"What Should I Read Next? A Monthly Book Roundup of Read Books in June 2024"
- Mikayla Young
- Jul 15, 2024
- 16 min read
Updated: Jul 31, 2024
Summaries of books that have been read
Slayer (Book 1 in the Slayer Series) by Kiersten White
Slayer (Book 1 in the Slayer Series) by Kiersten White follows the story of Nina, a teenager who discovers she is the last in a long line of vampire slayers. As she grapples with her newfound identity and responsibilities, Nina must navigate a world filled with demons, magic, and danger. With the help of her friends and allies, Nina embarks on a journey of self-discovery and courage, facing formidable foes and uncovering family secrets along the way. The novel delves into themes of legacy, loyalty, and the complexities of destiny, blending action-packed scenes with moments of introspection and growth. As Nina embraces her destiny as a Slayer, she must confront her fears and uncertainties, ultimately shaping her own path in a world where darkness lurks at every corner.
Not in My Book by Katie Holt
Rosie, a Peruvian American from Tennessee, leaves her hometown to pursue her dream of becoming a successful romance writer in New York. Her ambitions and everything she knew about romance are thrown off track when she is forced to co-write a novel with archnemesis and ex-crush Aiden Huntington in their class workshop. In this novel, however, fiction and reality merge to the point of no return, as Aiden and Rosie must both learn to work and communicate effectively together or risk losing their chances at love, opportunity, and success as writers.
Mismatched by Anne Camlin
In this LGBTQIATP+ graphic novel Emma adaption, Evan Horowitz, a teenage social media influencer with a knack for matchmaking, finds himself at a modern-day high school in Queens, New York. Despite his best friend Davi's advice, he devises a matchmaking strategy for Natalia, a new shy student at school. However, his ambition spirals out of control, resulting in a web of drama and miscommunication. The novel delves into the difficulties of finding love, prioritizing those closest to you, and selecting whether to prioritize one’s friendships over chances at romance.
Popcorn by Rob Harrell
Andrew is simply trying to get through Picture Day at school, which is easier said than done when dealing with a bully, a malfunctioning science experiment, and juice snot on his shirt. As Andrew embarks on the journey known as picture day and the fact that his grandmother, who suffers from Alzheimer's, is missing, the worry grows from kernels to an almost full-blown popcorn anxiety attack. This illustrated fiction work explores anxiety, OCD, family, and school issues in a personal, entertaining, and educational manner.
Three City Kitties by Ashley Barron
The story revolves around Nori, Yeti, and Flo, three city cats who live in a busy apartment. The three mischievous kittens reveal their daily habits, from playing in boxes to monitoring people on the street from their apartment window. Ashley Barron, the author-illustrator, offers vibrant graphics that make for a delightful and entertaining read about her own three city cats and home.
"This Land is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story" by Julio Anta
In "This Land is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story" by Julio Anta, the narrative delves into the struggles and triumphs of a young Latinx teenager named Jaime Reyes who inherits the powerful Blue Beetle scarab. Through Jaime's journey, the story highlights themes of identity, community, and the responsibility that comes with wielding immense power. As Jaime navigates his dual life as a superhero and a member of an immigrant family, he grapples with the complexities of his heritage and the challenges of protecting his neighborhood from various threats. Anta intricately weaves together elements of culture, family dynamics, and the universal desire for belonging, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with readers of all backgrounds.
The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye by Jane Yolen
Not since The 10th Good Thing About Barney or I'll Always Love You has there been such a serene and uplifting book to assist both children and adults in dealing with the loss of a pet. Jane Yolen, a highly skilled award-winning author, addresses this difficult topic with her usual elegance and poetic sensitivity. The narrative follows Tiger Rose, an elderly cat who, on her final day, says goodbye to the creatures and pleasures of her world. From a scolding blue jay to her household companions and her favorite shady spot beneath a piney bush, Tiger Rose embraces her surroundings for one last time. In a touching moment, she leaps into the sky, becoming one with the elements around her. This moving story provides comfort and support to children as they grapple with the idea of death.
Let's delve into these captivating reads and explore the worlds within.
