Post-It Note Reviews: 10 Quick Reviews of New Books

Me all school year: I can’t wait for summer when I’ll have so much free time to read!

Me all summer: Why is summer going to fast?! I’m not getting nearly enough reading done!! Help!!

I’m trying. I really am trying to crank through my TBR cart, but it just keeps filling up. Here are a few quick post-it note reviews of new books that you may want to add to your TBR tower.

All descriptions from the publishers. Transcriptions of handwriting scrawl follows each description.

Ready or Not by Andi Porretta (ISBN-13: 9781665907033 Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers Publication date: 07/02/2024, Ages 14-18)

An anxious teen hopes that a summer of adventure and offbeat dares will keep her friend group together after graduation in this luminous coming-of-age graphic novel with the feel-good vibes of Booksmart and Morgan Matson’s Since You’ve Been Gone.

With senior year finally behind them, Cassie and her three best friends are on their way to what’s next. Like their parents, the crew has always been inseparable: there’s Marcy, the artist, for whom style is self-expression and sarcasm is a love language; Aaron, the future lawyer, whose good humor balances out his competitive streak; Nico, the musician, whose flirtatiousness, obliviousness, and recent interest in a rising senior are becoming increasingly unbearable to Cassie; and of course, Cassie herself, the only one who doesn’t have her future all figured out.

This summer is their last chance to make memories together in New York City before everyone but Cassie scatters across the globe for college—and she’s determined to make the most of it. Her plan? They’ll spend August playing the game of dares and risks they invented as kids! From adventurous to outrageous, these dares will definitely make for an unforgettable summer. Even better, Cassie is hopeful they’ll help the group stay friends no matter what…because she is not ready for a future without them.

(POST-IT SAYS: A fantastic read about how it feels to be on the brink of everything changing. Cassie’s attempts to keep her best friend group connected lead to lots of hijinks, hurt feelings, and revelations. I loved the vibrant art, the diverse cast, and the raw, complicated feelings.)

Save Our Forest! by Nora Dåsnes, Lise Laerdal Bryn (Translator) (ISBN-13: 9781662640735 Publisher: Astra Publishing House Publication date: 07/30/2024 Series: Cross My Heart, Ages 10-13)

This bold graphic novel sequel to Cross My Heart and Never Lie, which Alice Oseman called “a warm hug,” follows Bao, who bands together with her friends to save their beloved forest from being turned into a parking lot.

After being leader of “girls-who-never-fall-in-love” in Cross My Heart and Never Lie, Tuva’s best friend, Bao, faces a challenge unlike any she’s faced before: the PTA wants to raze down the students’ beloved forest, removing the space where Bao and other student have always played and integral to both Bao and other students’ lives and the environment they call home. When the adults are too apathetic, too cynical, or too preoccupied to see the importance of the forest, Bao and the others will have to stop playing nice and take matters into their own hands. But Bao and her classmates are only twelve years old—how can they get the adults in power to see this crisis for what it is? This timely story follows Cross My Heart and Never Lie and continues the popular graphic novel format with gorgeous hand-lettering and a unique, charming art style.

(POST-IT SAYS: An inspiring look at young climate activists taking action when adults do not. The kids must work together to find creative ways to draw attention to their cause. A powerful read.)

Age 16 by Rosena Fung (ISBN-13: 9781773218335 Publisher: Annick Press, Limited Publication date: 07/02/2024, Ages 12+)

One of Ms. Magazine’s Most Anticipated Feminist Books of 2024

A powerful coming-of-age graphic novel about how mothers and daughters pass down—and rebel against—standards of size, gender, race, beauty, and worth.

Guangdong, 1954 Sixteen-year-old Mei Laan longs for a future of freedom, and her beauty may be the key to getting it. Can an arranged marriage in Hong Kong be the answer to all her problems?

Hong Kong, 1972 Sixteen-year-old Lydia wants nothing more than to dance and to gain approval from her mother, who is largely absent and sharply critical, especially about the way she looks. Maybe her way to happiness is starting over in Toronto?

Toronto, 2000 Sixteen-year-old Roz is grappling with who she wants to be in the world. The only thing she is certain of is that if she were thinner, things would be better. How can she start living her life, instead of just photographing it?

When Roz’s estranged por por abruptly arrives for a seemingly indefinite visit, three generations are now under one roof. Delicate relationships are suddenly upended, and long-suppressed family secrets begin to surface.

