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The Library of Memories
Not yet published
Expected 25 Aug 26Copenhagen arrived at the library one day with little memory of who she is, and she's been stuck here ever since. She takes to helping preserve the library alongside the wise mechanical creatures who tend to its care, but the longer she stays, the more she forgets. Unless she can find her memories, Copenhagen will cease to remember everything that makes her who she is.
But the library has been losing magic for quite some time, and with it, all the memories it holds. To save this wondrous place from ruin, Copenhagen will have to journey deeper into the library than she's ever ventured before, even if what she finds shatters everything she thought she knew.
But the library has been losing magic for quite some time, and with it, all the memories it holds. To save this wondrous place from ruin, Copenhagen will have to journey deeper into the library than she's ever ventured before, even if what she finds shatters everything she thought she knew.
328 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 25, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Netgalley
In a vaguely Steampunk Victorian setting replete with talking birds in waistcoats, we meet a young girl who is excitedly working at a library. Unfortunately, it turns out that she has no memory of the library or her own life, so has to keep being told the various rules and procedures. One of the rules is that she shouldn't touch memories without gloves, or she will experience the memory and cause it to lose power. Because she is so desperate to regain her own memories, she tends to ignore this, which infuriates Lawrence, a bird who helps her out. The girl, who goes by the name Copenhagen, is looking for a lost girl but can't find it, and creates her own so that she can take notes. One of the reasons for the problems in the library is that raw memorat is leaking into places where it shouldn't be. It's hard to fix problems in the library when no one can identify what they even are, since the library is constantly changing. Eventually, Copenhagen happens upon a boiler room, where memories seem to be discarded, and finds that there are some memories, including ones that might be her own, that are using their own energy to stay active. Is the brusque and mysterious Bookkeeper the key to Copenhagen's own memories?
Strengths: Most readers, especially librarians, are all in when it comes to books set in magical libraries. I still recommend Shulman's 2010 The Grimm Legacy to students who want this sort of book! There aren't as many fantasy graphic novels, and Marlin's artwork is beautiful. Copenhagen has a good attitude about her memory loss, and is very energetic and motivated to solve all of the library's problems. There's a nice Steampunk vibe, and the talking birds will appeal to fans of Warriors books.
Weaknesses: I don't do as well with graphic novels, so I struggled a bit to understand the setting as well as Copenhagen's dilemma, but graphic novel fans won't have that problem. My major objection, however, is the treatment of grief. I don't want to spoil anything, but there is a loss portrayed, and a mother putting all of the things that remind her of the child in the attic. This is wrong. The mother more likely would have given everything AWAY, if she didn't want to be reminded. There's nothing wrong with trying to utterly forget people. One can often move on much better that way. That's a personal objection, however, with which most people will not agree.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like graphic novels like Aldridge's The Pale Queen or Nijcamp's Ink Girls or middle grade novels focusing on grief, like Haydu's Eventown. I probably won't purchase this, because my graphic novel readers are easily confused, and I think they will have trouble following the plot of this one. Other reviewers have made similar comments.
In a vaguely Steampunk Victorian setting replete with talking birds in waistcoats, we meet a young girl who is excitedly working at a library. Unfortunately, it turns out that she has no memory of the library or her own life, so has to keep being told the various rules and procedures. One of the rules is that she shouldn't touch memories without gloves, or she will experience the memory and cause it to lose power. Because she is so desperate to regain her own memories, she tends to ignore this, which infuriates Lawrence, a bird who helps her out. The girl, who goes by the name Copenhagen, is looking for a lost girl but can't find it, and creates her own so that she can take notes. One of the reasons for the problems in the library is that raw memorat is leaking into places where it shouldn't be. It's hard to fix problems in the library when no one can identify what they even are, since the library is constantly changing. Eventually, Copenhagen happens upon a boiler room, where memories seem to be discarded, and finds that there are some memories, including ones that might be her own, that are using their own energy to stay active. Is the brusque and mysterious Bookkeeper the key to Copenhagen's own memories?
