Billions to Burn
By
Taylor Banks
Publisher:
Melissa de la Cruz
Studio (May 6, 2025)
Hardcover:
336 pages
ISBN-10:
136811041X
ISBN-13:
978-1368110419
Reading
age: 8 - 12 years
Grade
level: 3 – 7
Publisher’s
Blurb:
Twelve-year-old
Zeus Jones is just about the only person in the world who believes in his
grandfather’s stories about the Harlem Renaissance. To be fair, they are a bit
far-fetched. After all, what are the chances that there was a renowned magazine
called Burn! whose headquarters literally burned down,
destroying almost every single copy? And who would believe that a secret page
was actually hidden amongst the ashes, said to be the key to unlocking a lost
fortune? No one, that’s who.
But when Zeus accidentally stumbles upon the secret page on the same day that
his grandfather disappears without a trace, he finally has proof that his
grandfather’s stories are more than just stories—they’re real. And now he knows
that the secret page is more than just a secret page—it’s a treasure map, leading
to a prize beyond all imagining.
Follow the map, find the treasure, save his grandfather. Seems simple enough.
But as Zeus and his friends work to solve the riddles of the map, long-buried
secrets about the Harlem Renaissance, Black history, and Zeus’s own family are
unraveled. And what’s more, they aren’t the only ones intent on seizing this
prize. . .
Filled with interactive clues and puzzles, young readers will love solving
this mile-a-minute mystery right alongside Zeus!
My
Thoughts:
There
are multiple layers to this story. The main plot deals with a National
Treasure-type treasure hunt. Zeus and his friends were trained by his
grandfather to look for clues and solve puzzles, and now they have to put that
training to the test. But first, the kids have to repair some broken
friendships.
With
the guidance of Zeus’ grandfather’s butler—a white man—the kids must unravel
clues that lead them through important facets of Harlem Renaissance history.
They frequently find themselves confronting modern-day issues and prejudices as
well.
As
they do this, the kids reveal personal secrets and struggles. And Zeus finds
out that his own family is guilty of some pretty startling prejudices.
Add
in a secret society that is working against them, and the kids find themselves
in pretty deep trouble.
This
book does not end tidily. It is clear that a sequel is forthcoming.
There
is some beautiful description here. There is a minor factual error that
bothered me, but nothing to get too snippy about.
Possible
Objectionable Material:
Frank
discussion of racism. Perilous situations. Parental loss. Mention of colorism
and homosexuality. A “homeless man…has his…you know what out.”
Who
Might Like This Book:
Those
who are interested in Black history, particularly the Harlem Renaissance. Those
who like mysteries and solving puzzles. If you liked the movie National
Treasure, this has a very similar vibe.
However,
if you don’t want frank discussion of historical racism and racially motivated
wrongs, you will probably not like this book.
Thank
you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in
exchange for my opinion.
Austen at Sea
By
Natalie Jenner
Publisher:
St. Martin's Press
(May 6, 2025)
Hardcover:
320 pages
ISBN-10:
1250349591
ISBN-13:
978-1250349590
Publisher’s
Blurb:
Two
pairs of siblings, devotees of Jane Austen, find their lives transformed by a
visit to England and Sir Francis Austen, her last surviving brother and keeper
of a long-suppressed, secret legacy.
In Boston, 1865, Charlotte and Henrietta Stevenson, daughters of a
Massachusetts Supreme Court Justice, have accomplished as much as women are
allowed in those days. Chafing against those restrictions and inspired by the
works of Jane Austen, they start a secret correspondence with Sir Francis
Austen, her last surviving brother, now in his nineties. He sends them an
original letter from his sister and invites them to come visit him in England.
In Philadelphia, Nicholas & Haslett Nelson―bachelor brothers, veterans of
the recent Civil War, and rare book dealers―are also in correspondence with Sir
Francis Austen, who lures them, too, to England, with the promise of a
never-before-seen, rare Austen artifact to be evaluated.
