I can feel the weight of it now: HEARTSICK.

Heartsick by Kristina Forest
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Margot has a summer internship at Healing Hearts. The company has created a pill that claims to block romantic thoughts about a specific person--the one who has broken your heart. This is particularly ironic to Margot because she and her boyfriend, Isaac, recently broke up.

"Heartbreak doesn't have to last forever."

Margot is still shocked when she sees Isaac in Healing Hands. Is he trying to erase their romantic relationship from his memory? Before they can hash it out, they overhear a conversation between the two Healing Heart founders that sets off a chain of events, sending the two running for safety... together.

This is a cute story, if not a bit convoluted. It's a romance, but also feels like a mystery as Isaac and Margot try to track down what exactly is happening at Healing Hands. In some ways, I preferred the mystery story versus the romance, which seemed a little lacking at times. Still, this is a unique tale with diverse characters and a sweet teen romance. 3.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group in return for an unbiased review.



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Though the years my tears may dry I shall love you til I die: MAKE ME A MONSTER.

Make Me a Monster by Kalynn Bayron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to a long drive and the power of audiobooks, I read this book in one day (half audio, half print)!

This is a Frankenstein-inspired horror story, with a YA romance bent. Be forewarned, it's a bit weird. But really good. But rather gruesome. And did I mention a bit weird?

High schooler Meka has grown up in her family's Redwood funeral home. (Literally, they live in the same building as their business.) Even though she's only in high school, Meka is already a certified mortician's assistant. She has a life plan and a wonderful boyfriend, Noah. Death is a part of her daily life, but it doesn't bother her.

But then, something awful happens. Strange happenings start occurring. And it seems like the dead people that Meka is so used to... aren't staying dead.

I love Bayron's books. They are just so compelling. This story is part love story between Maya and Noah, part horror, as body parts are falling off all around us. Be prepared, too, for some very detailed descriptions of funeral home procedures, death, and oh yeah, those severed body parts.

I'm not a big horror person, but while I grimaced at a few scenes, I really liked this story. As with pretty much everything Bayron writes, it's original and funny (even when laced with tragedy!) coupled with well-written, diverse characters. 4+ stars.

I received a copy of this book from Bloomsbury YA and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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Hope you find yourself somewhere between the first pew and the back row: THE GOLDEN BOY'S GUIDE TO BIPOLAR.

The Golden Boy's Guide to Bipolar by Sonora Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an achingly honest look at mental illness, as teenager Cesar Flores struggles with both his sexuality and his bipolar disorder.

Cesar broke up with his boyfriend, Jamal, fearing that their relationship was going to send him straight to hell. But he keeps coming back to Jamal and the strong feelings the two have for another. Cesar also struggles with intrusive thoughts and deep highs and lows. The pressure he feels from his family to be the "perfect teen" is just too much sometimes.

This is such a well-written story: so beautiful, and so real. You can truly feel Cesar's emotions and problems coming through the pages. It captures how difficult it can be for teens to come out, as well as how hard mental illness can be. We see how tough it is for Cesar to grasp that he has an illness. Even better, the story is happy but realistic.

This is a great book for teens, but my adult self loved it too.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Versify in return for an unbiased review.

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Tell me bout how you've been waiting so patiently: SUMMER OFFICIAL.

Summer Official by Rebekah Weatherspoon


Well, first of all, this book features one of my favorite lines ever:

"I never regret a cake run. If you're queer, you deserve cake. I feel like that should be a rule..."

I would get this on a t-shirt if I could. Hard agree.

Overall, this is a lovely YA lesbian romance. Sporty Saylor breaks her arm at basketball camp, dooming her to a summer spent with her influencer mom who dominates her life. She turns to Heaven, an acquaintance; through their parents Saylor knows that Heaven's father has created a summer bingo challenge to entertain her (and force her out of her shell). Saylor wants in to avoid her mother. Anxious, artistic Heaven isn't so sure about having a "plus one," until Saylor agrees to help Heaven with the social media required in her quest to be a tattoo artist.

