Look Both Ways: a tale told in ten blocks by Jason Reynolds

Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jason Reynolds is a must read author for ALL! Even though this book is a middle school read, we all laugh and learn so much about kids as the navigate school, going to and from school---all in their journey of life! What I loved most about this book was the authenticity that pops off each page, Reynolds gets kids, life on the streets and in neighborhoods! In the first tale told in this tale told in ten blocks, Jasmine and TJ's friendship is deep, strong and special. The "friendship bags" are called litter of love AND notes that say I've missed you. In Five Things Easier to do Than Simeon and Kenzi's Secret Handshake also have a special friendship, but Jason Reynolds has awesome descriptions, such as Fredo's Corner Store "always smelled like incense smoke trying to mask dirty mop water." Finally, the special way Jason Reynolds uses to describe his characters---handshakes "they grab hands, shake, shake, slide, finger grip, shake, shake. Then point to themselves, double fist pump throw a peace sign beside each of their right ears, point to each other, slap their individual fingertips together, rub the air as if they are holding a ball---bigger than the one in Kenzi's bag--then they thumb their chins and shake their heads at each other before ending it with a big hug." A must read that will thrill all Jason Reynolds fans and friends.

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Slay by Brittney Morris

Slay by Brittney Morris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow what a great, important read! Kiera Johnson is definitely one of my favorite protagonists; she is thoughtful, lives 2 lives--- she one of 4 African Americans in a mostly white prep school & asked really stupid questions about Black culture (as if she is the expert) and her 2nd life is in a black neighborhood where she is secretly the creator and moderator of a virtual reality game (which includes role playing (loved the names and costumes, cards (with Black connotations, some really hysterical & created by moderators and members) and different worlds, known as Slay. I loved how Kiera derived so much pleasure from Slay, so many online friends, and a true sense of Black community--hence players as Kings and Queens and can only join by invitation from a member (keeping an all black membership) until it is not. A must read, teens will love it for what it says about many different aspects of Black culture, history, and today's reality.

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The Guinevere Deception (Camelot Rising #1) by Kiersten White

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this fairy tale retelling of King Arthur and Camelot! Guinevere is conflicted about so many of the secrets she must keep (her magic and so much else) and as she arrives in Camelot to marry Arthur she finds out so many lies and secrets she is not sure what to believe. It seems everyone loves Arthur and when Guinevere is near him, she wants so many things (but she never tells him) it seems Arthur has this mesmerizing orbit every time Guinevere gets close (and that is hard bc he is always out in the kingdom) she really wants more...but Arthur has love demons and I was not a fan. I could not stop turning the pages bc I love Kiersten White's writing, characters, plot! Looking forward to what Book 2 will bring.

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Heart of Iron (heart of Iron #1) by Ashley Poston

Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this scifi adventure which was such a wild ride, and dealt with such themes as family, journeys, friendship, romance, and choices. Ana is a fiesty heroine who wants to save her "metal" friend D09 and in the process stumbles into the world of the Ironbloods (evil mother, evil brother, Erik and very conflicted Robbert) which will turn Ana's world upside down. What I loved most about this book was the conviction which propelled so many of the characters (Capt Seige, D09, Jax, Robb, Ana) although I was not really happy with some of Ana's decisions bc of the way Di and others are impacted. Poston's writing, worldbuilding, characters kept me turning the pages, rooting for Ana and friends, and hopeful aboutthe second book, which I am going to get right away!!!

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Rogue Heart (Rebel Seoul #2) by Axie Oh

Rogue Heart by Axie Oh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this 2nd book----Ama, Alex, PHNX, Jaewon, Tera, Su, and many more great characters. Ama begins the story and likes where she is working with a family who really cares about her---since she was made to be a weapon and exploited, this family does not know anything about Ama and accepts her. I loved whenever Ama sung, her voice and songs captured people's hearts (esp Su who faithfully came (he was disguised) to listen to Ama for 2 years). I loved her past romance with Alex and how they "find" each other, it was thrilling and the spying and keeping up a glamour was awesome. The battle tactics, the other Ama and Tera, the super soldier push was mesmerizing; I can't wait to read more Axie Oh books!!! Highly recommended.

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We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia

We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had no idea this was the beginning of a new series!!! I loved the narration by Kyla Garcia, the strong and multifaced character, Dani, who must never let anyone know where she really came from; even more intriguing was the inner dialog from Dani as she shed or donned her faces---she was such a winner at graduation she lands the highest role, Primera, to the highest ranking political family while also having to deal with her enemy, Carmen, being chosen as the Segunda (the wife who bears the children) in the Garcia home. I bit my nails as Dani spied for La Voz and at the same time warred with hating and being fearful while wanting to do so much more to help with the movement. The characters were all so interesting; Medio was a place of magic and beauty but there were so many who suffer under harsh government control, a wall, and lives lost due to no medicine or hospitals. I was not entirely sure about Carmen and their insta-friendship. She made 5 years of Dani's life hell, so I am going to wait until the 2nd book and see what really continues for Dani and Carmen. An exciting, thrilling read!

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Ransacker (Berserker #2) by Emmy Laybourne

Ransacker by Emmy Laybourne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this 2nd book in Emmy Laybourne's 2nd series! If you have not read her first Monument 14 series, YOU MUST!!! And with just 2 books in the Berserker series, I could not stop turning the pages! Back in Berserker, Norwegian brothers and sisters run to the United States from an evil Baron and try to hide their powers. But with these powers also come curses. With a wildfire destroying their home in the Wild West, the Hamsted family must break up for awhile to earn money to come home and rebuild. Steig and his sick sister, Sissel stay behind at a hotel to finish out the school year; Sissle discovers her power, has 2 men vying for her affections and she has a tough time keeping her secret (she tells both James & Isaiah she can find gold, with 2 very different reactions). Hanne and her beloved Owen and faithful dog, Daisy join a wagon trail and youngest brother while Ynut goes to live with an elderly couple who need his help. I could not stop turning the pages as I found out the Baron hired the Pinkerton Detective Agency to give daily reports on the Hamsted family! I enjoyed the life of the west, strong women living with constraints due to their "lot" in life, finding out even more about the ancient Norse Gods and religious beliefs, and fell in love even more with Owen, Daisy, Isaiah and the whole Hamsted family! A MUST READ series, thoroughly enjoyable!

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