Strengths: Most readers, especially librarians, are all in when it comes to books set in magical libraries. I still recommend Shulman's 2010 The Grimm Legacy to students who want this sort of book! There aren't as many fantasy graphic novels, and Marlin's artwork is beautiful. Copenhagen has a good attitude about her memory loss, and is very energetic and motivated to solve all of the library's problems. There's a nice Steampunk vibe, and the talking birds will appeal to fans of Warriors books.
Weaknesses: I don't do as well with graphic novels, so I struggled a bit to understand the setting as well as Copenhagen's dilemma, but graphic novel fans won't have that problem. My major objection, however, is the treatment of grief. I don't want to spoil anything, but there is a loss portrayed, and a mother putting all of the things that remind her of the child in the attic. This is wrong. The mother more likely would have given everything AWAY, if she didn't want to be reminded. There's nothing wrong with trying to utterly forget people. One can often move on much better that way. That's a personal objection, however, with which most people will not agree.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like graphic novels like Aldridge's The Pale Queen or Nijcamp's Ink Girls or middle grade novels focusing on grief, like Haydu's Eventown. I probably won't purchase this, because my graphic novel readers are easily confused, and I think they will have trouble following the plot of this one. Other reviewers have made similar comments.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Source: NetGalley
Pages: 328 Pages, paperback
Format: NetGalley Reader
Trigger Warnings: LGBTQ representation, Grief, Depression, Violence, Loss
★★★☆☆ | 3 / 5
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for this advance copy, in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fantasy graphic novel for ages 8-12. It is the story of a young girl named Copenhagen who discovers she is living inside a Library of Memories. She has lost her own memories and is trying to find herself in this vast landscape. There is mystery and magic surrounding the main character as we journey through the halls of the Library with her.
The artwork is stunning, with expressive facial expressions and beautifully designed environments and characters. There are many small details throughout the story that I found charming and appreciated.
However, the story fell short by leaving too many questions unanswered. How did the Library of Memories come into existence? Does it hold other people's memories, or was it solely designed for her, or by her? There are some clues that point towards that, but it is left unresolved and vaguely up to the reader to discover.
From a child's perspective, I think this story may hold some important life lessons to consider, especially when it comes to the topic of grief and loss. Unfortunately, the story may just as well confuse them as it did me. There is also LGBTQ+ representation in this graphic novel, for parents who would prefer to know this ahead of time.
Pages: 328 Pages, paperback
Format: NetGalley Reader
Trigger Warnings: LGBTQ representation, Grief, Depression, Violence, Loss
★★★☆☆ | 3 / 5
Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for this advance copy, in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fantasy graphic novel for ages 8-12. It is the story of a young girl named Copenhagen who discovers she is living inside a Library of Memories. She has lost her own memories and is trying to find herself in this vast landscape. There is mystery and magic surrounding the main character as we journey through the halls of the Library with her.
The artwork is stunning, with expressive facial expressions and beautifully designed environments and characters. There are many small details throughout the story that I found charming and appreciated.
However, the story fell short by leaving too many questions unanswered. How did the Library of Memories come into existence? Does it hold other people's memories, or was it solely designed for her, or by her? There are some clues that point towards that, but it is left unresolved and vaguely up to the reader to discover.
From a child's perspective, I think this story may hold some important life lessons to consider, especially when it comes to the topic of grief and loss. Unfortunately, the story may just as well confuse them as it did me. There is also LGBTQ+ representation in this graphic novel, for parents who would prefer to know this ahead of time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“The Library of Memories” follows a young girl named Copenhagen who is trapped in a library full of memories, but unfortunately has lost her own. She spends each day trying to find her lost memories and discover why they’re gone in the first place.
Honestly I think the concept was good-it’s about a child dealing with grief. However the execution was not great. Let me start with things I enjoyed first-
The art style is super cute, colorful, and detailed. I think this will appeal to kids/the target audience. I also liked the overall message that you cannot ignore or push away your grief.