What I loved about this story is that it truly evokes the longing, yearning, and excitement that comes with your first youthful teenage (queer) romance. Truly, this story took me back. It also captures the fear that accompanies falling for the first time, too.

The bigger issue here is Saylor's awful mom, who is pretty horrible with her influencer lifestyle, even using Saylor's coming out by posting about it. Her actions keep Saylor from wanting to truly to commit to anything or anyone. I really felt for this kid!

Perhaps my only hesitation here is that the story wraps up a little too easily (thank goodness Heaven has good parents), but I'll grant that it's a teen romance: we deserve a HEA! I also wish I'd realized there was a first book in this series, featuring some oft mentioned friends, as it would have provided a little context, even though this can definitely stand-alone.

Still, this is a great YA story and a truly thoughtful lesbian romance!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group / G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers in return for an unbiased review.

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Watching everyone around get there before I do: WISH YOU WERE HER.

Wish You Were Her by Elle McNicoll
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I need to come to terms that Elle McNicoll books and me are not compatible!

Famous actress Allegra Brooks, age 18, wants one normal summer, so she escapes to Lake Pristine to spend the summer with her dad at his bookstore. Once there, she meets Jonah Brooks, who is helping run the town's annual Book Festival. Jonah immediately insults her and then spends much of his time avoiding her.

Meanwhile, Allegra is emailing an anonymous person at the bookstore, whom she knows has to be Jonah's co-worker. Allegra is autistic--something she's never shared with her fans--and she feels like this anonymous pen pal just gets it, gets her.

WISH YOU WERE HER hits us over the head with the idea that its two main characters are autistic. I love stories about neurodivergence, love seeing familiar traits reflected in the stories I read, but this topic deserves to be woven into a story, not just thrown in readers' faces over and over. Show us, don't tell us. Repeatedly.

As for Jonah, he was very hard to like, even with his own character influenced by his autism. He seemed to like Allegra only because she was pretty, and the two's "instalove" feeling was chalked up to... wait... wait... oh my gosh, if you guessed autism, you're right!

There was a gaggle of townspeople, but most were not redeemable besides teenage Grace and a reappearance from Jasper, who is the MC in a previous McNicoll book. Allegra's father even holds a ridiculous grudge against Jonah for the silliest reason... honestly I just have to stop listing all the reasons this book was frustrating.

There's a cute lake setting and some fun book references. I respect the attempt to include autism in the story, but it would be better to acknowledge that autism is just one part of a person, not their entire entity.

I received a copy of this book from Wednesday Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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As defiant as well as defender: PERSEPHONE'S CURSE.

Persephone's Curse by Katrina Leno
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story was not at all what I expected, but it was excellent!

Not that I'm surprised, because anything Katrina Leno writes is amazing.

The four Farthing sisters--Winnie, Bernie, Evelyn, and Clara--have always been told they are descended from Persephone. And who knows, it could be true, because there's a ghost that lives in their house, a young man named Henry, that only they can see.

It all works out until Evelyn and Henry fall in love and Winnie attempts to solve the problem. It seems each sister has a bit of magical powers, and Winnie sets off a series of catastrophic events involving closed portals and the Underworld.

It might sound over the top, but it all works really well. So much of this beautiful, magical ghost story is simply four sisters attempting to navigate growing up in the world. Bernadette, the eldest, is trying to figure out if she belongs at college. Evelyn is grappling with her love for Henry. Winnie, our main narrator, has big feelings and an ability to see the ghosts of Farthings past (and perhaps a crush on the cute girl at the magic store), and feisty Clara is the artistic wise youngest sister who despite her wisdom, still requires the love and guidance of her older sisters.

This well-written, lyrical story is an ode to New York City and sisterhood. It's utterly fascinating, with equal dashes of magic and Little Women mixed together, along with some lesbians! What more could we ask for, really? I loved it.


