libscote's reviews
6133 reviews

What We Owe Each Other: A New Social Contract for a Better Society by Minouche Shafik
Did not finish book.

Book was due back at the library after two renewals. Ended at the education chapter. I was enjoying it, and hope to get back to it later.

Small Town Pride by Phil Stamper

emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This is a enjoyable story about a kid and his family and friend's quest to host the first Pride event in their small hometown. It's about a mayor so focused on not having disagreement in her village that she silences anyone who disagrees with her, not realizing it's why people are turning against her. It's about coming out when it's safe for you to do so, and respecting when it isn't safe for someone yet. Pretty powerful.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Homophobia

Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young

adventurous emotional informative medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I feel like I learned a lot about what someone might experience living off the grid on Navajo land, especially what someone who follows the Navajo ways of life experiences. I very much enjoyed learning about it, and looking at the glossary, which I appreciate the author including. The author's note at the end was very helpful as well.

Travelers Along the Way: A Robin Hood Remix by Aminah Mae Safi

4.5

Combine Robin Hood with the Crusades and you've got a rollicking fun book that helps you learn a little bit about history. 

Tumble by Celia C. Pérez

emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

This is an emotional story about a girl who wants to know more about her dad before she gets adopted by her stepfather. Ties to the local wrestling scene abound, as well as good friendships. Things don't end entirely happily, but it sounds like a peace might have been found. 

April & Mae and the Sleepover: The Friday Book by Megan Dowd Lambert

A cute story about friends and experiencing their first outdoor sleepover.

Shuna's Journey by Hayao Miyazaki

2.75

I don't think this one was for me. A little too slow and a little too unresolved. 

When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill

funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

What if women became dragons, and we all just tried to ignore it? We just pushed it down, and never talked about women's pain or anger or fear? Certainly out of the question! I liked this book a lot. 

Girls in America: Their Stories, Their Words-- : Beauty Queens, Synchronized Swimmers, Double Dutchers, Rugby Players, Cheerleaders, and Teenage Moms by Carol Cassidy

informative

3.0

A bit more pageant/double-dutch focused than I expected, but honestly, I think the look at girlhood between this book and now aren't that different. They would probably talk a bit more about guns and climate change now, I suppose. 

Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson

This book is so powerful and just a great look at a kid growing up and wanting to offer something rather than always being given opportunities.