2024 Books Reviewed

Greta / J.S. Lemon

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
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

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
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

/ Alisha Helms / 1 Comment 
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

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
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

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
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

Six of Sorrow / Amanda Linsmeier

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
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

/ Alisha Helms / 1 Comment 
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

Where Sleeping Girls Lie / Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
Where Sleeping Girls Lie
By: Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé (Narrator Natalie Simpson)
Genre: YA, Mystery
Number of Pages: 416
Published: March 14, 2024
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Dates Read: August 16, 2024 - August 24, 2024
Format: Library Book / Audiobook

Trigger Warnings (as of author’s website): Death of family members (including parents), grief, murder, sexual assault, rape, suicide and suicide ideation, alcohol consumption, emotional abuse, anxiety, misogyny, rape culture, drugging and drug use, aftermath of C-PTSD

Sade Hussein is starting her third year of high school at the prestigious Alfred Nobel Academy boarding school. She’s been homeschooled her whole life and feels like a magnet for misfortune, but she’s ready for a fresh start. What she’s not ready for is her roommate, Elizabeth, to disappear after Sade’s first night.

With rumors swirling around her, Sade catches the attention of the most popular girls in school and they bring her into their group. Between learning about them, especially Persephone, playing catch-up in class, and working with Bas, Elizabeth’s best friend, to try and find the missing girl, Sade has a lot on her plate. It doesn’t help that she’s dealing with her own grief from the many tragedies in her family.

And then a student is found dead. The more Sade investigates, the more she realizes there’s more to Alfred Nobel Academy and its student body than she realized. There are secrets everywhere.

I had a digital ARC of this book but then grabbed the audiobook from my library as soon as I could as I needed one to listen to on my drive to and from my hometown. Let me tell ya, the audiobook was amazing! Natalie Simpson was captivating and even did multiple voices for characters. It made my 2.5 hour drive both ways (almost) enjoyable.

I’ve had Ace of Spades on my TBR shelf for ages but for some reason haven’t gotten around to it. I will tell you, after reading Where Sleeping Girls Lie, I will be moving that up on my list for sure. Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is an amazing author and I cannot believe I’ve slept on her as long as I have. I’m usually kind of “meh” when it comes to mysteries or thrillers, but this novel kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing, because it could have gone so many ways and it sometimes was a shock as to which direction it went!

This will be on many recommendations lists for sure. I would say it could be enjoyed by everyone, but there is the angsty-ness of YA relationships, so it may not be for everyone. But, if you’re down for a page turning, or ear turning, read, this is for you!!

*Thank you Feiwel & Friends and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Somewhere Beyond the Sea / TJ Klune

/ Alisha Helms / 1 Comment 
Somewhere Beyond the Sea
By: TJ Klune
Genre: Fantasy
Number of Pages: 416
Published: September 10, 2024
Publisher: Tor Books
Dates Read: August 14, 2024 - August 23, 2024
Format: ARC / Paperback

In the sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea, readers are taken back to the magical house filled with very special children.

Arthur works and loves hard so none of the children under his care feel the neglect and pain he experienced at the same house years ago. He’s not alone though. The love of his life, Linus Baker, a former caseworker in the Department In Charge of Magical Youth, is by his side. And the island sprite, Zoe Chapelwhite, and her girlfriend, Mayor Helen Webb. Together, they will do anything to protect the children.

But when Arthur is summoned to make a public statement about his past, he finds himself in a fight to save his family, and for the future all magical people deserve.

Then they meet David, a magical child who hopes to join them on their island. David finds power in calling himself a monster, a name that Arthur has worked so hard to protect his children from. Will their family grow stronger or will they fall apart?

Right, so I love TJ Klune and as a Book Group Coordinator at my library, I’m always putting The House in the Cerulean Sea into groups’ hands – even my groups that only tend to only want historical fiction. They all come back and love it (obviously). That being said – I have been talking nonstop about the sequel and how excited I am to read it.

It didn’t disappoint! I laughed out loud at the children’s antics so many times. And of course, it wouldn’t be a TJ Klune book without me shedding a tear at least once (or twice). It’s the love of a found family that always gets me and how much each of these characters love, protect, and grow with each other that pull at my heartstrings.

This is a cozy, delightful, and heartfelt fantasy novel with a found family. These characters will make you feel every emotion they’re feeling and more. You’ll love them. You’ll hate them. You’ll want to visit the house in the cerulean sea again and again.

The Forest Demands Its Due / Kosoko Jackson

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
The Forest Demands Its Due
By: Kosoko Jackson
Genre: YA, Horror
Number of Pages: 432
Published: October 3, 2023
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Dates Read: August 8, 2024 - August 13, 2024
Format: Hardcover

Douglas Jones wants nothing to do with Regent Academy’s influence on its ability to mold teens into leaders; he just wants to survive and graduate. But then a student is murdered and the next day, no one even remembers him existing – except Douglas and the groundskeeper’s family, The Everley’s. In his process to uncover the truth, Douglas pokes at the horror hidden in the woods on the edge of the school’s grounds and begins to unearth secrets hidden for centuries.  

I was invested in this book – until the last quarter of it to be honest. There was so much going on and the explanation of stuff didn’t make sense – which, I know the forest is supposed to be super confusing and cause all that, but the explanations that are given weren’t I guess satisfying enough for me <spoiler> like, why were the creatures still around after </spoiler>.

I also didn’t quite understand the romance aspect of it. Everett went from not talking to Douglas to willing to die to protect him. I just – meh…

Overall, I don’t know if this would be horror? Definitely dark academia with fantasy aspects. I also don’t read enough horror to be the best opinion on it truth be told.