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Me holding you and you holding me: NOBODY IN PARTICULAR.

Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable one - I mean boarding school setting + royalty + queer characters? What more do you need?

I will say this book felt long to me. There was just *a lot* going on.

Danni is headed to Bramppath College, a boarding school, thanks to her Mom's new relationship. Danni didn't have the best of luck at her old high school in Colorado, so she's not sure about moving across the globe to a new school, let alone one as elite as Bramppath. But at Bramppath, she makes friends, including Princess Rosemary of Henland. She learns her new friends are grieving from a terrible incident last year, which greatly affected Rose's public reputation. She and Rose also become extremely close--starting a relationship that they must keep secret, or face the wrath of Rose's parents and the entire nation of Henland.

I loved the premise of this story, including the importance of being yourself and coming out on your own terms. Rose has grown up realizing that she can never fully be herself and be Queen. The story does an excellent job of showing her grappling with this difficult idea. Further, there's delicious tension between Rose and Danni, which is wonderful (setting aside the fact that they are high schoolers). They are both smart, witty, strong young women who come into their own as the book progresses.

A very dark and awful event hangs over much of this book, keeping this from feeling like a total light and breezy rom-com. It also feels somewhat pushed aside in the final quarter, which is strange after it looms over so much of the story.

Still, this is a lovely story and often quite humorous, despite the serious topics. It's unabashedly queer and will make you cheer out loud at times. 4+ stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books in return for an unbiased review.

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It's a good time to get into trouble: COME AS YOU ARE.

Come As You Are by Dahlia Adler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thanks to formally being named Everett, "Evie" Riley gets assigned to the boys dorm at her new boarding school, Camden Academy. Somehow, there is not another room on the entire campus, so she's stuck living in a single, packed among the boys, and being ridiculed by the entire school.

This story is slow and awkward first--it feels a little clunky and hard to get into. It does pick up a bit. Evie has fled to Camden to escape a failed relationship and issues with her sister back home. She decides the only way to make this work is to become a "bad girl"--learning from the hands of new friend, Salem. They make a pact: she'll teach Salem to be a respectable guy who gets good grades and he'll teach her his wayward tricks.

Their pact seems halfhearted at best and a flimsy method to push the plot along; I wish there had been more follow-through. Salem has Evie do a few random things, while she forces him to... shower and study. The two spend plenty of time together, though, allowing them to forge a stronger relationship. But Evie is clueless and Salem's soon with another girl. Evie and Salem have excellent banter, but be prepared for quite a slow burn.

Evie tries very hard in this story, and sometimes you want to tell all these kids that high school/boarding school isn't all that their life will contain. Luckily, there are light moments too, including Evie's friendship with Salem's twin, Sabrina.

This book is well-suited for its YA audience, with plenty of juvenile drama (though there's a lot of sex too). As for this middle-aged adult, quirky Salem carried the story.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books in return for an unbiased review.

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And you can let your own light shine: AND THEY WERE ROOMMATES.

And They Were Roommates by Page Powars
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love seeing a book with trans representation, but wow, so many weird plot holes and odd twists here.

Charlie's dream has been to attend the Valentine Academy for Boys as a scholarship student, especially since his mom was a similar student at the Academy's sister school. But to pull it off, he'll have to be Valentine's first trans student--and keep it a secret. He requests a single room, but gets paired with a roommate instead: Jasper, an Internet-famous teen poet (seriously) who also happens to be the kid who broke Charlie's heart when he was thirteen.

Somehow, Jasper doesn't recognize Charlie, but he is incredibly inquisitive and insufferable about getting to know his roommate. He is also an Internet-famous poet at a school that bans the use of cell phones for the majority of the year (and he's not even the only social media famous teen poet from Valentine!). Honestly, it's very hard to see how Charlie ever liked Jasper, then or now. Jasper pulls Charlie into STRIP, an acronym for some sort of organization that facilities the distribution of love letters between Valentine and their sister school, with the letters written by Jasper.

