Review: BIRTHDAY, by Meredith Russo

Meredith Russo's second novel, Birthday, does not disappoint. Quite simply, it is a beautiful story showing the growth of two characters, Morgan and Eric, over many years. Born on the same day in the same hospital, Morgan and Eric were friends from the start, remaining so even after their families drifted.

Eric struggles with finding his place in the world, torn between pleasing his family and pursuing his true interests. Morgan struggles as well, with both finding her own passions and living her life as a girl.

It is both heartwarming and heartbreaking to see Morgan's and Eric's journeys through their teenage years, floating closer together and farther apart. As the characters grow, the reader sees deeper and deeper into their personalities and can't help but root for them to be not just friends but also soulmates.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Teen readers who enjoy slow-build romances, self-discovery, and characters overcoming hardship at school and home.

Review: I WOULD NEVER...BUT IF I DID, by Maria Ann Green

I Would Never...But If I Did really grabbed me by the heart and didn't let go. In this story by Maria Ann Green, Taryn and Austin float in and out of each other's lives as they form a toxic pairing that feels both inevitable and impossible. Meanwhile, Taryn also finds comfort in Theo, Austin's best friend and Taryn's companion from a childhood in foster care. The reader is left guessing about the eventual result of this love triangle while witnessing the characters explore complicated emotions and scenarios. Green truly paints with her words, taking her reader on a roller coaster of emotions that resonates even after the final page. She continues to be one of my favorite authors!

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Anyone interested in stories containing complex relationships, love triangles, and characters overcoming grief.
Bonus points: Look at that amazing cover! My favorite part is the detailing of the tattoos.

CW: Pregnancy loss

Review: PUMPKINHEADS, by Rainbow Rowell

I breezed through Pumpkinheads in about two hours. Written by Rainbow Rowell and illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks, this graphic novel follows two seniors, Deja and Josiah, on their last night working at a pumpkin patch. The characters' initial goal is to find and talk to the coworker Josiah has pined over for years; but, in true Rowell style, the story quickly turns into a twisty adventure as unexpected hurdles—literal and figurative—stand in their way.

It was absolutely charming. The depth of the relationship between Deja and Josiah is clear from the start, even though we only see them for one night of their many-yeared friendship. I was hooked from the moment they interacted—no, I was actually hooked from the time I saw the super cute map of the pumpkin patch on the inside cover! (Seriously, who can resist a super cute map?) Hicks's other illustrations are also spot on, with quirk and warmth that pull you into the story.

Pumpkinheads is the perfect feel-good book for the upcoming season, propelling you smells-and-all into fuzzy autumn feelings.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Anyone who adores strong friendship stories and the warm fuzzies of fall.
Bonus points: The map!!

Review: ONE GIANT LEAP, by Heather Kaczynski

In One Giant Leap, sequel to the 2017 Dare Mighty Things, Heather Kaczynski takes readers on an escapade through space with Cassie, Luka, and the rest of the gang as they navigate a war between two distant alien civilizations. A mix of adventure, thriller, and science fiction, One Giant Leap explores making impossible choices in impossible situations—and Earth isn't the only thing at stake. While Dare Mighty Things left readers with a cliffhanger, this second book in the series has a solid conclusion to wrap up Cassie's story. I would read anything else from this author, so I look forward to future releases!

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Readers who enjoy unique science fiction with relatable themes.
Bonus points: Part of Cassie's journey involves learning more about her asexuality, a topic that young adult literature would do well to continue representing and exploring.

Review: DEPOSING NATHAN, by Zack Smedley

Deposing Nathan was everything I'd dreamed it would be—deep, torturous, intense, and beautiful. It tells the story of a teenage boy from Appalachia who must testify against his quasi-boyfriend after being stabbed, all while coming to terms with his Catholic religion and bisexuality.

This is a powerful story that brings to light the struggles of finding oneself and navigating complex emotions. Zack Smedley is an author to watch, with poignant and relevant storytelling that hooks the reader from the first line to the unexpected twist and through the ending. Smedly has contributed his own touch to young adult literature, giving readers something fresh and current that's difficult to ignore. Deposing Nathan was worth every penny of my purchase, and it quickly jumped up my list of top 2019 releases.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Young adult readers questioning sexuality, religion, family expectations, and/or familial commitment. Or just anyone who loves a fantastic book.
Bonus points: The author wrote a fascinating post about the saga of the book's cover creation and the importance of advocating for a safe cover for closeted teen readers.

Review: DARIUS THE GREAT IS NOT OKAY, by Adib Khorram

To my delightful surprise, I adored Darius the Great Is Not Okay. The main character, Darius Kellner, has trouble fitting in at high school, and his dad seems to think he invites his own troubles by purposely not blending in. But if loving Star Trek, having long hair, and working at a tea shop make him stand out, then so be it; Darius doesn't want to change a thing.

After Darius flies around the globe to visit family in Iran, he feels just as out of place as he had back home—he doesn't speak much Farsi, he lacks the proper social customs, and the people there (family or otherwise) are resistant to understanding his mental health issues. Aside from the fantastic food, his only saving grace is Sohrab, a family friend who seems to understand Darius in ways no one else ever has.

What results is a beautifully told story that lives up to expectations for the YA contemporary genre while adding its own creative spin. Adib Khorram is a clever writer, bringing out his characters' personalities until they shine and seamlessly introducing the reader to scenarios they might not have otherwise encountered. I look forward to reading any other books by this author.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Anyone interested in YA contemporaries, particularly ones touching on depression, sense of belonging, and queer issues.

Review: A QUICK & EASY GUIDE TO THEY/THEM PRONOUNS, by Archie Bongiovanni and Tristan Jimerson

A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns is short and sweet—much like my book reviews!—with plenty of helpful information packed inside. In this little gem, Archie Bongiovanni and Tristan Jimerson present a fun and unique way to talk about pronouns. They specifically focus on they/them while also discussing how all pronouns are used, why we use them, and what they mean to us. Throughout the graphic novel (which you can easily finish in one or two sittings), readers learn how to navigate peoples' pronouns and hear a first-hand perspective of how misgendering others can have harmful effects. The book even includes a handy guide for starting conversations, standing up for those around you, and, when the situation calls, letting things go.

Stars: 5/5
Recommended for: Anyone interested in learning more about pronoun usage, no matter their identity.