WEIRDO, by Tony Weaver Jr., Jes Wibowo and Cin Wibowo, ‎First Second, Sept. 17, 2024, Paperback, $14.99 (ages 10 and up)

An awkward teen struggles with mental health issues and self-doubt in Weirdo, a middle-grade graphic novel memoir by Tony Weaver Jr.

Eleven-year-old Tony Weaver, Jr. loves comic books, anime, and video games, and idolizes the heroic, larger-than-life characters he finds there. But his new classmates all think he’s a weirdo. Bullied by his peers, Tony struggles with the hurt of not being accepted and tries to conform to other people’s expectations. After a traumatic event shakes him to his core, he embarks on a journey of self-love that will require him to become the hero of his own story. —Synopsis provided by First Second

Tony Weaver Jr. explores the painful experience of bullying and ostracism in Weirdo. This heartfelt and heartbreaking graphic novel celebrates differences and confirms that there’s a place for all of us.

Weirdo honors all the little quirks that make us who we are, and the joy that comes when we find “our people.”

Weaver’s story is deeply personal, and some parts — attempted self-harm — are difficult to read about. That’s not to say Weaver goes into great detail. In fact, this section of his book is incredibly emotional due, in part, to all the elements he leaves out. It is not graphic, but given the suggested reading age, parents should be aware and ready to have conversations.

On its face, Weirdo sounds like an unhappy story. And part of it is. But the bigger part is one of survival and self-acceptance. It will especially appeal to readers who find themselves on the “fringes” of the social hierarchy.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Tony Weaver Jr.’s Weirdo is honest, thoughtful graphic novel appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

PEARL: A Graphic Novel, by Sherri L. Smith and Christine Norrie, Graphix, Aug. 20, 2024, Paperback $11.99 (ages 10 and up)

A Japanese-American girl must survive years of uncertainty and questions of loyalty in Hiroshima during World War II in Pearl, a graphic novel by Sherri L. Smith and Christine Norrie.

Amy is a 13-year-old Japanese-American girl who lives in Hawaii. When her great-grandmother falls ill, Amy travels to visit family in Hiroshima for the first time. But this is 1941.

When the Japanese navy attacks Pearl Harbor, it becomes impossible for Amy to return to Hawaii. Conscripted into translating English radio transmissions for the Japanese army, Amy struggles with questions of loyalty and fears about her family amidst rumors of internment camps in America — even as she makes a new best friend and, over the years, Japan starts to feel something like home.

 Torn between two countries at war, Amy must figure out where her loyalties lie and, in the face of unthinkable tragedy, find hope in the rubble of a changed world. —Synopsis provided by Graphix

I received an advanced copy of Pearl earlier this summer, and my daughter took it with her on a weeklong camping trip. She had five books with her, but she read and reread Pearl at least 16 times (that’s what she says!).

Why did she read it so many times?

“Because it had a good story,” my daughter told me. “I like how the character improves over each year in Japan. And… I like that she almost explodes.”

She has two favorite parts. The end where it says “Life is a treasure… thrive.”  She also liked how Amy is known as many things — a monitor for the Japanese Imperial Army; an atomic bomb survivor; a daughter; a sister; a cousin; a friend.

Pearl “shows the struggles of real people and war conflict,” she explained. “The illustrations are really good. The artist is really creative. I like how she put many different pictures into one panel.”

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Sherri L. Smith’s Pearl is compelling WWII graphic novel appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

PUMPKIN SPICE & EVERYTHING NICE, by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc, Scholastic Press, Aug. 6, 2024, Paperback, $10.99 (young adult)

When a competing coffee shop opens in her town, a girl is forced to rethink her gameplan in Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice, a YA romance by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc.

Fall is a big deal in Briar Glen, a quaint and charming village in New England. That’s when tourists from all over the country descend upon this picturesque town to see the babbling brooks and colorful leaves while sipping hot chocolate or pumpkin spice lattes.

But sixteen-year-old Lucy Kane hates the uber-popular PSL. She finds it overrated — especially when you consider the fact that there isn’t even pumpkin in it! — which is bad because she works at Cup o’ Jo, the local coffee shop her mom owns. Business at Cup o’ Jo hasn’t been great in the off-season, but that’s okay because it always picks up during the fall …

Until Java Junction, a multinational coffee chain, opens across the street and makes things harder for the small shop. And to make matters worse, it turns out Jack Harper, the new kid in school and Lucy’s secret crush, is the son of the owner. Suddenly, fall doesn’t seem like it’ll be all it’s cracked up to be. Will Lucy find a way to save her mom’s coffee shop? —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice is a cozy YA romance that fits squarely into the chaste category. There’s a bit of banter, and there’s a sort of one-sided enemies-to-lovers theme that runs throughout.

