Andrea C.'s Reviews

Despite their on-and-off relationship status constant change, Freddy can’t seem to call it quits with her girlfriend Laura Dean. She’s the cool girlfriend everyone wants, but is it really good for Freddy to keep holding on? In this beautifully illustrated graphic novel, Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O’Connell team up to show a lesbian love story with depth and complexities that rarely get talked about. Just open it up and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it, too. -Andrea

You might already be familiar with this modern classic coming-of-age novel told in letters, but have you had a chance to read it? While the film adaptation (script also written by the author) is one of the best book-to-movie adaptations, this novel is told in such a distinct manner that it is best read on your own. Feels like a well-kept secret, intimate and personal, this novel is truly unlike anything else. -Andrea

Drago, a kid vampire, has been living a life of bliss alongside their two friends—until their old master returns and asks them to find her spellbook or they’ll be turned into worms! Throughout the graphic novel we get glimpses of each of the character’s origin stories intertwined with their thrilling adventure in search of the book. Perfect for fans of humorous graphic novels with spooky elements and the power of friendship.-Andrea

Floyd’s kite is stuck in a tree, what can he do to get it back down? Let’s just say he tries just about anything. In this comical tale, Oliver Jeffers humor shines through in a laugh-out-loud book perfect for little ones (and the big one’s reading out loud!) One of my favorites to sell to parents trying to find a book they won’t tire of and for any family member shopping for a new “classic.” -Andrea

Brooke and her friends uncover a potential way out of being outcasts in their small town. How? By burning and selling bootleg anime DVDs to their peers. Their plan seems to have no faults, except for the complicated and changing personal entanglement the girls have with each other. Messy queer romance drama, anime obsession, and a search for belonging make this a graphic novel full of growing pains and nostalgia.

—ANDREA

Freshly out of a messy breakup, Shani is ready to dive into her month-long Washington, DC, internship, studying her actual true love: fish. However, this winter break plan is suddenly interrupted when Shani’s mom bumps into a girl with her Subaru—namely, fellow scientist May—and possibly creates the perfect meet-cute. A wonderful mix of Jewish holiday representation with two lesbian scientists and a cute corgi. What else could you ask for?

—ANDREA

Anne and her two moms have moved to the middle of nowhere (Greenville), and Anne is ready to dazzle with her sweet disco roller skating dance moves. Upon her arrival, however, it seems like the townies have other ideas of what is acceptable. Anne must hold her quick temper to (rightfully) stand up for herself against homophobic and racist classmates and their parents. A fun retelling that pays loving homage to its predecessor.

—ANDREA

Aria West had summer plans to hang with her best friends at Martha’s Vineyard. Those plans change suddenly when private images of her are leaked online, and she is forced to spend the summer with her grandmother in California. Aria’s summer plunges her into an identity search she never anticipated. Malinda Lo, the award-wining author of Last Night at the Telegraph Club, delivers another compelling contemporary queer coming-of-age story.

—ANDREA

After reading the first poem in this memoir, a companion to Free Lunch and Punching Bag, I knew it would be one of my instant favorites. In a series of anecdotes, Rex Ogle takes us from his childhood through his roughest teen years. With great kindness and care, he highlights the love of his abuela, bringing me to tears over and over. A must-read, but be warned: This one is as tough and heartbreaking as it is full of love and light.

—ANDREA

Williams’s new book starts with lessons on how to make pasta from scratch in various shapes and with different flours. It is then divided into four sections made to follow a “dinner party menu” inspired by the seasons. For each season, it includes a variety of pasta recipes, drink ideas, delicious desserts, and other food pairings. Perfect for both ambitious beginners and experienced cooks.

—ANDREA