This week I’ll be sharing Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) of books coming out in the next few months.
Middle Grade March 7, 2023
Boundless by Chaunte LoweMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Inspiring memoir of Olympian high jumper Chaunte Lowe. I liked her no-nonsense, go-getting approach to rise above her difficult childhood. Very straightforward but enough personal anecdotes to interest any reader.
March 14, 2023
Turtles of the Midnight Moon by Maria Jose FitzgeraldMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A delightful middle grade eco-mystery that brings two girls from different backgrounds together as they try to stop poachers from stealing turtle eggs. I enjoyed the little bit of magical elements interwoven into the story.
Young Adult January 31, 2023
The Davenports by Krystal MarquisMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fans of Downton Abbey will gobble this historical YA novel featuring young African American women navigating a changing world beyond their somewhat sheltered upbringing. Opulent scenes. Complicated romances. The only downside for me was that apparently it’s a series and I want the rest already!
March 7, 2023
There Goes the Neighborhood by Jade AdiaMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fun yet insightful. This reminded me of if Scooby Doo and the gang had to solve a mystery in a neighborhood dealing with gentrification. I loved the initiative shown by the characters to do everything in their power to stay together.
March 28, 2023
Saints of the Household by Ari TisonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Moving story told through the perspectives of two Bribri American brothers- one in prose and one in verse- as they try to forge a future beyond what their life’s circumstances and small town’s expectations has for them. Hopeful and heartbreaking at the same time, I couldn’t help but see how everything would play out for them when the cards seemed stacked against them.
April 11, 2023
Bianca Torre Is Afraid of Everything by Justine Pucella WinansMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fun Rear Window vibes about a fearful teenager who gets caught up with a mysterious murdering cult. Such a unique read incorporating coming to terms with one’s sexuality, navigating a first crush, and trying to avoid being killed.
May 2, 2023
Where You See Yourself by Claire ForrestMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Utterly engrossing through and through. A fun senior year novel told through the eyes of a spunky teenager fighting for disability rights. I was rooting for Effie to find her voice, to get the guy, and to go for the future that would make her happy.
May 9, 2023
If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come by Jen St. JudeMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fascinating premise about a teenage girl on the day she was going to kill herself finds out that the world is about to end. I liked that it tackled a deep issue like attempted suicide and mixed it with an apocalyptic premise while throwing in trying to figure out one’s place in a world when one doesn’t quite know who they are yet.
I had been trying The StoryGraph for the first half of this year to avoid the Amazon-owned Goodreads. Unfortunately, it didn’t provide the convenience Goodreads offered so I’m back using Goodreads.
You can view all my reviews over on Goodreads.
Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy Reading!
The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer - Earl Dizon 
I’ve added a lot of these titles to my want to read list, but I’m especially looking forward to Turtles of the Midnight Moon. Where You See Yourself looks really good too. Your blurb reminded me of Natalie Lloyd’s book, Hummingbird, only Olive is no longer 12.
Wow, Earl—it looks like you’ve been reading some amazing books recently! I’m especially intrigued by Turtles of the Midnight Moon, The Davenports, and Where You See Yourself. I appreciate you sharing all of these great picks!