The Bookish Stats
Number of books: 7 total
Formats
Print: 1
E-Book: 6
Genres and subgenres:
Fiction: 7
Romance: 2
Contemporary: 1
Fantasy: 2
Paranormal: 1
Age Categories
Children's: 2
Middle Grade: 1
Young Adult: 3
Adult: 1
Average rating: 4.29 ⭐
Page total: 1,330
Best/Favorite Read of the Month
Popcorn by Rob Harrell
Bookish Reviews and Thoughts
Series: Slayer Book 1
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication date: January 8, 2019
Genres: Young Adult fiction, fantasy, and paranormal
Young Adult Novel
Physical Hardcover
Age Recommended: 16+
Date Started: May 20, 2024 Date Finished: June 2, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Review:
The writing is strong and descriptive, however, the castle descriptions and Nina's hatred for slayers can get a little redundant. The characters were somewhat unpleasant and could have benefited from further development, particularly Nina. Nina's grudges against people, as well as her flip-flopping between wanting to be a slayer and not, were perplexing and frustrating. The miscommunication between Nina and Artemis irritated me because their relationship was so amazing at first, but the lack of miscommunication regarding major matters caused a huge rift in their connection with one another, breaking my heart and nerves. I watched Buffy, which is why I picked up this book, however, the book is so focused on Buffy and her background that if you have not seen Buffy, you will lose out on a lot of the memories and references throughout the book. If you've seen it and enjoy Buffy as a character and slayer, beware since this book is largely Nina criticizing Buffy the entire time. Nina's romantic relationship with Leo was unclear, and I felt like I was watching a reality TV love show about crushes and whether or not we should like them. The concept was fantastic, but there were a few events in the book that didn't make total sense to the broader plotline, such as Nina's mother sending Leo out of nowhere to save a slayer on his own. I enjoyed learning about some of the demons in the book. Cillian and Rhys were my favorite characters, and I thought they had the best overall development and kept me interested throughout the novel. Slayer is a decent book filled with action, mystery, and interesting insight into Buffy's world, but the lack of character development, constant bickering and miscommunication, and Nina's back and forth over whether or not to be a slayer is why the book is rated 3.5 out of 5 stars by me.
Publisher: Alcove Press
Expected publication date: December 10, 2024
Genres: Adult fiction, romance, and multicultural interest
Adult Novel
Netgalley Shelfs E-book/ARC
Age Recommended: 18+
Format: Netgalley Shelf e-arc
Page Count: 277
Date Started: June 2, 2024 Date Finished: June 5, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for an E-ARC of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review:
The cover is beautifully drawn and properly conveys the tension between the book's key characters. The book could benefit from editing because some of the sentences were unclear or fragmented, and the semester timeline was confusing as the book transitioned from Fall to Summer. I believe the author could easily fix this by stating that the characters are taking this specific class for a total of two semesters. The first semester, from fall to spring, consisted of them penning the first half of their co-authored novel. The second semester, from spring to summer, was the second half of their collaborative literary adventure. The book is full of cliches and tropes, making it both endearing and frustrating. The cliches were a nice touch and occasionally hilarious when Aiden and Rosie were co-writing, but the number of them felt a little excessive and detracted from the narrative for me. The greatest drawback for me was Aiden and Rosie's blurring of fiction and reality, as well as the characters they wrote about in their novel, which was obvious and repetitive. The author might improve this by only using scenes from their co-written novel that elaborate on what happened to Aiden and Rosie, rather than repeating it. For example, if Aiden and Rosie kissed in the book and their characters in their novel kissed as well, rather than having it repeat in the same chapter, supply readers with their reflections or anxieties about the kiss without rewriting the kissing sequence that occurred in real life.
I enjoyed the interactions Aiden and Rosie had while co-writing their novel, and how it led to strong character development for both. I believe it also led to and contributed a unique perspective to the fact that it is sometimes easier to openly connect with people online first, even if you see and talk to them twice a week in person, before being able to open up to them on a deeper level in person. I enjoyed how the author wrote and developed two characters that had experienced love and see romance in different lights and must talk and nearly educate one another about those opposing viewpoints to better understand one another as people. I appreciated how much of Rosie's life and family we as readers got to learn and see, but we rarely get to know about Aiden's life. I believe that allowing readers to see and hear more about Aiden's life will help them develop a stronger connection to him as a character and individual. The author does an excellent job of demonstrating the blurring of truth and fiction that may occur when writing a novel, various perspectives on relationships, and how writing feedback can be stressful and upsetting, but also beneficial and motivating in continuing to grow as a writer and person. Not in My Book by Katie Holt is for those who appreciate romance, cliches, and the challenging skill of creating and balancing fiction and reality.
