Author: Alisha Helms

Pearl / Sherri L. Smith, Christine Norrie (Illustrator)

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Pearl
By: Sherri L. Smith, Christine Norrie (Illustrator)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 146
Published: August 20, 2024
Publisher: Graphix
Dates Read: September 9, 2024
Format: eBook

Amy is a thirteen-years-old Japanese-American living in Hawaii. In the summer of 1941, Amy travels to visit family outside of Hiroshima when word of her great-grandmother falling ill is sent. When the Japanese navy attacks Pearl Harbor in December, it becomes impossible for Amy to return to Hawaii. Conscripted into translating english radio transmissions for the Japanese army, Amy struggles with where her loyalty really lies. In Japan, she’s American, but in America, with the rumors on internment camps, she would be Japanese. Torn between two countries at war, Amy must figure out where her loyalties lie and, in the face of the unthinkable, find hope amidst the rubble.

I’ve read a lot of various World War II novels but I actually hadn’t read one from an American’s perspective while overseas. I appreciate seeing the torn loyalties that Amy feels throughout the story – what America did to those of Japanese descent was ridiculous, even now, 80+ years later, the wording used to describe these camps varies depending on what website you use…
This would be a great addition to middle grade historical fiction as Pearl showed the struggles of what people went through during the war. It’s a bit simplified, yes, but the art of this graphic novel does a lot of “the talking” as well – even with the blue, black, and white color palette.

It Happened to Anna / Tehlor Kay Mejia

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It Happened to Anna
By: Tehlor Kay Mejia
Genre: Middle Grade, Horror
Number of Pages: 224
Published: august 6, 2024
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Dates Read: September 8, 2024
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Trigger Warnings: Parental abandonment, grief, mental health, toxic relationship, bullying

Sadie Rivera has been haunted all her life by a ghost who doesn’t allow her to make friends. The moment she tries, light bulbs begin exploding, chilly gusts of wind blow through even closed hallways, and accidents begin to happen. Last year, Anna finally made a best friend, Anna. So when the ghost caused an accident that killed her, Sadie knew it was her fault. Which is why she’s keeping to herself at this new school in Idaho. At least until she meets the mysterious cool girl Mal and the ghost doesn’t bother her for once. But Mal wants Sadie all to herself and she’ll do anything to make sure that happens.

I really, really enjoyed Tehlor Kay Mejia’s We Set the Dark on Fire duology and was super excited when I heard about their middle grade horror novel.

I believe Mejia’s did a wonderful job at catching the loneliness and depression that Sadie was in due to the ghost haunting her, and how much she craved the connection of friendship. Mejia uses a supernatural lens to talk about toxic friendships; what it looks like, what it feels like, and what one can do if they find themselves in one. I was very proud of Sadie when she (finally) began to figure out what was happening and that how she was being treated was not right.

Overall, this was a great middle grade horror read – scary, but nothing super crazy for the age group. It brings up a lot of conversation around social skills and friendships and what ultimately, at the end of the day, is a healthy one for each person.

Greta / J.S. Lemon

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Greta
By: J.S. Lemon
Genre: Middle Grade, Magical Realism
Number of Pages: 208
Published: September 10, 2024
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Dates Read: September 4, 2024 - September 7, 2024
Format: ARC / eBook

Trigger Warnings: Assault

In this reminiscent of Kafka’s Metamorphosis Greta Goodwin’s life is changing – not only is she moving across town and far away from her best friend, Lottie, she’s also starting middle school. Greta doesn’t feel like she’s up there with everyone else: she could care less about boys, makeup, and cafeteria food. Instead, Greta lives by the motto, “Do not call attention to yourself”. But, at her first party, a boy does pay attention to Greta. At first, it feels good, but then it feels awful. In the aftermath, Greta can’t make sense of what happened, she can’t talk about it, not even to Lotti. Then, Greta’s body begins to change, in a vastly different way than those around her.

I was immediately interested in this novel as soon as it said it was reminiscent of Kafka’s Metamorphosis. I’ve always loved Kafka and enjoyed retellings, reimaginings, or reminiscences of his works. I’ve never really read a Kafka inspired novel that was aimed towards Middle Grade readers, so I was curious to see how this one was written.