Besides Charlie's secret, STRIP and the letters is the main plot, and it's very hard to care about. There are really that many teens communicating between schools via letter, and also willing to allow Jasper and STRIP to write their love notes for them? It's so strange. Apparently if STRIP isn't successful, the school dance will fall apart, and also, civilization.

The book also doesn't talk at all about if it's even safe or legal to have a trans teen at a boarding school without the administration's knowledge. Why can't Charlie just tell them (or more importantly, why doesn't his mother?)? What does this teach anyone about responsibility or acceptance?

The first half or so of this book is rather painful, and I wanted to give up, but it does get better as time goes on. If you want to enjoy this book, you'll have to fully embrace the camp and quirkiness. I love the diverse representation in this story (and some of the new friends Charlie meets), but it's really difficult getting my analytical brain past the whole plot. 2.75 stars, rounded to 3 stars here.

I received a copy of this book from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Roaring Brook Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased reivew.

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My life before me, undone: OUT OF STEP, INTO YOU.

Out of Step, into You by Ciera Burch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Taylor and Mari are former childhood best friends after a large misunderstanding has gone unaddressed for many years. But then Mari winds up back at Taylor's high school and the two girls are on the same cross country team--finding themselves forced together at every turn.

This is a cute story--nothing revolutionary, but an interesting YA lesbian romance is always a plus. I believe this would resonate well with its intended audience.

There's plenty of drama (so much drama). Some of it seems a little forced, but they are teens, after all. Somehow teenagers are seeming both incredibly juvenile and wise beyond their years anymore (I say this as a parent of two teens). Mari feels the burden of caring for her younger siblings while her mom works multiple shifts to make rent, and Taylor is dealing with a critically ill father. The book plays off the stereotypes of class, between Mari's working class background and Taylor's wealthier one.

Overall, this story is simplistic at times and can rely on tropes, but Mari and Taylor are well-drawn teen characters, and the younger audience should identify with their struggles, including best friend troubles, parental drama, sports teams dynamics, and Taylor's quest to figure out her sexual identity.

I received a copy of this book from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group / Farrar, Straus and Giroux and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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With a head full of dreams: I LOVE YOU SO MOCHI.

I Love You So Mochi by Sarah Kuhn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a very cute YA story.

Kimi is still figuring out what she wants to be. (Totally normal for a teen, by the way!) The one thing she's starting to realize: she doesn't want to be a painter like her mom is--and wants her to be. After a particularly brutal argument with her mom, she heads to Japan to spend the summer with her maternal grandparents, whom she has never met. In Kyoto, Kimi gets to know her grandparents better (probably my favorite part). She meets a cute boy, Akira. Through these new experiences, she learns about her self and explores her love of fashion.

This story is a little basic, but very sweet. It might be a little unrealistic -- everything gets fixed via a two-week spring trip? Sign me up for a trip to Japan. But Kimi's grandpa is adorable and the story works through the idea of finding yourself and the difficult teen years, when you feel torn between what you want and what your parents wish for you.

This book is well-suited for its YA audience, as long as they have the understanding that all problems may not be fixed so quickly (or by meeting a cute guy). 3.5 stars.

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This dirty place don't want you here: DEATH AT MORNING HOUSE.

Death at Morning House by Maureen Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This YA mystery was a pleasant surprise for my 4th read of Pride Month!

While on a first date, Marlowe actually burns down a house (not hers! while house-sitting!). Humiliated, she leaves town to work at Morning House, a famous mansion on an island best known for housing the wealthy Ralston family. The family lived there happily in the 1930s until two of their children died tragically.

This book is just really fun -- told in Johnson's witty style via Marlowe's self-deprecating humor. We get the present day tale from Marlowe interspersed with snippets from members of the Ralston family leading up to the fateful day of loss. It's a very effective technique for building suspense, as I kept flipping the pages, wanting to know what was going to happen to Marlowe and what exactly struck the Ralstons.

