Ever had a book on your TBR pile for a long while and when you finally get to reading it you wish you'd read it earlier? This was one of those books for me. I was hooked after the first few pages and I really enjoyed this dystopian version of Cinderella. I so hoped, as I read it, that it would have the happily ever after that the popular Cinderella version does, and while it didn't, I Iove that the ending now has me wanting to read the next one in the series.

Love this book! Camino and Yahaira are two girls living an ocean apart but connected in a way neither are aware. When their father is killed in a plane crash, their father's secrets begins to unwind and as they deal with their separate grief, they become aware of connections and family they knew nothing about. A beautifully written novel in verse about family, connection, love, grief, and forgiveness.

Started this gem of book yesterday afternoon and ended up staying up into the wee hours of the morning because I couldn't put it down! Full of humour, sarcasm, cursing, and hope, readers will instantly connect with Ricky, the amazing protagonist of this story. Ricky (aka Erica) has recently been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis and lives her life is constant pain. Unbeknownst to her divorced parents (another recent challenge in her life) she has skipped the last 6 wks of school because of the constant pain, and the regular humiliation she faces from her peers. Her secret is discovered and she much make big changes to her life if she is going to pass grade 9. Ricky slowly discovers there is good in the world- a new friend, parents and a sister who really do want to support and help her, and most importantly, hope. Absolutely love Ricky's salty personality and her brutal honesty!

Cinderella is my favourite fairy tale and this YA novel definitely turns the fairytale on its head. The original Cinderella story has happened 200 years prior to the start of this story and the kingdom is run by a cruel king where women have almost no rights. Each year the teen girls of the kingdom must attend the royal ball, where the men of the kingdom choose their wives. Girls who aren't chosen often disappear and are never seen again. This year Sophie must attend the ball. She dreads this night because she is in love with her friend Erin, but knows that will never be allowed. She attends the ball but escapes and goes in a quest to not get caught and discover the truth of her homeland.

A short and incredibly powerful graphic novel about race. Harris speaks of his own life and the lessons he learned from his uncle, who was in prison for a long time, about being black and how black people are often treated. Harris speaks honestly about his experiences and lessons, and he brings awareness to the flaws in the ways society often treats black people. Such an important read for both young and old. Middle grades and up.

This is a book I think many will find comfort in. Tyler is in college when her mom passes away from cancer and she is heartbroken. As she wades through her grief she starts to notice the ways people treat her and how this event has changed her family. In a graphic novel format, Tyler explains her loss, shares the stories of her beautiful mom, and gives the reader insight into how people with similar loses may be feeling and what they need. People who are facing the same will likely see similarities to how they’re feeling and what they’re experiencing. This lovely book also gives the reader knowledge and insight on how best to helping others suffering a loss.

This spooky story about the paranormal in our world, and the ability of the main character, Cass, to cross to place beyond, will interest many middle school readers.

Angie Thomas does it again! In Concrete Rose we learn the story of Starr’s (The Hate You Give) parents. Maverick is 17 yrs old and has just discovered he’s a father. Not only that, he is left to car for his son, Seven, full-time. Maverick lives in Garden Heights, is part of a gang, and is doing his best to support his baby. With his relationship with his love Lisa on the outs and the horrible murder of someone close to him, Mav struggles with how to be the best dad to his son, and be the best person for all those who depend on him. Will Maverick be able to be what everyone around him needs him to be?

Not having seen the musical (someday, I hope!) I had no background knowledge on how this book would roll. I also only learned after I had started listening (audiobook) that the book was written based on the musical. I really loved this book and the very imperfect Evan Hansen. His desperate need to not be so lonely, to have friends, and his willingness to lie to make that happen, is something I think many teens can relate to.