First off, I absolutely adored Greta and Lotti’s relationship and the love that they had for one another. It reminded me of my childhood girlfriends who were my ride and die growing up.

Secondly, I think J.S. Lemon did a fantastic job writing Greta’s “metamorphosis” after the incident at the party. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but the lesson at the end of the story is that one’s own skin (body) is their own. 

Overall, I believe Middle Grade readers will get a good understanding of the message(s) Lemon writes about and will hopefully bring attention to how they may interact within their own lives.

*Thank you Farrar, Straus and Giroux and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Tig / Heather Smith

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Tig
By: Heather Smith
Genre: Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 160
Published: September 3, 2024
Publisher: Tundra Books
Dates Read: September 2, 2024
Format: ARC / eBook

Trigger Warnings: Child abandonment, alcoholic parent, abuse

After months of living without electricity or parents, Tig and Peter are forced to move in with their Uncle Scott and his partner, Manny. The transition from on your own, to picture perfect is rough. Tig, along with Peter’s support, decides to make it messy, with daily arguments and stubbornness, and plans to become a competitive cheese racer.

This is a heartbreaking, and heartwarming, middle grade novel that I was not expecting to make me cry, but here we are. Tig is one of those characters I will think about for a long time (if not forever). I also think I will be rereading this at some point as well for reasons you may understand after reading it.

Tig is a heavy book, but still written well for middle grade readers. Tig herself is going through a lot of trauma and you’re seeing this new environment through her eyes as she goes through it and sometimes even processes/revisits trauma she’d experienced before. She is really blessed with supportive and empathetic adults like her Uncle Scott and Manny.

This novel is a short, but terrific read. Tig will grab your heartstrings and race you down the hill with them.

*Thank you Tundra Books and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Twenty-Four Seconds From Now… / Jason Reynolds

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Twenty-Four Seconds from Now…
By: Jason Reynolds
Genre: YA, Romance
Number of Pages: 256
Published: October 8, 2024
Publisher: Atheneum / Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
Dates Read: September 1, 2024
Format: ARC / Paperback

Twenty-four months ago: Neon gets chased by a dog at his grandfather’s funeral. He’d love to forget that moment, but not the dog’s owner, Aria…

Twenty-four weeks ago: Neon’s dad talks to him about tenderness and intimacy. Neon and Aria definitely love each other, and are talking about taking the next big step.

Twenty-four days ago: Neon’s mom finds her bra in his room. The hooks are complicated! He figured he’d need to practice, especially since the special day is only a month away.

Twenty-four minutes ago: Neon leaves his shift at his dad’s bingo hall, chicken tenders for Aria in a bag. They’re not caviar, but they’re her favorite.

Right this second? Neon is locked in Aria’s bathroom, mid panic attack because twenty-four seconds from now, he and Aria are about to… well… they won’t do anything if Neon can’t get out of his head!

Oh my goodness, I really enjoyed this novel. A book from the guy’s perspective about doing “it” for the first time. But also, this is about healthy Black teens, in a healthy relationship, talking about and discussing sex in a healthy and positive manner with members of their family and friends – though of course there are some friends who may over exaggerate what it is they’ve actually done.

Every conversation Neon had with members of his family, though he may have been hesitant to voice his anxiety and fears, his family was always very supportive and honest with him. His sister corrects misconceptions and emphasizes communication. His mom talks about allowing himself feelings and for checking Aria’s as well (in such a funny way). And his dad talks about his relationship with his mom and how he’s made mistakes, some from advice from bad role models, and how he wants better for Neon.

Overall, this novel is a sweet story about young love and first times, filled with awkwardness, reassurance, and anxiety. I can definitely see this becoming one of those staple coming-of-age novels like Judy Blume’s Forever.