The Stevenson sisters sneak away without a chaperone to sail to England. On
their ship are the Nelson brothers, writer Louisa May Alcott, Sara-Beth
Gleason―wealthy daughter of a Pennsylvania state senator with her eye on the
Nelsons―and, a would-be last-minute chaperone to the Stevenson sisters, Justice
Thomas Nash.
It's a voyage and trip that will dramatically change each of their lives in
ways that are unforeseen, with the transformative spirit of the love of
literature and that of Jane Austen herself.
My
Thoughts:
Austen
fans will love this tale of Austen’s posthumous influence—one which lingers
today. The Stevenson sisters—very intelligent daughters of a widowed
Massachusetts supreme court justice—want more from life than society will allow
them to have. Their father, still mourning their mother’s death several years
later, is very cautious about allowing them freedom.
As
with The Jane Austen Society and Bloomsbury Girls (reviewed here:
Bloomsbury Girls Review), Jenner has done meticulous
research. She also revisits themes of feminism and misogyny that she has
touched on in her previous books.
The
main plot here touches on the Austen family’s posthumous destruction of Jane’s
letters, in order to preserve her reputation, and her uncle’s disposition of
one last—not terribly flattering—letter. The fictional characters of the
Stevensons and the Nelsons and Sir Francis’ attempt at matchmaking gives Jenner
the scope to create a novel about much more than what happened after Jane died.
Bringing
in the awkward and delightful Louisa May Alcott further added depth to the
story. There’s even a romantic subplot for Justice Stevenson that will put a
smile on your face.
An
even more important subplot is the legal battle that takes place after Henrietta’s
hasty marriage. With a priceless letter bequeathed to her and no legal standing
to prevent her husband from selling the letter for personal gain. Henrietta fights
for women’s right to their own property. This look into the history of women’s
legal standing is fascinating, and is echoed in the lives and conversations of
other characters as well.
As
a whole, this book is another satisfying look at literature and women.
I
do have one small quibble—a scene that takes place in 1880 mentions “thermoses
of milky tea.” The vacuum flask trademarked as Thermos was not invented until
1892. Yes, they call me “Picky Vicky” for a reason. Hire me for all your
fact-checking and continuity-checking needs!
Possible
Objectionable Material:
Parental
death. Marital strife. Indirect mention of sex between married people. Mention
of feminist ideas.
Who
Might Like This Book:
Jane
Austen fans, naturally, but also those who enjoy well-researched historical
accounts and reading about the journey toward women’s rights.
Thank
you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in
exchange for my opinion.
Michael Without Apology
By
Catherine Ryan Hyde
Publisher:
Lake Union
Publishing (May 6, 2025)
Paperback:
277 pages
ISBN-10:
1662522290
ISBN-13:
978-1662522291
Publisher’s
Blurb:
A
film student struggling with self-acceptance finally stops looking away from
his traumatic past in a powerful novel by New York Times bestselling
author Catherine Ryan Hyde.
Michael
Woodbine was seven years old when a near-fatal fireworks accident scarred him
and led to his placement in foster care. Now a college freshman, he is still
trying to hide the effects of his trauma from his classmates, his adoptive
family, and himself.
When
Michael signs up for a film class, he meets Robert Dunning, a teacher who wears
his own scars unapologetically. Robert encourages Michael to make a documentary
that explores body image and self-perception. Michael places an ad seeking
people who feel unattractive and rejected by society―and is surprised to learn
that this is essentially everyone. Although some participants are recovering
from injuries or surgeries, others are dealing with more everyday factors like
aging or the changes to a body from giving birth.
As
he collects these stories―and finally tells his own―Michael feels more
connected to the world than he ever has before. But he knows his journey of
self-acceptance has one more obstacle: his crushing doubts about why his birth
parents wouldn’t fight to keep him.
My
Thoughts:
I
couldn’t put this book down. It’s not as if it was a gripping, what will happen
next, sort of thriller. It’s not. But it’s Hyde’s (no relation) usual superb
examination of human nature and what it is to be human that compelled me to
keep going.
In
this case, Hyde looks at our relationship with our own, flawed bodies. And, as
always, she exhibits such a deep understanding of how people think and feel. I
really am in awe.
