Is This a Cry for Help? by Emily Austin

2.5 stars After taking a leave of absence for her mental health, Darcy returns to her job as a public librarian. The last thing she needs is more difficulties, but she’ll have to deal with aggressive journalists, creepy emails, book bans, and protesters. Okay read. I expected to enjoy this more than I did. I…

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Banned Together: Our Fight for Readers’ Rights [Audiobook]

Edited by Ashley Hope Pérez Illustrated by Debbie Fong Contributors: Ashley Hope Pérez, Maia Kobabe, Robin Stevenson, Nikki Grimes, Elana K. Aronld, Bill Konigsberg, Brendan Kiely, MariNaomi, Traci Sorell, Isabel Quintero, Trung Le Nguyen, Kyle Lukoff, Debbie Fong, Padma Venkatraman, Kelly Jensen, and Ellen Hopkins 3 stars A nice collection of pieces from a variety…

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Dinner at the Night Library by Hika Harda

Translated by Philip Gabriel 3 stars The Night Library is unique in its mission. It solely houses the private libraries of deceased authors. Otoha Higuchi takes a job there and delves into a world of passionate book-lovers, odd patrons, book-themed dishes, and a few mysteries. I loved the cozy atmosphere of the Night Library. The…

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Beauty and the Beast: The Beast’s Tale

Adapted by Mallory Reaves Art by Studio Dice 3 stars Based on the 2017 live-action Beauty and the Beast movie, this manga follows the Beast’s perspective, showing a bit more of his thoughts and backstory. I ended up liking this story more than Belle’s Tale. Belle is pretty genuine with her actions so her stream of…

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The Night Before Xmas: A Futurama Christmas Story

By Karen Bates Illustrated by Mike Rote 4 stars Such a fun read! Join the Planet Express crew as they batten down the hatches and prepare for Xmas Eve, indulging Fry in a few of his 21st century Christmas traditions. When Robot Santa comes, it is sure to be a violent night. A fun reimagining…

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Beauty and the Beast: Belle’s Tale

Adapted by Mallory Reaves Art by Studio Dice 2.5 stars Based on the 2017 live-action Beauty and the Beast movie, this manga follows Belle’s perspective, providing her stream of consciousness as she rescues her father, befriends the castle’s inhabitants, and slowly falls in love with the Beast. A good adaptation. I would say you should…

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Cat + Crazy Volume 2 by Wataru Nadatani

Translated by Zack Davisson 5 stars Adorable and hilarious. Kensuke Fuji continues his training to become an Ultimate Cat Whisperer, meeting new friends, outsmarting new foes, and answering the ultimate question: which is better for cats, indoor life or the freedom of the outdoors? Great humor. Fun artwork. This is such a fun series. Can’t…

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Miles Comes Home by Sarah S. Brannen

Illustrated by Forrest Burdett 5 stars Sweet, comforting, cozy, and adorable. Follow along with Miles as he settles into his new home and spends time with his adoptive dads and sister. This was such a sweet book. Absolutely adorable. I loved watching Miles learn new things, spend time with his new family, and share what…

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In the Name of the Mermaid Princess, Vol. 1 by Yoshino Fumikawa

Illustrated by Miya Tashiro Translated by Junko Goda 4 stars A beautiful manga with sweet characters and wonderful messages about calling out injustice and fighting for your beliefs. In a kingdom that doesn’t allow the so-called Unhuman, beings born with magical powers, Princess Mio prepares for her betrothal to Prince Chika. But Mio has a…

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The Hole by Lindsay Bonilla

Illustrated by Brizida Magro 5 stars A heartfelt story of loss, grief, and keeping the memory of loved ones alive. After the death of his brother, a young boy sees the holes in his life that are left behind. But through talking with a friend about Matty and letting out his feelings, he learns to…

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