Early Book Review: Gender Queer: A Memoir Deluxe Edition by Maia Kobabe

Gender Queer: A Memoir Deluxe Edition by Maia Kobabe is currently scheduled for release on June 21 2022. This special deluxe hardcover edition of Gender Queer features a brand-new cover, exclusive art and sketches, a foreword from ND Stevenson, Lumberjanes writer and creator of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, and an afterword from Maia Kobabe.

In 2014, Maia Kobabe, who uses e/em/eir pronouns, thought that a comic of reading statistics would be the last autobiographical comic e would ever write. At the time, it was the only thing e felt comfortable with strangers knowing about em. Then e created Gender Queer. Maia’s intensely cathartic autobiography charts eir journey of self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to family and society, bonding with friends over erotic gay fan fiction, and facing the trauma and fundamental violation of pap smears. Started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual, Gender Queer is more than a personal story: It is a useful and touching guide on gender identity—what it means and how to think about it—for advocates, friends, and humans everywhere.

Gender Queer is a great read for everyone. I think that readers questioning where they fall in the gender and sexuality spectrum and trying to find the words for how they feel will find comfort and relatability to the worries and fears that Maia has. I think all readers can relate to at least some of those worries, particularly the balance between fitting in or not being a bother with being comfortable with yourself. I think this an important read, not just to show people they are not alone in their thoughts, feelings, and worries but in helping those that might never have felt or acknowledged them what other people might be feeling. The importance of being yourself, even as you are trying to figure out the shape and terms that might best describe it, is important and something everyone needs to embrace. I think this book is a great read for everyone. I think the art does a great job of capture the struggle, and the successes, along the way while showing that  the journey is still underway.

Early Book Review: We Adopted a Baby Chick by Lori Joy Smith

We Adopted a Baby Chick by Lori Joy Smith is based on a true story and currently scheduled for release on June 14 2022. Albert the sheep is the only one unhappy about the new addition to the family. Tina is a tiny, fluffy baby chick — and she gets all the attention. Albert is big and loud, and he can't resist Mom's vegetables. Sprout the dog doesn't have time for Albert anymore. The cats only have eyes for Tina. And though he tries his hardest, Albert's gifts to the family aren't as welcome as Tina's eggs. Then one day, Tina faces a danger and only Albert can save her. Will Albert be able to put his feelings aside and truly welcome Tina into his flock?

We Adopted a Baby Chick is a picturebook that is based on a true story, but also covers a universal truth about facing and adjusting to changes in families and other relationships. I thought the story and illustrations matched nicely, and that readers of all ages will be able to relate to Albert's feelings. Whether is is a new sibling, pet, classmate, or something else everyone has had a time when they felt left out or ignored in favor of something new. I like that Albert had to have his bad feelings, not just ignore them or pretend they were not there, and then figure out how to move forward. We might not all have the chance to save the day, but regardless of age we can all move forward and see how we have grown and changed and embrace what we are good at now, rather then wishing for moments of the past to come again once we have outgrown them. I think the caregivers and story sharers that get to read this book with the younger set can get just as much from this book and its message as the target audience. 

Book Review: By Any Other Name by Lauren Kate

By Any Other Name by Lauren Kate is a contemporary romance. With a successful career as a romance editor, and an engagement to a man who checks off all ninety-nine boxes on her carefully curated list, Lanie's more than good. She's killing it. Then she’s given the opportunity of a lifetime: to work with world-renowned author and her biggest inspiration in love and life—the Noa Callaway. All Lanie has to do is cure Noa's writer's block and she'll get the promotion she's always dreamed of. Simple, right? But there's a reason no one has ever seen or spoken to the mysterious Noa Calloway. And that reason will rock Lanie’s world. It will call into question everything she thought she knew. When she finally tosses her ninety-nine expectations to the wind, Lanie may just discover that love By Any Other Name can still be as sweet.

By Any Other Name has a fun premise, and I liked a great deal of the set up and Lainie's character. I liked that she had a full background and significant character growth through out the story, even if I thought many of her decisions and reactions were less than ideal. I thought some of the secondary characters had great moments, but could have used more fleshing out. I would have liked more from Noah as well, sometimes it felt like he was more of a prop or plot device in the story moving things along than a character. Many of the big reveals, conflicts, and important moments were more than a little predicable beyond the 'this is a romance things will come together' way. I greatly enjoyed some moments, and had some smiles and sentimental moments along the way. However, while the book is also a bit of a celebration of romance I felt it got a little too corny for me on occasion. I am all for the awww moment, but Lainie's inner dialogue felt a bit much, and while I understand a romance book editor to often think about and dwell on the subject of her work, she could have diversified a bit. I did enjoy the read, and I think many readers will enjoy it more than me, but I just never connected with the story and characters. 

