The Heart of the Storm by Sharon Mentyka and Ellen Rooney - ADVISABLE

 The Heart of the Storm by Sharon Mentyka, illustrated by Ellen Rooney. NON FICTION PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY. Little Bigfoot (Sasquatch Books), 2022. $19. 9781632172884

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Sue Bird an active fun loving girl who loves to run, jump, and climb all over everything. As she grows she finds that she is naturally gifted at almost any sport she tries. She also discovers a gift that she can see or hear something once and repeat it verbatim. Basketball ends up being her favorite. She is a natural leader on and off the court helping her teammates to stay focused and win. She excels in high school and college basketball and pushes herself to excellence. She achieves her dream and is drafted in the WNBA as well as competing in many Olympic games. This story reminds us that hard things create winners and leaders. I highly recommend this book.

Mentyka writes extremely well. She does a beautiful job of keeping things concise for a picture book and yet give wonderful details to expand on the story. However, the illustrations felt a little off to me. It's like the people were anatomically off just a little bit. The people almost seemed to be floating on the page instead of on the background. As a motivational story, though, it is great for elementary up to high school. I loved reading this charming story.

Emilee-Librarian 

Curse of the Specter Queen by Jenny Elder Moke - HIGH

Curse of the Specter Queen by Jenny Elder Moke, 340 pages. Hyperion (Disney), 2021. $12

Language: PG (25 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (kissing, smoking alcohol); Violence: PG (some peril) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Sam Knox has a gift for reviving old books, she even is in charge of a quaint like bookshop. Her life is simple, and she is happy that way- in previous years she has hunted down mysterious treasures with her best friends, siblings, Bennett and Joana. But when Sam and Joana got in an explosive fight, she's decided books are her only friend, books don't judge or criticize they are comfort and an escape for Sam. Turns out that comfort and peace of mind don't last very long because... When mysterious men burn down her beloved bookshop, Sam is forced back into the world of treasure hunting, because if she doesn't find what the fire starters are looking for, they will just create more destruction.

Curse of the Specter Queen is a very cute novel! It has it's flaws but all in all, it was a fluffy adventure story. I loved the main character Sam, is a very capable heroine with a heart of gold and she is an old soul like me. I loved Bennett and Joana's brother sister relationship and I loved the writing style of this novel. It is a bit predictable and the plot is very flat, but I think it's the perfect book to cuddle next to a fire this upcoming fall season with a mug of hot chocolate!

Kenzie Hoehne 

The Weight of Blood by Tiffany Jackson - HIGH

The Weight of Blood by Tiffany Jackson. 416 pages. Katherine Tegen Books (Harper), 2022. $16

Language: R (65 swears, 35 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (alludes to sex); Violence: R (belt beating, bloody mentioned, suicide by gun, pieces of bodies metioned) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

In 2014, there was a devastating accident and a survivor covered in blood limping home – a tragedy that ruptured the town. Researchers are discussing the events before the accident to try to understand what happened. The non-linear timeline moves back and forth between events before the accident and the research discussion and 17yo Maddy is the focus of everything that happened. She’s been forced by her father to hide her African American roots because he’s white and their community is extremely racist. One day she’s running in gym class when rain starts to fall. Her perfectly and intentionally straightened hair goes into its natural Afro state. Gossip starts, bullies taunt and her dad whips her for revealing her secret. After a “bullying Maddy” video goes viral, some students want to prove that the town isn’t racist by holding one prom, all inclusive. After a horrible joke and an even worse prank, Maddy’s true powers come out, practically decimating the town. 

Kenny fell in love with Maddy too conveniently and easily. Maddy’s so powerful, but she stands by doing nothing, holding Kenny’s hand the entire time, while Officer Ross beats Kenny with his baton. Also, the comment made that lumps all American citizens into people that don’t understand or are dumb is rude, but partially true: “Comprehension is key, and that hasn’t exactly been mastered by the citizens of this country”. Overgeneralization, but that does show the high extent of racism in the book's community. An excellent "Carrie" remix. The build up of suspense was what I liked the most. 

 LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove by Rati Mehrotra - ADVISABLE

Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove by Rati Mehrotra, 352 pages. Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press), 2022. $19.

Language: PG-13 (17 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG-13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Adopted by the royal family when she was young, Katyani (18yo) has grown up alongside the princes. She is both sister and bodyguard, preparing to be Prince Ayan’s advisor someday. When the princes are sent to gurukul to increase their spiritual power, the queen insists that Katyani accompany them. When Katyani returns home, nothing will be the same.

