Titan of the Stars (Titan of the Stars #1) / E.K. Johnston

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
Titan of the Stars (Titan of the Stars #1)
By: E.K. Johnston
Genre: YA, Science Fiction
Number of Pages: 304
Published: May 27, 2025
Publisher: Tundra Books
Dates Read: July 1, 2026 - July 7, 2026
Format: Hardcover          ISBN: 9781774884089

Celeste knows every inch of the Titan, she’s proud of her work as an apprentice engineer, and as the space ship’s maiden voyage launches, she’s optimistic for the new journey from Earth to Mars.

Dominic is already anxious inside his dad’s precious ship – once it’s launched into space, he’s trapped, both inside the ship and inside the life his father has chosen for him, a life without art school, which is what he’s always dreamed of.

Ancient aliens discovered under melted ice caps have also been brought on to the Titan and stored in display cases for the passengers to view… until an event releases them onto the ship.

So I got this as a read for LibraryThing, and then life got in the way, a separation happened, and a move, so I got really behind. But, I finally got around to reading it when I had a week off from all the things and I loved it (and kind of excited that I did wait so long, because now I don’t have to wait so long for the sequel that’s coming out here the first week of September)!

The pacing is fast and the text quite subversive while reading – I could really see the ins and outs of the ship through Celese’s eyes. I’m not the biggest horror fan and though this has a few bloody scenes, I didn’t find anything too crazy that would stop me from reading.

Overall, if you like the movie Aliens mixed with the setting of Titanic (the ship itself, not with the iceberg), I believe you’ll find great interest in this read. This is a fast paced, space, sci-fi horror with queer inclusion included. You may just want to pick up both books when you grab this one!

*Thank you LibraryThing and Tundra Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Berry Pickers / Amanda Peters

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
The Berry Pickers
By: Amanda Peters
Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 307
Published: October 31, 2023 (1st Published April 4, 2023)
Publisher: Catapuly
Dates Read: May 25, 2026 - May 27, 2026
Format: Library Book / Paperback	ISBN: 9781646221950

In 1960’s Maine, six-year-old Joe watches his four-year-old sister Ruthie while their family, Mi’kmaq people from Nova Scotia, picks blueberries in the field. He turns away for only a moment and Ruthie vanishes without a trace. Joe is forever tormented with the guilt of being the last person to see Ruthie.

In a suburb nearby, Norma grows up as an only child of two unhappy parents. She is smart and bursting with questions, but most of the time she’s not allowed to ask. Like, where her baby photos are, her dark skin, the vivid dreams of warm embraces and campfires she has frequently. There are things her parents aren’t telling her but it will take decades for her to unravel the buried secrets.

This story is told through dual perspectives that alternate between chapters. Though it’s not told in linear order, it’s not hard to follow at all as it allows us to see how one event impacts two different individuals.

This was definitely a character driven story and was a little slower paced than I would have liked, but I still appreciated it as it kind of made you, the reader, go through the events with them. It’s not really a mystery in the usual sense, more of a sleuthing of finding out exactly what happened but I would also say Amanda Peters did an excellent job at portraying a realistic response to trauma and how it affects everyone differently.

I read this with my book group, and I’m by far the youngest in the group, so it was interesting to both read about family secrets and how things were over fifty years ago and hearing my book group members talk about their own family “secrets” that they had growing up.

Overall, a thought provoking story with themes of family, identity, loss, hope, and grief spanning over fifty years, perfect for those who like historical fiction with a bit of mystery.

Animal Pound (Issues #1-#5) / Tom King, Peter Gross (Illustrator)

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
Animal Pound (Issues #1-#5)
By: Tom King, Peter Gross (Illustrator)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Dystopia
Number of Pages: 176
Published: November 18, 2025
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Dates Read: May 6, 2026 - May 6, 2026
Format: Library Book / Paperback	ISBN: 9798892155724

When the animals at the pound have decided they’ve had enough, they join together against anyone who walks on two legs. But with this newfound freedom comes the challenge on how best to lead everyone. When the groups work together will their efforts be enough to be fair for everyone?