What did not work for me was the beginning of the story and how it was executed. I spent about half the graphic novel extremely confused. I think each panel had TOO much going on in the background, and although very detailed I had a hard time figuring out what was going on. It wasn’t until the very end of the book that the story began to make sense, to the point where I almost dnf’d. If it’s confusing to get a grip on the setting for an adult, I think it’ll also be difficult for a child. So unfortunately this is a 3/5 stars for me.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Honestly I think the concept was good-it’s about a child dealing with grief. However the execution was not great. Let me start with things I enjoyed first-
The art style is super cute, colorful, and detailed. I think this will appeal to kids/the target audience. I also liked the overall message that you cannot ignore or push away your grief.
What did not work for me was the beginning of the story and how it was executed. I spent about half the graphic novel extremely confused. I think each panel had TOO much going on in the background, and although very detailed I had a hard time figuring out what was going on. It wasn’t until the very end of the book that the story began to make sense, to the point where I almost dnf’d. If it’s confusing to get a grip on the setting for an adult, I think it’ll also be difficult for a child. So unfortunately this is a 3/5 stars for me.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
May 20, 2026
A beautifully written and illustrated graphic novel about memory and how we deal with grief. I thoroughly enjoyed the setting of this book. A library full of steampunk elements like mechanical birds is right up my alley. I adored our free spirited main character along with her companion, Lawrence. Lawrence reminded me so much of Archimedes from Disney’s The Sword in the Stone. The whimsical, mechanical library reminded me of something straight out of The Mirror Visitor series. The illustrations were detailed and immersive. The story was written beautifully. How the author and illustrator depicted memories and processing grief was genius. I honestly would love to see this as a Studio Ghibli movie. As the story unraveled there were some emotional moments that made me a little teary eyed. This book is being compared to Inside Out, which I think is a great comparison. This is especially apparent with the memory system. The ending and overall message reminded me a bit of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Ultimately, the story begs the question: would you forget all your memories of someone, just so you didn’t feel the grief from the loss of them? A truly stunning book.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!*
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I liked the concept for this graphic novel, if not the execution. The creative drawings and beautiful color palette always gave me something pretty to focus on.
There were too many ideas stuffed in this book and none of them ever had the space to develop. The characters and the world-building suffered. Our main character did not have much of a personality beyond one or two quirky traits. And the world made no sense and little was explained to the reader. I understood what the writer was trying to accomplish and that using a reader's confusion intentionally can create tension and intrigue, but it didn't work for me in this instance. I was mostly annoyed while reading this.
The word bubbles were sometimes confusingly organized. This was not aided by the confusing dialogue. There was one page where I could not figure out how the bubbles were supposed to be organized - and the character dialogue provided no clarity.
This graphic novel could work for people who don't need clear world-building, don't mind being confused as a plot unveils itself, and/or want to be surrounded by fantastical scenery and beautiful coloring.
Thanks to Little, Brown Inc and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
There were too many ideas stuffed in this book and none of them ever had the space to develop. The characters and the world-building suffered. Our main character did not have much of a personality beyond one or two quirky traits. And the world made no sense and little was explained to the reader. I understood what the writer was trying to accomplish and that using a reader's confusion intentionally can create tension and intrigue, but it didn't work for me in this instance. I was mostly annoyed while reading this.
The word bubbles were sometimes confusingly organized. This was not aided by the confusing dialogue. There was one page where I could not figure out how the bubbles were supposed to be organized - and the character dialogue provided no clarity.
This graphic novel could work for people who don't need clear world-building, don't mind being confused as a plot unveils itself, and/or want to be surrounded by fantastical scenery and beautiful coloring.
Thanks to Little, Brown Inc and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
1.5
I gave The Library of Memories by Barbara Perez Marquez 1.5 stars. While I really appreciated the art style, the story itself unfortunately didn’t work for me. The illustrations were expressive and atmospheric, and there were several visually beautiful panels that kept me interested at first. The color palette and character designs created a unique mood that suited the emotional tone of the book well.
However, the narrative felt very confusing and poorly structured. I often struggled to understand what was happening, how the scenes connected, and what the story was ultimately trying to say. The pacing jumped around too much, making it difficult to stay emotionally invested in the characters or their journeys. Some plot points seemed underdeveloped, while others were introduced without enough explanation or payoff.
