librarydreams's reviews
651 reviews

The Wild Ones by Megan Lacera

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A highly diverse tale told in a comics style. I love the inclusion of monsters that are less known to many children, drawn directly from the ethnicities of the main cast.
Between You and Me by Rob Sanders

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

5.0

Sanders delivers with a very clever concept about what lies between one state and another. Figueroa’s illustrations carry the plot and demonstrate Sanders’ concept. I also love her use of colors.
Lefty by Mo Willems

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informative fast-paced

3.0

Despite a powerhouse author/illustrator team-up, the result is rather lackluster. It’s not bad; it’s just not of the caliber that one expects from either creator. One highlight, however, is Santat’s use of various illustrations styles throughout the text, which bring the informative pages to life.
Sour Apple by Linda Liu

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hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

The book’s final message is wonderful, but it’s overshadowed by a lackluster beginning and middle.
Beanie the Bansheenie by Eoin Colfer

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-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? No

4.0

Colfer and McCarthy have made a banshee lovable! The story is sweet, but never saccharine. McCarthy’s illustrations fluctuate between familiar and otherworldly. The use of frames around pictures and text is magnificent.
The Class with Wings by Paul Fleischman

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informative reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Beautifully conceived and executed by both the author and illustrator. Includes diversity in both race, background, and disability. Highly recommended for teachers looking to try something new with their classes. Make sure to peek under the jacket to see the beautiful illustrations on the cover.
Cookie Time by Jessie Sima

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adventurous lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Another joyous and heartfelt title from Sima! The slight variations in the font throughout the book add to the sense of changing time. The connection between their children and their baker grandfather is very sweet. Peek under the jacket for a sweet surprise!
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

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dark hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Brilliantly conceived and written. Kingfisher’s characters feel real, and, with obvious exceptions, it’s hard not to like them and root for them. 
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

A rare case where a book and its movie adaptation compliment each other perfectly, regardless of what order you enjoy them. I love the depth that Jones brings to the characters.
Sophie’s magic in particular is very interesting.
Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett

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adventurous funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I really loved this addition to Pratchett's Discworld series. It is easily my favorite book featuring the witches. The insights on religion, belief, and humanity that Pratchett brings to the story are eye-opening.