Shalan Mitchell > Recent Status Updates

I liked this book. I enjoyed learning new words, all the botanical talk, and the FMCs love for her best friend. The romance and general plot were okay but not my favorite. Overall, it was a good middle of the road romance. 3🌟

(YAL) I took a break from my YA Lit. readings during the 4th of July weekend only to finish this one in one sitting come Monday. What a perfect book for such a time as this. Reynolds masterfully executed this not history history book! It sucked me in right away in a way nonfiction rarely does. I am still reeling and looking to know more. Please read this and share it with the youth in your life. 5🌟

After two months, I have finally finished this book! It’s my fault, in part, because I had to put it down to prioritize my coursework readings. However, it’s also the book’s fault because this one has the pacing of a snail. It’s a quiet and heavy book … literally, it has great and weighty commentary but not a quotation mark in sight. I recommend the audiobook to keep up with the dialogue alone. 4🌟

I literally read these books over the two month period their set. It was lovely to return to Emma’s journal throughout May and June for some laughs. I am so endeared to these characters and their antics. I can’t wait to continue on with the series! I find them utterly delightful! 4.5🌟

(YAL) Although I was frustrated to enraged by the injustices and prejudices depicted in this book, I was also filled with hope and faith that we can overcome while reading Amal’s story. This book shines a spotlight on the failings of the justice system and detention facilities but more so gives a voice to wrongfully convicted juveniles through art and poetry. I highly recommend it. 4.5🌟

(YAL) This middle grade historical fiction book follows three perspectives - one during the coronavirus pandemic, one in 1930s America, and one during the 1930s famine in Ukraine/ the USSR. I love stories that highlight hidden histories! This one was so eye opening due to the various POVs. I also liked how the book explored media criticism and access to accurate/authentic information. 5🌟

I don’t read nonfiction very often, but this narrative nonfiction book about the crime that was the catalyst for the Asian American Civil Rights Movement had my full attention. I felt so many mixed emotions while hearing this story and all its complications. I related to how the general public must have felt reading about Vincent Chin in the media. I highly recommend this book. It’s an important history. 5🌟

(YAL) This was a heavy hitter - it hit on all the hard topics by exploring loss, grief, anxiety, post- traumatic stress, depression, suicidal thoughts, Alzheimer’s, familial relationships, and friendships! Despite being a difficult and slightly triggering read, I believe many young readers will be able to relate to Iveliz and her struggles or those of her friends and family. I would recommend this one with care.

(YAL) Although I find graphic novels to be a little overstimulating, I enjoyed this one the more I read it. I thought it explored race, prejudice/micro-agressions, difference, and multigenerational trauma well and in an accessible way for MG readers to relate to and/or explore. I liked how the story and illustrations balanced the heavier themes with humor as well. I laughed out loud a few times. 4🌟

(YAL) I’m officially beginning my library media enforcement program with a YA Literature course. The requirements for the course are likely all I’ll be reading for a while. This was our introduction text. I really enjoy Reynold’s writing and voice. I loved this call to all dreamers to keep jumping no matter if you fall, land, or soar. 5🌟

I’m writing these thoughts almost a week after finishing this book. In hindsight, it feels like the last book I read and enjoyed before my life changed and became what it is now. I know it won’t be the last book I enjoy and life won’t always be what it is now. Life is hard and there were many characters facing hard times in this book. It was inspiring getting to know them and seeing some of them overcome. 4.5

I am mainly listening to this one. It’s the longest audiobook that I have ever listened to. I love the audiobook narration so much that I even listen to it while I read the ebook.

Aside from Jane Eyre (which I loved) and Wuthering Heights (which I hated), I haven’t read many regency romances. This author clearly loves Jane Austen and her books/characters (they are referenced so very many times). This book was average (neither good nor bad … just meh) for me. I found it to be too long and repetitious. I would recommend it to a younger reader who likes regency shows/books. 3🌟

Oh Ms. Rainbow Rowell, my fellow Nebraskan! I adored these characters! Cherry is so vulnerable in her heartache while also being so confident in her whimsy and body. Tom reminds of my Daniel, so of course I cared for him. I loved Cherry’s sisters with their group chats and Christian morals. Also, sweet Stevie too. I appreciated the commentaries on body image and how relationships evolve. 4.0🌟

I enjoyed the beginning and end, but the middle dragged for me. This was likely due to the audiobook, which rang a little monotone to me, so I stopped trying to read and listen to this after a few attempts. I understood the story more towards the end; however, it still felt a little too wandering and aimless despite the lovely sentiments and resonating quotes. 3🌟

I have complicated feels about this book likely because I had a complex reading experience. First, let me say that I really enjoyed Water Moon; it was one of the first speculative fiction books I’ve read. I think Sotto Yambao writes such imaginative stories with such beautiful prose. However, this one was so lofty in its imaginings that I couldn’t ground myself in the story, characters, or plot.

I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this one because my booktuber friends either loved or hated it. I’m not an avid mystery/suspense reader, so I think that’s why I enjoyed it! I loved the audiobook narration and liked the interchanging chapters with dual timelines. This book was a little easy to predict but still had twists I didn’t see. I was engaged and entertained the whole time! 4🌟

This was a heartwarming middle grade book about difference, friendship, and family. I liked Aven, Connor, and Zion as well as the friendship they forged because of and despite their differences. I think this book has great representation for MG readers. I’m going to try the sequel, but I’m a little worried it’ll lose its MG spark for YA angst. We’ll see, but this one was 3.5🌟.

Elizabeth Acevedo, my poetic queen! I love her spoken word performances and her debut, Poet X. I admired how she shed a light on the unrecognized tragedy that strongly impacted her cultural community in this one. Camino and Yahaira were both such strong characters, and I think their complex emotions surrounding their father, grief, and their different life circumstances was so beautifully done. 5🌟