Hellaween by Moss Lawton

2.5 stars An interesting start to a series. This has a good start to a story, but for some reason, it was hard for me to get into. I was definitely intrigued by the monster realm, Gwen’s experience as an amateur witch, and her supernatural friends from another world. Some fun humor. The story was…

Read More

Quinnelope and the Cookie King Catastrophe Vol. 1

by HF Brownfield and Kayla Coombs 3 stars Delightfully-sweet chaos. Quinnelope’s got a craving for cookies, but they seem in sort supply. Together with her trusty butler, Bub, and companion, Star, she sets off on a quest to rescue the Cookie King and bring back the cookies. Packed with humor, bright illustrations, and sugary fun….

Read More

The Pirate and the Porcelain Girl by Emily Riesbeck

Illustrated by NJ Barna 4 stars A hopeless romantic with literal porcelain skin. A disgraced orc pirate who can’t control her anger. A secret society bent on bringing back the absent gods. There is so much at play here. Quick pace. Dynamic artwork. Plenty of action and adventure. A bit of romance. Definitely a fun…

Read More

Not He or She, I’m Me by A. M. Wild

Illustrated by Kah Yangni 3 stars A cute picture book following a child’s typical day – eating breakfast, going to school, and hanging out with friends. Throughout, there is a catchy refrain, affirming the child’s nonbinary identity and celebrating they/them pronouns. Simple and nice. The artwork is sweet with fun collage-style visuals and a mix…

Read More

Grandad’s Pride by Harry Woodgate (Grandad’s Camper #2)

5 stars One of the sweetest picture books I’ve ever read. When Milly discovers her Grandad’s Pride flag in the attic, she comes up with a plan to bring the Pride celebration to his small seaside town. The townspeople band together to create a celebration of love, diversity, and being yourself. A delightful read. Beautiful…

Read More

Gender Identity for Kids

A Book about Finding Yourself, Understanding Others, and Respecting Everybody! by Andy Passchier 4 stars A helpful guide for understanding and discussing gender identity. Promotes acceptance, respect, and understanding. The book covers sex vs. gender, gender identity, the gender binary, gender expression, and difficulties related to gender such as coming out, mental health, and bullying….

Read More

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz

5 stars Warning: this book comes with all the feels and will make you seriously crave a grilled cheese sandwich every time you pick it up. I’ve read so many great books this year, but this one is my absolute favorite so far! A delightful blend of humor, cheese puns, general quirkiness, and romance. Such…

Read More

Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston (Sir Callie #1)

by Esme Symes-Smith 2.5 stars I’m really conflicted about this one. I went into it excited to read an epic fantasy about a non-binary child who dreams of being a knight in a world that enforces a strict gender binary of girls using magic and boys training to fight, going up against an unknown evil…

Read More

Transmogrify!: 14 Fantastical Tales of Trans Magic

Edited by g. haron davis Stories by Saundra Mitchell, Sonora Reyes, RenĂ©e Reynolds, A. R. Capetta, Cory McCarthy, Francesca Tacchi, Ayida Shonibar, Nik Traxler, g. haron davis, Jonathan Lenore Kastin, Mason Deaver, Ash Nouveau, Cam Montgomery, Dove Salvatierra, and Emery Lee 5 stars Generally with anthologies, there are some stories that resonate with a reader…

Read More

The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw (Audiobook)

5 stars Beautiful and unsettling. A mermaid in human form and a plague doctor travel together after the mermaid’s daughters devour the kingdom. On their journey, they come across a village of ageless children ruled by three “saints” with mystifying abilities to bring back the dead. As the pair investigate, they uncover the saint’s dark…

Read More