One-sided because Lucy has a problem with Jack, but Jack has no problem with Lucy. With the exception of some discourse later in the book, Jack feels a little one-note, which makes Lucy’s emotions feel more extreme. The book would have been better had supporting characters felt more like people and less like means to an end, particularly Lucy’s best friends.

Author Katie Cicatelli-Kuc excels in setting the scene — you do feel like you’re walking into a picturesque town at the height of autumn. And you can practically smell Lucy’s creations.

I’ve seen a bunch of reviews saying that Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice feels like it should be a middle-grade novel; that the main character seems too immature. But here’s the thing: Not every teenager is mature or wants “mature” content. Sometimes, they act silly and do dumb stuff that isn’t what we’ve come to “expect” young adults to do. Lucy is 16, and is trying to figure out who she is and who she wants to be. If that takes place in Gilmore Girls-like, rated PG setting then so be it. This type of book is great especially for newer young adults (ages 12-14) who maybe don’t want or aren’t ready for “more.”

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice isn’t particularly thought provoking, but it’s a great option if you’re looking for a little escape.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Katie Cicatelli-Kuc’s Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice is cozy romance appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

LOVE, OFF THE RECORD, by Samantha Markum, Margaret K. McElderry Books, June 11, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)

Wyn is going to beat Three even if it kills her—or, preferably, him. Being freshmen staffers on the university newspaper puts them at the bottom of the pecking order—until a rare reporter spot opens up. Wyn and Three are both determined to get the position, starting a game of sabotage that pushes them to do their worst, from stealing each other’s ideas to playing twisted mind games. No road is too low when it comes to winning.

As Wyn’s search for the perfect story leads her to an anonymous, campus-wide dating app, she hits it off with a mystery man she thinks might be the cute RA from her dorm. But Wyn is all too familiar with being rejected because of her weight, and she’s hesitant to reveal her identity, even as she grows closer with someone who might be the guy of her dreams.

When Three breaks a story that’s closer to home than he or Wyn expects, the two must put aside their differences to expose the truth—and face their real feelings for each other, which threaten everything Wyn has built with her anonymous match.

SEVENTEENTH SUMMER, by Maureen Daly, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; Reissue edition, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $20.99 (young adult)

First published in the 1940s, Seventeenth Summer is considered the first young adult novel. Now with refreshed text and a brand-new look, this timeless, sweeping romance is perfect for fans of Morgan Matson and Jenny Han.

Angeline “Angie” Morrow always thought high school romances were just silly infatuations that come and go. She certainly never thought she would fall in love. But when she’s asked out on her first date by the school basketball star, Jack Duluth, their connection is beyond any childish crush.

Suddenly, Angie and Jack are filling their summer with stolen moments and romantic nights. But fall is coming—Angie is going off to college in Chicago, while Jack is planning to move to Oklahoma to help with the family bakery—and they must figure out if their love is forever, or just a summer they’ll never forget.

SUMMER NIGHTS AND METEORITES, by Hannah Reynolds, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, May 21, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult)

Jordan Edelman’s messy dating days are over. After a few too many broken hearts, and a father who worries a bit too much, she’s sworn off boys—at least for the summer. And since she’ll be tagging along on her father’s research trip to Nantucket, she doesn’t think it’ll be too hard to stick to her resolution.

But hooking up with the cute boy on the ferry doesn’t count, right? At least, not until that cute boy turns out to be Ethan Barbanel. As in, her father’s longtime research assistant Ethan Barbanel, the boy Jordan has hated from afar for years. And to make matters worse, Jordan might actually be falling for him.

As if that didn’t complicate her life enough, Jordan’s new summer job with a local astronomer turns up a centuries-old mystery surrounding Gibson’s Comet—and as she dives into her research, what she learns just might put her growing relationship with Ethan in jeopardy.

SIXTEENTH SUMMER, Part of: Sixteenth Summer (4 books), by Michelle Dalton Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; Reissue edition, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $20.99 (young adult)

Anna is dreading another tourist-filled summer on Dune Island that follows the same routine: beach, ice cream, friends, repeat. That is, until she locks eyes with Will, the gorgeous and sweet guy visiting from New York. Soon, her summer is filled with flirtatious fun as Anna falls head over heels in love.

