Book Review Blog

A's Review of 'Unicorn: The Memoir of a Muslim Drag Queen' by Amrou Al-Kadhi

Posted by Adriana Pray Haines on

Unicorn: The Memoir of a Muslim Drag Queen By Amrou Al-Kadhi Pub Date: 03 October 2019Publisher: Fourth EstateBiographies & Memoirs, LGBTQIA, Adult ReadershipPGBB Reviewed on NetGalley 15 May 2019 ⭐5/5   Amrou Al-Kadhi’s writing glitters and flows effortlessly, as comfortable as a conversation between close friends. Meanwhile, hiding below the surface is an incredibly well structured, intelligent and intensive examination of so many of life’s most difficult and contentious issues: gender, identity, family, love, Islam, Christianity - to name a small sample - each handled with care.  While the telling is easy and compelling, the story is hard and painful...

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A's Review of 'Everdark' by Abi Elphinstone

Posted by Adriana Pray Haines on

Everdark by Abi ElphinstonePub Date: 28 Feb 2019Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK Children’sChildren's Fiction, Middle Grade, World Book Day £1 BookPGBB Reviewed on NetGalley 11 May 2019 ⭐5/5  For all young readers (and young at heart older readers) a book which starts with the words, ‘The trouble with grown-ups is that they always think they’re right,’ instantly promises to deliver something extraordinary that won’t fit grownup expectations. And Abi Elphinstone delivers a fantastical story where every line sparkles with magically, beautifully written prose in a tumble of unforgettable images and irresistible characters. And if that weren’t more than enough already, she...

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A's Review of 'Becoming Dinah' by Kit de Waal

Posted by Adriana Pray Haines on

Becoming Dinah By Kit de WaalPub Date: 11 July 2019Publisher: BellatrixTeens & YAPGBB Reviewed on NetGalley 27 May 2019 ⭐5/5 A book that's practically perfect in every way.  And a perfect first book to launch new imprint Bellatrix (see about below). 'Becoming Dinah' has a hundred-and-one themes to explore to their depths; two timelines gradually merging for a satisfying resolution; and one girl, with two names, pulled apart by so many dichotomies: race / bi-race; sexuality / bi-sexuality; religion / secularism; community / self... Call her Dinah. Or call her Ishmael.   Kit de Waal delivers her story seamlessly. It's...

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A's Review of 'Benice'

Posted by Adriana Pray Haines on

Benice Written by Metin Karayaka, Illustrated by Rohan Daniel EasonPub Date: 01 Nov 2018Publisher: YunkaChildren's Fiction, Middle GradePGBB Reviewed on NetGalley 9 May 2019 ⭐4/5  A wonderful fishing story turn pirate tale with beautiful illustrations both reminiscent of great classics.  I hope this book will come to be a classic in time too! Perfect for families to read together. There are twists and resolutions throughout but one mystery remains at the end... and I am dearly hoping for a sequel / continuation of the tale as I am far too attached to the characters to say goodbye.

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A's Review of 'Amazing Expeditions'

Posted by Adriana Pray Haines on

Amazing Expeditions: Journeys That Changed The World by Anita GaneriPub Date: 09 Apr 2019Publisher: Ivy KidsChildren's NonfictionPGBB Reviewed on NetGalley 28 April 2019 ⭐5/5 Terrific history book covering a wide range of both male and female explorers from all over (not just the West) through the ages from ancient history to present day. Delightful simple illustrations, pages not too crammed with visual detail and succinct chunks of information on each journey laid out for the reader to 'navigate' by number and arrows. And excellent little maps tracing the explorer's journeys.  Highly recommend for primary schools and could be paired with author visits to schools for...

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