When Life Gives You Mangos
When Life Gives You Mangos Lovely and heartfelt, this book looks at the trials and tribulations of friendship with just a touch of mystery – plus a lush island setting.
Rhiannon LeFay
Blood Water Paint
Blood Water Paint This story based on a real-life Renaissance painter left a considerable imprint on me. Thinking back on Artemisia’s story, told in stunning verse and alternating with depictions of Biblical women full of rage, still makes me catch my breath.
Wolf by Wolf
Wolf by Wolf The page-turning action and overall themes of identity that define this alternate WWII make it a knockout of a story, with characters and scenes that I still can vividly recall.
The Reader
The Reader A story where a book is literal magic and has the power to alter the entire class system in an illiterate kingdom? Yes, please!
Girls Made of Snow and Glass
Girls Made of Snow and Glass This is my favorite take on the “Snow White” story, with the princess and the queen fighting to be there for each other in a kingdom trying to keep them at odds.
The Glass Sentence
The Glass Sentence The unique premise sucked me in but I stayed adventure, the relationships, and the many, many types of maps.
The Lost Girl
The Lost Girl I adore all of Ursu’s books, but this one about two sisters having to find themselves and each other is a full-on home run.
The Land of the Cranes
The Land of the Cranes I love a novel in verse, and this one hits you fast, hits you hard, and leaves you grateful for it.
Hurricane Season
Hurricane Season Love for art and for science come together in a harmonious blend that tugs at the heartstrings and makes the pages fly.
Furthermore
Furthermore Written like a love letter to your favorite childhood classics, this story is a gorgeous, atmospheric, magical piece of work that burrowed into my soul and hasn’t left since.