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Book Reviews

March 23, 2023 by Amanda MacGregor

Book Review: Julia and the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave with illustrations by Tom de Freston

This stunning and empathetic look at mental illness is not be missed. Perfect from start to finish.

March 14, 2023 by Amanda MacGregor

Book Review: Different for Boys by Patrick Ness with illustrations by Tea Bendix

This raw, emotional, experimental story is a powerful read. In turns melancholy, brutal, and funny, this is an innovative look at loneliness and sexuality.

March 7, 2023 by Amanda MacGregor

Book Review: The Coldest Winter I Ever Spent by Ann Jacobus

An extremely thoughtful and moving examination of death that focuses on the honor of being with someone when they die. A complex read that isn't easy but is worth it.

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More Recent Posts

Book Review: For Lamb by Lesa Cline-Ransome

February 28, 2023 by Amanda MacGregor

Back matter, as well as a nod in the publisher's description, explains that often female victims of white supremacy and lynching are overlooked in history. Here, they take center stage, and the stories of Lamb, Marion, and their family will stick with me for a long time. A brutal but beautiful read.

Book Review: She is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran

February 24, 2023 by Amanda MacGregor

Come for the cover, stay for the spooky story full of atmospheric weirdness, ghosts, and bugs. Don't forget the bugs.

Book Review: Always the Almost by Edward Underhill

February 17, 2023 by Amanda MacGregor

I ended up burning through this super-readable book about love, identity, and trans joy and can't wait to see what else Underhill does.

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Book Review: Lasagna Means I Love You by Kate O’Shaughnessy

February 16, 2023 by Amanda MacGregor

This moving and well-written story about one kid's experience in the foster care system is so full of heart. Mo's story will stick with me for a long time. A great read.

Book Review: When Sea Becomes Sky by Gillian McDunn

February 15, 2023 by Amanda MacGregor

This is one of those books that is nice to read and seems perfectly fine, but then becomes something bigger, something better, something different.

Post-It Note Reviews: Graphic novels, a sentient house, a holiday-themed love story, and more!

February 14, 2023 by Amanda MacGregor

It's I Love to Read Month and post-it note reviews would be a great way to allow students, staff, and librarians to show off their recommended reads!

Book Review: Remind Me to Hate You Later by Lizzy Mason

February 13, 2023 by Amanda MacGregor

Lizzy Mason puts it all here on the page---the grief and guilt are palpable. The despair is crushing. It's not an easy read. But it's an important one.

Read More Posts »

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