This kept my attention for about ¾ of it and then I ended up skimming the ending. The artwork was great – a bit dark, a bit creepy/off putting, but in an interesting way, made the animals more realistic that’s for sure.

Obviously I hated Piggy and his Trump-like actions.

Overall, an interesting retelling of Animal Farm but with animals and a little more connection with modern times.

News From the Fallout (Issues #1-#6) / Chris Condon, Jeffrey Alan Love (Artist), Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Letterer)

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
News from the Fallout (Issues #1-#6)
By: Chris Condon, Jeffrey Alan Love (Artist), Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Letterer)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Horror
Number of Pages: 200
Published: March 31, 2026
Publisher: Image Comics
Dates Read: April 27, 2026
Format: Library Book / Paperback	ISBN: 9781534335745

In 1962, Nevada’s nuclear bomb test goes horribly wrong at the Army Base and it releases a contaminate that turns humans into zombies. Otis Fallows is the only person who was there and survived but is now on the hunt to find somewhere safe – if that even exists anymore.

You know “silent” graphic novels where there’s little to no dialog? This one is like that, except it’s a darkened scene – barely any details and lots of shadows/silhouettes, plenty of dialog. It did make it a little hard to keep track of who was who, but anyone important was a bit easier to distinguish.

Overall, I totally felt the despair of the novel, but wished there was a little more to it. I kept getting lost in the illustrations (or kind of lack thereof) and though I appreciate the alternative / dystopian history, there could have been a bit more.

*Thank you NetGalley and Image Comics for a digital copies of this book in exchange for an honest review

Arthur’s Cat / Johan Leynaud, Sarah Ardizzone (Translator)

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
Arthur’s Cat
By: Johan Leynaud, Sarah Ardizzone (Translator)
Genre: Children’s, Picture Book
Number of Pages: 40
Published: March 10, 2026
Publisher: Eerdman’s Books for Young Readers
Dates Read: April 27, 2026
Format: Library Book / Hardcover	ISBN: 9780802856586

Arthur absolutely loves his cat, Zeffo and wants to do everything with him. But Zeffo? No so much – he would love some space! But one day, Arthur gives Zeffo too big of a hug and gets scratched. The days after Arthur and Zeffo work to find a new way of loving each other.

A cute and adorably written children’s book about pets and boundaries to little ones.

I loved the artwork and how Arthur was orange and Zeffo was blue, since they are complimentary colors, it really shows how opposite the two were from each other.

One can also appreciate the portions where it says both hearts had to heal. Zeffo didn’t want to scratch Arthur I’m sure, but that’s the best way to show he crossed a boundary. 

Overall, it is an adorable and cute children’s book with beautiful illustrations.

Late Today / Jungyoon Huh, Aerin Park (Translator), Myungae Lee (Illustrator)

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
Late Today
By: Jungyoon Huh, Aerin Park (Translator), Myungae Lee (Illustrator)
Genre: Children’s, Picture Book
Number of Pages: 40
Published: September 23, 2025 (1st Published January 1, 2025)
Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Dates Read: April 27, 2026
Format: Library Book / Hardcover	ISBN: 9780802856494

One rainy morning on the Seogang Bridge in between all the cars is a tiny kitten. People mutter to themselves, but no one stops or slows down until one finally does…

As always, I’m going to grab a book with a cat, especially if it’s a children’s book but what do you mean this little kitten is stuck in traffic and no one stops?!

The crayon-like artwork is both bright and dark and shows the gloominess of the rain perfectly while still showing the cars moving about on the bridge.

Overall, super cute heartfelt story about a little kitten’s rescue from a car packed bridge.

Cat + Crazy (Volume 3) / Wataru Nadatani, Zack Davisson (Translator)

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
Cat + Crazy (Volume 3)
By: Wataru Nadatani, Zack Davisson (Translator)
Genre: Manga
Number of Pages: 184
Published: April 21, 2026 (January 18, 2017)
Publisher: Dark Horse Manga
Dates Read: April 27, 2026 
Format: Paperback			ISBN: 9781506747101

In Volume 3 of this series, high schooler Kensuke Fuji and his friend Yamada start a school club for those who love cats with a third student, Ichijo, who is just as cat crazy as Kensuke.