Michael’s
relationship with his professor, Robert, as well as with Madeline, helps him to
find his own peace with his scars. The unexpected turn that his film project
takes, thanks to vague wording in his advertisement for volunteers, leads him
on an eye-opening path to discovering that we all perceive flaws with our
bodies, for a multitude of reasons. It is Hydes sensitive handling of this idea
that humanizes the story and gives the reader—any reader—a touchstone.
Not
all of Hyde’s books have a romantic aspect; this one happens to, as Michael
gains the confidence to allow himself to be loved, scars and all.
Possible
Objectionable Material:
Drug
use. Neglectful parents. Physical issues. Nudity. Some swearing. Sex between
unmarried people. Death from a variety of causes. Trauma. Adoption.
Thank
you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in
exchange for my opinion.
The Lost Queen
By
Aimee Phan
Publisher:
G.P. Putnam's Sons
Books for Young Readers (May 6, 2025)
Hardcover:
368 pages
ISBN-10:
0593697332
ISBN-13:
978-0593697337
Reading
age: 13 - 17 years
Grade
level: 8 - 12
Publisher’s
Blurb:
A
heroine like no other, ancient magic unleashed, a fated epic battle--the first
book in an enchanting YA fantasy duology inspired by Vietnamese lore, weaving
magic, sisterhood, and self-discovery.
Jolie Lam, a high school sophomore in San Jose, is known for two things: her
bizarre freakout at last year’s swim meet and her fortuneteller grandfather
with visions of dragons and earthquakes. Friendless and ostracized, Jolie's
life takes a dramatic turn for the better when she saves the school's it-girl,
Huong Pham, during a haunting vision of her own. Taken under Huong's wing,
Jolie's world transforms, in more ways than one.
As Jolie and Huong's bond deepens, they unlock long lost powers: telepathic
abilities, fluency in Vietnamese, and eerie premonitions. This leads them to a
shocking revelation: they have ties to legendary queens and goddesses of
ancient Vietnam. While a thrilling discovery, it also sets them on a perilous
journey.
The girls must navigate dreams and portals to piece together their past lives
and reclaim their immortal elements before their ancient enemies strike again.
But all is not what it seems, and Jolie must determine friend from foe, truth
from lie, and ultimately right from wrong in this battle for all she loves and
the fate of the world.
My
Thoughts:
Rooted
in mythology, this is a story of rebirth and betrayal. Jolie has become an
outcast, and when the school’s most popular girl volunteers to be her math
tutor, she’s beyond surprised. Jolie has been raised by her grandparents, and
her grandfather’s stories and role as a fortuneteller have given her a strong
foundation of the myths that she comes to realize she is a living part of.
The
more Jolie tries to understand how she fits into the story, the more odd things
happen to her. When the truth of who she is, her own personal culpability, and
who is behind the various events comes to light, she has to find the strength
to stand up for what is best for everyone, not just herself, even when those
she most loves are in danger.
The
story wasn’t always fast moving; it took me about halfway through to really get
into it, but it did come to a satisfying resolution.
Possible
Objectionable Material:
Teenage
drinking. Swearing. Violence. Bullying. Mythological beings reincarnated.
Parental death.
Who
Might Like This Book:
Those
who like learning about other cultures and mythologies. Those who enjoy reading
about family conflict.
Thank
you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in
exchange for my opinion.
The Age of Enchantment
Chronicles
of Whetherwhy #1
By
Anna James
Publisher:
Flamingo Books
(April 29, 2025)
Hardcover:
304 pages
ISBN-10:
0593691903
ISBN-13:
978-0593691908
Reading
age: 8 - 12 years
Grade
level: 3 - 7
Publisher’s
Blurb:
A
brand new magical fantasy series from bestselling author Anna James, filled
with seasonal magic and exciting adventure, starring twins Juniper and Rafferty
as they brave their new magical abilities, grown from the changing seasons.
Perfect for fans of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, Impossible
Creatures, and Greenwild!
In Whetherwhy, everyone has magic inside them–grown from the changing seasons
of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. But a rare few are Enchanters: people
born with magic in their bones, who can wield all four seasons of magic.
