briipearl's reviews
651 reviews

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

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adventurous mysterious sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? N/A

3.75

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

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dark funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly

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dark sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

Oooof...this one is hard to review because I was truly so excited to get my hands on it and, while I see what the author was trying to do, it was just plain...depressing. As a middle school history/ELA teacher I was thrilled when my copy came in but I'm left feeling disappointed and disjointed. I get the angst, I get the surrounding tensions, I get the metaphors and the meaning behind it all - but, at the end of the day, I didn't enjoy reading this book and I don't imagine 12, 13, or 14 year old me would've either? Sigh...

I feel like I read a very different book than a lot of the other reviewers. The 90s baby in me enjoyed some of the nostalgic worldbuilding and all the graphics of "Bird's Eye-View." I guess I just didn't connect with this one the way I'd hoped.
Fossil Hunter: How Mary Anning Changed the Science of Prehistoric Life by Cheryl Blackford

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adventurous informative inspiring sad fast-paced

4.0

Oh, so glad I have a copy of this for my classroom library! It's a great overview of Anning's life and various contributions to geology and paleontology. I could feel a *simmering* anger between the pages, too, as the author (rightly so) describes the lack of recognition Anning received due to her being female in a "time of men." The graphics are beautiful, as is the layout of the book. It will serve as a great introduction for teens and was enjoyable for myself in my thirties.
Sackett by Louis L'Amour

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adventurous tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.5

 
"A man who plans to sing while he's riding had better reach an understanding with his horse. He should have him a good voice, or a horse with no ear for music."


3.5 ✰ rounded up to 4 -- Enjoyed this one, once I truly got invested. Took me until probably Chapter 8 or so? I like Tell - he's witty, understated and sarcastic, but firm in his principles. The addition of Cap was also helpful - I enjoyed him as a secondary character. Honestly, I wasn't too crazy about Tell and Ange's love story. We'll see how I feel as I continue the series. Maybe that duo will grow on me? 
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

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slow-paced

2.0

Maybe this is a case of “wrong timing”? But…I’m bored. Cozy fantasy and low stakes shouldn’t have me feeling this disinterested.

👎 Two stars solely dedicated to the spider plant. He’s the real MVP.
Lost in the Mushroom Maze by James Parks, Ben Costa

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 3.5 ⭐ for a fun, middle grade, fantasy read! I loved all the interactive pages - leading it to morph into 1/2 traditional read and 1/2 graphic novel. Such a fun concept. My favorite part: The Tymbos. What great comedic relief; I laughed out loud several times at their "Yoda-like" speech patterns. The range of fantasy creatures was a blast. 
Ghost Squad by Claribel A. Ortega

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adventurous dark funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

3.5 🌟 (Reviewing this as a Middle Grade teacher…) ➡️ Loved the creepy elements, the incorporation of local history/lore, and the foundation of friendship. Definitely keeping it for my 5th-8th grade library and might even explore <I>Witchlings</I> by the same author to add to the collection. 

As an adult reader: ➡️ Super cute but had some gaping holes that I struggled with. While I enjoyed it, it didn’t quite hold my attention the way I’d hoped it would when I purchased it for the kids.
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

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dark mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

Super atmospheric - probably my favorite aspect of the book. The worldbuilding was *chef’s kiss* @ Thorn Grove. Thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Signa and her conflicting desires for self vs. society. Just when I thought I had (everything) figured out, another twist would change my mind. Can’t wait to get started on Foxglove.
The Aquanaut: A Graphic Novel by Dan Santat

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0