In this volume, we get a cat club added to school and we get to meet Ichijo. I love that we keep getting characters added to the group that are just more and more crazily in love with cats – especially in their own way. 

As usual, I love how cats’ behavior is talked about in this series. This time around, it talks about love bites and what that really means when a cat nips at you. I’ve got one cat who will just get up and walk away when they’re upset and another that will do the love bites.

We also got a chapter with Tiger’s point of view and I absolutely loved it! His inner monologue and demeanor fit him so well.

Overall, Cat + Crazy is getting more and more solidified as a series any cat lover will enjoy. 

The Siren and the Star / Colby Cedar Smith

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
The Siren and the Star
By: Colby Cedar Smith
Genre: YA, Novel in Verse
Number of Pages: 544
Published: October 28, 2025
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Dates Read: April 24, 2026 - April 27, 2026
Format: Library Book / Hardcover	ISBN: 9781665972178

Trigger Warning: assault, violence, classism, rape, murder

Luciana “Lula” Gabroni has been introverted and homeschooled her whole life, but now she’s entering the New England Conservatory of Music. She’s immediately chosen to join an elite ensemble of students who will compete in a music festival in Venice, Italy.

Barbara Strozzi is a poor, young woman living in 17th-century Venice who dreams of making her mark on the world through song. She is determined to fight against her title of illegitimate servant girl and have a life filled with intellect, pleasure, and independence., even if her gender and status threaten to silence her.

When Lula comes across Barara’s music in the Conservatory library, she immediately feels a kinship. After an incident at school sends Lula on a journey to reclaim her voice, she soon realizes she must connect with the ghosts of the past if she wants to tackle her future.

This is a novel in verse told through three acts like an opera and focuses on finding your voice and female empowerment.

This book is thoroughly researched and you can easily tell Smith took care of the historical aspect as well as the current setting of Venice, making the city come alive in multiple ways. Both women are strong, well written women who make them hard to forget and their journeys will stay with me for a long time.

Overall, a captivating read for any novel in verse reader, a music lover, or anyone who wants to read about some amazing, strong women.

The Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and Their Reclamation of a Groundbreaking History / Karen Valby

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
The Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and Their Reclamation of a Groundbreaking History
By: Karen Valby
Genre: Nonfiction, History, Dance
Number of Pages: 320
Published: February 11, 2025 (1st Published April 30, 2024)
Publisher: Vintage
Dates Read: April 19, 2026 - April 21, 2026
Format: Paperback			ISBN: 9780593469668

This nonfiction history book tells the story of five black ballerinas that were a part of the international dance company of the Dance Theatre of Harlem: Gayle McKinney-Griffith, Sheila Rohan, Karlya Shelton, Marcia Sells, and Lydia Abarca, who was the first Black ballerina on the cover of Dance magazine, an Essence cover, cast in The Wiz and in a Bob Fosse production on Broadway. 

After decades of almost no record of their groundbreaking history, these five Swans of Harlem come together to tell their story of their chosen family during the years of dancing during the height of the Civil Rights movement.

I’m going to be honest and state that I was pretty worried about this read for my book group because I have such a hard time with nonfiction, but this is a very chill narrative nonfiction. Each chapter sometimes focused on one ballerina and her story, but other times it would focus on the company itself, racism in the arts, or Arthur Mitchell (the founder of DTH), who, though he gave these women opportunities that didn’t exist elsewhere, he was super toxic. You do learn a lot about the history and what was currently going on and such, but some of the things he did made my skin crawl.

This book talks about how Misty Copeland has gotten the title of “The First Black Ballerina” and how there were those before her that should really get that title. It really made me appreciate that, even though this is almost 70 years later black women’s stories are still being told and shared.