*Thank you Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Breaking into Sunlight / John Cochran

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Breaking into Sunlight
By: John Cochran
Genre: Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 304
Published: June 18, 2024
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Dates Read: August 30, 2024 - August 31, 2024
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Trigger Warnings: parent drug use, parent addiction, overdose

Reese is a seventh-grader who loves drawing, basketball, and his parents. But one day after school, Reese comes home to his worst nightmare – his dad on the floor, lips turning blue, overdosed. Again. After calling 911 and getting his dad help, Reese expects everything to go on like it did the last time, but for his mom, this was the breaking point. Until Reese’s dad really gets the help that he needs, Reese and his mom are leaving, moving into a rundown trailer outside of town. Reese is furious with his mom for leaving his dad when he needs them, scared for his dad who’s not answering calls or texts, and terrified his friends will find out his family’s biggest secret. 

But then he meets Meg and Charlie, siblings who have also been stranded by circumstances outside of their control. As the trio get to know more about each other, Reese discovers beauty and joy in nature – especially the river down the pathway of the property they are staying at. His dad also seems to be doing better and is talking with his mom again. But how long can these good times last?

This middle grade book deals with a heavy topic matter – parent addiction, and it does so with compassionate care for all parties. This allowed Reese to go through and process his emotions, between anger, sadness, anxiety, depression, and everything in between. Addiction is a topic that unfortunately tends to be treated like it needs to be hidden and to be ashamed about. What Reese and his family go through will really relate to children who may be going through something similar. 

I am so happy I got to read this novel, and to know that it exists in the world for younger readers so they don’t feel alone – and for those who haven’t experienced it, to open the door of understanding. Even though it is for younger readers, I do see older readers, and adults getting something out of this read too.

*Thank you Algonquin Young Readers and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Ash’s Cabin / Jen Wang

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Ash’s Cabin
By: Jen Wang
Genre: Graphic Novel, YA
Number of Pages: 320
Published: August 13, 2024
Publisher: First Second
Dates Read: August 30, 2024
Format: ARC / eBook

Ash has always felt alone and the only person who ever understood them was their Grandpa Edwin. Before he died, Grandpa Edwin used to talk about the secret cabin in the woods he was building, deep in the California wilderness. Not really knowing if it was real or not, Ash decides to go find it and start fresh, completely on their own – well, with their dog, Chase.

I didn’t realize when I first asked for an ARC of this book, that it was from the same author as The Prince and the Dressmaker, so it was really fun finding that out.

I really loved the artwork in this graphic novel and the structure of it almost being like a memoir of Ash’s. I of course loved Chase and their relationship with Ash (loved that Ash called Chase their familiar, cause I say that about my oldest cat).

Was Ash really naive when it came to living on their own in the wilderness? Yes, absolutely. Did the graphic novel look at all this with rose colored glasses and kind of “fix” or “solve” everything bad that happened? Yes, but it’s also a YA graphic novel, so I’ve kind of given it the benefit of the doubt. 

Overall, I really enjoyed the story that talked about really finding your own place in the world and what it really takes to do it all on your own. Yes, there is a big focus on climate change and what one can do about it, but I didn’t feel like it was the absolute main focus of the book.

*Thank you First Second and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Stoked for This: September 2024

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1st Tuesday of the month almost snuck up on me again! – Almost!

Luckily I had the day off on Monday for Labor Day and gathered together most of titles and dates so get this set up and ready for today.

I’ve actually already read a handful of these titles and am stoked for them finally to be available for others to now read and enjoy so I can talk to them about it. TJ Klune, a book about Anne Frank, some though subject matter Middle Grade reads. Let’s take a look at what I’m stoked for in September!!

Release Date: September 3, 2024

The Book Swap

By: Tessa Bickers

Why am I stoked for this release?

A romance based around a little free library?

Sure, why not?

But I’m mostly stoked because it’s promising to be a love letter to books and reading and those are two of my favorite things so I don’t think I could not be stoked for this!

Blue Sisters

By: Coco Mellors

Why am I stoked for this release?

Three estranged sisters return to their family home in New York after their beloved sister’s death.

This is marketed as being about “grief, identity, and the complexities of family”.