I also felt that the dialogue and storytelling lacked clarity. There were moments that seemed intended to be emotional or meaningful, but because the narrative flow was so disjointed, those moments didn’t have the impact they could have had. The concept behind the story had potential, but the execution left me frustrated rather than engaged.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I gave The Library of Memories by Barbara Perez Marquez 1.5 stars. While I really appreciated the art style, the story itself unfortunately didn’t work for me. The illustrations were expressive and atmospheric, and there were several visually beautiful panels that kept me interested at first. The color palette and character designs created a unique mood that suited the emotional tone of the book well.
However, the narrative felt very confusing and poorly structured. I often struggled to understand what was happening, how the scenes connected, and what the story was ultimately trying to say. The pacing jumped around too much, making it difficult to stay emotionally invested in the characters or their journeys. Some plot points seemed underdeveloped, while others were introduced without enough explanation or payoff.
I also felt that the dialogue and storytelling lacked clarity. There were moments that seemed intended to be emotional or meaningful, but because the narrative flow was so disjointed, those moments didn’t have the impact they could have had. The concept behind the story had potential, but the execution left me frustrated rather than engaged.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This gorgeously illustrated graphic novel tells the story of Copenhagen, a human child living in the Library of Memories - an infinite library filled with all the memories of the world. Though Copenhagen can access any of the memories she touches in the library, she can not remember her own life before coming to the library. She spends her days helping the gyrotrons - mechanical creatures that live in the library - repair it, as she also searches the library for memories that might be her own. As she delves deeper into the library, it becomes clear that something - or someone - is working to break the library and destroy the memories stored there.
This is a story that deals with the pain and grief that come with the loss of a loved one. It asks the question of whether it is better to shield your heart from grief by forgetting the memories you have of the person you've lost or open yourself to the pain - but also joy - of remembering the times you spent with them.
This is a story that deals with the pain and grief that come with the loss of a loved one. It asks the question of whether it is better to shield your heart from grief by forgetting the memories you have of the person you've lost or open yourself to the pain - but also joy - of remembering the times you spent with them.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Read: June 2nd
Format: E-Book
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The art in this is pleasant, with the memory magic being especially pretty. The art also plays around with colors in a way that is 👌🏼Once we get to the climax, the plot also has some punchy moments. Overall, though, this comic was just fine. The beginning especially was shaky, since I didn't understand what she'd forgotten and what she knew and if I missed her re-learning because she asked questions then new again the next scene. And all the magic was just hand wavy. None of the characters really had any character outside of the FMC, the antagonist, and a bird that might as well have been Sebastian from The Little Mermaid.
So it was fine overall, but nothing great, and mostly held up by its nice art style.
Format: E-Book
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The art in this is pleasant, with the memory magic being especially pretty. The art also plays around with colors in a way that is 👌🏼Once we get to the climax, the plot also has some punchy moments. Overall, though, this comic was just fine. The beginning especially was shaky, since I didn't understand what she'd forgotten and what she knew and if I missed her re-learning because she asked questions then new again the next scene. And all the magic was just hand wavy. None of the characters really had any character outside of the FMC, the antagonist, and a bird that might as well have been Sebastian from The Little Mermaid.
So it was fine overall, but nothing great, and mostly held up by its nice art style.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Library of Memories is a colorful children's graphic novel full of wonder and whimsy. While I loved the color scheme and the characters, the pacing felt off to me, particularly in the beginning. This book was a confusing jump in that left me disoriented as a reader for the first several pages. RM is still a confusing concept for me. I think that, in graphic novels, there is less of a need or desire to explain concepts because we can *see* some of them. Unfortunately, I felt this needed a bit more exposition. I also was a bit unclear why Copenhagen was at the library in search of her memories to begin with. I would have loved some earlier insight into that.
I did love the page turn by the character about a quarter of the way through. I thought that was so fun and creative!