Every time I thought I knew where the story was going during the first half of the book, Mehrotra pivoted the story – the surprise kept me wanting to know where we would go next. The teachers in the book focus on spiritual power and ethics, and then Mehrotra throws Katyani into a series of trials. Readers must navigate the gray spaces between right and wrong with Katyani, wanting to win the right way for the right reasons.

Katyani is described as having “tawny brown” skin, and Ayan and Bhairav are described as having “bronze” skin. They and everyone else are implied Indian. The mature content rating is for innuendo and nudity. The violence rating is for sword use, persistent murder and war, and blood and gore.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Twin Cities by Jose Pimienta - ESSENTIAL

 Twin Cities by Jose Pimienta. 250 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. RH Graphic (Penquin Random House). 2022. $21.

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content PG (character pressured to sell marijuana); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Hispanic twins, Fernando and Teresa, get to decide which middle school they want to go to. Fernando decides to stay local in Mexicali, Mexico, and Teresa decides to cross the border into Calexico, California. This decision has a bigger impact on the twins than they thought and both middle schools present a different range of challenges for the twins, who find themselves becoming more separated than they thought. 

Loved the juxtaposition of the two cultures separated by a border. This book also explores what it means to be part of a family and what part heritage and culture play in one’s life. It also raises questions about where loyalties lie when there’s more than one culture vying for attention. Based on the author’s experience growing up, this is a fascinating look at a border city and the people who live on both sides. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Stories to Keep You Alive Despite Vampires by Ben Acker - HIGH

 Stories to Keep You Alive Despite Vampires by Ben Acker, 186 pages. Simon & Schuster. 2022. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content PG; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

According to the book, you are trapped in a dark and strange house with vampires and the only way to survive is to tell them stories.

This book delves into urban legends and turns some of them on their ears. The seemingly disparate stories intertwine and I ended up enjoying the wry observations from the narrator. Fun read that will keep you hooked. No idea what ethnicity the narrator is and the ethnicities vary in the stories.

Michelle in the Middle

Vampires, Hearts, and Other Dead Things by Margie Fuston - ADVISABLE

Vampires, Hearts, and Other Dead Things by Margie Fuston, 339 pages. Margaret K. McElderry Books (Simon & Schuster), 2021. $19.

Language: PG13 (28 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Victoria (18yo) and her dad have always loved vampires – even before one showed up on the news to show the world they exist. While her dad has always said that he’d rather be a werewolf than a vampire, Victoria would rather he be alive. Chemo has stopped working, and Victoria is determined to not give up hope while her dad still breathes. If anyone can find a vampire in New Orleans, it’s Victoria – she just needs to get there.

I was at war with myself throughout this entire book about whether I wanted vampires to be real like Victoria believed or to be a skeptic like her friend, Henry. The not knowing kept me on the edge of my seat even as I worried with Victoria about her father. Fuston discusses grief through Victoria’s denial and through several other characters who try to help her throughout the book. Emotions are complicated and intense, but that doesn’t mean that they are bad.

Victoria and her mom are described as having pink skin, her dad and Jessica are described as having an olive complexion, and Henry is part Japanese. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, mention of drugs and nudity, and innuendo. The violence rating is for mentions of vampire feedings and murder as well as for blood.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther - HIGH

The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther, 360 pages. Sourcebooks Fire, 2021. $10 

Language: R (22 swears, 7 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (implied sex, teens drinking,); Violence: PG (hitting) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

18yo Meredith heads to Martha’s Vineyard for a family wedding; she’s with her mother and father and they’re all missing Claire, Meredith’s deceased sister. On the ferry ride to the vineyard, Mer accidentally kicks a guy in the face when she’s climbing down. Later, she’s going to talk to her grandparents at the farm on the vineyard when she sees that same guy already talking to them; his name is Wit - the stepbrother of the groom. The wedding couple want to remember and honor Claire so they’ve planned a game of Assassin and everyone will fight to win with water guns. Mer and Wit decide to help each other with info as needed during the game. As Mer learns to deal with her grief, she’s able to repair relationships and build new ones. 

I liked the cute romance in the story. The dynamics between Mer and Wit are charming. I also enjoyed the large family events that are traditional. It portrays a sense of belonging. Ethnicity of the characters is predominantly white. 

