Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero: A Heartfelt Exploration of Resilience and Community From the moment I picked up “Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero” by Kelly J. Baptist, I knew I was in for a journey that would resonate deeply. As someone who frequently ponders the quiet power of words and community support, Isaiah’s story captured my heart and imagination. It’s a poignant example of how the everyday struggles of loss, poverty, and family dynamics can shape a young person into an unexpected hero. Isaiah is an older brother grappling with...

Review of The Secret Crush Book Club (Peach Blossom, #3) by Mina V. Jones Sometimes, a book finds you at just the right moment. For me, The Secret Crush Book Club from Mina V. Jones came along when I was knee-deep in the throes of parenthood and searching for connection in the strangest of places. The premise—a lonely single mom who joins a book club led by a mesmerizing librarian with a secret—had me intrigued from the first page. With themes of love, friendship, and the bittersweet nature of...

Review of Writing Irresistible Kidlit: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers by Mary Kole As an avid reader, I’ve always been intrigued by the world of young adult and middle grade literature — that magical space where writers can both captivate and influence young minds. When I stumbled upon Writing Irresistible Kidlit by Mary Kole, the title alone sparked my curiosity. After all, who wouldn’t want to learn tricks for making their tales irresistible to younger audiences? What truly hooked me, though,...

Finding Laughter in Serious Conversations: A Review of New Kid: A Graphic Novel By Jerry Craft As a book lover who frequently seeks out stories that resonate with young people, I was drawn to New Kid: A Graphic Novel not just for its accolades, but for the unique perspective it promised. Written and illustrated by Jerry Craft, a creator I've admired for his ability to weave humor and depth into his work, this graphic novel marketing itself as “timely and honest” instantly piqued my interest. Little did I know that...

Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel: A Cautionary Tale for Aspiring Writers When I first stumbled upon Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel by Jessica Brody, I was immediately intrigued. As a lifelong fan of YA fiction, I thought this book might be the perfect guide tailored to my writing aspirations. After all, who doesn’t want to unlock the secrets of crafting a compelling YA narrative using the renowned Save the Cat! screenwriting model? But, as it turns out, taking this leap of faith...

Book Review: The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Sarah Domet I've often found that a stunning book cover can pull me in as much as an intriguing plot or captivating characters can. When I stumbled upon The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water, with its inviting lake-front scene that whispered secrets of summer escapes, I knew I had to dive in—especially since the story revolves around a writer on a deadline hiding away at her grandfather's cabin. It felt like a perfect match for my literary cravings....

Hello, my dear fellow bookworms! I can’t contain my excitement as I dive into Kelly Yang’s latest masterpiece, Room to Dream (Front Desk #3). To say this author is one of my favorites would be an understatement; her storytelling truly resonates with me on so many levels! If you've ever found yourself enchanted by the world of Mia Tang, then hold onto your bookmarks—this installment is a brilliant mix of adventure, heart, and growth. In this third outing, Mia is navigating a whirlwind of changes: her friend Lupe is...