Reviewed by Cierra 12th grade – This was one of the cutest graphic novels I’ve ever read. From the art style to the plot, to the characters, I’m obsessed. Momo is a selfless, naive, and caring friend. She has little to no experience in the dating world. PG on the other hand is the opposite. Labeled as someone who likes to “get around,” and is a player, she’s quite the lone wolf. Despite her reputation, under that hard exterior, she falls in love just as easily as anyone else. Their two worlds collide unexpectedly and a romance begins to brew. With PG’s reputation, things get a little tricky.The romance in this novel is sweet like a peach. Two people who know little about love, but crave it so much make this graphic novel such a nice read. The LGBTQIA+ aspect of it makes it feel relatable as well. The character design is just beautiful. I love Momo’s character, she’s so cute and gorgeous.It didn’t feel rushed. Typically, when you read a graphic novel you get through them fast because there are little words on each page. Sometimes that can cause the book to feel rushed. However, the pacing was perfect. It felt like I was watching a movie in my mind. I also found myself relating to Momo, as a black girl with little dating experience myself. I found myself getting jealous and wanting a romance like this. I also enjoyed the intended funny bits as well. I rarely LOL at a book, but I caught myself gasping and giggling a couple of times. There’s little that I dislike about it. I don’t like PG’s character design for one. It just looks off on some pages, I can’t exactly put my finger on why. The flashbacks were kind of hard to decipher at times. There were moments where it took me a couple of seconds to realize “Oh wait, this isn’t present.” There was one flashback where I got confused if it was PG or PG’s brother, but that may just be me being slow. This romance is a cliche, and it’s really hard to make a cliche entertaining. Despite all that, I think they did a relatively good job and I’d read it again or recommend it to a friend.
Category Archives: Recommendation
Hopeless in Hope
Reviewed by Sarah 12th grade – This humorous and sad story will keep you engaged and relating to the main characters. Eva is the main character in this book and she is 14 years old. Her life is lonely and sad, and she then deals with foster homes and poverty. She relies on her Nohkum to take care of her and of her little brother Marcus. Eva’s mom struggles with alcoholism and shares the story of the reality of her addiction. The plot of this story makes this novel a heartbreaking and humorous story. I liked that this book was a very fast read and that it shares how someone who is in poverty and struggling with housing, how their life really is. There are a few instances in this book where it may be hard for younger students to read this book due to the talk about depression and anxiety. Personally, I think that this book does a good job of sharing the realities of it in a non-glorifying way.
Forgive Me Not
Reviewed by Aliah 12th grade – All readers will find this captivating and moving journey which masterfully examines human emotions and the capacity for forgiveness to be a winning one. In the book Forgive Me Not, Violetta Chen-Samuel, a fifteen-year-old, is imprisoned for driving under the influence, which resulted in the death of her younger sister. A young adult book with hints of dystopia, Forgive Me Not highlights the issues with racism, classism, misogyny, and other issues that plague both our adult and juvenile justice systems. The two points of view are Violetta and Vince. The plot is AMAZING!
Trigger warnings: death of a child, incarceration, substance use, suicide attempt, grief, sexual assault.
Your Lonely Nights are Over
Reviewed by David 12th grade – It isn’t your stereotypical LGBTQIA+ Book. This book is about two gay Best friends on the run from a famous killer but also accused of being a killer. It is a realistic fiction book that is mainly featuring queer representation, but the book itself doesn’t focus on the main struggles of it, It mentions some of the struggles of being queer but also being discriminated by color. I love how they represented the idea of friendships in the queer community and how they can be very different. It also shines some light on being a gay person of color and the difference between the reactions people get. I love it honestly. Trigger Warnings: At the start, it discusses that there will be some graphic scenes. Not too bad but still more so than a typical book.
Too Cute! Baby Skunks by Elizabeth Neuenfeldt
Baby skunks are called kits and they live in a den. This nonfiction series is adorable. While the information is very simple, it is great for beginning readers. The print is large and there are 1-2 simple sentences on the page. Key words are in bold and photographs with a label is included on the page to illustrate what the word means.The back includes the stages of life of a skunk, a picture glossary, an index and a website for more information.
Too Cute! Baby Turtles by Elizabeth Neuenfeldt
Baby turtles hatch from eggs. When they leave the nest, they do not go back. This nonfiction series is adorable. While the information is very simple, it is great for beginning readers. The print is large and there are 1-2 simple sentences on the page. Key words are in bold and photographs with a label is included on the page to illustrate what the word means.The back includes the stages of life of a turtle, a picture glossary, an index and a website for more information.
Too Cute! Baby Seals by Elizabeth Neuenfeldt
Baby seals live in colonies. As they get older, they spend more time alone. This nonfiction series is adorable. While the information is very simple, it is great for beginning readers. The print is large and there are 1-2 simple sentences on the page. Key words are in bold and photographs with a label is included on the page to illustrate what the word means.The back includes the stages of life of a seal, a picture glossary, an index and a website for more information.
Too Cute! Baby Lions by Elizabeth Neuenfeldt
Baby lions join the mom’s pride and play with other cubs. This nonfiction series is adorable. While the information is very simple, it is great for beginning readers. The print is large and there are 1-2 simple sentences on the page. Key words are in bold and photographs with a label is included on the page to illustrate what the word means.The back includes facts about the animal, a picture glossary, an index and a website for more information.
Mother of Sharks by Melissa Cristina Marquez
The illustration on the cover makes you want to pick up the book and the story inside did not disappoint. Meli is enjoying playing in the beautiful waters of Playita del Condado when she spots some tidal pools and encounters a talking hermit crab named Jaiba. Jaiba takes Meli on adventures to explore the ocean. She learns about different animals in the ocean and the effects of ocean pollution. Jaiba eventually takes her to the future to see herself as the Mother of Sharks.
The pictures are bright and evoke the feeling of being underwater. The text is in English with Spanish words incorporated throughout. The print is small for a picture book. The end of the book includes a letter from the author, glossary, translations, and resources. The end pages include illustrations of different sharks.
The author is a Hispanic marine biologist and was featured in Forbes 30 Under 30: Science list.
A Crocodile Should Never Skip Breakfast by Colleen Larmour
Croc is late for work one morning and doesn’t have time to eat breakfast. That’s okay, he will grab donuts from Hippo. But Hippo is sold out. At least he has an emergency banana, but the banana is bad. Croc starts dreaming about food while he is trying to work, hopefully he won’t eat the animals who are his passengers!
The illustrations are whimsical and the colors of the book are bright and vibrant. Most of the animals are drawn in the actual colors, while the alligator is blue and the hippo is pink. It is a funny, fast paced story with text and speech bubbles which lends itself to various voices as a read-aloud.
The Miami Dolphins (NFL Team Profiles)
Dive into the world of the Miami Dolphins with this captivating team profile! Covering the team’s incredible perfect season in 1972 to the successful seasons under quarterback Dan Marino, this book highlights the Dolphins’ history, accomplishments, and legendary players. Kids will enjoy learning about game day traditions and T.D., the team’s mascot.
Written at a 2nd-grade reading level, it’s ideal for students from elementary to middle school. The book includes a useful table of contents, a timeline of key events, a map showing the team’s location, a glossary, and an index. A “To Learn More” page also encourages students to continue exploring the Dolphins, both in the library and online. This is a must-read for any young Dolphins fan!
The New Orleans Saints (NFL Team Profiles)
Dive into the world of the New Orleans Saints with this captivating team profile! Covering the team’s journey from their inception in 1966 to their Super Bowl 44 victory in 2010, this book highlights the Saints’ history, accomplishments, and legendary players. Kids will enjoy learning about game day traditions and meeting mascots Sir Saint and Gumbo.
