Cannonball Read 18

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

Trans Rights Readathon Books

The Deep & Dark Blue by Niki Smith

Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

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The Deep & Dark Blue This is a middle grade graphic novel with a lovely trans-affirming message. Hawke and Grayson are twin grandchildren of the head of a noble house. After a coup that kills the grandfather and the presumptive heir, the twins run to the Communion of Blue, a group of women spinners and weavers who help spin the world. They disguise themselves as girls—Hanna and Grayce—and take the role of initiates. While Hawke chafes under these new restrictions, Grayce begins to accept that […]

Slime time

Slime Shop by Karina Garcia

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CBR15Passport country (Illustrator from Germany) I must have lived a sheltered life. Or my mother was one of those people who knew she would have to clean up the mess if she gave me and my sister slime. Oh, I had some silly putty, but it just was not the same. Afterall, are they writing books on how to make silly putty? Or books about silly putty coming to life? Nope. But Karina Garcia and Kevin Panetta are writing Slime Shop (due August 2023) a […]

Little book, big story

The Golden Hour by Niki Smith

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Triggers with experiencing violence event are explored in The Golden Hour. This is a sweet look at the difficulties one boy faces with anxiety, depression, and his PTSD after witnessing gun violence involving a teacher at school. Through therapy, grounding techniques and new friends Manuel starts healing. I know it seems odd that it is sweet, but Niki Smith tastefully shows you the journey Manuel takes. Smith brings in elements of Manuel coming from a single parent home. They show you a bit of his […]

I cannot do this book justice, so don’t read my review, just take my word and read this book

The Deep & Dark Blue by Niki Smith

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There are a few weak spots in the story line of The Deep & Dark Blue. The largest two pieces are, first, it seems to start in the middle of the story. You do not learn who the two main characters, Hawke and Grayson, are right away but tossed into being introduced to a large plot point while being tossed into meeting a cousin of the twins at the same time. Yet, you are unaware right off he is a cousin. Or they are twins. […]



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