Marlowe is just a lovable, awkward protagonist--dealing with leaving a potential girlfriend behind and now navigating a new friend group. All the other teens working at Morning House know one another and have a history, including the fairly recent loss of their friend, Chris.

Then the professor who was overseeing the teens--and doing research at Morning House--disappears and the tension ratchets up even more. Was it an accident, or something more sinister?

There's nothing wild or innovative here, but this is a really fun and suspenseful book with an awesome queer vibe. The switch between time periods really adds to the story. I loved this as a grown adult, but it would be great for its intended YA audience as well.


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It's all in the walk and the thoughts: PRETTY GIRL COUNTY.

Pretty Girl County by Lakita Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a perfect fit for its YA audience, and if you're from Maryland, it will undoubtedly resonate. Even as a Virginian, I thoroughly enjoyed the references to Prince George’s "PG" County—affectionately nicknamed "Pretty Girl County" in the novel.

While the writing can be a bit simplistic and the story leans into some cheesy moments, it remains an enjoyable read that tackles serious topics with both responsibility and charm. The novel follows Sommer and Reya, childhood best friends from Seat Pleasant, MD. Their friendship fractures when Reya and her mother move to the wealthier Bowie, thanks to her mom’s rising success as a lawyer—eventually landing her a spot on Potomac Housewives.

Reya, eager to secure her spot at the Fashion Institute of Technology, enlists Sommer’s help with a high school fashion show, offering her former best friend cold, hard cash in exchange for assistance. Reluctantly, Sommer agrees. As they spend more time together, old bonds begin to rekindle. Sommer starts hanging out with Reya’s wealthy friend group, especially a guy named Sean, while Reya finds herself drawn to a girl who works at Sommer’s dad’s bookstore. When the store faces the threat of demolition, it becomes the catalyst for a larger story about community, class, and standing up for what matters.

COUNTY does a great job exploring themes of friendship, wealth disparity, and the deep-rooted divisions between different neighborhoods. The novel thoughtfully showcases the stark contrasts within PG County and how they shape the people who grow up there. The importance of neighborhood and community is a central theme, with the bookstore serving as a powerful symbol of these ideas. I especially loved the literary elements and Sommer’s parents, who were wonderfully written. However, the subplot involving Reya’s mom and her Potomac Housewives fame felt a little over the top.

While the story lacks major plot twists and sometimes relies on "telling" rather than "showing," it’s still an engaging read that highlights important issues. YA readers, especially those interested in stories about friendship and social dynamics, will find plenty to enjoy.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Viking Books in exchange for an honest review. Look for PRETTY GIRL COUNTY on July 1, 2025!

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I hope I live on a road in the town in your heart: A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY.

A Little Bit Country by Brian D. Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh this was such a lovely book (and my second read of Pride Month)!

It combined two things I love dearly: country music and adorable gay boys.

Aspiring musician Emmett travels to Jackson Hollow, TN from Chicago to perform at the amusement park Wanda World. There he meets local boy Luke who is working in a restaurant at the park while trying to help his family. Luke has always hated country music while Emmett wants to be the first gay country music star. Luke's disdain for country music is due to his grandmother, Verna Rose, who was the best friend of Wanda Jean of "Wanda World"; the two had a huge fight that led to Verna basically being banned from the industry.

Kennedy's book deftly explores the lack of diversity in country music and the homophobia that can run rampant. It also discusses the idea of coming out on your own terms, as while Emmett is out, Luke struggles to reveal to his religious family and conservative friends that he's gay. The two fall fast for each other, but have to navigate the fact that Luke is still closeted. It's a wonderful story about self-acceptance while also still highlighting how hard it can be when teens do not have the acceptance or openness that they crave and need about their sexuality.