Illustrator: Isadora Zeferino
Publisher: Little Brown Books
Genres: Young Adult Romance, Fiction, LGBTQIAP+
Young Adult Graphic Novel
Netgalley Shelfs E-book/ARC
Recommended ages: 13+
Netgalley shelf e-book graphic novel page count: 264
Expected Publication date: September 3rd, 2024
Thank You to Netgalley, author, illustrator, and publisher for sending me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Date Started and Finished: June 6th, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐. 5
Review:
The cover is stunningly illustrated, eye-catching, and cute. I enjoyed how the author presented and tackled the novel's themes of varied sexualities, gender identifications, personalities, and pasts. All the characters developed nicely. Readers can identify the flaws and traits of each character in the narrative. I found it realistic and interesting how some of the characters had to overcome obstacles to feel comfortable being themselves. The graphic novel teaches people to treat everyone with respect and kindness while trying to avoid passing judgment or making assumptions about others before getting to know them. The illustrations that appeared throughout the text were fantastic, but they were hazy at times in the e-book version, which could be due to a conversion issue. The primary critique I have, even though it contributes to Evan's overall character growth and learning, is the way he reacts, acts, and behaves toward some of the other characters because they do not behave or like the same things he does in real life. I believe the author could have possibly had Evan be a little less harsh towards them while still retaining his character development and learning over the narrative. The story is a loose adaptation of Emma, with Evan's matchmaking, but readers do not need to have read Emma to enjoy this book. The graphic novel contains excellent visuals, teachings, character development, and a plot that is simple to read, comprehend, and follow. Mismatched, written by Anne Camlin and drawn by Isadora Zeferino, is for individuals who enjoy good character development, the voyage of self-discovery and love, and the art of learning to value our friendships with others.
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group/ Dial Books
Genres: Middle Grade Fiction
Middle Grade Novel
Netgalley Shelfs E-book/ARC
Recommended age: 13+
Netgalley shelf e-book novel page count: 139
Expected Publication date: September 3rd, 2024
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Started: June 10, 2024 Date Finished: June 11, 2024
Reviewed for Netgalley, Author, and Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Review:
The cover is interesting and accurately depicts the story and the feeling of anxiety. The graphics in the novel are well-drawn, complement the accompanying text, and make good visual aids for young readers. The humor throughout the novel is excellent, giving it a lighthearted and comedic feel that will draw in and keep young readers reading till the end. Andrew and Jonesy's friendship was fantastic, and I adored it. The characters are well-developed and realistic, and we get a glimpse of each of their characteristics, allowing us to sympathize with and connect with them. The plot was engaging, amusing, and well-developed overall. The settings were imaginative, realistic, and well-written. The book offers fantastic learning opportunities for readers of all ages about the various forms and coping methods of anxiety, the impacts and feelings of anxiety, and how Alzheimer's affects both the person who has it and their loved ones. The book also does an excellent job of emphasizing the necessity of open communication through voice, body language, and written communication. I liked how the author gave additional materials about anxiety, OCD, and Alzheimer's at the end of the novel so that readers could learn more about them if they wanted. The writing was enjoyable, witty, and descriptive, although it might use some minor editing. As someone who suffers from social anxiety and minor OCD, I found the book to be sympathetic, realistic, and full of opportunities to learn about these conditions. Popcorn by Rob Harrell is an excellent novel with humor, learning, friendship, and support systems. I would recommend this book to anybody aged 13 and above who is or knows someone who is battling with anxiety, OCD, or Alzheimer's, as well as readers looking for a humorous and illustrated fiction book that deals with difficult themes in a lighthearted manner.
