Kiss Collector – Wendy Higgins

18457118
Kiss Collector by Wendy Higgins

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Received: HarperCollins Canada
Published: December 18th, 2018
Publisher: HarperTeen
Recommended Age: 12+
Pacing: Normal/Fast
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Drama, Family, Friendship, Romance, High School


BLURB:

When seventeen-year-old Zae Monroe gets cheated on by the only guy she’s ever loved, then watches her parents’ marriage crumble, she decides to forget about relationships and turn the tables on the boys of the world. It’s time to take what she wants, and what she wants are kisses. Athletes, musicians, poets, and bad boys—their lips are all on her agenda, and it’s time to collect. Zae proposes a contest with her friends to see who can kiss the most boys during spring break. But what starts as a harmless competition leads to a downward spiral she can’t seem to break free of. As family, academic, friend, and guy drama come to a head, Zae is forced to face the reasons behind her boy angst, and starts to wonder if she was wrong about the male race…or at least some of them.

Continue reading

Tyler Johnson Was Here – Jay Coles

Tyler Johnson Was HereTyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Received: Distributor
First Published: March 20th, 2018
Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR
Recommended Age: 13+
Pacing: Normal
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Racism, Social Issues, Family, Romance, College


BLURB:

When Marvin Johnson’s twin, Tyler, goes to a party, Marvin decides to tag along to keep an eye on his brother. But what starts as harmless fun turns into a shooting, followed by a police raid. The next day, Tyler has gone missing, and it’s up to Marvin to find him. But when Tyler is found dead, a video leaked online tells an even more chilling story: Tyler has been shot and killed by a police officer. Terrified as his mother unravels and mourning a brother who is now a hashtag, Marvin must learn what justice and freedom really mean. Continue reading

Baby-Sitters Club #2: The Truth About Stacey

24689257Baby-Sitters Club Graphix #2: The Truth About Stacey by Raina Telgemeier

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Received: Distributor
Published: 2015
Publisher: Graphix
Recommended Age: 10+
Pacing: Normal
Genres & Themes: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Friendship, Family, Diabetes, Competition, Forgiveness


BLURB:

Poor Stacey. She just moved to a new town, is still coming to terms with her diabetes, and is facing baby-sitting problems left and right. Fortunately, Stacey has three new friends — Kristy, Claudia, and Mary Anne. Together they’re the BSC — and they will deal with whatever’s thrown their way… even if it’s a rival baby-sitting club! Continue reading

Someday, Somewhere – Lindsay Champion

33224144Someday, Somewhere by Lindsay Champion

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Publisher
First Published: April 3rd, 2018
Publisher: KCP Loft
Recommended Age: 12+
Pacing: Slow
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Romance, Music, Professional Career, Mental Health


BLURB:

When Dom’s class is taken to hear a concert at Carnegie Hall, she expects to be bored out of her mind. But then she sees the boy in the front row playing violin like his life depends on it — and she is transfixed. Posing as an NYU student, Dom sneaks back to New York City to track down Ben Tristan, a magnetic genius who whisks her into a fantasy world of jazz clubs and opera, infatuation and possibility. Each sees something in the other that promises to complete them. As Dom’s web of lies grows, though, so does Ben’s obsessive need to conquer Beethoven’s famous Kreutzer Sonata. But Ben’s genius, which captivates Dominique, conceals a secret, and the challenges of her life may make it difficult to help him. Continue reading

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 3: Crushed

23546843Ms. Marvel, Vol. 3: Crushed by G. Willow Wilson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Distributor
Published: June 2015
Publisher: Marvel
Recommended Age: 12+
Pacing: Normal
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Action, Superheroes, Coming of Age, Romance


BLURB:

Love is in the air in Jersey City as Valentine’s Day arrives! Kamala Khan may not be allowed to go to the school dance, but Ms. Marvel is! Well sort of–by crashing it in an attempt to capture Asgard’s most annoying trickster! Yup, it’s a special Valentine’s Day story featuring Marvel’s favorite charlatan, Loki! And when a mysterious stranger arrives in Jersey City, Ms. Marvel must deal with…a crush! Because this new kid is really, really cute. What are these feelings, Kamala Khan? Prepare for drama! Intrigue! Romance! Suspense! Punching things! All this and more! The fan-favorite, critically acclaimed, amazing new series continues as Kamala Khan proves why she’s the best (and most adorable) new super hero there is! Plus, see what happens when S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Jemma Simmons goes undercover at Kamala’s school! Continue reading

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 2: Generation Why

23017947Ms. Marvel, Vol. 2: Generation Why by G. Willow Wilson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Distributor
Published: 2015
Publisher: Marvel
Recommended Age: 12+
Pacing: Normal
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Action, Superheroes, Coming of Age, Villains


BLURB:

Who is the Inventor, and what does he want with the all-new Ms. Marvel and all her friends? Maybe Wolverine can help! If Kamala can stop fan-girling out about meeting her favorite super hero, that is. Then, Kamala crosses paths with Inhumanity — by meeting the royal dog, Lockjaw! But why is Lockjaw really with Kamala? As Ms. Marvel discovers more about her past, the Inventor continues to threaten her future. Kamala bands together with some unlikely heroes to stop the maniacal villain before he does real damage, but has she taken on more than she can handle? And how much longer can Ms. Marvel’s life take over Kamala Khan’s? Kamala Khan continues to prove why she’s the best (and most adorable) new super hero there is! Continue reading

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1: No Normal

20898019Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Distributor
Published: 2014
Publisher: Marvel
Recommended Age: 12+
Pacing: Normal
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Action, Superheroes, Coming of Age, High School


BLURB:

Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City — until she’s suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! When Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she unlocks a secret behind them, as well. Is Kamala ready to wield these immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to bear? Kamala has no idea, either. But she’s comin’ for you, Jersey! Continue reading