Written at a 2nd-grade reading level, it’s ideal for students from elementary to middle school. The book includes a useful table of contents, a timeline of key events, a map showing the team’s location, a glossary, and an index. A “To Learn More” page also encourages students to continue exploring the Saints, both in the library and online. This is a must-read for any young Saints fan!
The Cleveland Browns (NFL Team Profiles)
Explore the Cleveland Browns in this captivating team profile! This book delves into the team’s history, accomplishments, and legendary players. Learn about game day excitement with the “Browns Backers” and discover how many championships the Browns have won by taking a look at the trophy case.
Written at a 2nd-grade reading level, it’s ideal for students from elementary to middle school. The book includes a useful table of contents, a timeline of key events, a map showing the team’s location, a glossary, and an index. A “To Learn More” page also encourages students to continue exploring the Browns, both in the library and online. This is a must-read for any young Browns fan!
The Denver Broncos (NFL Team Profiles)
Discover the Denver Broncos in this captivating team profile! With vibrant photos and engaging text, the book highlights the team’s history, accomplishments, and legendary players like Jon Elway. Written at a 2nd-grade reading level, it’s perfect for students from elementary to middle school.
The book features a helpful table of contents, a timeline of key events, a map showing the team’s location, a glossary, and an index. A “To Learn More” page also encourages students to explore the Broncos further, both in the library and online. This is a must-read for any young Broncos fan!
Wild Places: The Life of Naturalist David Attenborough by Hailey Rocco
Hailey Rocco’s book, Wild Places: The Life of Naturalist David Attenborough will inspire young naturalists and environmental activists alike. The biography follows his career, while also tracing the disappearance of so many of the wild places he loves. The book gives the reader a clear understanding of Attenborough’s love of the natural word and his concern with its future without overcomplicating either concept beyond an elementary level. Kids in many different grades will be able to connect in some way with this text. John Rocco’s gorgeous illustrations help the reader see what so enthralled Attenborough with the world in which we live. This book would make a wonderful gift for any child with a love of the outdoors.
Cat Vs. Vac by Kaz Windness
A relaxing day is ruined for three pets by the arrival of a new vacuum cleaner.The pets must work together to take down the destructive intruder. Part of the “Ready to Read” books, this level one reader is primarily written in two word sentences with many onomatopoeias. Kids will enjoy the lively illustrations and get a kick out of some of the grosser items that end up in the vacuum.
Saving Zalea by Nicola Jones
The story begins with Zalea, a northern spotted owl, falling from her nest. Researchers find her and take her to a rehabilitation center. The rest of the book tracks Zalea’s recovery story and life at the research center until her release back into the wild. Alongside this recovery story, the author provides detailed information about owls as well as endangered animals, egg incubation, biologists, and more.
This is a challenging book for elementary age readers due to the fact that it is quite long and the information about Zalea is interspersed with additional nonfiction content, but any child who reads this book will come away with a wealth of knowledge. The glossary of terms at the back will help them develop new vocabulary and access the information within the book, and the story of Zalea’s successful recovery will fill them with hope and inspiration.
Morocco (Countries of the World)
| Featuring maps, photographs, graphs, and fast facts, the Countries of the World series is perfect for primary readers looking to gather information about various countries for reports or general knowledge. The series presents information about habitats, animals, language, religion, sports, and other key details about the countries and their people using simple, easy to understand sentences. From the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert to the beautiful beaches, young readers will enjoy learning about the country of Morocco. The food and drinks, markets, and sports are all presented through short, easy to understand sentences. Students will come away with a clear overview of this country and its people. The main take away for many kids, though, will likely be a love of the adorable sand cat. |
Pakistan (Countries of the World)
Featuring maps, photographs, graphs, and fast facts, the Countries of the World series is perfect for primary readers looking to gather information about other countries for reports or general knowledge. The series presents information about habitats, animals, language, religion, sports, and other key details about the countries and their people using simple, easy to understand sentences.