The book also has a strong side plot involving Wanda Jean and Verna Rose, explored through Emmett's love of music and Luke's family history. The story includes song lyrics--both Emmett's and Verna's--and has such excellent Dolly Parton vibes. However, even if you don't like country music, you'll still enjoy this book, as it's full of angsty teen romance, fun theme park moments, and a serious exploration of sexuality and identity.

COUNTRY covers so many important issues with grace and sweetness, while still providing humor and romance. This is a well written and heart warming read, filled with cute boys and tender moments. Loved this important read!

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I want a kiss in the morning: THE ROMANTIC TRAGEDIES OF A DRAMA KING.

The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a rather precious book with a very dramatic protagonist, but Patrick "Patch" does a pretty good job of winning you over.

He's over-the-top and melodramatic, but that's just his way. Patch is a teen, learning to be a gay teen, a better friend, and a good person. And--most importantly to him--he's on a quest to get his first boyfriend. With the help of his best friend, Jean, he's looking at two options from his Drama Club: quiet and shy Sam and Sam's American friend, Patrick.

As Patrick and the club work on putting together a production of Sweeney Todd, Patch and Jean rankle at the fact that their friend turned nemesis, Tessa, is back in the club too--and catching Patrick's eye. Patch's way of approaching the world is filled with confidence and drama, with the writing almost coming across as satire at times. It makes you laugh though and shines with humor and realism.

It's great to read a YA book filled with queer teens (and allies, as Jean would be quick to point out). It's a sweet story, with plenty of teen theatrics--both literal and emotional. There's a full cast of side characters, including Patch's aggrieved English teacher who must listen to his rants, and Jean deserves her own book. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in return for an unbiased review.

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People think we live one life: THE RIVAL.

The Rival by Emma Lord
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lifelong academic rivals, Sadie and Seb, have spent years locked in a battle of wits and will. Sadie thinks she’s finally free of him in college—ready to reinvent herself—until he unexpectedly makes it off the waitlist and shows up on campus. Their competitive fire reignites as they both set their sights on the same coveted spot at the school’s zine, Newsbag, trading sharp banter and well-aimed zingers along the way.

But soon, their rivalry takes a backseat to a bigger issue: student-run organizations like Newsbag are struggling to stay funded while sports programs seem to have an endless cash flow. Suddenly, the two aren’t just competing for a position—they’re fighting to ensure the zine survives at all. Forced to work together, Sadie begins to realize that Seb is the one person who truly sees her, beyond the image she’s carefully curated for her boisterous family. He understands her humor, her love of writing, and the parts of herself she’s hidden for years.

The novel repeatedly underscores the pressures both Sadie and Seb face from their families—Sadie, expected to be the peacemaker, and Seb, expected to be the perfect student. And if you don’t catch this theme the first time, don’t worry—you’ll be reminded at least 50 more. Their so-called "rivalry" is also hammered home constantly, despite it being glaringly obvious to everyone (except them) that their animosity is fueled by something much deeper. When the story shifts focus to their slow-burn realization of feelings, Sadie’s personal growth, and the struggles of student-led organizations, it becomes far more engaging. Unfortunately, the forced antagonism and family dynamics start to feel repetitive and frustrating.

That said, the book shines in its side characters—like the lovable lesbian café owners, the Newsbag team, and Sadie’s roommate, Christina (to whom Sadie is, frankly, a terrible friend for much of the novel). While her self-actualization is central to the story, her selfishness makes it hard to root for her at times.

There are plenty of sweet and enjoyable moments here, but they’re sometimes weighed down by repetition and overused tropes. YA readers may find comfort in its exploration of parental expectations and the journey of self-discovery in college, but a little more nuance would have made this story truly stand out.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review.

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If you want the girl next door: SAY A LITTLE PRAYER

Say a Little Prayer by Jenna Voris
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

SAY A LITTLE PRAYER easily cements Jenna Voris as a must-read author for me. If you haven't read one of her earlier books, EVERY TIME YOU HEAR THAT SONG, you should.