LynnDell Watson; Delta HS Librarian 

I Guess I Live Here Now by Claire Ahn - HIGH

I Guess I Live Here Now by Claire Ahn, 408 pages. Viking (Penguin), 2022. $17

Language: R (23 swears, 1 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (underage marijuana use); Violence: PG (arguing)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

16yo Melody, Korean American, is caught by a police officer smoking her first joint with her friend Sophie. The next day she discovers that her parents have decided that they all need to be together so she’s moving with her mom to Korea and away from New York City. Melody and her mom have a close relationship but everything in Melody’s life changes once they’re in Korea. Her father is strict and gruff, her grandparents seem cold, distant and uncaring. She does make some friends and her Dad encourages socializing, which helps ease the family tensions and the homework stress. Her relationship with Sophie is strained too and Melody wants to figure out how to pursue her dream of becoming an interior designer while mending relationships with the people she cares about and navigating two countries as her home.

I love the descriptions of each setting the main character is in. I also like the relevance of family contention and teen angst that takes place as Melody’s father tries to completely control her and she discovers her mother keeping secrets. She sees her grandfather treat her father the same way her father treats her and she wonders why he does that to her when he seems to dislike being treated like that. Great insight into Korean culture through Melody’s experiences as she visits places and tries new foods. I also liked the mix of ethnicities.

LynnDell Watson 

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace - HIGH

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace, 416 pages. Little Brown for Young Readers, 2022. $15

Language: PG (3 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: R (Alcohol addiction and drinking prevalent throughout, lusting, descriptions of sex) ; Violence: PG-13 (Poison and many descriptions of poisonings)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

19yo Signa Farrow was born into one of the wealthiest families imaginable. But one day, her mother dies of poison, and she is forced into bouncing around guardians, all her wanting her for one thing, her inheritance. Strangely, every guardian that Signa has been with dies mysteriously. Until Signa finds herself at Thorn Grove. It's a beautiful manor with many secrets, including a mourning ghost that only Signa can see. Signa will have to use her gifted sight to find a killer- before time runs out.

Belladonna is set in a victorian like Europe, with imagery of ballgowns, tea parties and proper manners. It's a beautiful setting, and perfect for one of mystery, intrigue and love. And although this isn't a perfect book by all means, I think the author executed what she wanted to - the message, setting and characters were thought out. What I am not a fan of, is the fluff in the middle- it didn't add anything to the plot and made it harder to get through the book.

Kenzie Hoehne 

Go Hunt Me by Kelly deVos - HIGH

Go Hunt Me by Kelly deVos, 304 pages. Razorbill (Penguin), 2022. $18

Language: R (32 swears, 24 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (abstinence mentioned); Violence: R (bloody scenes, decapitation)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

High school senior Alex is in the hospital recovering from injuries and a police inspector wants to know what happened from the beginning of Alex’s trip to Romania until the present time and her reason for traveling there. She and her boyfriend Jax go to dinner and check their film school letters together. Jax has been accepted. Alex has been placed on the waitlist. From there, Alex and her six friends travel to Romania planning on creating a film that will get Alex into her dream school and help her become a movie director. What starts as an exciting adventurous idea quickly turns into a deadly few days as someone hunts them down. 

Things I didn't like: Parents are worried and upset about the trip to Bucharest but not one of them will take time to go with them. Why couldn’t they work together to help with plans? Alex is wishy-washy about her boyfriend Jax. She either thinks he’s so perfect or accusing him of lying to her again. She needs to use common sense. Things I like: One third of the way into the story and I was hooked! I enjoyed the snippets at the end of each chapter building the characters backstories and the investigation evidence. The ending is jaw-dropping!

LynnDell Watson; Delta HS Librarian 

Family of Liars by E. Lockhart - HIGH

Family of Liars by E. Lockhart, 320 pags. Delacorte Press (Random), 2022. $12

Language: R (26 swears, 1 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (underage drinking and smoking, attempted rape); Violence: PG-13 (death)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

In an entitled and predominantly rich, white society, 17yo Carrie is the oldest of three sisters. When the youngest sister Rosemary drowns, these three remaining sisters must follow the family motto and not show any grief. The next summer, their cousin Yardley brings her boyfriend and his two best friends to the island. They’re funny and help lighten the mood on the island. Carrie and Pfeff are interested in each other but he keeps being inconsiderate and annoys Carrie. Pfeff also turns out to be self-centered and when the cousins see him kissing Carrie’s sister Penny, things become precarious.

I enjoyed Pfeff’s humor. Humorous parts with Pfeff- changing lyrics of Mary Poppins song: Step In Time:

“Take no prisoners, do some crimes

Know your math facts! Step in time.”