I did love the page turn by the character about a quarter of the way through. I thought that was so fun and creative!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Library of Memories is full of beautiful, colorful art and creative character designs. While I really enjoyed the plot reveal and ending, the first half of the book felt vague and confusing in a way that nearly deterred me. I do believe that the confusing nature of the plot is somewhat intentional, as we follow Copenhagen along in her pursuit to recover her memories. However, I found that being dropped down into the story with little context meant I felt pretty distant from the plot for a good portion of the book. Younger readers will certainly enjoy the whimsical art and Copenhagen's exuberant personality, and this may be enough for initial investment as the story unfolds.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Ink for the digital ARC!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Ink for the digital ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you so much to the author and netgalley for the opportunity to ARC read this graphic novel.
This was seriously the most adorable graphic novel I have ever read. We have the FMC visiting the library of memories, the only problem is, she can't seem to remember her own memories. Through the story she helps her companion work on rebuilding and fixing the library. While she does this, she has a bad habit of touching things, which leads to reliving that memory of someone... But, waking up the next day of no memory of what happened.
The entire story was fantastic, and the ending had my heart healing and breaking at the same time. The graphic designs were so well done too and the color pallette used went sooo well with the book!
This was seriously the most adorable graphic novel I have ever read. We have the FMC visiting the library of memories, the only problem is, she can't seem to remember her own memories. Through the story she helps her companion work on rebuilding and fixing the library. While she does this, she has a bad habit of touching things, which leads to reliving that memory of someone... But, waking up the next day of no memory of what happened.
The entire story was fantastic, and the ending had my heart healing and breaking at the same time. The graphic designs were so well done too and the color pallette used went sooo well with the book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The art in this is beautiful and whimsical, a magical late 1800s/early 1900s look with lots of visual movement as the main character, who we know as Copenhagen bustles around the Library of Memories with her trusty owl friend. At first, the mystery of the worldbuilding and Copenhagen's lost memories drew me in. Unfortunately, this phase goes on for far too long, about two thirds of the book, without plot progression.
While ultimately we find out why the Library of Memories is behaving strangely, and I appreciated the themes that the creators attempted to depict and explore, I don't think this book hits the mark. The pacing is off, and there is not enough time spent grappling with the mixed emotions of memory and the nuances of grief.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC of this book.
While ultimately we find out why the Library of Memories is behaving strangely, and I appreciated the themes that the creators attempted to depict and explore, I don't think this book hits the mark. The pacing is off, and there is not enough time spent grappling with the mixed emotions of memory and the nuances of grief.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC.
3.5 rounded down.
The art was beautiful in this graphic novel. It was magical and colorful, and I really liked the visual world-building. However, I think the plot of this story is a bit weak, especially the beginning. You're thrown into this world without understanding much about how the magic works, and only towards the end does it start to make sense; I was rather confused for the first half about the magic system and how the characters ended up in the Library. The dive into emotional discovery towards the end was a nice, more concrete plot point that I was able to connect with, but overall, I wasn't sold on the plot. Again, the art is beautiful.
3.5 rounded down.
The art was beautiful in this graphic novel. It was magical and colorful, and I really liked the visual world-building. However, I think the plot of this story is a bit weak, especially the beginning. You're thrown into this world without understanding much about how the magic works, and only towards the end does it start to make sense; I was rather confused for the first half about the magic system and how the characters ended up in the Library. The dive into emotional discovery towards the end was a nice, more concrete plot point that I was able to connect with, but overall, I wasn't sold on the plot. Again, the art is beautiful.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The illustrations and color palette are truly beautiful, and I especially loved Copenhagen’s wide range of expressions. However, I felt the story lacked context at times, which left me confused.
That said, I appreciated the message of this book. Ignoring pain does not make it go away. In fact, it can make it harder to heal, move forward, and live in the present. The graphic novel also explores grief in a thoughtful way, showing the importance of continuing to make happy memories even after experiencing loss.
While I wasn’t really drawn into the story, I still appreciated its beautiful artwork and thoughtful themes.
Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, the author, and the illustrator for providing me with an ARC.
That said, I appreciated the message of this book. Ignoring pain does not make it go away. In fact, it can make it harder to heal, move forward, and live in the present. The graphic novel also explores grief in a thoughtful way, showing the importance of continuing to make happy memories even after experiencing loss.
