This was a super cute graphic novel for tweens set at a theatre summer camp! (Calling all theatre nerds!) Ash is excited about their last summer as a This was a super cute graphic novel for tweens set at a theatre summer camp! (Calling all theatre nerds!) Ash is excited about their last summer as a camper and wants it to be perfect but they're nervous about telling their BFF that they have a crush on her. Then, everything seems to be getting in the way of Ash and Ivy spending time together. Does Ivy like Ash back? Will Ash build the pumpkin carriage of their dreams for the production of Ella?
Great queer representation (nonbinary and bi for Ash and Ivy) as well as a tween messing up big time in their friendships and apologizing and repairing their relationships. Recommended for fans of Raina Telgemeier!...more
Apparently there is no age group Nina LaCour can't write for? (In the last few years, she's written a novel for adults and a picture book, both of whiApparently there is no age group Nina LaCour can't write for? (In the last few years, she's written a novel for adults and a picture book, both of which were fantastic, in addition to a bunch of YA novels under her belt). This transitional chapter book for ages 7-10 was very cute and charming, with a realistic feisty little 9-year-old protagonist named Ella.
Ella is the self-imposed expert on the apartment house in San Francisco (and its inhabitants) where she lives with her two moms. When a new couple moves in, she shows them everything that they need to know, despite their initial reluctance. When her family or neighbours need help -- walking their dogs, modeling for a painting -- Ella is there, even if it means she has to put off her appointment to have tea with kooky Matilda in one of the other apartments. Then Ella finally gets to meet the elderly couple who live on the top floor, even though they are very shy and sneaky. It turns out they might give her a run for her money on being an expert on the house and the people who live there.
Lovely depiction of community and queer parents! Sweet illustrations as well....more
Well this was just as delightful as the first book in the series. Tween detective Drew has another mystery to solve, this time a thief with an unusualWell this was just as delightful as the first book in the series. Tween detective Drew has another mystery to solve, this time a thief with an unusual M.O. Why is the thief stealing one item of value from kids' P.E. lockers but leaving other valuable items and even cash behind?
One of the victims is her friend Shrey's new girlfriend Zora and Drew gets to know her and her best friend Alex, who turns out to be a future investigative journalist and a true crime nerd like Drew. What is ... that funny feeling Drew gets in her tummy whenever Alex is around? I love these kids so much! Drew puzzling over her first crush is so cute.
And I loved how Bury addressed Drew's relationship with her mom. Her mom is trying to make up for her past behaviour and to make a real connection with Drew. She's got a long way to go, but it's nice to see some development there.
I really hope the publisher gives a third book in this series the green light! Mysteries for tweens are rare, and this one is so well done with wonderful characters and great queer and disability representation....more
This is a lovely middle grade story about an 11-year-old trans kid who hasn't come out to anyone but himself yet who is also dealing with his parents'This is a lovely middle grade story about an 11-year-old trans kid who hasn't come out to anyone but himself yet who is also dealing with his parents' possible separation, growing up and maybe apart from his two sisters, and his grandma having early stages of dementia. He ends up kind of projecting his anxieties onto his grandma's old house, suspecting it's being haunted.
My favourite part was the sibling dynamics. I loved how they supported each other and talked things through even when they had been hurting or neglecting each other. I thought the first half could have been trimmed a bit, but otherwise, no complaints!
This had very "Now and Then" vibes (tweens researching local history, there's even a seance!), but make it queer and trans....more
CaseyTheCanadianLesbrarian
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Books:
middle-grade
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