In PRAYER, Voris delves into the world of religion and queer teens, introducing us to Riley, a teenager reckoning with her sexuality. Once a member of the Pleasant Hills Baptist church, she and her family left after its powerful leader, Pastor Young, publicly humiliated and kicked out her older sister, Hannah in front of the entire congregation. And then, shortly after Riley came out, Pastor Young's entire sermon focused on the sins of homosexuality.

Unfortunately for Riley, many of her friends are church members, including her best friends Ben and Julia, who just happen to be Pastor Young's children. The Hannah incident has caused some distance from her friends. But she finds herself reunited with both of them when she's forced to attend Pleasant Hills youth camp after an altercation at school with another student, who has been insulting her sister. (Because, of course, just punishment involves attending a religious camp.)

Once at camp, when Riley realizes Pastor Young will be preaching about the seven deadly sins, she decides to write an essay about each one and expose Pastor Young and his church for how hypocritical it truly is. While at camp, even though she can't talk to Julia about her father, she feels very close to her best friend. As in, you know, gay close! Scandal!

PRAYER is very YA, with our dear Riley making some terrible decisions, but it's perfect for its intended audience. It's also smart and witty and does a wonderful job of exploring religion (while still holding teen interest). What happens when religion doesn't bring joy or peace, the story asks, but instead comes from a place of fear, dictating lives and forcing children and families to act a certain way out of a forced sense of terror or humiliation.

Through Riley and Julia's characters, we see how life can be for queer teens--and how difficult it can be for religious ones. Voris illustrates the pressures both Riley and Julia feel from the church and shows how different it is when Riley receives familial support but Julia only hears of fire and brimstone. Their stories are inspiring and truthful and will ring incredibly truthful to kids going through the same thing.

As the book asks why and how pastors decide who is worthy, we see Riley's growth, as she struggles with why no one is questioning Pastor Young's culture of fear. She begins to understand how people--including those whom she's been very angry with--in religious situations maybe do not realize how things could be different, or that there are other options.

There are some moments in this book that made me cheer out loud. Others made me sad, as I felt so deeply for these teens. This is such a well-written, emotional book. There's not a ton of resolution with the ending, but it's certainly realistic. This is a story with a lot of religious talk, but it's not preachy, and you shouldn't let the religious angle scare you off--it's a wonderfully written and well-done story.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Viking Books for Young Readers in return for an unbiased review. Look for SAY A LITTLE PRAYER in March 2025!!

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The way you smile and sing along: NOW THAT I'VE FOUND YOU.

Now That I've Found You by Kristina Forest
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This charming, lighthearted story follows Evie, the granddaughter of legendary actress Evelyn Conaway—though to Evie, she’s always just been Gigi, her beloved and constant presence in an otherwise lonely childhood. Now, as Evie pursues her own dreams of acting, a friend's betrayal leads to a career-crushing viral video, leaving her future in shambles.

Desperate for guidance, Evie turns to Gigi, only for her to disappear. Instead, she finds herself stuck with Milo—a sweet, down-to-earth musician and grocery store worker who, for some reason, is staying with her grandmother. With her last shot at redemption tied to a prestigious awards ceremony, Evie embarks on a whirlwind search across New York City to find Gigi, with Milo reluctantly (but adorably) at her side. Along the way, they share stories, uncover secrets, and slowly grow closer, even if their chemistry takes time to develop.

While the plot isn’t particularly deep, it delivers strong themes of self-acceptance and breaking free from others' expectations—important messages for a YA audience. Evie starts off frustratingly self-absorbed, especially next to the kind and steady Milo, but her journey of self-discovery makes for a satisfying arc. The real standout, though, is Milo’s bandmates, who provide delightful comic relief throughout.

A quick, enjoyable read with heartwarming moments, NOW THAT I'VE FOUND YOU is sure to resonate with YA readers. 3.75 stars.