My sisters and I are relatively close – I don’t think I go a few days without talking to them either individually or in our family or sister chat. So, I’m sure I’ll do the comparison about us a lot (though there’s only three of us all together).

Also – I love family dynamics. We’re all messy, but that’s life.

The Life Impossible

By: Matt Haig

Why am I stoked for this release?

I really enjoyed The Midnight Library when that came out a few years ago, so of course I’m going to pick up to latest novel from Matt Haig.

This one is about a retired math teacher who is left a run-down house on a Mediterranean island by a long-lost friend. When she goes down there, she begins to search for answers about her friend’s life.

If you read Haig’s other novel, than you know there’s gonna be more than meets the eye in the description. So, I’m stoked to find out what that is!

Tig

By: Heather Smith

Why am I stoked for this release?

I actually just read this on my Labor Day Monday (so expect the review later this week!)

This is about Tig and Peter, who are forced to move in with their Uncle Scott and his partner, Manny after living alone for months. There’s a tough transition, but also a goal of outrunning a wheel of cheese down a hill…

I may have shed a tear of two when reading this. It’ll pull on your heartstrings for sure.

Release Date: September 10, 2024

Somewhere Beyond the Sea

By: TJ Klune

Why am I stoked for this release?

First off – it’s TJ Klune and I loved anything and everything he writes. You can also bet I will talk about the newest release for the next twelve months (do you hear me still talking about In the Lives of Puppets??)

My boss is amazing and got me an ARC of this so I read it earlier, if you’d like to see my review, you can find it here ◡̈

Something in the Woods Loves You

By: Jarod K. Anderson

Why am I stoked for this release?

Maybe I’m being a little optimistic about wanting to read another nature/animal based nonfiction – but this memoir has gotten a lot of buzz around it that it’s made me curious.

I honestly probably won’t get around to it for quite a while, but it’s also supposed to talk about mental illness and depression, and not just nature and animals. Maybe this one I won’t have to read it chunks like I did with Immense World.

Whenever You’re Ready

By: Rachel Runya Katz

Why am I stoked for this release?

I’ve actually been talking this book up at work a lot because it’s a about two reconnected friends who must decide if love is the ultimate risk worth taking in this emotional sapphic romance.

I’m stoked for this because I really don’t read a lot of sapphic romances, but this one had been reviewed as being adorable and cute, so I’m ready for it.

Greta

By: J.S. Lemon

Why am I stoked for this release?

Okay so this one is Okay so this one is being said to be, “J. S. Lemon’s middle grade debut is an utterly transformative, fiercely original, and surprisingly funny story about consent, friendship, healing, and a beauty that transcends all else.”

It’s also said to be “Reminiscent of Kafka’s Metamorphosis”, which if you don’t know this about me, Kafka is one of the few old dead white guys that I actually enjoy reading, so anytime anyone compares things to him, I have to read it.

I’m sure there’s going to be some heartstrings pulled on this one though.

Release Date: September 17, 2024

When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary

By: Alice Hoffman

Why am I stoked for this release?

Since I was a kid, I was already really interested in WWII. First it was Pearl Harbor, then I was obsessed with finding out anything and everything about the Holocaust, which of course, lead me to Anne Frank.

I received an ARC of this book some time ago and you can find my review here.

It is an imagining as to what the days leading up to the Frank’s hiding could have been like for Anne, but it was done with intensive research and published in cooperation with the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam.

How to Piss Off Men: 106 Things to Say to Shatter the Male Ego

By: Kyle Prue

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is just going to be a funny book that I will love to read after a stupid day at work.

Some days it’s just fun to upset men and their tiny egos.

Release Date: September 24, 2024

Playground

By: Richard Powers

Why am I stoked for this release?

So, I’m going to be honest and tell you I now have three book that Richard Powers has written, but have I have not read any of them yet. Would I enjoy them all? I have no doubt.

This one is supposed to have a cast of characters and about the ocean – one of the few places humans haven’t colonized.

There’s more to this, but I’m not doing a very good job at explaining it!

A Little Less Broke: How an Autism Diagnosis Finally Made Me Whole

By: Marian Schembari

Why am I stoked for this release?