From the second tallest mountain in the world to the beaches of the southern coast, this book provides an overview of the diverse landscape of Pakistan in a way early readers will understand. There are photographs of both cities and villages as well kids and adults engaged in a variety of activities. Kids will also enjoy seeing animals, like the markhor, they may not have heard of before. This would be a great addition to any school or classroom library.
Beginning to End: Wind to Electricity
“Wind to Electricity” simplifies the process of converting wind into energy, making it easy for students to understand. The book features photographs of wind turbines, generators, substations, and more, which help illustrate each step of the process, making it both educational and engaging for students.
The book includes several helpful text features, such as a table of contents, headings, labels, bold words, a glossary, a map, and an index. It’s designed for primary students, with just 1-3 short sentences on each page. This book is an excellent source to introduce younger students to renewable energy.
I recommend adding this book to your library collection.
Beginning to End: Sand to Glass
“Sand to Glass” is a journey through a glass factory, where students can see the fascinating machines and equipment used in the glass making process. Part of a series that explains how everyday items are made, this book features photographs that vividly illustrate each step, making it both educational and enjoyable for students.
The book includes several helpful text features, such as a table of contents, headings, labels, bold words, a glossary, a map, and an index. It’s designed for primary students, with just 1-3 short sentences on each page.
This book is an excellent tool for teaching students about processes. On page 19, it provides a simple diagram that recaps each step, making it easy to understand.
I recommend adding this book to your library collection.
Beginning to End: Wax to Crayon
“Wax to Crayon” takes students on a journey to discover how colorless wax is transformed into one of their favorite school supplies! Reading this book is like taking a field trip to a crayon factory, where students can explore the fascinating machines involved in the process. Part of a series that explains how everyday items are made, this book features photographs that vividly illustrate each step, making it both educational and enjoyable for students.
The book includes several helpful text features, such as a table of contents, headings, labels, bold words, a glossary, a map, and an index. It’s designed for primary students, with just 1-3 short sentences on each page.
This book is an excellent tool for teaching students about processes. On page 19, it provides a simple diagram that recaps each step, making it easy to understand.
I recommend adding this book to your library collection.
Beginning to End: Apple Seed to Juice
“Apple Seed to Juice” guides students through the fascinating journey of turning apples into apple juice, from the orchard to the factory, and finally into their juice boxes! This book is part of a series that explains how everyday items are made. Students will enjoy the photographs that illustrate each step of the process.
The book includes several helpful text features, such as a table of contents, headings, labels, bold words, a glossary, a map, and an index. Although it’s designed for grades 1-3, younger students may find the vocabulary a bit challenging and might need to use the glossary frequently.
This book is an excellent tool for teaching students about processes. On page 19, it provides a simple diagram that recaps each step, making it easy to understand.
I recommend adding this book to your library collection.
The Dallas Cowboys (EPIC NFL Team Profiles)
Learn more about the Dallas Cowboys through this captivating team profile! Written at a 2nd grade reading level, this book is ideal for elementary to middle school students. With vibrant photos and engaging text, it highlights the team’s history, accomplishments, and legendary players, keeping readers thoroughly engaged.
The book also includes useful text features like a table of contents, a timeline of key events, a map of the team’s location, a glossary, and an index. A “To Learn More” page encourages students to continue exploring the Cowboys both in the library and online. This book is a must-read for any young Cowboys fan!
Chicago Bears (EPIC NFL Team Profiles)
Learn more about the Monsters of the Midway through this captivating team profile of the Chicago Bears! Written at a 2nd grade reading level, this book is ideal for elementary to middle school students. With dynamic photos and engaging text, it highlights the team’s history, accomplishments, and legendary players, keeping readers thoroughly engaged.
The book also includes useful text features like a table of contents, a timeline of key events, a map of the team’s location, a glossary, and an index. A “To Learn More” page encourages students to continue exploring the Bears both in the library and online. This book is a must-read for any young Bears fan!