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bookdragon217's reviews
591 reviews
We Have Always Been Who We Are by Sofia T. Romero
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
No More Señora Mimí by Meg Medina
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
No More Señora Mimi by Meg Medina & Illustrated by Brittany Cicchese was such a cute, wholesome read. It's a wonderful to show children that babysitters and grandparents can love them in their own special way and that there is room in their lives for both. This was such a special story to remind children that found family is also important and that babysitters enforce rules because they have their best interest at heart.
The artwork has a fall vibe and makes this book a perfect read for back to school. The illustrations are beautiful. I appreciated seeing diverse children on the pages, as well as, the inclusivity of having depictions of disabled children. It was a great way to normalize the diversity of communities that children encounter. The fall scenery made me so happy.
Because babysitters and caregivers play different but special roles in some children's lives, here's a list of book recommendations that would pair well with this one:
🍁 Just Me and My Babysitter by Mercer Mayer
🍂 Dear Nanny: My Special Caregiver and Me by Kateina Liu
🍁 See You Soon by Dilraz Kunnummal
🍂 Don't want to Go! by Shirley Hughes
🍁 The Berenstain Bears and the Babysitter by Stan and Jan Berenstain
🍂 What Kind of Babysitter is This? by Delores Johnson
Thanks to #partners @candlewickpress and to the team at @hearourvoicestours for the gifted copy and the opportunity to review this lovely book.
The artwork has a fall vibe and makes this book a perfect read for back to school. The illustrations are beautiful. I appreciated seeing diverse children on the pages, as well as, the inclusivity of having depictions of disabled children. It was a great way to normalize the diversity of communities that children encounter. The fall scenery made me so happy.
Because babysitters and caregivers play different but special roles in some children's lives, here's a list of book recommendations that would pair well with this one:
🍁 Just Me and My Babysitter by Mercer Mayer
🍂 Dear Nanny: My Special Caregiver and Me by Kateina Liu
🍁 See You Soon by Dilraz Kunnummal
🍂 Don't want to Go! by Shirley Hughes
🍁 The Berenstain Bears and the Babysitter by Stan and Jan Berenstain
🍂 What Kind of Babysitter is This? by Delores Johnson
Thanks to #partners @candlewickpress and to the team at @hearourvoicestours for the gifted copy and the opportunity to review this lovely book.
Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow by Damilare Kuku
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"I wished my body was different. But we must all be stronger than the words people throw at us; otherwise, we never move forward."
Only Big Bumum Matters Tomorrow by Damilare Kuku was the perfect escape read. It made me laugh but it also made me reflect on body image, family and the things we think about ourselves in secret. Kuku's first book was a short story collection and this one had the same feel. It has multiple perspectives from multiple family members but you never get confused or lost. The story is dripping with Nigerian culture and language with gives the narrative a very vibrant and lighthearted feel.
Kuku's writing style is one I continue to vibe with especially when I need a break from the heaviness of life. Her writing is always laced with humor that will have you chuckling to yourself and she creates characters that will make you want to tell people about them. She's not afraid to tackle heavy themes and give them a lighthearted feel as opposed to didactic. You always think you know what to expect but Kuku surprises you everything.
What I loved about this one was that it felt unique and contemporary. It tackled the hot topic of plastic surgery and body image but it also delved into womanhood, marriage, family and self-image. If you're looking for a refreshing voice and new storyteller to add to your TBR, then consider picking this one up. Thanks to partners, @harperviabooks and @coloredpagesbt for the gifted copy and opportunity to review this one.
Only Big Bumum Matters Tomorrow by Damilare Kuku was the perfect escape read. It made me laugh but it also made me reflect on body image, family and the things we think about ourselves in secret. Kuku's first book was a short story collection and this one had the same feel. It has multiple perspectives from multiple family members but you never get confused or lost. The story is dripping with Nigerian culture and language with gives the narrative a very vibrant and lighthearted feel.
Kuku's writing style is one I continue to vibe with especially when I need a break from the heaviness of life. Her writing is always laced with humor that will have you chuckling to yourself and she creates characters that will make you want to tell people about them. She's not afraid to tackle heavy themes and give them a lighthearted feel as opposed to didactic. You always think you know what to expect but Kuku surprises you everything.
What I loved about this one was that it felt unique and contemporary. It tackled the hot topic of plastic surgery and body image but it also delved into womanhood, marriage, family and self-image. If you're looking for a refreshing voice and new storyteller to add to your TBR, then consider picking this one up. Thanks to partners, @harperviabooks and @coloredpagesbt for the gifted copy and opportunity to review this one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Rape, Sexism, Sexual content, Lesbophobia, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Abortion and Death of parent
Mother Island: A Daughter Claims Puerto Rico by Jamie Figueroa
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
5.0
Call Me Roberto!: Roberto Clemente Goes to Bat for Latinos by Nathalie Alonso
informative
inspiring
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
The Things We Didn't Know by Elba Iris Pérez
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug use, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, and Abandonment
What You Leave Behind by Wanda M. Morris
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism, Death of parent, and Murder
The Waves Take You Home by María Alejandra Barrios Vélez
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Wishing Pool and Other Stories by Tananarive Due
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was such a great collection of short stories. The book was engaging and some of the stories left me wanting more. I will be thinking about some of the characters for a long time to come. Due's writing and mixed genres wins again. Thanks to @librofm for the gifted ALC.