Publisher: Owl Kids
Genres: Children’s Fiction
Children's Novel
Netgalley Shelfs E-book/ARC
Recommended ages: 5+
Netgalley shelf e-book novel page count: 34
Expected Publication date: September 17th, 2024
Thank You to Netgalley, author, and publisher for sending me a digital e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Date Started and Finished: June 17th, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review:
The cover is cute and eye-catching. The text's rhymes and sounds are simple to follow and understand, and they add a pleasant tone to the reading experience. The artwork is realistic, charming, well-done, and sometimes appears three-dimensional. The author does a wonderful job discussing and demonstrating everyday cat activities. I enjoyed how the author based the novel on her three city cats. I see some nice learning opportunities and topics in this book, including crafts (draw or create your own city cat), cat behavior, and city life. My only concern was that I wished the book had been longer so that readers could see and bond more with the three cats, Nori, Yeti, and Flo. Ashley Barron's Three City Kitties is a quick, delightful read with colorful drawings and an easy-to-follow plot that children will appreciate.
Illustrator: Jacoby Salcedo
Publisher: DC Comics
Expected publication date: October 1, 2024
Genres: Teen And YA, Multicultural Interest, Graphic Novel, Superhero/Fantasy, Contemporary
Young Adult Novel
Netgalley Shelfs E-book/ARC
Age Recommended: 14+
Page Count: 184
Date Started and Finished: June 19, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for an E-ARC of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review:
The novel includes many subtle details in each scene that, if not carefully observed, might be overlooked but contribute interesting nuances to the characters, setting, and storyline. The illustrations are well-executed, vibrant, and effectively convey the narrative and events. The writing is clear, engaging, and descriptive. The characters are relatable and well-developed, offering ample room for future growth. The plot skillfully combines elements of fantasy, contemporary themes, and mystery to create a captivating and enjoyable story. The integration of text and artwork results in a vivid, engaging, informative, and concise reading experience. Minor elements like specific clothing worn by characters, highlighted words, and the use of colors like red in text boxes enhance the reader's connection to the characters, setting, and plot. While the graphic novel may center around superheroes, it also touches on significant contemporary issues such as violence, discrimination, social justice, self-discovery, relationships, and family dynamics. The portrayal of navigating morality through online influences is realistic, relatable, and particularly relevant in today's digital age with the prevalence of social media and other forms of media. The piece showcases a diverse range of characters from different cultures and races, each with distinct personalities, hobbies, and opinions. While the graphic novel's brevity and dramatic nature might not suit all readers, it opens up opportunities for the development, evolution, and further storytelling of the Blue Beetle character and the overarching narrative. This Land is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story is a concise, engaging, educational, approachable, and authentic contemporary superhero graphic novel that will resonate with readers aged 14 and older who appreciate ordinary superheroes and beetles.
Illustrator: Jim LaMarche
Genres: Fiction
Children's Novel
Libby E-Book
Age Recommended: 8+
Page Count: 33
Date Started and Finished: June 24, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review:
The author's dedication to her previous kitties is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The illustrations by Jim LaMarche are colorful and gorgeous, and they work nicely with the accompanying text to bring the words, story, and message to life. Tiger Rose is a kind, compassionate character. The plot is well-developed and moderately paced. The prose is whimsical, with touches of sweet melancholy. The narrative does an excellent job of demonstrating how much a cat pays attention to its surroundings, the objects in its environment, and the connections it may form. The finale was stunning and executed perfectly. The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye, written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Jim LaMarche, is a lovely children's book about a beloved cat saying goodbye to the people and things she sees, hears, smells, and loves every day, as well as the ones who do all of this for her. I believe both children and adults will like this one, and those who have lost or own an older cat will be able to relate to Tiger Rose's narrative. Children and adults will enjoy learning or teaching about a cat going to kitty heaven. The book also carries an essential message about loving and paying attention to our pets every day because we never know when the last day will come.
Engaging Discussion Questions for Every Book Mentioned
Discussion Questions for Slayer (Book 1 in the Slayer Series) by Kiersten White
1. In what ways does the main character, Nina, struggle with her new identity as a Slayer? How does this internal conflict drive the story forward?
2. Explore the dynamics of the relationships between Nina and her friends and family. How do these relationships impact Nina's journey and decisions throughout the book?