But with every perfect afternoon, sweet kiss, and walk on the beach, Anna can’t ignore that the days are quickly growing shorter, and Will has to leave at the end of August. Anna’s never felt anything like this before, but when forever isn’t even a possibility, one summer doesn’t feel worth the promise of her heart breaking…

FIFTEENTH SUMMER (Sixteenth Summer), Part of: Sixteenth Summer (4 books), by Michelle Dalton, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; Reissue edition, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $20.99 (young adult)

Chelsea isn’t looking forward to her summer at the lake. It’s the first time her family has been there since her grandmother died, and she can’t break out of her funk. But her summer takes a turn for the better when she meets a boy who works in the bookstore. Josh is cute, sweet, funny…and best of all, seems to like her as much as she likes him. As the days pass by in a blur of boat rides, picnics, and stolen kisses, she can’t believe how lucky she is. No one has ever made her feel so special, or so beautiful.

But Chelsea knows her days with Josh are numbered. She’ll be heading home at the end of the summer—and he’ll be staying behind. Will this be Chelsea’s summer of love? Or will it be the summer of her broken heart?

PULLED UNDER (Sixteenth Summer), Part of: Sixteenth Summer (4 books), by Michelle Dalton, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; Reissue edition, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $20.99 (young adult)

In the small town of Pearl Beach, Florida, Izzy Lucas needs only her surfboard and the water to be completely happy. She wants nothing to do with parties, popularity contests, or showing her face around the clichéd touristy hangouts. Izzy’s tight group of coworkers at the local surf shop have tried relentlessly to break shy Izzy out of her (sea)shell. But Izzy isn’t interested…until the day Ben Barker walks into the store.

Ben’s from the city. He’s cute, charming, and wants her help adjusting to beach town culture. As the weeks of surfing lessons and pizza shack visits fly by, Izzy and Ben realize their attraction goes beyond mere friendship. But Ben is only in town for three months, and Izzy wonders if this amazing guy is worth stepping out of her comfort zone for what might be the perfect summer romance—or her first heartbreak.

SWEPT AWAY (Sixteenth Summer), Part of: Sixteenth Summer (4 books), by Michelle Dalton, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; Reissue edition, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $20.99 (young adult)

Mandy Sullivan isn’t exactly looking forward to the summer months as tourists invade her seaside hometown on the coast of Maine. Her best friend, Cynthia, has abandoned her for camp and her older brother just announced he’ll be staying at college taking classes for the summer, leaving Mandy with nothing to do and no one to hang out with. Hoping to keep herself busy, Mandy takes a volunteer job at the Rocky Pointe Lighthouse.

On her very first day, Oliver Farmingham asks for a private tour. A new—and incredibly cute—face in Rocky Pointe, Oliver seems more interested in Mandy than the lighthouse and its history. Without her best friend at her side, Mandy is scrambling to act the right way and say the right things when Oliver is around. Cynthia—not Mandy—has always been the confident, flirtatious girl that everyone wanted to be around.

As Mandy and Oliver spend more time together exploring the coast, biking through the woods, and attending the local summer festivals, their budding friendship becomes much more. But with Mandy’s insecurities creeping to the surface, can she open her heart to someone who will only be in town for three months?

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post ICYMI: Finish up summer break with YA romance appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

NOT IF YOU BREAK UP WITH ME FIRST, by G.F. Miller, Aladdin, June 4, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 10 and up)

Two friends who end up accidentally dating try to get each other to call things off in Not If You Break Up with Me First, by G.F. Miller.

Childhood friends Eve and Andrew are destined to be together—everyone says so, especially their friends and classmates who are all suddenly crush-obsessed. So, when Eve and Andrew’s first eighth-grade school dance rolls around and Eve, feeling the pressure, awkwardly asks Andrew to go with her, everyone assumes they are Officially Dating and Practically in Love. Overwhelmed, Eve and Andrew just…go with it.

And it’s weird. Neither of them wants this dating thing to mess up their friendship, and they don’t really see each other that way. But they also don’t want to be the one to call things off, the one to make things super awkward. So, they both—separately—pledge to be the worst boyfriend or girlfriend ever, leaving it to the other person to break up with them. It would be genius…if the other person weren’t doing the exact same thing. —Synopsis provided by Aladdin

Not If You Break Up with Me First captures the changing landscape of friendships in middle school. No longer can a boy and girl just be friends. There has to be more to it. At least that’s the going theory. And when you consider the added peer pressure, it can be overwhelming.

Author G.F. Miller captures the awkward time when dating and “liking” someone collide with childish pranks and lots of emotions.

