tuma's reviews
417 reviews

Alterations by Ray Xu

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emotional funny inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

So fun! Such a great MG graphic novel. Super relatable. I love how it explores feelings of immigrant families and the sacrifices they make to try to assimilate. Kevin feeling out of place as one of few Asians at school, his older sister Lily's frustrations at being the oldest daughter to immigrants really hit home for me. I really enjoyed the role popo grandma played in taking care of the family and giving the kids another perspective of their mom. Because before she was a nagging mom, she was a brave young girl who fought for her future. It's a heartwarming story that made me chuckle 🤭 a lot while also going "aww" at other parts. Highly recommend for classroom. 

Rep: Chinese Canadian
When We Were Sisters by Fatimah Asghar

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challenging emotional hopeful sad medium-paced
  • 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? Yes

3.0

The God of Good Looks by Breanne Mc Ivor

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emotional funny 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? Yes

4.5

Man, this was great. Wasnt typically romance I was expecting. Really slow burn. It's  more of an emotional romance but that made it more impactful. About two people learning to accept themselves and be their true selves. To take back power that they had given away. I loved learning about what life is like in Trinidad and Tobago and the makeup industry through Obadiah and Bianca's POVs. The dual POV made the story more compelling. It would have been sorely lacking with only one of them telling the story. Really recommend this one!
Flirty Little Secret by Jessica Lepe

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emotional funny lighthearted reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Omg this was sooo good! Everything you love about romance with some unique aspects. 

Not too heavy on the spice but Lucy and Fletcher relationship was so sweet. I like that it wasn't too complicated or angst for no reason. The portrayal of Lucy's ADHD, anxiety, and depression was really illuminating and insightful. Readers can learn a lot and folks who have these diagnoses can feel seen. Lucy's sister's are a hoot! And imma need Brodie to find his own romance. He was hilarious and a sweetheart. Lucy's Mexican and Moroccan Jew heritage was beautiful to read and learn about. AND the book was FUNNY! What more can I ask for. I'll def be looking out for more from Jessica Lepe. 🥰
Fire Exit by Morgan Talty

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challenging emotional reflective slow-paced
  • 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? Yes

4.0

I liked this. Character driven fiction about what makes us who we are - our blood or who raises us. Themes of belonging, identity, mental illness, memory, and family. Emotional, poignant read. Beautiful writing.
Devour by Jazmine Joyner

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I really enjoyed this! 
Fascinating story framed by folktale of Anansi the spider in a unique way .
The art was amazing - very gritty and creepy. 
Ending was VERY unexpected! 
Only For The Week by Natasha Bishop

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emotional inspiring 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? Yes

5.0

I'm kind of picky with my 5 stars but I couldn't think of anything "negative". The characters weren't perfect but we're fully fleshed out. The pacing was just right. The romance was hot and heavy and sooo sweet. I love both Janelle and Rome's character. I also appreciate that the conflict was resolved in a realistic way. Not everything is easily forgiven and shouldn't me. I was as proud of Janelle and Rome was. At first, Rome was a little too good to be true but he remained constantly good and I appreciate seeing that in a book. The dialogue was fun and I felt like I was in Tulum with the gang. 
Intertwined: The Last Jewish Daughter of Kaifeng by Fabrice Sapolsky

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

3.5

Really cool story. Felt too brief/short. Wanted more story and characters developing. But learning about Jewish people in China was cool. And enjoyed reading creators afterward for back story. 
Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear: Poems from Gaza by Mosab Abu Toha

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

4.5

Heartbreakingly beautiful poetry. Insight into Palestinian experience + interview at the end is also powerful and provides context for Mosab's story. 
From Frost to Flame by Viola Vines

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adventurous 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? Yes

3.5