When Juniper discovers she is an Enchanter, she must leave behind everything
she knows to begin studying at the Thistledown Academy. And when her twin
brother, Rafferty, begins an apprenticeship at a nearby bookbinder to be close
to her, he too has adventures of his own.
As Juniper learns how to wield enchantment and hone her magic, Rafferty becomes
involved with a mysterious secret society that meets after dark. Monsters are
creeping out of the shadows and dangers lurk in unexpected places. Amid night
markets and magic lessons, the twins realize there is more to enchantment than
they ever imagined. And when dangerous monsters attack, the adventure that
follows brings Juniper's and Rafferty's paths together again in ways they could
never have expected . . .
My
Thoughts:
This
middle-grade series starter brings a well-constructed world and magic system to
life. Told in dual point of view by twin siblings, it also brings up family
dynamics and jealousy. There is a little bit of a Harry Potter vibe insofar as
there is a boarding school situation and a variety of mentors, both good and
misguided.
But
this is very much its own world and its own story.
The
magic system is interesting and logical. Characters are unique and just quirky
enough without being ridiculous. As with so many magical boarding school
stories, there is a character who is sure she is going to be the best and ends
up struggling. This book does tread old ground, but does it in a fresh and
entertaining way. I will definitely be looking for the next in the series.
There
are a few awkward passages and a couple of narrative issues (such as a sudden
switch to omniscient narration), but the book is overall well written. Secrets
are not given away too easily and the narrative moves at a good pace.
Possible
Objectionable Material:
Magic.
Sibling rivalry. Scary creatures and perilous situations. LGBTQ representation.
Who
Might Like This Book:
Fans
of magical worlds, magical boarding schools, family stories.
Thank
you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in
exchange for my opinion.
My Friends
By
Fredrik Backman
Publisher:
Atria Books (May
6, 2025)
Hardcover:
448 pages
ISBN-10:
1982112824
ISBN-13:
978-1982112820
Publisher’s
Blurb:
Most
people don’t even notice them—three tiny figures sitting at the end of a long
pier in the corner of one of the most famous paintings in the world. Most
people think it’s just a depiction of the sea. But Louisa, an aspiring artist
herself, knows otherwise, and she is determined to find out the story of these
three enigmatic figures.
Twenty-five years earlier, in a distant seaside town, a group of teenagers find
refuge from their bruising home lives by spending long summer days on an
abandoned pier, telling silly jokes, sharing secrets, and committing small acts
of rebellion. These lost souls find in each other a reason to get up each
morning, a reason to dream, a reason to love.
Out of that summer emerges a transcendent work of art, a painting that will
unexpectedly be placed into eighteen-year-old Louisa’s care. She embarks on a
surprise-filled cross-country journey to learn how the painting came to be and
to decide what to do with it. The closer she gets to the painting’s birthplace,
the more nervous she becomes about what she’ll find. Louisa is proof that happy
endings don’t always take the form we expect in this stunning testament to the
transformative, timeless power of friendship and art.
My
Thoughts:
Just
like Catherine Ryan Hyde, Fredrik Backman just really gets people. Even when
life is difficult, he can make it seem beautiful by his narrative style and by
the connections between his characters. Even the ones who don’t really want to
connect.
That
is the case with Louisa and Ted. They are thrown together by the painting and
the man who painted it—who actually dies pretty early on in the story. As they
travel to the town where the painter began his career, Louisa gradually pries
from Ted the story of how the painting came to be, and what became of the
various friends. This history is not always easy to read, but Backman gives us
a picture of the importance of friendship, especially for young people who have
no other advantages in life.
Louisa,
more than most, understands this. She has lost her only friend in a life that
has dealt her nothing but hard knocks. But she has a gift, the same gift the
painter had, and it is her recognition of the truth of his first and most
famous artwork that sets the story into motion. As it progresses, she learns to
trust and learns to accept the great gift life has given her—despite rejecting
a very different kind of gift.
Possible
Objectionable Material:
Swearing,
abuse, drug use, alcohol use, LGBTQ representation. Theft and vandalism (of a
sort).
