Ivy's Reviews

A sense of levity is needed when you live in an inhospitable environment and Michael P. Branch’s humor is as dry as the desert he lives in. Alternating between pensive and comedic, he paints a picture of the terse, but generous community he’s chosen to raise his family. As an introvert, I was compelled to tread in his footsteps despite my hatred of heat. A must read for those who love nature and to laugh with your whole self. - Ivy

This companion to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon stands firmly on its own. Pinmei and a young boy from her village, Yishan, embark on an incredible journey to rescue her grandmother from the clutches of the power-mad emperor. Interspersed with Chinese-inspired folktales and Grace Lin’s elegant artwork, and steeped in evocative prose, this volume is an excellent addition to the magical art of storytelling. Grades 3–6. - Ivy

Growing up in the United States, the children of immigrants often feel torn between two cultures: the world of their peers and the world of their parents. Amina watches her best friend, Korean American Soojin, struggle to fit into their very American school and Amina wonders if she should be doing the same. Tackling tough questions of racism, faith, and culture, this book sheds light on the hard realities facing immigrant children today. Grades 4–6. - Ivy

A wolf wilder “untames” wolves that have been kept as pets for aristocrats, and the young Feodora takes her jobs as a wolf wilder seriously. A new edict from the tsar declares all wolves be shot rather than released into the wild, and Feodora rebels. When a vicious Russian general burns her home to the ground and imprisons her mother, Feodora takes a lupine swipe at the government on her rescue mission. With its dry wit and skillful writing, this book will sharpen your own teeth. Grades 4–7. - Ivy

Firsthand accounts from multiple viewpoints are interspersed with Hopkinson’s compelling prose and punctuated by historical photographs in this well-rounded account of the Second World War. This book will satisfy those of us who appreciate a historical narrative clearly told, as well as other World War II aficionados. Grades 5–8. - Ivy, Michelle, & Ga

Everyone needs Gracie to be fine. So, she’s fine with people accidentally bringing up her sister who died before she was born. She’s fine when her crush, AJ, turns out to have feelings for her best friend, Sienna. She’s even fine when Sienna asks her to write text messages to AJ for her, like some sort of middle school Cyrano. Engaging and well written. Gracie’s hilarious voice shines in an otherwise awkward situation. Grades 6–8. - Ivy

Women have long slipped between the lines of history. Jason Porath has been working tirelessly to right this wrong, first with his book Rejected Princesses and now with Tough Mothers. The stories of these courageous mothers range from delightful to harrowing. The illustrations of each of the women are as excellent as you would expect from a DreamWorks animator. As an expectant mother, I reveled in each of these women’s tales and can only hope to be as badass of a mom. - Ivy

Margriet literally goes to hell and back for her daughter. When the world is beset with chimeras and revenants, dead soldiers returned to wreak havoc on their bereaved loved ones, the only thing that makes sense to Margriet is regaining that which her dead husband stole from her. Set in 14th-century Bruges, this book, steeped as it is in excellent world building and with lots of historical references, is unlike anything I’ve read. I couldn’t put it down. - Ivy

One of my favorite authors teaming up with one of my favorite comic artists to write about the amazing world of Wakanda? Make mine Marvel (by which I mean, yes please!). With the wild success of the movie, everyone now knows Black Panther is an amazing character and Okorafor is picking up right where Ta-Nehisi Coates left off in the aftermath of a revolution. It is sure to be an amazing, wild ride. Wakanda forever! - Ivy

After loss, it is normal to search for meaning and solace. Love is Love is a beautiful response to the Pulse nightclub tragedy. Many artists come together to bring hope back into a world which appeared bleak in the wake of such violence. All artwork was donated by the artists and writers. Proceeds from each sale go to benefit the victims and their families. - Ivy