MJ's Reviews

Woke is a collection of poetry and illustrations that focus on activism and what it means to not only survive but thrive in the current age. This book hopes to inspire a new generation to express their feelings and experiences, and empowers them to draw outside the lines in a creative and powerful way. For the budding poet-activist in your life!

At the beginning of every day, Afiya’s dress is white. As she experiences new things, the dress takes on the imagery of her experiences, the fabric making visible all the beauty that can be seen as a child walks through the world. Award-winning writer Berry’s poetic text is brought to life by illustrator Cunha, whose delicate paint strokes create a sense of movement that flows from page to page. A whimsical story for the creative child.

I have been waiting my whole life for a f/f bodice ripper, written by a woman who experiences same-gender attraction. To make it even better, the two main characters are an astronomer and an artist with deep love for plants and natural history! Lady's Guide manages to be fun and evocative; I'd suggest it to romance lovers who are nerds for historical fiction like me. - MJ

In this action-packed novella, Gailey imagines what the U.S. would have looked like if we had gone through with the proposed 1910 plan to import hippos for meat. This (ill-conceived) plan was real. Galey creates a U.S. filled with one of the most dangerous creatures in the world. Follow this diverse band of "hoppers" as they jaunt through the southern swamps. - MJ

This beautiful story about the bonds of sisterhood is going to be my favorite book this year. It’s told through the eyes of Faizah, whose older sister is wearing a blue hijab on their first day of school. It’s an insightful look into bullying in a way that isn’t scary or traumatic for younger children going into school: The story, like Faizah, focuses on her sister’s strength and the words of her kinder classmates. - MJ

Middle-grade readers will find a relatable voice with Rahul, a seventh-grader in Indiana who’s having a hard time fitting in with his classmates. He has a support system in his friends and family but still deals with serious bullying. Despite tackling the heavy issue of bullying, this book is a very sweet look into being proud of you, because you’re the only one who’s going to be the best at it. - MJ

Move over Holden Caulfield, Juliet is here! Rivera sums up the awkward feeling of being caught between worlds and of trying to figure out what you believe. We follow Juliet on a journey of learning: through the LGBTQIA+ community, the Puerto Rican radicals before her, about her own family, her hero (they’re never who they seem), and most importantly, herself. This book is perfect for teens who have been waiting to see themselves reflected in the books they read. - MJ

This is the first story to surprise me with a twist in a very long time; the writing is visceral and merciless. It follows multiple storylines, and every character feels fleshed out and real. It’s definitely sci-fi, with a Japanese steampunk-esque twist. You will be confronted with the age-old question: What does it mean to be truly human? And honestly, I don’t think my answer would have been the same before I read it. - MJ