By Any Other Name is a solid contemporary romance, and I think fans of the author will enjoy it.

Early Book Review: Slip by Marika McCoola , Aatmaja Pandya

Slip by Marika McCoola is a graphic novel from Eisner-Award nominated writer Marika McCoola and debut artist Aatmaja Pandya.  It is currently scheduled for release on June 7 2022. 

Right before Jade is about to leave for a summer art intensive, her best friend, Phoebe, attempts suicide. How is Jade supposed to focus on herself right now? But at the Art Farm, Jade has artistic opportunities she’s been waiting for her whole life. And as she gets to know her classmates, she begins to fall for whimsical, upbeat, comfortable-in-her-own-skin Mary. Jade pours herself into making ceramic monsters that vent her stress and insecurities, but when she puts her creatures in the kiln, something unreal happens: they come to life. And they’re taking a stand: if Jade won’t confront her problems, her problems are going to confront her, including the scariest of them all, if Jade grows, prospers, and even falls in love this summer, is she leaving Phoebe behind?

Slip is a beautifully written and drawn story. Jade is struggling on multiple fronts. She is worried about her friend, and if she could have, should have, been able to see what was coming and stop it. Many of us have had these kind of crisis, weather it is about a friend or family member struggling with mental heath, or an accident, or really any traumatic event. Even when we could have had no impact on an event or outcome, the what ifs often eat at us. Jade has to shoulder these thoughts while worrying about leaving her friend behind, guilt over forgetting for even a moment, and doubts about her own art and talent. All of these layers of worry, doubt, and fear would be a lot for anyone to handle, but in your formative years when you are just starting new friendships and maybe more it is even harder. I thing the story and fabulous artwork do a great job of capturing the turmoil and helping readers feel and understand it in a safe way. I think this read is something many readers will relate to on different levels, and can help some come to terms with and face their own issues that might relate to or mirror some of what Jade is sifting through. It is engaging, sweet and funny at times, while also being very deep and sometimes heartrending. I think it might be a hard read for some that are still struggling with related issues, but I think it could be a helpful read when they are ready for it. 

Slip is an emotional story that can speak to readers on a multitude of levels. I recommend it for middle school through adult readers. 

Book Review: Travels with Trilobites: Adventures in the Paleozoic by Andy Secher

Travels with Trilobites: Adventures in the Paleozoic by Andy Secher is a nonfiction book. Trilobites were among the most successful and versatile organisms ever to exist. Among the earliest forms of complex animal life, these hard-shelled marine invertebrates inhabited the primal seas of the Paleozoic era. Their march through evolutionary time began in the Lower Cambrian, some 521 million years ago, and lasted until their demise at the end of the Permian, more than 250 million years later. During this vast stretch of planetary history, these adaptable animals filled virtually every available undersea ecological niche, evolving into more than 25,000 scientifically recognized species. Explore paleontological hot spots around the world—including Alnif, Morocco, on the edge of the Sahara Desert; the Sakha Republic, deep in the Siberian wilderness; and Kangaroo Island, off the coast of South Australia—and get a behind-the-scenes look at museums, fossil shows, and life on the collectors’ circuit. The book features hundreds of photographs of unique specimens drawn from Secher’s private collection, showcasing stunning fossil finds that highlight the diversity, complexity, and beauty of trilobites.

Travels with Trilobites offers readers information and some entertainment. The text is accessible and  explains scientific information about trilobites with observations and insight about the collections and all that goes along with them. There is a great deal to cover here- since there were so many kinds of trilobites and they lived for so long, in so many places. I liked that the book was organized choreographically and that there were some subsections that went into greater detail on specific topics. I thought the information was understandable, and that Secher's enthusiasm and humor often shone through. Sometimes that enthusiasm got to be a bit much, but I kind of love it when the people around me geek out about the things they are passionate about- and it reminded me of that kind of conversation. I found the images to be fascinating and well chosen, and I think any reader interested in the topic, or related fields, will find this an engaging and informative read. I think that many will find Secher's enthusiasm and interest in the topic to spark a little in themselves. I liked the inclusion of a glossary and list of museums to visit, with information on the trilobites in their collection. I thought that was helpful and interesting for readers. 