Who
Would Like this Book:
Those
who enjoy stories that aren’t always neat and tidy, but are able to contrast
the ugliness of life with its great beauties.
Thank
you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in
exchange for my opinion.
It’s You Every Time
By
Charlene Thomas
Publisher:
Scholastic Press
(May 6, 2025)
Paperback:
320 pages
ISBN-10:
1546111786
ISBN-13:
978-1546111788
Reading
age: 12 years and
up
Grade
level: 7 - 9
Publisher’s
Blurb:
A
story about self-discovery, grief, and destiny that begs the question: How do
you keep going when your world has stopped spinning?
When
Sydney Michaels stops for breakfast in order to put off scholastic ruin a
little longer, she never expected to―quite literally―bump into cute-boy
stranger, Marcus Burke.
When
Marcus invites her to have breakfast with him instead of going to class, she
can’t ignore the urge to get to know him better―or the fact that this charming
new acquaintance seems just as interested in her.
After
a magical day together in their hometown of New York City, Sydney is finally
willing to believe that maybe―just maybe―after years of loss and heartache,
she’s finally reached the good part.
But
when it comes time to say goodbye, as they linger in a crosswalk, something
happens. An accident? Sydney isn’t sure―all she knows is that, after screeching
tires, blinding headlights, and a moment of searing pain, she opens her eyes
and is back in her bed. On September 24–the morning of her big exam―again.
My
Thoughts:
Groundhog
Day for two teens who have suffered great losses, this book deals with grief
and loss. Sydney is tired of disappointing her parents. She wants to be a chef,
not a doctor. Marcus is avoiding the most painful day of his life, one he feels
directly responsible for.
So
when they both admit to each other that they are aware of their repeated days,
at first they use those days for fun. Different kinds of no-consequence fun
every day. Sounds like a blast, right?
But
eventually, Sydney wants more. She wants to move on (preferably with Marcus).
It even puts a wedge between them at times. Gradually, though, over 30
repetitions of the same day, they reveal more and more of themselves and their
pain, and they eventually agree to face their fears and try to have a REAL
tomorrow.
The
love story here is sweet, and the author does a really good job of showing the
progression of grief.
I
don’t think it’s much of a spoiler to tell you that Marcus and Sydney
eventually come “unstuck”, and in the epilogue, the author drops some
breadcrumbs about their “stuck in time” history that I really, really, would
have liked to know more about.
Possible
Objectionable Material:
Death.
Teenage making out. Worried parents. Parental pressure. Skipping school.
Who
Might Like This Book:
If
you can suspend your disbelief about repeating the same day multiple times,
give this book a chance for its sensitive portrayal of two teens coming to
terms with themselves and their losses.
Thank
you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in
exchange for my opinion.
Stuck up and Stupid
By
Angourie Rice and Kate Rice
Publisher:
Candlewick (May 6,
2025)
Hardcover:
384 pages
ISBN-10:
1536239038
ISBN-13:
978-1536239034
Reading
age: 14 - 17 years
Publisher’s
Blurb:
An
ordinary girl. A Hollywood star. A love story that could change everything. Pride and Prejudice gets
a modern twist from two debut authors who know their material—and deliver it
with heart and hilarity.
Lily has the whole summer stretched out before her—endless days of sunshine and
friends at beautiful Pippi Beach. Then superstar Dorian Khan arrives, with his
party of Hollywood types. While most of the locals, including Lily’s
glamor-obsessed mum, are thrilled to be so close to the A-listers, Lily can’t
help but see them as superficial and arrogant, especially Dorian, the most
famous of them all. But as Lily’s and Dorian’s paths continue to cross, she
begins to wonder if she’s got him all wrong. Playwright Kate Rice and her
daughter, Hollywood actor Angourie Rice, team up to write a teen romance novel
from those who know firsthand what the international film industry is really
like. Inspired by the ever-popular Austen fandom, Stuck Up and Stupid is
for a generation of teens who are definitely NOT looking for love.
My
Thoughts:
While
I definitely love a good Pride and Prejudice retelling, this one might
be a little too close; it follows the inspiration almost beat for beat.
