In 1985, it isn’t easy for a woman to break into the tattoo business, especially not in a small town like Blue Claw. When Gina turns 18, her brother reluctantly lets her apprentice at his tattoo shop, and the next year is filled with unexpected surprises. I was completely wrapped up in Gina’s coming-of-age story. …
There are many paths in life to take, whether it’s the boys you date or the college you choose—and everyone seems to have an opinion on what’s best for June Chu, but she has yet to decide what she thinks is best for herself. Boys I Know is Judy Blume’s Forever for the modern age, carrying with …
This incredible debut brought music to my brain, sunlight to my vision, and such deep, vibrant, and yearning love to my heart. A simple kissing dare between Henry and his best friend Len opens up feelings of wanting and belonging that neither had realized until that night. With senior year wrapping up, so much is …
A short but lingering novel… Elisa Shua Dusapin’s debut novel is ripe with atmosphere and a haunting sense of liminality. A young woman living in the tourist town of Sokcho befriends the enigmatic French graphic novelist who visits unconventionally in the dead of winter. She hopes to show him Sokcho’s barren truth, but finds herself …
I read a review of Remarkably Bright Creatures that sang it’s praises, “even if it was a bit improbable.” In a world where the worst improbabilities seem to occur with ever-increasing frequency, it was supremely refreshing to read this heartfelt, hope-filled, “bit of improbability.” It left me walking a little lighter, my heart a little …
When a meme mocking her cousin’s body hair becomes the talk of the school, TJ Powar begins to wonder how and why something as natural as hair is seen as disgusting or unclean—she then decides to discontinue her shaving and waxing regimens to test just how much it affects her social status. TJ Powar Has …
I was a flight attendant up until COVID happened- this book captures all the accurate details of the day-to-day and idiosyncrasies of doing that job, which was enjoyable for me to look back on. Additionally, it packs a punch of a hostage thriller that moves incredibly fast. T. J. Newman was a flight attendant for …
Get ready to root for Olga! I absolutely loved this book. It beautifully captures the Puerto Rican experience with humor and bravery. It felt like home, and when a book feels like home, I can’t help but invite everyone over. —Rosa Hernandez, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA Discover something wonderful at Third Place …
This is a book that is uplifting, funny, charming, hopeful, and HELPFUL to tweens! The main character, Yumi, wants to do stand-up comedy. Her parents want her to go to SSAT tutoring to get into a private school and earn a scholarship. But when a bizarre opportunity that just requires some identity theft and a …
This wonderful new middle grade novel is something of a hybrid. It is autobiographical fiction. Or, rather, it is the creative way that the author tells his own story. And Nayeri’s work is compelling and compassionate. Written with great heart and humor— and with a genuine flair for the art of storytelling— Everything Sad Is …
