Duel by Jessixa Bagley (illustrated by Aaron Bagley)

e-book, 320 pages Release Date: November 7, 2023Published by: Simon & Schuster Books for Young ReadersRead from: March 24-31, 2024Stand-aloneSource: Library’s LibbyTW:Bullying, Death of parent, Grief For Readers Interested In: MG, Realistic Fiction, Graphic Novels, Sports        A rivalry between sisters culminates in a fencing duel in this funny and emotional debut graphic novel sure…

Bunt! Striking Out on Financial Aide by Ngozi Ukazu & Mad Rupert

ARC, 288 pagesRelease Date: February 13, 2024Published by: First SecondRead from: January 30- February 5, 2024Stand-aloneSource: Publisher (I received a copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for a just and honest review. This did nothing to influence my review.)TW: Cursing, ClassismFor Readers Interested In: Romance, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Diversity, Sports (Softball), NA (New…

Rez Ball by Byron Graves

e-Audio, 08:14:10Narrated by: Jesse Nobess Release Date: September 12, 2023Published by: HeartdrumRead from: November 9-10, 2023Stand-aloneSource: Library’s LibbyTW: underage drinking and drug use, racial profiling by police, racism, loss of siblingFor Readers Interested In: Coming of Age, Sports (Basketball), Romance, 2SLGBTQ+ (Love Interest was 2 spirit or liked 2 or more genders), Male POV, Grief, Racial/Ethnic…

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

e-Audio, 09:31:43Narrated by: Karissa VackerRelease Date: November 7, 2023Published by: Books on TapeRead from: October 27-28, 2023Stand-aloneSource: PRH Audio App (I received a copy of this audiobook from the Publisher in exchange for a just and honest review. This did nothing to influence my review.)TW: Misogyny, Sexism, Death of a parent, Chronic illness (mom), Grief,…

Cleat Cute by Meryl Wilsner

e-Audio, 10:53:25Narrated by: Dana Varden & Zim Avaltrades Release Date: September 19, 2023Published by: Macmillan AudioRead from: September 18-20, 2023Stand-aloneSource: Netgalley (I received an early e-Audio copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. This did nothing to influence my review.)TW: Toxic Relationship, Panic Attacks/Disorders, Emotional Disorders, Ableism, Bullying, Mental Illness, ClassismFor Readers Interested In:…

Defensive Stance by Kasha Thompson

e-ARC, 396 pagesRelease Date: July 18, 2023Published by: Webster Avenue PublishingRead from: June 20-July 20, 2023Las Vegas Ramblers, #1Source: Gifted from the author (I received an e-ARC of this book from the author in exchange for a just and honest review. This did nothing to influence my review.)TW: Fighting, Verbal Sexual Assault, Toxic Familial RelationshipFor…

Change the Game by Colin Kaepernick

e-book, 144 pagesRelease Date: March 7, 2023Published by: GraphixRead from: June 7-22, 2023Stand-aloneSource: Library’s LibbyTW: Racial Microaggressions, Microaggressions from his parentsFor Readers Interested In: Family Diversity (Transracial Adoption), Sports, Romance, College Scouts, YA     Colin Change the Game is an inspiring high school graphic novel memoir for readers 12 and up from celebrated athlete…

Her Good Side by Rebekah Weatherspoon

e-Audio, 07:12:02Narrated by: Marcella Cox & Daniel K. IsaacRelease Date: May 30, 2023Published by: Books on TapeRead from: May 30-31, 2023Stand-aloneSource: PRH AppTW: Fatphobic Comments, Racism, Body ShamingFor Readers Interested In: Romance, Sports, Fake Dating, Foodie Favorites, Body Positivity, Racial/Ethnic Diversity       A swoony, heart-melting YA romance from beloved author Rebekah Weatherspoon about…

Love at First Set by Jennifer Dugan

e-Audio, 09:11:38Narrated by: Lori PrinceRelease Date: May 23, 2023Published by: HarperAudioRead from: May 23-24, 2023Stand-aloneSource: Audible CreditTW: Emotional Abuse, Alcoholism, Toxic Parenting, ClassismFor Readers Interested In: Romance, Sports (Weight Lifting), LGBTQ+, Realistic Fiction, LOL     Sometimes true love takes a little heavy lifting     The gym is Lizzie’s life–it’s her passion, her job, and…

You Don’t Have a Shot by Racquel Marie

e-Audio, 10:28:37Narrated by: Marisol Ramirez Release Date: May 9, 2023Published by: Recorded Books, Inc.Read from: May 24-26, 2023Stand-aloneSource: Library’s LibbyTW: off-page maternal death by breast cancer, maternal grief, mentions of underage drinking, racism, depictions of paternal emotional abuse, depictions of anxiety/panic attacks, discussions and depictions of sports-related injuries (primarily a sprained wrist), condemned homophobia, condemned xenophobia,…

Take Me Away

Diverse Book Blogger. Diverse YA Librarian. Wonder Woman enthusiast. Bookish Blerd. "GryffinClaw" Geek extraordinaire. Pitbull mom. She/her linktr.ee/take_me_awayyy