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And I'll beg, steal, or borrow a little sunshine: DUST.

Dust by Alison Stine
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

A haunting and harrowing novel about a young woman trying to find her place after her family moves to desolate Colorado.

Thea and her family relocate from Ohio to Colorado after a flood ravages their hometown. Thea's father sees a future for his family without technology or the trappings of modern life. They'll own their own land and grow their own food, school the kids at home, and eschew electricity and running water. But arriving in Colorado, the family finds a half-built house and fields too dusty and parched to grow much of anything. And then the dust storms start.

Wow, this is an amazing story. Thea is deaf in one ear, but told by her parents to hide her inability to hear. She feels disconnected from her family and the world, and Stine writes the text to illustrate the "blanks" in conversation that Thea cannot catch. With her father's reluctance to embrace technology or outside education, the book clearly illustrates Thea's suffocation of being trapped on the hot, dusty farm, unable to hear and struggling with the feeling of being different and "in between." The writing just oozes claustrophobia.

We see how easily a person's world can be narrowed without education or access to the internet or books--Thea works so hard to secretly get to the town's library, for instance, where she meets some kind town members, and Ray, another deaf kid her age, which opens up an entire world for her. Otherwise, she's so isolated, seeing only her little sister, and not even knowing that being deaf is okay. Ray teaches Thea about ASL and she accompanies him and his uncle on journeys around the county to visit other town members, learning about other types of people.

Watching Thea's world broaden is amazing, especially as she tries to learn more about her environment. DUST leans heavily into environmentalism, illustrating the effects of climate change on Colorado, and how the 1930s-era Dust Bowl horrors could so easily happen again. The storms and the climate feel like another character, creating a tense atmosphere that truly comes to life.

This book just has that uncanny ability to make you feel--the tenseness of the storms; the powerlessness Thea feels against her father; the kindness of Thea's boss at the local cafe where she works; and the bit of hope and spark that comes between Thea and Ray. It's so beautifully written, and Thea is a wonderful character. My only issue is the story's ending, which I felt wrapped up too easily. A book this dark and poignant almost deserved a more severe conclusion, as much as I cared for all the characters.

Still, this is an amazing book and so worth the read. 4+ stars (rounded up here).

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in return for an unbiased review.

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And the hills move like lungs, the river speaks in tongues: WHAT THE WOODS TOOK.

What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I will start out by saying that I adore Courtney Gould and will read anything she writes. Her writing is beautiful, original, and a gift for the queer community. Even WOODS, which is not my favorite of hers, is well-done.

Devin has spent just a short time in her latest foster home when she's awakened in the night and taken away. She soon learns that her foster parents have sent her to the Revive Wilderness program, a program for troubled youth where a small group of teens spends 50 days in the woods with two counselors. You know, the teens are there against their will, but whatever, right?

Devin clashes immediately with Sheridan, another strong-willed female in the group, but has better luck with Ollie, a lost and troubled soul; the younger Aiden; and religious Hannah. It doesn't take Devin long to realize that things seem off (beyond the forced kidnapping) and soon counselors disappear, the woods seem extra eerie, and more.

This isn't true horror, I don't think, but it sure is creepy and certainly sinister. Gould does a wonderful job of building up the tension. Unfortunately, it takes a while to get to a lot of the scary parts, and they sometimes fizzle out. A huge part of the novel's beginning is spent on the discord between Devin and Sheridan, to the point of repetition and frustration. There's far more focus on interpersonal relationships and the camper's backgrounds than the horror vibes. What does show up is unique and intriguing and often quite spooky.

I especially loved the focus on these wilderness camps, which really do exist, and how they can affect the psyche of already fragile young teens. Also important is Gould's emphasis on queer relationships and her consistently strong portrayal of teens overall. This is a bit of a slow burn, plot-wise, but there's a lot to love here too. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for WOODS on 12/10/2024!!

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