KJK Reads

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Graphic Novel, Thriller Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is the first thriller I’ve read in graphic novel format and it was a great one to start with. It was interesting to see true crime through the lens of a family member rather than just the more sensationalised way that society likes to view it. It’s also great in terms of representation with anyone being able to find a character they identify with, with different races, foster children and also a rare and dynamic disability being shown in different characters. The disability one especially led to a funny moment with the Kinesthesiology tape and an interesting alternative use. I like the found family element with both the foster family and also having friends become family. Kubrick gives us an almost classic slasher without being excessively gory and it still focuses on an overarching story rather than just slashing for the sake of it. I als...

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Children's Fiction Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is an amazing little book. I didn’t have type 3 or 4 hair or get protective styles every week but I still hated having my hair done and I can only imagine how much worse it must be to be the only one whose hair looks different in the class. The idea of Malashia twists being magic brings childhood joy to the different possible protective styles and is a fun way to talk to kids about their hair. I really liked the glossary and care guide/steps at the end of the book to help not only the kids but potentially parents of mixed race kids or even just those whose hair is a different type to their child. Favourite Quote: “Malashia realized that what made her different also made her special. She and her hair were perfect just the way they are.”

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Non-Fiction, Children Thoughts: This isn’t the first book I’ve read around children and their bodies to keep them safe but it is the first that’s targeted to young children. It handles the topic in a very age appropriate way and the cartoon images add to the explanations and examples given in a way that kids are more likely to identify with. I liked that the can you identify your body bit is given for both boys and girls rather than just a basic body expecting the child to be able to identify themselves on a basic outline.  Favourite Quote: “It is okay to speak up and ask for help if we ever feel unsafe Let us always take care of ourselves and protect our bodies.”

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Historical Fiction, Short Story Thoughts: What a cute story for the creation of the friction match and also the origins of the Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF). I didn’t actually know that the friction match was invented in Teesside until I saw a display in the library and the local knowledge helps with some of the streets (though since I only shop there I didn’t know them all). I loved the idea of tying in the origins of SIRF as it is a beautiful celebration and added some colour to the end of the book. I also think it’s a great book to teach a little history and instill pride in their area to children too. Favourite Quote: “It is a restless river, the Tees - it always has been.”

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Romance, Short Story, Found Family Thoughts: This is a cute short story emphasising the importance of found family over the case of a week. It seems like I’ve jumped in in the middle or at the end of a story so I think I need to go back and read more from the series but seeing the bakery come to life over the space of a week and the interactions between the friends that feel like family are a happy and cozy read. The cookie flowers as chapter breakers between days is also a cute touch. Favourite Quote: “I looked around at these faces - my people, my family. None of them were related to me by blood. I had spent most of my life believing that family was something that happened to other people something determined by birth, by luck. But this table proved otherwise. Family was a choice.”

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Romance, Halloween  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I love Carlisle’s romances because they feel like they’re focused on a theme or aim alongside the romances, and this one is a fun one with a Halloween decorating competition. I’ve always loved Halloween and decorating for the holiday so it was fun to watch Lila and Grady construct the elaborate scenes. The small town element also feels relatable as someone who’s family is from small towns with everyone knowing everyone else’s business and I liked the banter between all the townspeople as well as Lila and Grady. I also loved Beetlejuice with the judgy looks and the perfectly terrible timing, he added an extra element to the romance.  Favourite Quote: “A good scare is a gift. It's the safest fear you'll ever feel. You scream, and then you laugh, because your body just found out the monster was foam, and for one second, everything that's a...