Overall, this is a wonderful book that talks about both the ballerinas and the dance company of the Dance Theatre of Harlem and how their dancing was impacted by the ballet community, racism and discrimination, friendship, the effects of verbal abuse, the AIDS epidemic, and the beautiful bond of sisterhood and family forged around their ballet slippers.

Stoked For This: June 2026

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment

There’s quite a few books this month that range all over with genres, subjects, and timelines. There’s a few from previously read authors as well as some debut authors. I’m even including some manga this time around!!

June 2, 2026

A story about a father and son who are working for the great Ordnance Survey project to map the whole of Ireland. The year is 1865, and in a country not long since ravaged and emptied by the Great Hunger, the task is not an easy one. 

Land

By: Maggie O’Farrell

In this debut novel, a giant jellyfish is terrorizing a tiny island off the coast of Maine and a marine biologist who prefers jellyfish over people rushes across the country to try and help.

The Jellyfish Problem

By: Tessa Yang

From the author of Rez Ball, comes a new YA novel about a young Ojibwe athlete learning to ride in his late father’s footsteps while practicing for a skateboarding championship with his crew.

Medicine Wheels

By: Byron Graves

After her mother’s sudden death, Jihad joins an exclusive high school. But, she’s the only Muslim student and everything about her makes her suspicious to her classmates. After finding her mother’s old sketchbook, Jihad’s own canvas become bigger than she would every imagine.

The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue

By: Zoulfa Katouh

Guinevere Sharpe has had two childhoods. One, she lives in the wooded shadow of her family’s isolated Vermont farmhouse, growing up near-feral, unwashed and underfed – the woods her and her siblings playground; in the other, she’s apart of her mother’s world-famous Ninth City books, where her magical adventures have made her a household name. Now an adult, Guinevere looks back on her childhood, before the fire that left her mother’s series unfinished, and tries to find out what really happened.

The Children

By: Melissa Albert

A Queer retelling of Sleep Beauty that tackles escapism, grief, and dreaming of a better world.

The Secret World of Briar Rose

By: Cindy Pham

In this homage to The Face on the Milk Carton a trans boy discovers he was kidnapped as a child and that his birth parents are out there still searching… for their daughter.

The Names We Burned

By: Mia Siegert

A historical graphic novel based on the true story of Operación Pedro Pan, a joint effort between the U.S. government and the Catholic Welfare Bureau to evacuate 14,000 children from Cuba to the U.S. between 1960 and 1962.

We Are Pan

By: Andre R. Frattino & Yasmin Flores Montanez

From the author of one of my favorite heart wrenching YA novels, Yolk comes a new adult fiction about a mother-daughter relationship set against the backdrop of Hollywood.

Pool House

By: Mary H.K. Choi

The sequel to one of my favorite Queer YA novels about a lady night and her lady!!!

One Knight Stand

By: Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

June 9, 2026

In this new ovel from Dave Eggers, two friends believe they can change the world as they challenge the rules and market forces within the art community.

Contrapposto

By: Dave Eggers

June 16, 2026

Told in multiple POVs, this YA novel is an Indigenous murder-mystery set in Costa Rica about a Bribri-American teenager searching for the truth behind her land-activist father’s mysterious death.

Together We See

By: Ari Tison

A young musical prodigy and his mother spend years searching for each other after getting separated at a Beijing Railway Station.

Little Wonder

By: Sophie Chen Keller

A historical fiction manga about girls from a boarding school in Japan who are recruited to help as assistant nurses during WWII.

cocoon

By: Machiko Kyo

A mother becomes obsessed with finding the cure to a mysterious ailment that is causing those effected to not be able to go outside during the day.

The Emilys: A Novel

By: Heather Abel

June 23, 2026

In this fun detective noir, all the characters are animals who are fighting for survival in the city underneath the humans.

Green City Wars

By: Adrian Tchaikovsky

From one of my favorite manga author, Gengoroh Tagame, comes a story two “straight” friends, living in the middle of COVID, and who might just be gay.

Fish and Water

By: Gengoroh Tagame, Anne Ishii (Translator)