Month: August 2023

Spice Road

Spice RoadSpice Road (Spice Road Trilogy, #1) by Maiya Ibrahim
on January 24, 2023
ISBN: 0593126963
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Imani, a teen girl with a magical affinity for metal that has made her one of the best fighters in her land goes on a journey to find her brother who disappeared years ago. “Spice Road” is an Arab-inspired fantasy adventure, where drinking tea made of a specific tree bark gives the drinker power over an element. Imani believed that her brother was dead, but after hearing from a djinn that her brother is alive, she leaves her magical land to find him. There are typical YA subplots, with plot twists and an enemies-to-lovers type romance. Themes of power and privilege have Imani reevaluating what she has been taught. Clunky dialogue and an awkward first-person POV detract from the interesting setting and world-building. A suggested additional purchase for a Young Adult library collection.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars

The Wicked Bargain

The Wicked BargainThe Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa
on February 28, 2023
ISBN: 0593378016
Genres: Adventure
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“The Wicked Bargain” is a young adult novel by Gabe Cole Novoa, featuring a transmasc nonbinary protagonist. Mar is a pirate on their father’s ship, one of the most successful pirate ships due to a deal Mar’s father made with el Diablo. Unfortunately the bill comes due and el Diablo destroys the ship and all sailors with the exception of Mar. Pulled out of the water, Mar goes on a journey to get their father back and get vengeance on el Diablo.

Themes of acceptance, well-developed characters, and a genuinely LGBTQIA+ friendly world are this book’s strengths. The plot and romance feel a bit trope-y in the second half, but I still recommend purchasing this book for your library. We need more nonbinary protagonists in youth literature and this is a great addition to your YA collection.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

Then Everything Happens at Once

Then Everything Happens at OnceThen Everything Happens at Once by M.E. Girard
Published by HarperTeen on January 31, 2023
ISBN: 0063206684
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
“Then Everything Happens at Once” is a young adult novel by M-E Girard, winner of a Labda Literary Award. The story focuses on Baylee, a plus-sized teen who has never been kissed, but now finds herself in a love triangle with a male crush and a female barista that she met online. Add in Covid at the height of the pandemic with all of the lockdowns and restrictions and the fact that Baylee’s sister is immunocompromised. All of this makes for a very angsty and anxiety-filled book.

Characters were realistic teens, with Baylee ignoring restrictions to see her crush and doing other not-fully-thought-out activities. Unfortunately, I found Baylee unlikable, which made the book very frustrating. Things the novel does well are the diverse characters, and showing Baylee’s emotions and thoughts. Sex-positive and showcasing a plus-sized main character, this book is a good additional purchase for YA collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars

Shakti

ShaktiShakti by Nabi H. Ali, S.J. Sindu
ISBN: 0063090139
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

“Shakti,” a middle grade graphic novel written by SJ Sindu and illustrated by Nabi H. Ali about a middle school girl named Shakti. Shakti and her mothers have moved for one of her mom’s jobs and now she is the new girl in school. As she tries to make friends and fit in, she notices something a little strange about the three most popular girls in the school and how they almost seem to have a power over the teachers and other students. Since one of Shakti’s mothers is a magic user, she tries to get her help in stopping the girls, but unleashes the power of the Hindu goddess Kali Ma instead.

Weaving in information about Hindu goddesses along with the idea that bullies are often bullied elsewhere in their lives, and that anger has its place and power, but we cannot let it consume us, this story will keep readers interested as to what will happen next. Middle schoolers will definitely see themselves in this story and hopefully will learn about emotions. The illustrations are bright and colorful and at times really detailed. They add to the power that this story has. Recommended for middle grade readers where graphic novels are popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars