A review by lockmm
Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert

4.0

As someone who’s struggled with mental health issues, I have a soft spot for books on the topic - especially YA Contemporaries. The plot is pretty simple: after her adopted brother is first diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Suzette is sent to a board school for a year and is now back for the summer to deal with the new status quo in her family, pick off where she left off with her brother and friends, and work out her thoughts about her sexuality. This book does a really great job at recognizing the complicated relationship people with mental health issues can have with their medication and how it changes the dynamics of families and friendships. It also manages to be LGTBQ+ positive while not going over the top - I like how she was just naturally figuring things out and it wasn't an After School Special. It's slice of life book though - meaning, there's really no end. I didn't mind that because it worked for me in this case. On the whole, Little & Lion is a sweet book and while it’s not exactly breaking new ground in the world of YA Contemporary, I recommend it. 4 out of 5 stars!