerful communication is.
(Fantasy, ages 8+) - Reviewed by Iz
You can tell from the enormous stack of awards on the cover of this book that it’s a powerful story, but it’s absolutely one to experience for yourself. At once triumphant, joyful, heartbreaking, and contemplative, this historical-fiction follows a Chinese American teen growing up during the 1950s and coming into her queer identity. As she discovers who she is and falls in love, she must balance not only the racial discrimination and homophobia rampant at that time, but also the tensions within her own family and her relationship with them. Flowing in and out of different moments in Chinese-American history, this book is an absolute triumph of teen literature and a vital tribute to the intersection of queer and Asian American identities.
(YA Historical Fiction 14+) - Reviewed by Iz
This book is such a fresh-voiced fantasy, laced with sci-fi elements and bursting with so much vibrance. It feels at once new and never-before-heard, yet ringed with a beautiful ancientness. It really has it all, a perfectly-balanced plot merging rich political intrigue, haunting revolution and revenge, and a searing queer enemies-to-lovers romance to top it all off. It’s a world that stays with you. Truly, my one criticism of this book is that cliffhanger ending!!! You’ll need the second book IMMEDIATELY on-hand as soon as you finish the first!
(YA Fantasy/Sci-Fi 13+) - Reviewed by Iz
This queer romance is an utter joy, balancing very real, very relatable life problems with a very, VERY sexy romance. I find myself continuing to think of these bright, vibrant, flawed characters, even months after reading it. The chemistry between the two love interests makes you ache as much as it will make you smile and snort with laughter and writhe with pain when all you can think is WHY WON’T THEY JUST TELL EACH OTHER HOW THEY FELL!!! But trust me—you’ll be so happy when they finally do!!
(Adult Romance) - Reviewed by Iz
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