Tag: ya review

Tender Beasts by Liselle Sambury

April 25, 2024

Throughout the ordeal with the police, the public, and the family, the book shows how privilege, media, racism, and distrust interact to control both parts of a story — the spun narrative and the harrowing truth. As more secrets come to light, things become even more morally complex and layered. The descriptions of violence and terror (clarified in the book’s content warnings) are intense and don’t hold back, creating a suspenseful, disturbing atmosphere in a truly enthralling way. … More Tender Beasts by Liselle Sambury

Picture a Girl By Jenny Manzer

April 18, 2024

Addie’s voice is very compelling, and she explains her life as an eleven-year-old in a beautiful way. She’s fiercely protective of her brother Billy and is also incredibly practical, having been forced to grow up at such a young age. The descriptions and sensory detail in this book are so honest and real that I was entirely transported into Addie’s world while reading. Manzer does an amazing job at writing about a girl who has experienced things kids should never have to experience in a very age-appropriate way. … More Picture a Girl By Jenny Manzer

And Then There Was Us by Kern Carter

April 16, 2024

Coi is a strong-willed and lovable main character, and Carter does a wonderful job of developing her personality. Though this novel tackles tougher subjects like grief and trauma, it also addresses struggles teenagers often face. As a first-year university student, Coi is figuring out her professional passions, developing meaningful friendships, and understanding her new romantic relationship. The mix of these struggles while also coming to terms with her mother’s death culminates in a determined main character I couldn’t help but root for. … More And Then There Was Us by Kern Carter

Call Me Al by Wali Shah and Eric Walters

March 21, 2024

The relationships in this novel are some of its best parts. Though he struggles with loneliness, Ali is never truly alone. For one, Ali has his Dada, or paternal grandfather. As we learn of Iqbal Khan’s tragic backstory, Ali’s Dada serves as the facilitator of so many lessons, showcasing the importance of listening to and being supported by elders … More Call Me Al by Wali Shah and Eric Walters