Ivy's Reviews

After unnecessary escalation by school administration, Donte, who is Black, finds himself in the back of a cop car and suspended from school. His white-passing brother, Trey, doesn’t understand why people treat Donte differently, but both find ways forward from an unlikely place. Complex and raw, this book challenged me in the best way and showed me a new perspective on racial injustice. Perfect for kids not quite ready for The Hate U Give.

LET’S. GET. REAAAAADY. FOR. FUN!! In one corner, we have Dangerous Daddoo and in the other, the Tag Team Twins (with special guest Big Bald Baby). Who will come out on top? Can the kids squash the chance of bedtime? With surprising twists and incredibly dynamic art, this is one you don’t want to miss. I had a grin for every page. Perfect for humor fans of all ages.

In a future where security is run by sophisticated AIs, one robot just wants to be left alone to watch soap operas. Murderbot (a name they gave their self) has to work very hard to keep humans unaware of their own agency to avoid being wiped back to factory settings. Also, someone is trying to kill the people in their charge. I loved this fresh take on the future of AI. - Ivy

Violet is considered a surplus woman, stuck in limbo as a spinster who lost her fiancé in the Great War. In order to find some meaning, she starts a new life in Winchester, living as a single woman. Through a chance encounter, she falls in with a group of broderers, women who embroider kneeling pads for worshippers at Winchester Cathedral, and finds herself joined together with an amazing group of women. This beautiful book resonated with me on a deep level. - Ivy

Do you remember the way you used to draw as a child? Most of us lose that as we grow older. Making Comics is a master class in the comic form. Barry, a powerhouse creator of strange and beautiful comic books, guides us through an intensive process to get the creative juices flowing and remind us of the courage we had as younglings. I was pleasantly surprised at my own daring as I worked my way through the book. - Ivy

Where does the cycle of violence begin and how does it end? What is justice and who is justified? There are no easy answers and this book offers none. Set against the backdrop of a fictionalized version of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, two families linked by tragedy struggle with the legacy of death, racism, and a flawed court system. This book is so timely and important. It has wrapped itself around my heart and refuses to let go. - Ivy

Felicia Day, geek goddess extraordinaire, is on a mission of creativity, specifically to help each of us unlock our imagination and finally work on that project we’ve been putting off. Personally, I am a professional procrastinator. I tend to think up great, crazy ideas and then do absolutely nothing with them. This book gave me permission and the tools I needed to start making them a reality. Take this book and get to work (but, like, in a fun way). - Ivy

Carrie Fisher’s legacy is complex and intriguing. A champion of mental health and nerddom, she wasn’t a perfect person, but she was so cool, famous for always being herself. This book is a love letter to Carrie. It also gives a deep look into the Hollywood royalty with whom she grew up. It is the perfect homage to our foul-mouthed space princess. I loved every dramatic minute of it. - Ivy

My household is obsessed with The Great British Bake Off. Seriously, my partner and I have seen every available episode. Benjamina remains one of our favorite contestants. We were crushed when she didn’t make it into the top four. But now we get to bring home some of her impeccable flavors. Innovative and easy to follow, this cookbook is a real winner for me. I mean, Hot Chocolate and Halva Pudding. So. Good. I wish I could give her a Paul Hollywood handshake. - Ivy

Change is hard, but that doesn’t make it bad. When Rabbit loses an old friend, he gains the friend’s motorbike. As someone who never left the farm, it seemed an odd gift, but one day Rabbit hops on and takes a chance on the great unknown. Gorgeously illustrated and lovingly told, it is a reminder that sometimes the hardest risks have the greatest rewards. Roads are long, but they all end somewhere new and exciting. - Ivy