Middle Grade Review: Parachute Kids

 

* Sequel to Parachute Kids * 

The Lin siblings have been living on their own for seven months in California. They're doing ok. But their aunt and cousin are coming to stay for a little bit before they move to LA. They will stay for two weeks. When they arrive, Josephine isn't like they remember. She looks down upon her cousins. 

When their grandfather becomes very ill, their aunt leaves to be by his side. She leaves Josephine in the care of her cousins. Jessie is the oldest, but even so, she's seventeen. Nothing is easy for the Lin family. At school, Josephine becomes the it girl. And all of Ann's friends abandon her. She's so unhappy. Bro found himself a new friend that could turn into something more. But things get awkward when their sisters find out. Will the Lin siblings find their happiness?

My Thoughts: My heart hurts for the Lin siblings; they're going through so much and nothing is easy for them. I think this is a really powerful book. There's a lot packed into this graphic novel: family drama, classism, homophobic people, illegal immigrants, bullies, and trying to live your best life. The ending surprised me. I hope there are more books coming because I want to know what happens next. 

Cover Thoughts: Great, it plays up the different dynamics

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have graphic novel for your library's collection

Graphic Novel Review: Mixed-Up

Stella and her two best friends are really excited for 5th grade. But before long, Stella's drowning in work. Worse, her favorite fandom just launched a computer game, but you have to read the manual for all the tips and tricks. Reading is hard for Stella. She doesn't need more work.

She stops playing the game. She stops talking to her friends because all these want to do is talk about the game. She's too embarrassed to tell them about her struggles. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I loved how the friends had a fandom they shared. I felt bad for Stella and her reading struggles, but I love that she got help. I think this is a very important message for readers - reading can be hard and it's ok to struggle and its ok to ask for help. I love the illustrations and that one of the characters looks like the author! 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have graphic novel for school and public library collections