Not Hungry by Kate Kaeryus Quinn

Not Hungry by Kate Karyus Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Teen readers will find this novel in verse compelling; June's voice is raw, realistic, and vulnerable as she struggles with weight issues in her family, angered and upset with her beautiful sister's abusive boyfriend, and unsure about her neighbor, Tony. As secrets threaten to destroy June, she stops eating (this is her way to diet), sometimes purging, but mostly not eating. Fraught with daily problems, will June figure out who she really is? Highly recommended!

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Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly

Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to @MolleeBranden for recommending this as a favorite read; sorry it took me so long to read this gem? I loved Erin Entrada Kelly's voice, her characters (Virgil, Kaori, Gen, and Valencia) and the kids' growing friendship, and mad cap adventures concerning Virgil's pet guinea pig. Kaori, Gen and Valencia were strong, likable, and fierce in their own way. Since I am so late reading this, I am sure middle school students have been enjoying this special book especially how bullies are portrayed and how others make fun of those with disabilities. Highly recommended!


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From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash #1) by Jennifer L. Arementrout

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really really really liked this new Jennifer L. Armentrout new adult paranormal fantasy series----in large part because of the two main characters, Poppy and Hawke. Poppy is strong, fierce, funny, yet trapped in her world as the Chosen Maiden. Her guard Vikter was badass too---from a young age he has taught Poppy how to defend herself and she wears a wolven blade he gave her on her leg. Even though Vikter chastises her; he allows Poppy to accompany him when people/soldiers have been attacked by the Craven. She has a gift which few know about. What really turned me off at the beginning was the evil Duke and his friend, Duke Mateen. With this pandemic, awful evil things bother me and I have to stop reading...but when I picked back up and continued on I was happy when Hawke becomes Poppy's Guard. He is boldly and sexily says anything to Poppy; he encourages her to fight against submitting to all her lot in life has in store for her. I was shocked when "things" changed for Poppy (her world, the Descenters, the Asended, etc.) and all she knew changes. The ending was a huge surprise and I can't wait for the 2nd book in this series. Armentrout know how to write steamy novels; I also loved her world building in this book; the fantasy was terrific and the depth and breadth of Poppy and Hawke's relationship was steamworthy!

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Throwaway Girls by Andrea Contos

Throwaway Girls by Andrea Contos
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, #BookJunkies, @Andrea_Contos, Kids Can Press and KCP Loft for the advance reader copy of Throwaway Girls by debut author, Andrea Contos, in exchange for an honest review. I could not put this YA mystery down! Caroline is a forthright yet conflicted narrator who steadfastly investigates when her best friend, Madison, suddenly disappears. Andrea Contos’ plot and characterizations will have teens guessing as this mystery deepens to involve more than one girl. Caroline is believable as she delves full force into finding out what happened to Madison. But she also gains problems that cause her to push away friends, Jake and Aubrey, who only want to help her. I understood yet I did not understand many of Caroline’s decisions. I was also confused many times with the appearance of characters, Livie and Willa. And the parents were also off the charts unsupportive, tough, and mean spirited. As Caroline struggles with her reality, she constantly keeps her goal in mind, three months to graduate, and get out. But as the plot thickens, the thrill quickens. What will happen to Caroline, Madison, Willa and the others? This is a riveting book dealing with family problems, friendship, LGBT issues, and social classes. A must-read!

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Becoming by Michelle Obama

Becoming by Michelle Obama
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A beautiful book and narration by Michelle Obama. This was supposed to be our book club's March selection for the Free Library of Springfield but since the library has been closed for the quarantine there will be no discussion of this memoir that has so many topics, issues and themes.

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The Blackhouse (Lewis Trilogy, #1) by Peter May

The Blackhouse by Peter May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to my Albright College roommate and friend for this Recommendation! I will defintely be reading this series that takes place in Scotland and takes the main character back to his home on the Isle of Lewis from Edinburgh where he has investigated a similar killing. As Fin returns after 18 years away, the reader finds out about Fin as a child in Crobost in between forwarding to the present murder, investigating suspects, and learning about too many secrets in this town that values keeping most things quiet but knows everyone's business. I could not stop turning the pages and I can't wait to read the next in this series, The Lewis Man!

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Every Missing Piece by Melanie Conklin

Every Missing Piece by Melanie Conklin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, #BookJunkies, @MLConklin, and Little, Brown Books Young Readers for the advance reader copy of Every Missing Piece by Melanie Conklin, in exchange for an honest review. Another winner from Melanie Conklin; she has authentically and beautifully rendered a middle grade story/mystery about a young girl, Maddy, who still desperately misses her deceased father. In her grief and longing, Maddy has become hyper vigilant and worries about all the dangers the world can pose. Adding to Maddy’s daily strain is her mother’s new marriage to Stan, the hope Maddy and Stan will spend time together, a mysterious boy who crafts traps in the woods, and best friend difficulties. What is Maddy to do? Readers will root for Maddy as she navigates grief, fear, new family concerns, the trauma of abuse, and awkward reaching out to help friends and family. The mystery boy and Maddy’s fears had me turning the pages; readers will enjoy this middle grade adventure, mystery, and heartfelt characters. Conklin’s plot and character development is authentic, moving, and powerful. This is a must-read!

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