The story is told from the alternating points of view of Eve and Andrew, which provides readers with a lot of context and builds more appeal across gender lines. Both are dealing with a lot of feelings, and their confusion will be familiar to readers.

Not If You Break Up with Me First is a good sort of intro to romantic comedies without going too hard. While the suggested age range is 10 and up, this book feels less age specific and more interest specific. It’s got short, easy chapters, but would hold absolutely no appeal for my 10-year-old, who thinks even holding hands is gross. But I can see it appealing to other kids in her grade who, this year, were looking for their very own “Valentines.” It sits well in the upper MG and lower YA categories.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Not If You Break Up with Me First is good intro to rom coms appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

MOUNTAIN OF FIRE: THE ERUPTION AND SURVIVORS OF MOUNT ST. HELENS, by Rebecca E. F. Barone, Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), May 14, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 10 and up)

Learn about the events leading up to and following the eruption of Mount St. Helens in Mountain of Fire, by Rebecca E. F. Barone.

Mountain of Fire is the narrative nonfiction account of the violent volcanic eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980, the story of the people who died, those who survived, and the heroes who fought to raise an alarm.

For weeks, the ground around Mount St. Helens shuddered like a dynamite keg ready to explode. There were legends of previous eruptions: violent fire, treacherous floods, and heat that had scoured the area. But the shaking and swelling was unlike any volcanic activity ever seen before. Day and night, scientists tried to piece together the mountain’s clues―yet nothing could prepare them for the destruction to come.

The long-dormant volcano seethed away, boiling rock far below the surface. Washington’s governor, Dixie Lee Ray, understood the despair that would follow from people being forced from their homes. How and when should she give orders to evacuate the area? And would that be enough to save the people from the eruption of Mount St. Helens?

Includes a QR code for a website featuring eye-catching photos of the eruption. —Synopsis provided by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

Books like Mountain of Fire are the way to get young readers excited about nonfiction. From start to finish, it’s an engaging read that makes you want to know more.

Author Rebecca E. F. Barone has meticulously researched the topic, including first-person interviews with some of the scientists and survivors.

Barone’s writing is accessible and full of energy. Her pacing is spot on, building up anticipation with every turn of the page.

As an adult, I was glued to Mountain of Fire, and after describing it to my 10-year-old, it’s on her to-read list. I plan on purchasing a copy — my review is based on a digital advance review copy — and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it for older middle readers, young adults or adults. It’s excellent.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Rebecca E. F. Barone’s Mountain of Fire is fantastic narrative nonfiction appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.

KEEPING PACE, by Laurie Morrison, Harry N. Abrams, April 9, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 10-14)

Two former friends rethink their relationship while training for a half-marathon in Keeping Pace, a novel by Laurie Morrison.

Grace has been working for years to beat her former friend Jonah Perkins’s GPA so she can be named top scholar of the eighth grade. But when Jonah beats her for the title, it feels like none of Grace’s academic accomplishments have really mattered. They weren’t enough to win—or to impress her dad. And then the wide, empty summer looms. With nothing planned and no more goals or checklists, she doesn’t know what she’s supposed to be working toward.

Eager for something to occupy her days, Grace signs up for a half-marathon race that she and Jonah used to talk about running together. Jonah’s running it, too. Maybe if she can beat Jonah on race day, she’ll feel OK again. But as she begins training with Jonah and checking off a new list of summer goals, she starts to question what—and who—really matters to her. Is winning at all costs really worth it? —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams

There need to be more books like Keeping Pace. This novel sits firmly in the upper middle grade/lower young adult space where so many readers find themselves lacking anything that relates to them.

At the center of Keeping Pace are Grace and Jonah. The story unfolds in first-person from Grace’s point of view. Grace has always felt like she needs to succeed at everything — mostly to win her father’s approval. She’s seen her sister “fumble” and failure is not an option.

Grace and Jonah used to be best friends, but when his dad died, their relationship evolved into rivals. As the two begin to train together, they realize how much they still need that friendship, even if it means not being perfect.

Author Laurie Morrison perfectly captures the evolution of friendship against the backdrop of personal traumas (the death of Jonah’s dad and her parent’s divorce). She writes with humor and heart, crafting an authentic read that will resonate readers who are facing their own challenges heading into junior or senior high school. It’s a thoughtful and engaging read that moves quickly and sticks with you after completion.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

The post Laurie Morrison’s Keeping Pace is excellent upper MG/lower YA appeared first on www.crackingthecover.com.