Every time he sang this, I chuckled. The writing is exemplary! I felt firsthand what the characters were going through because of the details.

LynnDell Watson; Delta HS Librarian 

Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle - HIGH

Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle, 310 pages. Simon and Schuster Teen, 2022. $16

Language: R (83 swears, 7 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (making out, twerking, suggestive jokes, drugs mentioned; Violence: PG-13 (bullying)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

All of Danielle Ford's life she's been skeptical about love. Romantic movies, books and songs never have struck her fancy. Until 17yo Prince Jones, a high school radio host who is savvy in the love industry, attempts to sweep her off her feet. Taking her to exciting, romantic and unique dates all to prove that love and chivalry isn't dead. As Prince and Danielle start spending more and more time together will Danielle be able to guard her heart or will she fall for the smooth talking radio host?

Love Radio is the perfect book to cuddle up in a blanket, in your basement. It's just so cute! Danielle and Prince have such good chemistry and the scenes are so original, they aren't just your typical romcom tropes. My one complaint is that the main characters were complex and fun to read about, but the side characters were flat and static. I know that they are side characters but a bit more thought into creating them would've been nice. Danielle Ford is described with "chestnut" skin and she has wavy black hair that is usually kept in braids. Prince is described with "dark" skin and he has dark hair as well. Both of their friends, family members and every character in the book has either "dark", "chestnut" or "chocolate" skin.

Kenzie Hoehne 

These Twisted Bonds by Lexi Ryan - HIGH

These Twisted Bonds (These Hollow Vows #2) by Lexi Ryan, 481pages. Clarion Books, 2022. $20

Language: R (15 swears, 2 ‘f’); Mature Content: R (vaguely described sex, female parts described); Violence: PG-13(blood, guts)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Now 18yo, Brie is trying to get Sebastian and Finn to form an alliance to stop the queen who wants to imprison and enslave Unseelie Fae. Brie tries to learn to trust those around her and when she discovers her lineage, she finds her place. Brie and Finn learn they’re tethered, meaning they draw power from each other and give each other strength. The long sleep, where children sleep and never wake up, is affecting the Unseelie children because their kingdom is dying. Finn is willing to sacrifice everything for his kingdom and Brie is willing to do the same. If the two of them can get Sebastian to help then they just might save everything. Romance, adventure and fantasy all wrapped up in one!

I love the main character, Brie and how much she cares for her sister. Brie has tremendous integrity, strenght and compassion for others. Finn's backstory is interesting and I enjoyed reading about his past struggles and finding out why he is in his current situation. The ending is completely satisfying and perfect for the duology to end. The characters are a mixed of mortal ethnicities and fae.

LynnDell Watson, Delta HS Librarian 

Fairy Tale by Stephen King - HIGH

Fairy Tale by Stephen King, 598 pages. Scribner (Simon), 2022. $20

Language: R (100 swears, 19 ‘f’); Mature Content: G ; Violence: PG (shooting, electric shock, a giant killing minor characters)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

17yo Charlie Reade lost his mom when he was a young boy and his Dad was so heartbroken that he became an alcoholic and lost his job, so Charlie prayed for help and offered to do kind deeds in return for helping his family out. Charlie hears a dog howling and finds the elderly local neighborhood scary guy, Howard Bowditch, hurt; he’s fallen off a ladder and broken his leg. Before he’s released from the hospital, Howard tells the staff that Charlie is the only person he wants staying at his house while he recovers from surgery and Charlie agrees. The two become confidantes and Howard tells Charlie unbelievable things but sets forth a mission for Charlie to complete. Charlie goes on the mission and he’s tested in every way and learns to believe in magical things and realizes that fairy tales aren't all fluff and happiness. 

The writing pulled me in with hints of mystery and foreshadowing. Kind, brave main character and gruff older man help and care for each other and the dog, Radar, bonds them together. I enjoy the mysterious feel throughout the book and Stephen King wields words to encompass the reader! The illustrations are detailed and help bring the story to life. The setting is the present day America and Other realm and the ethnicities are white and Other realm characters.

LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian

If the World Were 100 Animals by Miranda Smith and Aaron Cushley - ESSENTIAL

 If the World Were 100 Animals by Miranda Smith, illustrated by Aaron Cushley. PICTURE BOOK. Crown (Random House), 2022. $18. 9780593372357

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Imagine all of the animals of the world represented by 100 - then come on a journey to explore those animals. From where they live to how many are extinct, see snapshots of the creatures who share this planet with us.