While I wasn’t really drawn into the story, I still appreciated its beautiful artwork and thoughtful themes.
Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, the author, and the illustrator for providing me with an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story would be especially meaningful for anyone who has lost someone close to them. It follows a young girl trapped in a library of memories, where she seems to lose her memories each day.
One day, however, she begins to remember certain things while forgetting others, and she realizes that things around her have changed and pieces are missing. Because of this, they decide to try something different. When the truth behind what is happening is finally uncovered, it becomes incredibly emotional, but the story builds to a very strong and satisfying climax.
The art is very pretty and brings the story together wonderfully.
One day, however, she begins to remember certain things while forgetting others, and she realizes that things around her have changed and pieces are missing. Because of this, they decide to try something different. When the truth behind what is happening is finally uncovered, it becomes incredibly emotional, but the story builds to a very strong and satisfying climax.
The art is very pretty and brings the story together wonderfully.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a digital ARC from Little Brown Books for Young Readers via NetGalley. This graphic novel followed Copenhagen and a clockwork bird named Lawrence on an adventure to find her memories and renew the magic in their world. I found the beginning of this story a bit confusing. I wanted more world building for the clockwork, steampunk world which did seem beautiful in the artwork depicted. The last third of the book did make sense to me and I liked the ending. I just fear readers will put it down before they get to the end because the beginning was disjointed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Copenhagen is like a cat. When you tell her not to touch it, she stares you in the eye, bats it with her paw like 6 times, then tosses it off the table.
I love it.
That being said, the story is cute, and I love the whimsical feel of being able to glimpse into other people's memories by touching items in this library. Graphics are pretty, and it's a cute, fun little read. Would add a cute perspective for young readers.
I love it.
That being said, the story is cute, and I love the whimsical feel of being able to glimpse into other people's memories by touching items in this library. Graphics are pretty, and it's a cute, fun little read. Would add a cute perspective for young readers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley!
This one just wasn't for me. I wanted to like it a lot, but I honestly kept getting annoyed with Copenhagen and I struggled to follow the storyline. The art is pretty, but I usually read a graphic novel in one or two sittings, and I kept having to remind myself to pick this one back up and finish it. Thank you for the advance copy!
I was given the opportunity to read this title by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This one just wasn't for me. I wanted to like it a lot, but I honestly kept getting annoyed with Copenhagen and I struggled to follow the storyline. The art is pretty, but I usually read a graphic novel in one or two sittings, and I kept having to remind myself to pick this one back up and finish it. Thank you for the advance copy!
I was given the opportunity to read this title by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley & Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Stunningly illustrated, this strangely cozy steampunk fantasy story is sure to please all ages! The character designs were fantastic and really jumped off the page.
I really like the messaging behind memories, it was very sweet. Strangely enough this reminded me of Steven Universe--relying on fantastical elements to unearth emotional and relevant messages everyone should learn.
Stunningly illustrated, this strangely cozy steampunk fantasy story is sure to please all ages! The character designs were fantastic and really jumped off the page.
I really like the messaging behind memories, it was very sweet. Strangely enough this reminded me of Steven Universe--relying on fantastical elements to unearth emotional and relevant messages everyone should learn.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
A beautiful colorful story book. This is a story that losses and builds memory. It deals with loss. mental health, journaling and holding on. It will ask the question of whether it is better to shield your heart from grief. It is worth holding on or letting go. There is never a clear answer. This is a beautiful story of a girl and her sole path.
A beautiful colorful story book. This is a story that losses and builds memory. It deals with loss. mental health, journaling and holding on. It will ask the question of whether it is better to shield your heart from grief. It is worth holding on or letting go. There is never a clear answer. This is a beautiful story of a girl and her sole path.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Library of Memories is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that explores grief, loss, and the memories that shape who we are.
The story follows Copenhagen as she searches for her lost memories within a vast and enchanting library. Alongside her bird companion Lawrence, she navigates shelves filled with memories while trying to resist interacting with them. Her natural curiosity makes that task nearly impossible, and each interaction comes with consequences.