3. The concept of destiny and chosen paths plays a significant role in the story. How does this theme influence the characters' actions and motivations?
4. Discuss the world-building in the Slayer series. What elements of the supernatural world created by Kiersten White stand out to you, and how do they enhance the overall reading experience?
5. Analyze the character development of Nina throughout the book. How does she evolve from the beginning to the end, and what key events contribute to her growth?
6. Consider the role of secrecy and trust in the narrative. How do secrets and betrayals shape the characters' relationships and impact the plot twists?
7. Reflect on the themes of power and responsibility in Slayer. How do characters grapple with the weight of their abilities and the consequences of their actions?
8. Explore the parallels between the Slayer series and other works of urban fantasy or supernatural fiction. What unique elements does Kiersten White bring to the genre, and how does she subvert or uphold common tropes?
9. Consider the pacing and structure of the novel. How does Kiersten White build tension and suspense, and how does the plot unfold to keep readers engaged?
10. Discuss your overall impressions of Slayer and its place within the larger landscape of young adult literature. What sets this series apart, and what themes or elements resonate with you as a reader?
Discussion Questions for Not in My Book by Katie Holt
1. What do you think of the book’s title? How does it relate to the book’s contents? What other title might you choose?
2. What do you think about the book’s cover? How well does it convey what the book is about? If the book has been published with different covers, which one do you like best?
3. Was there a specific scene that you liked?
a. Which part(s) of the book caught your attention the most?
4. What did you enjoy about this book?
5. What did you dislike about the book?
6. Which characters in the book did you like best?
7. Which characters did you like least?
8. The book depicts writing a romance and literary fiction novel. What are some titles or things you would include in your own romance and literary fiction novel?
9. After reading the book, what are some of the things you learned about writing a book?
10. After reading the book, what are some things you would change or expand upon in the book?
Discussion Questions for Mismatched, written by Anne Camlin and drawn by Isadora Zeferino
1. What do you think of the book’s title? How does it relate to the book’s contents? What other title might you choose?
2. What do you think about the book’s cover? How well does it convey what the book is about? If the book has been published with different covers, which one do you like best?
3. Was there a specific scene that you liked?
a. Which part(s) of the book caught your attention the most?
4. What did you enjoy about this book?
5. What did you dislike about the book?
6. Which characters in the book did you like best?
7. Which characters did you like least?
8. The book depicts running a school club. What are some clubs you would like to run or be a part of?
9. After reading the book, what are some of the things you learned while reading?
10. After reading the book, what are some things you would change or expand upon in the book?
Discussion Questions for Popcorn by Rob Harrell
1. Was the book a “thumbs up” or a “thumbs down” for you?
2. What do you think about the book’s cover?
3. Was there a specific scene or illustration that you liked?
a. Which part(s) of the book or illustrations caught your attention the most?
4. What did you enjoy about this book?
5. What did you dislike about the book?
6. What are some of the ways one can cope with anxiety?
7. The book depicts having a horrible school picture day. What are some of your own school picture day memories?
8. Based on the reading, what are some of the ways kids can deal with bullying?
9. After reading the book, what are some of the things you learned about anxiety, OCD, and Alzheimer's?
10. After reading the book, describe or draw what you imagine anxiety to feel like or what you imagine to be a bad or goofy school picture or school picture day.
Discussion Questions for "This Land is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story" by Julio Anta
How does Jaime's cultural background influence his superhero journey?
In what ways does the urban setting of El Paso contribute to the story's themes?
What significance does the concept of community hold in Jaime's development as a hero?
How does "This Land is Our Land" subvert traditional superhero tropes?
What were your favorite and least favorite aspects of the book?
What are some of the key takeaways or insights you gained from reading the book?
What developments would you be interested in seeing unfold in Jaime's journey as Blue Beetle?
Discussion Questions for The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye by Jane Yolen
1. Explore the theme of loss and how the characters in the story cope with it.
2. Consider discussing the significance of the title itself and how it reflects the overall message of the book.
3. Analyze how the protagonist evolves throughout the story.
4. Examine the relationships between the characters and how they influence the plot's progression.
5. Explore the setting of the story and its impact on the characters and events.
6. Discuss the symbolism present in the book, such as the significance of the tiger or the rose.
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