5 stars Spooky, mysterious, and entertaining. After her father’s disappearance, young detective Marietta ventures out on her own to find him. Along the way, she’ll discover new mysteries, encounter strange beings, and discover just how dangerous leaving her house can be. Such a cool set up. Phantom trains, wicked deals, a haunted inn, and a…
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Illustrated by Abraham Matias 4 stars A stunning story of a woman’s journey through the nine levels of Mictlān with the guidance of her Xoloitzcuintle, Popo. Wonderfully written. Nana’s journey includes her own version of the nine levels of Mictlān, including a river, a path of obsidian, snow, and strong winds. Her trials are gentler…
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Translated by Caleb Cook 5 stars As Shiori patiently waits to devour Hinako, the two spend more time together and become closer. But Hinako’s best friend, Miko, isn’t thrilled to share her. Great story development with some fantastic twists and turns. The artwork is hauntingly beautiful. Creep, odd, and gorgeous. Such an interesting series. Really…
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Illustrated by Fabiana Faiallo 5 stars A sweet picture book for helping children cope with the death of a friend or classmate. Violet is Mia’s best friend. She brings sunshine to every day. But after Violet dies, everything changes. With the help of others, Mia is able to learn ways to remember, grieve, and say…
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Illustrated by Cindy Derby 4 stars A gentle story of grief and loss that presents ways to keep a person with you after they are gone. After the death of his mother, a young boy must cope with the ways his life has changed and the grief he feels at her absence. A wise gorilla…
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4 stars An empress in exile, a handmaiden sold off by her parents, and a cleric who must unravel their story. At once subtle and forceful, this story explores themes of revenge, resistance, and resilience. Beautifully written. The story unfolds at its own pace, taking its time. Honestly, despite it’s short length, it somehow didn’t…
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5 stars Told with sympathy, understanding, and humor, the book walks through different aspects of a loved one dying. This was such a wonderful read. Was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. I especially love that it points out some of the confusing things people say to children (“She’s only sleeping.”,…
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Translated by Caleb Cook 4 stars Hinako want to die. Shiori wants to eat her. It’s a perfect match. After the traumatic loss of her family, Hinako finds continuing to live a chore. But after she’s attacked by yokai, saved by a beautiful mermaid, then befriended by the mermaid who wants to eat her, her…
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by Tomo Kitaoka Translated by Caleb D. Cook 4 stars It’s the zombie apocalypse and there’s danger around every corner. Follow Yuki, a charismatic and resourceful cat, as he navigates this new world, dodging zombies, meeting other survivors, and making a place for himself. Was definitely intrigued by the concept of this story, but was…
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Narrated by Joshua Quinn 5 stars Jaw-droppingly good. The best of modern mythology retellings. Kwame just wants to have a normal summer. Instead his family is taking him to Ghana for his grandmother’s celebration of life. Still grieving the loss of his grandmother and having never felt Ghanaian enough at family events, Kwame is dreading…
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