As an adult female who probably is most definitely on the autism spectrum, it makes me smile when I see or read about people’s experiences in getting the diagnosis later in life and the validation they then feel.

I’m just going to be happy for the author.

When the World Tips Over

By: Janey Nelson

Why am I stoked for this release?

Did I geek out just slightly when we got an ARC of this at work?

Yes.

Did my coworker make fun of me for it?

Yes.

Am I still stoked for the Fall family to experience a rainbow-haired girl who trips their world over?

Yes.

What We Sacrifice for Magic

By: Andrea Jo DeWerd

Why am I stoked for this release?

It’s a witchy coming-of-age novel about a young witch who just graduated from high school and is set to take over as the indomitable Madga from her grandmother.

But as she begins to ask why her path is so set in stone, she begins to find out family secrets as to how they keep magic in the family.

Just – give me witchy, fall vibe good books, okay?!

The Naming Song

By: Jedediah Berry

Why am I stoked for this release?

This is a book about words and metaphors and how what we use to describe ourselves is what becomes of ourselves.

I feel like this may be a hit or miss for me. I love books about books, but honestly’ don’t know how I feel about books about language. I don’t know why I’m thinking of Babel and how I’m a little nervous to pick that book up or not because it’s so hit of miss with readers.

Six of Sorrow / Amanda Linsmeier

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Six of Sorrow
By: Amanda Linsmeier
Genre: YA, Horror
Number of Pages: 336
Published: June 25, 2024
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Dates Read: August 26, 2024 - August 29, 2024
Format: Library Book / Audiobook

Sixteen years ago, six girls were born on the same day – they became friends in Sorrow, Louisiana until a rift between them occurred. Isabeau and Reuel remain best friends while the other girls separate. But when Reuel goes missing, the former friends gather once again.

Days later, Reuel returns sick and with no memory of where she was. Then, when another girl in their group goes missing, questions begin to swirl between the friends. What is their connection? And why are their moms, who seemed like they could barely stand each other, all of a sudden have started talking to one another?

I really enjoyed this creepy, supernatural YA read. It’s set in May, so springtime, but it totally gives off spooky season vibes (so, in all honesty, can be enjoyed in any season!).

This is my first read of Amanda Linsmeier but she writes really well – this entire novel played out like a movie in my head and I could vividly “see” all the locations.

The narrative is also pretty fast paced and catchy – I had a good chunk of time to read it on my third day of reading and couldn’t put it down until I finished.

Overall, if you’re looking for a spooky, supernatural, kind of witchy, YA horror read that’ll keep you turning page after page until you find everything out, this book is for you!

*Thank you Delacorte Press and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary / Alice Hoffman

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When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary
By: Alice Hoffman
Genre: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 304
Published: September 17, 2024
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Dates Read: August 25, 2024
Format: ARC/ eBook

Based on extensive research and published in cooperation with the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam Alice Hoffman weaves together a lyrical and heart-wrenching story that looks into the way the world changed for Anne Frank and her family before they went into hiding during WWII.

I’ve always been interested in Anne and her family since I first watched one of the movie adaptations as a kid. I didn’t read her diary though until a few years ago. Obviously we don’t 100% know what Anne thought of when living through the months/years leading up to the Frank family going into hiding, but I think Alice Hoffman did a wonderful job at imagining it.

The other thing I wanted to applaud Hoffman on is knowing her audience and how to talk about what was happening without being too graphic. I know we want to protect younger children from the horrors of the war – but you also have to think about the fact that children their age went through the war. Not everything needs to be described in detail but kids are smart and still deserve to know. I just remember thinking in certain parts that the writing was handled well.

I also really liked the dynamic between Anne and her mother. In her diaries she wrote about the difference in relationships she had between Pip and her mother and this story dives deeper into that and provides more layers.

Overall, I think this would be a good middle grade introduction into Anne Frank and her story. Have them read this first to open the door for discussion about Anne and her family. Then, more mature, or when they’re older, they can then read Anne Frank’s diary.

*Thank you Scholastic Press and NetGalley for  an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review