Coming of Age
Refers to the process of growing up or entering into adulthood. An example of coming of age is a girl who turns 14, then 15, 16, 17 and 18. An example of coming of age is a novel about a girl going from childhood to adulthood. The act or an instance of reaching maturity.
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Crudrat
This charmer of a story highlights relationships between lifeforms, first and foremost. It's a YA story filled with intimate bonds that aren't romantic, family dynamics that are both adversarial and caring, and even…
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The Professor Wore Prussian Blue
It's hard to believe we've come to the end of this wild and twisty Victorianish-steampunky adventure, following along with Freddie and Daisy Linden and their friends as they searched for their missing father,…
- Black Authors, Book Review, Coming of Age, Historical Fiction, Realist Fiction, Womens Literature, Young Adult
Flygirl
I expected to like this book, as it deals with topics dear to my heart. I enjoy learning more about the lives of those who experienced World War II, and as a woman,…
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A Born Angel
A Born Angel by Jenn A. Morales My rating: 4 of 5 stars It’s clear the author put a lot of thought into worldbuilding and character development. From the first pages of the…
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The Sun Is Also a Star
I devoured this book in two sittings. The 'what happens next' factor is SO strong that I had no choice in the matter.
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You’re Welcome, Universe
You’re Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner My rating: 4 of 5 stars Julia is a rebellious, troubled teenager with one passion in her life: Street art. Graffiti. She spends most of her time…
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Girl Gone Viral
Girl Gone Viral by Arvin Ahmadi My rating: 3 of 5 stars Well, let’s get the comparison out of the way first – I’m calling this one a mashup of Ready, Player One…
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The Lighthouse Witches
If you are looking for a spooky, atmospheric Halloween-season read, you are in luck.
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Spellbreaker
Elsie Camden's world is a place where magic is real, and it is a commodity. If you're born a wizard, you're in the market for good quality spells of all sorts.
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Lemon Drop Falls
Twelve-year-old Morgan's mom, a professional life-coach and creator of a life planning system, has unexpectedly died. Her last words to her oldest daughter were, "Keep them safe, Morgan. Be brave for them. Help…
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Posts of a Mid-Century Kid
A charming ramble of childhood memories, interspersed with thoughts about present-day life.
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Cyrus LongBones and the Curse of the Sea Zombie
Loads of thrilling adventure, violent fights, and fantastical worldbuilding excitement for teenagers. I have a few issues with this one, though.
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Tia Lugo Speaks No Evil
Tia Lugo Speaks No Evil by Danette Vigilante My rating: 4 of 5 stars Tia is a thirteen-year-old Latino girl growing up in a close-knit family in Brooklyn. Her best friend lives close…
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The Places We Sleep
Imagine being twelve years old, a battle-weary Army brat trying to adjust to yet another new school in Tennessee, just about to get your first period... and it's September 11, 2001.
- Black Authors, Book Review, Coming of Age, Realist Fiction, Romance, Suspense and Thriller, Womens Literature, Young Adult
Hurricane Summer
Hurricane Summer by Asha Bromfield My rating: 3 of 5 stars As if coming of age isn’t already one of the toughest transitions a girl has to make, Tilla’s experiencing it in a…
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Riverland
Riverland by Fran Wilde My rating: 5 of 5 stars I went into the story knowing in advance that aspects of our protagonist’s home life might be difficult to read. Fran Wilde has…
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So I’m A Vampire’s Familiar
So I’m A Vampire’s Familiar by Shayna Grissom My rating: 3 of 5 stars So, it seems vampires are real, after all. But, expectations and reality aren’t seeing eye to eye for our…
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The Ocean at the End of the Lane
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman My rating: 2 of 5 stars I’m of mixed feelings about this book, which is something I’ve never said about a Neil…
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Blood Calls
At first glance, you might think Blood Calls is a vampire novel, but you’d be wrong. At second glance, you might think it’s the story of a boy and his dragon, but you’d…
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Ice Planet Goth
Ice Planet Goth (Originally Depth Charging Ice Planet Goth, which I must mention as I personally loved the original title) by Andrez Bergen is optimistically due for release early in 2014. The year…