Award-winning creator of Living With Viola Rosena Fung pulls from her own family history in her YA debut to give us an emotional and poignant story about how every generation is affected by those that came before, and affect those that come after.

“Moving and emotional.” —Victoria Ying, Harvey Award–winning author of Hungry Ghost

“Crucial.” —Deb JJ Lee, creator of In Limbo

“Beautiful.” —Fiona Smyth, illustrator of Sex Is a Funny Word

Content Warning: body image, disordered eating.

(POST-IT SAYS: I love Rosena Fung. An emotional examination of 3 generations growing up and the expectations that shape and harm them. The depth explored in each timeline shows how the shame and estrangement carries over—and how it can be broken.)

Meesh the Bad Demon #2: The Secret of the Fang by Michelle Lam (ISBN-13: 9780593372913 Publisher: Random House Children’s Books Publication date: 07/23/2024 Series: Meesh the Bad Demon #2, Ages 8-12)

Meesh the Bad Demon is no stranger to saving the world—but she never thought she’d have to do it twice! Can she defeat the darkness once and for all in this sequel of epic proportions?

When Meesh banded together with Fairy Princess Nouna to save the underworld, she never expected she’d have to… do it again someday. Though, as Meesh grows into her newly discovered destiny as the Guardian of the world, she figured there would be a few minor rescues, maybe some crime-fighting here or there.

But before long, her new friend Chai’s family is forced out of their home by an evil force who threatens to destroy all of fox-kind if they dare stay. Meesh suspects the same masked villain she faced before is behind all of this, but will she be able to stop them before it’s too late?

(POST-IT SAYS: Best to read book #1 first to learn about Meesh and friends saving the underworld. This round, they battle prejudices, a nefarious fairy, and a giant laser. Great messages about kindness and acceptance. A pretty hefty read full of great art.)

Dancing in the Storm by Amie Darnell Specht, Shannon Hitchcock (ISBN-13: 9780593619469 Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group Publication date: 02/06/2024, Ages 8-12)

In the tradition of Out of My Mind and Rules, and inspired by the co-author’s own life, this is a heartfelt, candid, and illuminating story of a girl learning to live fully with a rare genetic disorder.

Kate’s life in Baton Rouge, full of friends and family, gymnastics and Girl Scouts, is just plain great. But then, at the age of twelve, she suddenly develops a mysterious shoulder pain that won’t go away . . . and that will change her life forever. It turns out that Kate has one of the rarest genetic disorders in the world, Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva. FOP causes bone to form in places in the body where it shouldn’t, and there’s no cure yet. Kate will need to learn how to live with this difficult new reality, helped by those close to her and by a new pen pal named Amie, who has been living with FOP for years.

Drawing upon much of Amie Specht’s own experiences with FOP, she and esteemed novelist Shannon Hitchcock have created a poignant, eye-opening, and uplifting story of finding courage and joy in the face of adversity.

(POST-IT SAYS: A really thorough, intense, and emotional look at dealing with a genetic disorder and all that comes with that. Kate cycles through fear, frustration, adaptation, hope, and confidence as she adjusts to her new reality and shares her diagnosis with others. Will comfort those facing their own struggles and educate others.)

Theodora Hendrix and the Monstrous League of Monsters by Jordan Kopy, Chris Jevons (Illustrator) (ISBN-13: 9781665906838 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers Publication date: 07/16/2024 Series: The Theodora Hendrix Books #1, Ages 8-12)

The Addams Family meets Nancy Drew in this delightfully spooky illustrated middle grade mystery following a young human girl determined to protect her monster foster family from discovery.

The first rule of the Monstrous League of Monsters is to keep monsters hidden from humans. But when zombie George and his cat companion Bandit find an abandoned human baby, they can’t leave her to be eaten by hobgoblins. So they spirit her home where she quickly becomes part of the family.

Fast-forward ten years, and young Theodora doesn’t seem too scarred by her monstrous upbringing. But a series of anonymous letters suggests that someone is about to reveal the secret of her caretakers’ identity. If Theodora doesn’t act fact, she may lose her beloved monster family forever.

(POST-IT SAYS: Readers will fly through this goofy story about a human, her monster family, and the threat that her home life will be revealed. Ample illustrations and lots of action help make for a fast read.)

