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ellornaslibrary's reviews
469 reviews
Big by Vashti Harrison
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
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? No
5.0
Wow. I was not expecting this book to be so powerful. It's message is relatable for so many people in the world. It's such an important message conveyed through the moving, beautiful art found on each page. The color choices are an additionally brilliant choice as well. The message in this book is one we all need to listen to, but adults for sure. It's often adults that perpetuate the cruelty that children then latch onto once. They are taught to harm, which leaves a lasting mark on the world in how it shapes those they harm into the adults they become, and that has got to change. The world needs to change so that children never have to feel this way. I am so glad that I was recommended this book - by a librarian! support your libraries & libriarians! - and definitely plan to recommend it to many others.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, and Fatphobia
We Are Starlings: Inside the Mesmerizing Magic of a Murmuration by Donna Jo Napoli, Robert Furrow
adventurous
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Poetry Comics by Grant Snider
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness
This was such a delightful read. I follow Grant Snider over on Threads where shares poetry comics including my favorite one called Words of Wonder. When I saw that a book was being released? I knew I had to read it, and to get ahold of it during National Poetry Month is even better. The poems are fun, but also reflect on things like issues with self-confidence and how hard it can be learn something yet in a way that shows understanding while also giving hope. There's even lovely comics about how to write poetry or what it's like to write that were super relatable. There were moments where I laughed, shook my head in agreement, and just found that I felt lighter and was unable to stop smiling at the joy I was feeling. I definitely recommend picking this book up when you get a chance. You'll be happy you did.
Emergency Skin by N.K. Jemisin
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-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? Yes
3.0
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and War
Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Slavery, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Minor: Alcohol
This book. . . how do I put into words how much I adore this book. I am baffled that I had not heard about this book sooner given the absolutely amazing disability/chronic pain rep to be found within it. Not just the side characters, no, but the main characters too. I was floored. And it wasn't just one type of disability experience, but people that had different disabled experiences. Found within the pages there's great mental health rep and LGQBTIA+ rep too. On top of this are a variety of well-written characters, including the side characters who feel beautifully fleshed out, and the brilliant unveiling of a fascinating world. I could not stop reading this book and want more. So much so I'm re-reading it this month(April) on audiobook just so I can read the sequel sooner as my ebook hold still has like 7 weeks to go cause people are realizing what I did: this book is amazing.
Anyways, while I wanted to write a more involved review, I forgot I hadn't gotten around to it so instead this babbling mess of me gushing at 3am is the best I can do. I'll write something better at a later date.
Mammoths at the Gates by Nghi Vo
adventurous
emotional
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Grief
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Death, Self harm, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o
emotional
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming and Bullying
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Confinement, Violence, Blood, Gaslighting, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexism
Malala's Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, and Religious bigotry