I see myself in these characters, both good and bad. There's a lot to unpack here.
(I'm kinda terrible at reading graphic novels because I focus on theI see myself in these characters, both good and bad. There's a lot to unpack here.
(I'm kinda terrible at reading graphic novels because I focus on the text and forget to read the illustrations. The cadence is hard for me to follow. But a second reading flowed much more smoothly, so maybe I'll get the hang of it eventually? PS Love all the subtle details in the illustrations that feel like inside jokes.)...more
Having said that, the parental drama should have been saved for a different character in a different book.I am so glad this book exists in the world.
Having said that, the parental drama should have been saved for a different character in a different book. There was enough here to dive into without that added layer of teen angst.
Merged review:
I am so glad this book exists in the world.
Having said that, the parental drama should have been saved for a different character in a different book. There was enough here to dive into without that added layer of teen angst....more
Adorably awkward Alex is relatable and endearing. And the (no murder!) Scooby Doo mystery of who has it in for Wonderland is my favorite kind of low-sAdorably awkward Alex is relatable and endearing. And the (no murder!) Scooby Doo mystery of who has it in for Wonderland is my favorite kind of low-stakes intrigue.
It's official. Jason Reynolds is my favorite author of the last decade. There's a rhythm to his character's inner monologues that is unmatched. And thIt's official. Jason Reynolds is my favorite author of the last decade. There's a rhythm to his character's inner monologues that is unmatched. And the love he shows for his perfectly flawed characters? There are no words to describe it....more
His words flow like water. His illustrations strike a match. The pair together are an encapsulation of a moment in time, the whole world holding its bHis words flow like water. His illustrations strike a match. The pair together are an encapsulation of a moment in time, the whole world holding its breath inside one unnamed house.
This is poetry + art at the top of its game....more
Like a cross between Only Murders in the Building and The Secret Garden. Cozy and satisfying. Bonus points for intergenerational friendships.
(Minor coLike a cross between Only Murders in the Building and The Secret Garden. Cozy and satisfying. Bonus points for intergenerational friendships.
(Minor complaints: Sometimes the writing felt like a skipping record, with probably-not-important segues missing. Plus the title doesn't quite fit the story.) ...more
One of my biggest pet peeves is when characters refuse to tell each other how they're feeling and the whole situation snowballs until their true feeliOne of my biggest pet peeves is when characters refuse to tell each other how they're feeling and the whole situation snowballs until their true feelings are finaaaàaaally revealed. Dimple et al avoided this trope at every turn and I greatly appreciate that. Instead the characters were able to sort through their feelings together and in (mostly) real time - what a relief!...more
**spoiler alert** A beautiful stillness of a book, but ooooph, my heart was not prepared for the sadness.
(I actually really wish it had stayed focuse**spoiler alert** A beautiful stillness of a book, but ooooph, my heart was not prepared for the sadness.
(I actually really wish it had stayed focused on quiet mindfulness and not taken a turn into tragic. But I get it. I appreciated the microscopic attention to detail, and the way the main character observed himself from a distance, getting to know himself without being an active participant in his choices. That felt true to my teen experience that I've never quite encountered before.)...more
Jason Reynolds is maybe the only person alive who could have written this adaptation. He has a way of propHeavy and dark, yet powerful and uplifting.
Jason Reynolds is maybe the only person alive who could have written this adaptation. He has a way of propelling you forward and making you feel like anything is possible, despite all prior evidence to the contrary. I wish this book existed 20 or 50 or 100 years ago....more
Super "the more you know" PSA syrup, but also a fun, lighthearted romance with a positive message about civic duty and "being the change you want to sSuper "the more you know" PSA syrup, but also a fun, lighthearted romance with a positive message about civic duty and "being the change you want to see in the world". So, I'm torn between wanting to mock it and wanting to champion it. Can I do both?...more
The gimmick of alternate realities was fairly subtle and effective. And a good reminder that how we act and react can have lasting consequences, for bThe gimmick of alternate realities was fairly subtle and effective. And a good reminder that how we act and react can have lasting consequences, for better or worse.
Though it won't be as memorable as We Were Liars, I liked this one much better....more
Not my favorite Jason Reynolds, but mostly just because this was a long poem so it didn't lend itself as well to his amazing character development andNot my favorite Jason Reynolds, but mostly just because this was a long poem so it didn't lend itself as well to his amazing character development and dialog skills in the same way.
But seriously, this is an impressive addition to the less-is-more category. So few words, yet each one packs a punch. ...more
I've read a lot of books about teen pregnancy, but rarely one from the POV of a teen mom. I appreciated the aspiring chef storyline too.I've read a lot of books about teen pregnancy, but rarely one from the POV of a teen mom. I appreciated the aspiring chef storyline too....more
My favorite kind of superhero story: mostly commentary on the human condition with a splash of magic. And wow, this was great commentary on the human My favorite kind of superhero story: mostly commentary on the human condition with a splash of magic. And wow, this was great commentary on the human condition. I unabashedly love Miles Morales, and I unabashedly love Jason Reynolds. ...more
A solid teen love story with a Muslim American lead. Plus, breakdancing? I'm in. A solid teen love story with a Muslim American lead. Plus, breakdancing? I'm in. ...more
I require way more character development. And the twin angle felt like a cheap trick. The pacing was also problematic. I couldn't tell if one day or tI require way more character development. And the twin angle felt like a cheap trick. The pacing was also problematic. I couldn't tell if one day or three months or two years had passed by between paragraphs and chapters. This one was just not for me. But it did still have the power to pull me through to the end, so that's something. ...more
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