Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi

 

Goodreads Blurb: 

Jayne Baek is barely getting by. She shuffles through fashion school, saddled with a deadbeat boyfriend, clout-chasing friends, and a wretched eating disorder that she’s not fully ready to confront. But that’s New York City, right? At least she isn’t in Texas anymore, and is finally living in a city that feels right for her.

On the other hand, her sister June is dazzlingly rich with a high-flying finance job and a massive apartment. Unlike Jayne, June has never struggled a day in her life. Until she’s diagnosed with uterine cancer.

Suddenly, these estranged sisters who have nothing in common are living together. Because sisterly obligations are kind of important when one of you is dying.

Things I liked: 

1) Jayne- I did think she was pretty hard on herself. She kept comparing herself to other people. By the end of the book for me she got her stuff together. She really grew as a character.

2)  I really loved the relationship between the sisters. They are living such different lives but when it comes down to it they are always supportive of each other.

3) The Texas references-  I live in Texas and I absolutely could relate to all the things that were mentioned. 

4) The Korean representation- I have always been fascinated with Asian culture. It was crazy to see how many things I new in this book. Especially food wise!

Things I was not a fan of:

1) Jeremy- I don't know why this guy was in this book. Worst character in so many ways.

2) What was that ending? I'm literally still thinking about it!

My rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️

* I did receive this book for free from Netgalley, in exchange for a review*

Nightbooks by J.A. White

 

Goodreads Blurb:

A boy is imprisoned by a witch and must tell her a new scary story each night to stay alive. This thrilling contemporary fantasy from J. A. White, the acclaimed author of the Thickety series, brings to life the magic and craft of storytelling.

Alex’s original hair-raising tales are the only thing keeping the witch Natacha happy, but soon he’ll run out of pages to read from and be trapped forever. He’s loved scary stories his whole life, and he knows most don’t have a happily ever after. Now that Alex is trapped in a true terrifying tale, he’s desperate for a different ending—and a way out of this twisted place.

Things I liked:

1)  Alex was probably the smartest kid ever. In the beginning not so much though. His stories were actually good. 

2) Yasmin- I absolutely fell in love with this character the moment we met her. 

3) The witch- I know she's someone that were suppose to hate but I loved her story and just her in general.

Things I wasn't fond of:

1) The only thing about this book is the fact that we don't have another one yet! I need more of these characters and world!

My rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake

 

Goodreads Blurb:

When a tornado rips through town, twelve-year-old Ivy Aberdeen's house is destroyed and her family of five is displaced. Ivy feels invisible and ignored in the aftermath of the storm--and what's worse, her notebook filled with secret drawings of girls holding hands has gone missing.

Mysteriously, Ivy's drawings begin to reappear in her locker with notes from someone telling her to open up about her identity. Ivy thinks--and hopes--that this someone might be her classmate, another girl for whom Ivy has begun to develop a crush. Will Ivy find the strength and courage to follow her true feelings?

Things I liked:

1) I honestly do not read many books that have lgbtq representation in them. This was for the middle grade prompt and I am so glad I read this.

2) Ivy- Honestly some of the things Ivy did were kind of questionable but by the end of this book I really loved her character.

3) The friend group of this book was just awesome. Yes they had issues as most do but it wasn't the catty girls as I'm used to.

Things I wasn't fond of:

1) My one complaint about this book were the parents. These probably weren't the worst ones ever but dang they made some interesting decisions.

My rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

 

Goodreads Blurb: The Vanderbeekers have always lived in the brownstone on 141st Street. It's practically another member of the family. So when their reclusive, curmudgeonly landlord decides not to renew their lease, the five siblings have eleven days to do whatever it takes to stay in their beloved home and convince the dreaded Beiderman just how wonderful they are. And all is fair in love and war when it comes to keeping their home. 

Things I liked: 

1) This book really didn't feel like a middle grade read to me. As an adult I felt like this book was so entertaining.

2) The relationship between the kids was so cute. The kids genuinely liked each other and wanted the best for one another.

3) The parents in this book were honestly amazing. I think normal parents are hard to find in middle grade books. I liked how the parents didn't shy away from hard topics with the kids and explained everything to them

Things I was not fond of:

If i'm being completely honestly I really have nothing bad to say about this book. 

My rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️