HoverGirls by Geneva Bowers (ISBN-13: 9781547611188 Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Publication date: 08/06/2024, Ages 13-17)

The web comic sensation about magical girls by acclaimed illustrator Geneva Bowers, now in a beautiful print edition, featuring an expanded storyline and revised art!

Jalissa and Kim Vasquez are cousins who move to the city of Los Aguaceros together. Kim dreams of becoming a famous model and fashion designer, while Jalissa is just trying to hold herself together after a breakdown the year before.

When a curious incident on the beach leaves them with supernatural powers and monsters start attacking the city, Kim decides that using their powers to stop them is the perfect way for them to become famous. But being heroes isn’t as easy as it seems—and Los Aguaceros is in more danger than they imagine.

This beautifully illustrated and hilarious YA graphic novel began as a web comic and quickly became a WEBTOON sensation. This print edition features an expanded story and updated art, offering something for new and old fans alike!

(POST-IT SAYS: An absolutely jam-packed read—so many panels of art and so much to read! Readers see all the action of the present and come to understand the cousins more through flashbacks as they fight to save the city and themselves. Really lovely, detailed art.)

I’m from Here Too by Kashmira Sheth (ISBN-13: 9781682636060 Publisher: Peachtree Publication date: 07/02/2024, Ages 8-12)

Kashmira Sheth’s eloquent verse novel follows an Indian American Sikh boy through a year of change, challenges, and growth

Anoop is many things: a brother, a son, a grandson, a friend, a middle school student, and a budding writer. He is also Indian American and Sikh.

When he joins a new class, separated from longtime friends, aspects of his identity—especially his long hair, covered with a patka—draw attention in new and uncomfortable ways. At the same time, his beloved grandfather in India is nearing death, leading Anoop to think about faith and identity and his place in the world, especially as attacks on American Sikhs accelerate and he is reminded of his grandfather’s experiences during Partition.

Can the tenets of his faith—equality, justice, service, honesty—help Anoop navigate life? Can he even maintain them?

(POST-IT SAYS: Love that this is in verse, which is perfect for the poetic and introspective Anoop. His Sikh religion is at the center of everything as he worries about his ailing grandpa, deals with bullies, and looks to find where he fits in the world.)

Nina Peanut: Creative Genius by Sarah Bowie (ISBN-13: 9781454953258 Publisher: Union Square Kids Publication date: 08/13/2024 Series: Nina Peanut, Ages 8-12)

Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, here is a witty and humorous story about a girl’s claim to fame and her journey toward self-discovery. 
Nina Peanut runs a very serious, very amazing video channel; so why are her grandmother and her best friend, Brian, her only viewers? (Hint: it might have something to do with her obsessions with quirky stuff like a potato with a human face.) Nina isn’t as popular as queen bee Megan Dunne, whose own channel, featuring her incredibly trained (and perfectly coifed) poodle, gets thousands of views a day! But when Nina’s cat accidentally turns into the star of one of Megan’s videos, Nina realizes she just might have the chance to chase her dreams. But as Nina goes down the road of stardom, she starts to question whether or not fame is worth the price she’s paying.

(POST-IT SAYS: This heavily illustrated novel (a smart move in this reign of Wimpy Kid and graphic novels) balances wacky humor with issues of popularity, friendship, and online experiences. Easy, wide appeal.)

PetWizards by Kirk Scroggs (ISBN-13: 9781454950486 Publisher: Union Square Kids
Publication date: 08/06/2024 Series: PetWizards, Ages 8-12)

Perfect for animal lovers and fans of Lumberjanes, here is a hilarious graphic novel about a boy named Finch with the not-so-secret ability to control animals, and his mission to save the school musical and win the heart of his crush.
Finch Eaglehawk may seem like an average oddball with a taste for the dramatic and glam-rock musical numbers, but he has a secret. Finch is a PetWizard, with the ability to control the animal kingdom—well, the “et cetera” category of the animal kingdom. Though he loves his naked mole rats, bearded dragons, and boa constrictors, Finch yearns for more. With the help of his best friend, Aberdeen, a mysterious new kid named Erica, and an ancient PetMaster manual, Finch tries to learn how to own his powers and use them to help those in need, protect the vulnerable, and, most important, impress his crush, Ken Chu, the star of the upcoming school musical.

(POST-IT SAYS: Awesome bright, cartoonish illustrations, tons of truly funny dialogue, and a unique premise all make for an excellent read. Plenty of hijinks as Finch and friends control (some) animals and work to translate an ancient text.)

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