Early Book Review: Stick and Stone Explore and More by Beth Ferry

Stick and Stone Explore and More by Beth Ferry is currently scheduled for release on June 7 2022. Two stories in one graphic novel perfect for beginning readers, based on the Stick and Stone series by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld. Go on a scavenger hunt, set out on a trip for ice cream, and even visit the beach with these lovable best buddies. Join Stick and Stone as they get swept up in scavenger hunt. Accompany them to a campfire calamity. And laugh along with them in this new graphic novel series starring two best buddies and a whole cast of new characters. Each story has a fun activity to make you feel part of the action.

Stick and Stone Explore and More is another set of cute stories of friendship starring fan favorite buddies. In the first story they join a young Nature Girl on a quest to find items that start with each letter in the alphabet.  On the second story Stone wishes for an adventure, but really wants some ice cream, and when he gets his wish things get dangerous. I like that Stone and Stick are different from each other, but that those differences turn out to be what makes them such a great team. I love the quality of the illustrations, and think that the detail in them will capture the attention of many readers. I found the activity tie ins at the end of each story will help further engage readers and have them looking to explore further. The adventures are fun and sweet, and I think many young readers will enjoy reading about these friends.

Early Book Review: The Midnight Orchestra (The Mystwick School of Musicraft) by Jessica Khoury

The Midnight Orchestra by Jessica Khoury is the sequel to The Mystwick School of Musicraft. I do recommend reading in order. 

Amelia must master the magic of Composing to help her school win a magic competition—and save her friends from a mysterious evil. Things are finally looking up for Amelia Jones: she's officially a Mystwick student, and she even has a teacher to help her learn how to use her rare Composing magic. When Mystwick enters an international magic competition, it’s Amelia's chance to Compose something that will help them win the day. The only problem is that she still doesn’t understand how her powers work. But then she hears about a super exclusive Midnight Orchestra—half performance, half magical black market—and Amelia is sure that’s where she’ll find the answer to her Composing problem. But the Midnight Orchestra is far more sinister than it initially appears and if Amelia can’t unlock her Composing powers, not only will Mystwick lose the musicraft competition, she won’t be able to rescue her friends from the danger unleashed in this thrilling adventure.

The Midnight Orchestra starts off right after the first book ended, and I will admit that it took me a bit to remember just where everyone and everything left off. However, once I got back into the swing of things I was again empathizing with Amelia and all her insecurities and feelings as she tried to work through so many things at once. Her struggles with friendship are something that many readers can relate to, and the complicated feelings about family and the trustworthiness and intelligence of the adults around here is equally understandable. I was engaged in her struggles quickly, and while some of the big reveals I had figured out much earlier, I think that is more because of the number of magic and mystery books that I have read rather than any flaw in the writing. I think that Amelia continues to grow as a character and that fans of the first book will definitely want to pick this one up as well. 

The Midnight Orchestra is a charming continuation of the series, and will please fans of the series.  As a side note- if you enjoy audiobooks, a version of this title (with music) is already available via Audible. 

Book Review: Book of Night by Holly Black

Book of Night by Holly Black is a urban fantasy. Charlie Hall has never found a lock she couldn’t pick, a book she couldn’t steal, or a bad decision she wouldn’t make. She's spent half her life working for gloamists, magicians who manipulate shadows to peer into locked rooms, strangle people in their beds, or worse. Gloamists guard their secrets greedily, creating an underground economy of grimoires. And to rob their fellow magicians, they need Charlie Hall. Now, she’s trying to distance herself from past mistakes, but getting out isn’t easy. Bartending at a dive, she’s still entirely too close to the corrupt underbelly of the Berkshires. Not to mention that her sister Posey is desperate for magic, and that Charlie's shadowless, and possibly soulless, boyfriend has been hiding things from her. When a terrible figure from her past returns, Charlie descends into a maelstrom of murder and lies. Determined to survive, she’s up against a cast of doppelgangers, mercurial billionaires, gloamists, and the people she loves best in the world—all trying to steal a secret that will give them vast and terrible power.

