Stoked about my new cross stitch lap stand from K's Creations on Etsy. Now I can stitch two-handed and not worry about holding my q snap. #crossstitch #needlework

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Epically Ernest by Molly Horan

It takes great deal of courage to see the world in all its tainted glory, and still to love it.—Oscar Wilde, An Ideal Husband

I was unsure about how The Importance of Being Ernest would translate into a contemporary YA novel and was pleasantly surprised by Epically Ernest! Plenty of wit and pop culture references combined with found family vibes (literally. Janey was found by her father as a baby) to create a heartwarming book that made me smile inside and out.

There’s just not a more concise way to tell my cousin who’s still waiting for his Mr. Darcy that Algie is more like Mr. Wickham. (Location 264)

Besides questions about whether to search for her biological family and ask out a friend she's been crushing on for years, Janey also struggles with wanting to support her best friend Algie (who she is trying really hard not to slut shame for his dating habits) in his pursuit of her cousin Cecil. 

Lots of people are a bad “blank” without that badness coloring the entirety of their person. (Location 290)

Her reflections about people being a bad "blank" not making them a bad person actually really hit me. I tend to judge myself and sometimes others too harshly and this simple statement was a perfect reminder.

My favorite parts were the quotes from Oscar Wilde at the beginning of each chapter and Janey's "living obituaries" written about the characters. Obituaries about people who are still alive may sound morbid, but in fact were incredibly sincere and touching. I also enjoyed that the book was about LGBT+ teens without focusing on them discovering their sexuality and coming out. Those are also great stories to read, but it's nice having a contemporary YA romance where the characters just happen to be queer.

One gripe I have is with the DNA setup (science teacher alert). In the first chapter, Janey's friend Algie admits to "stealing her spit" to send off in the hopes of finding her long-lost family. Unless something has changed in the last couple years, DNA testing companies require more spit than what could easily be "stolen." Why? It's not the saliva but cheek and other cells in the spit that contain the DNA. So that broke my immersion.

Otherwise, I highly recommend this to anyone wanting a quick, light, read that will make them laugh and warm their heart. 

Thanks to NetGalley and Clarion Books for the eARC!

Rating: 4/5 stars

TBR shelf is taking over. I feel like Hercules and the hydra... except I'm not fighting that hard. 😅

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House of Glass Hearts by Leila Siddiqui

 

Star Rating: 3

CAWPILE Score: 6.43

In this book, Maera and her mother are still struggling to adjust to the mysterious disappearance of her brother ten years earlier. Then, a day after her grandfather passes, his greenhouse appears in Maera's backyard. The book jumps back and forth between Maera in present day and her grandfather's childhood. With the help of her cousin and friends, she must figure out what has caused the greenhouse to appear.

I was not prepared for how dark this book would be. It covers an era of Indian/Pakistani history that often goes untaught in schools. As such, the horrors that characters experienced were new to me. The chapters which centered around Maera's grandfather were more interesting and engaging to me. The imagery painted a creepy picture that had goosebumps trailing up my arms at times.

Unfortunately, Maera did not feel like a very dynamic character and she made some decisions that didn't quite make sense. The ending felt rushed. I would have liked to have another fifty or one hundred pages to get to know Maera and her family better. That might have made her actions make more sense.

Though this book was not what I expected, I believe that it is valuable for young people to read because it provides a picture of an unspoken history. I would like to include it in my library because it provides a different perspective than many history textbooks do. Leila Siddiqui wrote in her author's note about how many children of immigrants, her included, are missing much of their family history. This would be a great book for parents and their children to discuss and open a dialogue about their own family history.

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Let's Talk About Down There by Dr. Jennifer Lincoln

Let's Talk About Down There: An OB-GYN Answers All Your Burning Questions…without Making You Feel Embarrassed for Asking by Jennifer Lincoln
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was able to read this as an eARC from NetGalley and enjoyed every minute! As a science teacher, I believe every teen should learn about their bodies and also the bodies of their potential partners. This book covers topics ranging from periods to contraception to when it would be a good time to see a doctor. There are great discussions about all bodies/smells/etc. being normal and what to reflect on if someone is asking you to change.

Dr. Jennifer Lincoln includes many myths and misconceptions with discussions about actual evidence and scientific studies. The writing is very clear and at the same time engaging. I especially found her sections about how young people can get on birth control if their parents aren't supportive and what to do when faced with an unintended pregnancy to be useful, sympathetic, and non-judgmental.

Finally, the inclusivity of this book is amazing. Dr. Jennifer Lincoln uses inclusive language throughout such as "people who menstruate." Even the illustrations are inclusive: there are illustrations of people with stretch marks, body hair, and different types of bodies. There is even a section discussing alternative options for people who are transgender or nonbinary and may not feel comfortable seeing an ObGyn.

Overall, I would suggest the book to any teen, parent of a teen, or anyone interested in learning more. I hope to include this book in my classroom library someday.

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Review: Frankly in Love

Frankly in Love by David Yoon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a fantastic job. Frank Li is a high school senior who is trying to keep his Korean parents happy while doing what feels right for him. When Frank falls for a white girl, he and his friend Joy decide to fake date to keep their parents happy. I found this book eye-opening for what it can be like for teens of immigrant parents. There are some tough topics covered such as (view spoiler)[ cancer, parent death, racism (hide spoiler)].

I liked that the ending of the book wasn't all neat and happily-ever-after. Frank and his friends are going off to college and trying to cope with the changes that come with that. Too often, books set in high school gloss over the loss that can be felt when you are planning to move away from your hometown and friends. David Yoon wrote a compelling book. I will definitely be reading other books by him.

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Death and Sparkles Review (eARC)

Death & Sparkles: Book 1 by Rob Justus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this graphic novel in one sitting and it was cute, funny, and dark. Sparkles is the last unicorn and meets Death when performing a dangerous stunt that their agent pushed for. It is a tale of friendship and cautions against the issues that come with fame. The story is straightforward and enjoyed the art style.

I would like to add a copy to my classroom library for the students who enjoy graphic novels.

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*I received an eARC from NetGalley