Excellent thinking by Smith and engaging pictures by Cushley. Together they first paint an engaging picture of the animals around the world and then end with information of extinction and the coming extinction of so many more. Any level class that touches on the natural world and/or endangered/extinct animals should embrace this.

Cindy, Library Teacher 

The Mystery of Monarchs by Barb Rosenstock and Erika Meza - ESSENTIAL

 The Mystery of Monarchs by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Erika Meza. PICTURE BOOK/NON FICTION. Knopf (Random House), 2022. $19. 9781984829566

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Fred was always fascinated by bugs and as an adult he made studying them his life's work - the monarch butterfly in particular. In his day, no one knew where the monarch disappeared to each fall - did they die off and leave eggs behind? Fred came up with all ways to mark monarchs, getting help from his wife, also a scientist. It wasn't until citizen scientists got involved in large ways that the mystery was finally solved.

While there are other books about the monarch's long journey, I love this one about Fred's scientific method and the contributions of citizen scientists - there is even a picture of the junior high kids and their teacher who tagged the exact butterfly that were found in the jungle! Rosenstock also talks about threats to the monarch butterfly and ways that the people of Mexico are preserving the butterfly habitat. So many different ways to use this in any science curriculum.

Cindy, Library Teacher 

Mere Mortals by Erin Jade Lange - HIGH

Mere Mortals by Erin Jade Lange, 368 pages. HarperTeen (HarperCollins), 2022. $18.

Language: R (33 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Vampire life is to die for – too bad Charlie and Reg messed up. Their punishment: banishment to mortal life in Nowhere, Iowa. Being mortal is bad enough, but their caretaker has enrolled the siblings in high school too. Charlie is determined to get her vampire life back, even if it kills her.

I love this new take on vampires and vampire slayers – excuse me, vampire healers. The discussions that the various vampires and slayers have about immortality versus being human are thought-provoking, and the war Charlie has within herself about what she really wants is so real. While readers might guess how Charlie’s story will end, her journey is definitely worth the read.

Charlie and Reg are white, Dexter is described as having “tan” skin, and their other friends are implied white. The mature content rating is for innuendo and mentions of sexting. The violence rating is for mentions of vampire feedings and suicide, blood, and use of stakes to kill vampires.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Epic Story of Every Living Thing by Deb Caletti - HIGH

The Epic Story of Every Living Thing by Deb Caletti, 416 pages. Labyrinth Road (Random House), 2022. $19.

Language: R (247 swears, 58 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

17yo Harper is her mother’s perfect daughter, Ezra’s girlfriend, and an adventure Instagrammer with lots of followers and hearts but without the actual adventures. Secretly, Harper has been trying to figure out who she is by figuring out who her sperm-donor father is. Once she starts learning, though, it’s impossible to un-know what Harper finds.

Living in our post-pandemic time, Harper leans on her phone for support and connection with people from a safe distance. Caletti has captured the addictive nothingness usage of social media in Harper’s stream of consciousness narration. I loved watching Harper’s change as she makes decisions about her life, from how she wants to interact with social media and her phone to what she’s willing to stand up for and make important.

Harper and her relatives are white, and Ezra is Jewish Cuban. The mature content rating is for underage drinking; drug use; mentions of menstruation, condoms, sexual harassment, genitalia, and rape; discussions of sperm and in vitro fertilization; and sex. The violence rating is for mentions of bombs.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Secret of the Storm by Beth McMullen - HIGH

 Secret of the Storm by Beth McMullen, 288 pages. Aladdin (Simon & Schuster), 2022. $18

Language: PG (1 swear, 0 “f”); 

Mature Content: G;

Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

12yo Cassie King feels like the universe has it out for her. But after she gets caught in a sudden, unusual and extreme storm, she finds herself with a new friend of sorts, plus a little lost kitten to take home and love. But things, including her new kitty, definitely aren't quite as they seem. Cassie and her new friend Joe have a mystery to solve, an obsessed bad guy to evade and a seemingly impossible mission to accomplish, all while learning about and protecting their new not-so-feline pet.

McMullen writes a fast-paced, high-adventure and just plain fun. I really appreciated the developing unlikely friendship between Cassie and Joe, especially in contrast with the disintegrating friendship Cassie experienced with her long time best friend Mia. It was a very relatable, realistic representation of middle school relationships. In the story, Cassie also deals with grief after the death of her father, and navigating life with her mom whose grief is overwhelming and limiting her ability to function. Mixing these real-world topics with the fun and fantasy of dragons makes this an excellent book that I'll enthusiastically recommend to my upper elementary students.

Angie Campbell