Book of Night was a little of a mixed bag for me. I have enjoy Holly Black's books in the past, and I enjoy urban fantasy, so I thought this was going to be a hit for me. I thought the story and writing were very well done, and I liked some of the slow reveals. However, I found the much needed timeline hopping a little jaring. I completely understand the why behind it, and think it might have been the only way to get the reveals in there, but I prefer a more linear stoeytelling style. I thought the characters were well built, as were the connections between them. I really liked Charlie as a character, and often wanted a little bit more of her personal interactions with Vince or Psey to give me just a bit more of her personality. I thought the world building was also well done, and the only downsides for me were ones of personal preference rather than mistakes or lacking skill on the author's part. Maybe it has just been too long since I read other books from Black, or perhaps it is the real world intruding that wqas making it hard for me to get lost in the story. Once I finished the book I was still intrigued by the set up, and wanted to know what happened next and more stories from the world Black created. So, while I might have had trouble getting engaged with the story, honestly three books later and it still has not let me go. 

Book of Night is a book that fans of the author will want to pick up, and those that enjoy darker urban fantasy will enjoy. 

Early Book Review: A Haunted Road Atlas: Sinister Stops, Dangerous Destinations, and True Crime Tales by Christine Schiefer; Em Schulz

 A Haunted Road Atlas: Sinister Stops, Dangerous Destinations, and True Crime Tales was written and narrated by Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz. It is currently scheduled for release on May 31 2022. 

Pack up your Ouija board, wine bra, and squirt guns full of holy water, we’re going on a road trip! From the podcast And That’s Why We Drink, this is an interactive travel guide to the hosts’ favorite spooky and sinister sights. The world is a scary place, and that’s why we drink! Full of fun facts, travel tips, and beverage recs, this guide includes some of the country’s most notorious crime scenes, hauntings, and supernatural sightings. You’ll also find Christine and Em’s personal recommendations to the best local bars and ice cream parlors, oddity museums, curiosity shoppes, and more. Explore some of the most bizarre cases you’ve heard on the show, as well as exclusive new content from bayous, basements, and bars!

 A Haunted Road Atlas is exactly what the title and blurb promise. The audio book offers a great listen, and the print version has the bonus of pictures, illustrations, the print list od recommendations and such. The audiobook version does offer these items as a PDF for those interested. I liked the tone and mood of the book. It offered interesting information while including fun facts and a great deal of snark and humor along the way. I like that they also encurage readers that might take thier own adventures to go about it with cation and respect. Many of the stories were ones I had heard before, but I did enjoy the way they told the stories and approched it. THe only thing that really bothered me is that they seem to be big fans of Zak Bagans and Ghost Adventures. I have watched many of the paranormal investigation shows, and his is one I could never enjoy. There is something about him that rubs me (and my husband to be completely honest) the wrong way. So the consistent mention of Zak and his show kind of took me out of the enjoyment and mood of the otherwise wonderful storytelling. Others will not have this problem, as it is a me problem, but it did effect my overall enjoyment. I liked the conversational style of the book, and think that must be a product of all the hard work they have put into their podcast and live shows. I think I will give the podcasts a go and enjoy their work even longer. 

Early Book Review: Can You Believe It? How to Spot Fake News and Find the Facts by Joyce Grant, Kathleen Marcotte

Can You Believe It? How to Spot Fake News and Find the Facts is a children's book written by Joyce Grant and illustrated by Kathleen Marcotte. It is currently scheduled for release on June 7 2022. This book explores in depth how real journalism is made, what “fake news” is and, most importantly, how to spot the difference. It has practical advice, thought-provoking examples and tons of relevant information on subjects that range from bylines and credible sources to influencers and clickbait. It gives readers context they can use, such as how bias can creep into news reporting, why celebrity posts may not be truthful, and why they should be suspicious of anything that makes them feel super smart. This guide helps readers decide which information they can trust (and which they can't), encouraging readers to approach what they find online with skepticism and to hone their critical thinking skills. to make good choices about what to believe and share. 

Can You Believe It? is a well written and organized book that would fit perfectly into a social studies or library curriculum at the elementary school level. This topic is something we covered when I worked in an elementary school library, in our unit about evaluating sources, and think it only becomes more important as the amount of time spent online continues to increase. I thought the text was simple to follow and understand, explained things well, and did not talk down to the readers. I thought that the text and fun illustrations came together well in a nice balance to keep engagement high. The text is broken down into reasonable chunks, and I found the breakdown of the news examples to be helpful and accessible. All of this combined with the valuable endmatter made this book a must have for school libraries, classrooms, and homeschool families.