Review: Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Pérez

Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez

Out of Darkness
Ashley Hope Pérez
Holiday House
Published September 10, 2019

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About Out of Darkness

“This is East Texas, and there’s lines. Lines you cross, lines you don’t cross. That clear?” New London, TX. 1937. Naomi Vargas is Mexican American. Wash Fuller is Black. These teens know the town’s divisive racism better than anyone. But sometimes the attraction between two people is so powerful it breaks through even the most entrenched color lines. And the consequences can be explosive.

Naomi and Wash dare to defy the rules, and the New London … Continue reading

April 2026 Reading Recap

April 2026 Reading Recap

April 2026 Reading Recap block

This month began with services for my dad’s passing and our first Easter without him. Every day is still strange, like we’re navigating around unexpected holes he used to fill. The cat continues to hold on– we’re having real success with his medications at the moment. Fingers crossed that we’ll make it at least through the end of the school year with him feeling well. Truthfully, we’ll enjoy every good day he can give us before we say another painful goodbye.

In terms of my reading life, by the end of the month, I felt much more in the swing of things. I’m still reading much more slowly than usual, but catching up … Continue reading

Review: Room to Dream by Kelly Yang

Room to Dream by Kelly Yang

Room to Dream (Front Desk #3)
Kelly Yang
Publisher
Published September 21, 2021

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About Room to Dream

New York Times bestselling author Kelly Yang is back with another heartwarming and inspiring story of Mia and friends!

Mia Tang is going for her dreams!

After years of hard work, Mia Tang finally gets to go on vacation with her family — to China! A total dream come true! Mia can’t wait to see all her cousins and grandparents again, especially her cousin Shen. As she roams around Beijing, witnessing some of the big changes China’s going through, … Continue reading

Review: The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy by Erin Edwards

The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy by Erin Edwards

The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy
Erin Edwards
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published April 7, 2026

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About The Unruly Heart of Miss Darcy

Mr. Darcy got his happily ever after in Pride and Prejudice, and now it’s his sister’s turn in this swoony queer romance, perfect for fans of Bridgerton.

Georgiana Darcy has only ever kissed one girl before, and the resulting blackmail almost ruined her reputation. Since then, she’s carefully calibrated her life to be as quiet as possible, focusing on books and music. She certainly isn’t planning on … Continue reading

Review: How to Survive the End of the World by Katy Doughty

How to Survive the End of the World by Katy Doughty

How to Survive the End of the World
Katy Doughty
MITeen Press
Published March 31, 2026

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About How to Survive the End of the World

“Brilliant; at once terrifying and fascinating.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

In a full-color debut, a graphic novelist takes an engrossing, gleefully existential deep dive into the many ways that humanity could—and almost did—meet its end.

Since 99.9 percent of all species that have lived are extinct, it’s bound to be our turn eventually, right? So what’s most likely to kill us? A well-timed asteroid? Some new robot overlords? With wit and dry humor, debut graphic novelist Katy Doughty blends science … Continue reading

Review: Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

Impossible Creatures (Impossible Creatures #1)
Katherine Rundell
Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published September 10, 2024

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About Impossible Creatures

The day Christopher saved a drowning baby griffin from a hidden lake would change his life forever. It’s the day he learned about the Archipelago, a cluster of unmapped islands where magical creatures of every kind have thrived for thousands of years—until now. And it’s the day he met Mal, a girl on the run who desperately needs his help.

Mal and Christopher embark on a wild adventure, racing from island to island, searching for … Continue reading