I
do like the updates: Lily is the daughter of Lydia, who is very like the Lydia
of the original novel, right down to the personalities of her four sisters. It
is very easy to see who is the Collins character, the Charlotte character, etc.
The new version of the story, set in a small oceanside Australian town, does
work. The characters work in their modern setting, and the problems flow
naturally.
As
with the original story, this one comes to a satisfying conclusion. This time,
Lydia actually learns a lesson and is penitent, which I like.
Possible
Objectionable Material:
Lying,
irresponsible parents, drinking, sex outside of marriage. LGBTQ representation.
Mild swearing. There’s nothing here I wouldn’t want my teenager to read.
Who
Might Like This Book:
Pride
and Prejudice
fans, of course. But also those who like interesting family dynamics and the
enemies to lovers trope.
Thank
you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in
exchange for my opinion.
Audre and Bash are Just Friends
By
Tia Williams
Publisher:
Little, Brown
Books for Young Readers (May 6, 2025)
Language:
English
Hardcover:
384 pages
ISBN-10:
0316511080
ISBN-13:
978-0316511087
Reading
age: 14 years and up
Grade
level: 9 and up
Publisher’s
Blurb:
Scorching-hot
summer. Scorching-hot chemistry. Two teens can’t forget they’re just
friends in this sweet, funny, electrifying romance from New
York Times bestselling author Tia Williams. Perfect for fans of Jenny
Han and Nicola Yoon.
MEET AUDRE. Junior class president. Debate team captain. Unofficial student
therapist. Desperately in need of a good time.
MEET BASH. Mysterious new senior. Everybody’s crush. Tall, floppy, great taste
in jewelry. King of having a good time.
It’s the last day of school at Cheshire Prep, Brooklyn’s elite academy—and
Audre Mercy-Moore’s life is a mess. Her dad cancelled her annual summer visit
to his Malibu beach house. Now? She’s stuck in a claustrophobic apartment with
her mom, stepdad, and one-year-old sister (aka the Goblin Baby).
Under these conditions, she’ll never finish writing her self-help book—ie, the
key to winning over Stanford’s admissions board.
Cut to Bash Henry! Audre hires him to be her “fun consultant.” His job? To help
her complete the Experience Challenge—her list of five wild dares designed to
give her juicy book material. She’ll get inspo; he’ll get paid. Everybody wins.
He isn’t boyfriend material. And she’s not looking for one. Can they stay
professional despite their obvious connection?
Fun fact: Audre Mercy-Moore first appeared in the New York Times bestseller Seven
Days in June and now stars in her own story!
My
Thoughts:
The
heart of this story, for me, was Audre’s desire to feel like a part of her
family again. Both of her parents, with their new partners, are having babies,
and don’t seem to have time for her. She’s worked so hard to be perfect, and
now things aren’t quite going her way.
This
story revolves around private school kids, and there are a lot of eyebrow-raising
behaviors. Lots of drinking, sex, and even casual drug use. It’s just so…normalized.
I don’t like that.
Bash
is running from his abusive father and living with the mother who abandoned him
as an infant. He has accepted himself for who he is, though, and this makes a
difference. It’s what draws Audre to him in the first place. She also has some
really big assumptions about him, based on hearsay, that she needs to get over.
The
subplot of Audre learning the truth about her family’s past was interesting and
added real depth to the book.
I
had some issues with details in my ARC that I hope were fixed on final edit.
The author mentions cross country runners being sprinters—those are basically
opposites. The treasure that Bash dives for keeps switching between a Smurf
lunchbox and a Smurf phone. And Audre’s baby sister knows the alphabet at one
year old?
This
story was fine for me. I like the personal progress Audre and Bash make, as
well as Audre’s mom, Eva.
Possible
Objectionable Material:
As
mentioned above, teen drinking, drugs, and sex. LGBTQ representation. Family
conflict. Parental abuse and alienation.
Who
Might Like This Book:
People
who like stories about complicated families. Those who like stories about
mental health issues.
Thank
you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in
exchange for my opinion.
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