One of the most interesting aspects of this story is that readers are dropped into the narrative with very little explanation. While initially confusing, this seems intentional, mirroring Copenhagen's own uncertainty and fragmented understanding of what is happening around her. It creates an immersive experience that sometimes works brilliantly and sometimes leaves the reader searching for answers.
The artwork is absolutely gorgeous and helps bring the dreamlike atmosphere of the library to life. Beneath the fantasy elements is a thoughtful exploration of grief, memory, and the importance of holding onto both joyful and painful experiences. The emotional themes ultimately resonated more strongly than the plot itself.
While I occasionally wished for more clarity and context, the stunning illustrations and meaningful message made this a memorable read. A thoughtful graphic novel for readers who enjoy reflective stories about loss, healing, and the memories that make us who we are.
The story follows Copenhagen as she searches for her lost memories within a vast and enchanting library. Alongside her bird companion Lawrence, she navigates shelves filled with memories while trying to resist interacting with them. Her natural curiosity makes that task nearly impossible, and each interaction comes with consequences.
One of the most interesting aspects of this story is that readers are dropped into the narrative with very little explanation. While initially confusing, this seems intentional, mirroring Copenhagen's own uncertainty and fragmented understanding of what is happening around her. It creates an immersive experience that sometimes works brilliantly and sometimes leaves the reader searching for answers.
The artwork is absolutely gorgeous and helps bring the dreamlike atmosphere of the library to life. Beneath the fantasy elements is a thoughtful exploration of grief, memory, and the importance of holding onto both joyful and painful experiences. The emotional themes ultimately resonated more strongly than the plot itself.
While I occasionally wished for more clarity and context, the stunning illustrations and meaningful message made this a memorable read. A thoughtful graphic novel for readers who enjoy reflective stories about loss, healing, and the memories that make us who we are.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Cute little story with a beautiful ending. Its a tad repetitive at times but not a bad choice to try. I do think its a tad confusing to figure out where it is going until about 80%in. I dont know if this would hold a child's attention really. Art is gorgeous though.
Thank you to Netgalley for this gift to read early.
Thank you to Netgalley for this gift to read early.
June 12, 2026
Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Little, Brown Ink, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. Charming, manga-like art, beautiful color palette, and a somewhat confusing story with an interesting premise combine for a somewhat underwhelming read. Themes of grief, loss, and memories are explored.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Great read!!! The storyline is interesting!! Copenhagen trying to find her own memories and in the end she found her memories and her family!! The artstyle is very beautiful!!
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Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for giving me the chance to read this book in advance ~
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Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for giving me the chance to read this book in advance ~
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this graphic novel! I absolutely loved it. The artwork is beautiful, and it tells such a sweet, creative story. I really appreciated how it approaches grief and its effects on our mental health. I definitely recommend checking this one out!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A beautiful illustrated and well woven story. This is a mystery story with themes of grief, loss, and remembering at it heart. The story is set in magic library with female protagonist full of curiosity and he bird friend who wishes she would just follow the rules.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Library of Memories is a middle grade graphic novel that effectively tackles tough topics such as the loss of memories and coping with grief. While this book is a fantasy, the topics covered are very real and are covered in a way that will be relatable to middle grade readers. I feel like the world and character development are a little weak, especially at the beginning of the book, so it took me a little while to understand the magic system. Readers will need to pay CLOSE attention to each panel in order for the story to make sense. With that said, the illustrations are extremely detailed and beautiful, so it's definitely worth taking the time to linger on them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the opportunity to review an eARC of this title!
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the opportunity to review an eARC of this title!
May 28, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC audiobook!
I absolutely loved the art style! The beginning was a bit confusing and convoluted, but once the plot started to develop with the addition of other characters, I was hooked. Perfect for middle grade readers!
I absolutely loved the art style! The beginning was a bit confusing and convoluted, but once the plot started to develop with the addition of other characters, I was hooked. Perfect for middle grade readers!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! This is beautifully illustrated and highlights the importance of allowing oneself to grieve. While I would’ve enjoyed a bit of development in terms of how the Library of memories came into existence, I appreciated both the story line and artwork.
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April 21, 2026Review closer to release date
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