Review: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved this book! I so wish I could add it to LV IMC, but due to some language and content, I cannot. Simon is an amazing character who unfortunately gets outed by someone as gay. The anger I felt for someone taking away Simon's right to be able to tell his story on his terms was overwhelming. Simon (a junior in high school) is wise and says something like, why should people who aren't straight have to "come out?" Why shouldn't everyone in society have their coming out day? I couldn't agree more Simon! Don't pass up this book - recommended for high school students.

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Review: The Magnolia Story

The Magnolia Story by Chip Gaines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fans of HGTVs Fixer Upper will enjoy this autobiography told from both Chip and Joanna through alternating font. Joanna's voice is stronger throughout, but Chip's humor and honesty are perfectly inserted. The book takes readers through how they met, their many business endeavors and how they were approached about staring in their reality show. What's also interesting is through their 13+ years of marriage, they have never owned a TV or knew what HGTV even was! I really enjoyed reading about where they have come from and how they have built their Magnolia enterprise is inspiring and well deserved from two very good people.

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Review: Luna

Luna by Julie Anne Peters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I selected this book for our library hoping it would be something else I could add to our collection! I'm so glad I took a chance on this book! Main characters Reagan and Liam are in high school. Liam is transgender and feeling the weight of his secret and needs to come out as herself. She is known as Lia Marie & Luna to her sister Reagan.

What I like most about this book is that it is told from Reagan's point of view. She has always been extremely close to Liam and knows all of her secrets. Author Julie Anne Peters does an excellent job letting the reader inside what it is like to be a sibling of someone who is transgender and what that emotionally does to Reagan and the pressure she feels to protect Liam and keep her secret.

Flashbacks reveal how Liam has always known he is female and the readers sees how early Liam knew she wasn't born the right assigned gender.

A book that will suck you in, and wish you could be there for both Reagan & Luna.

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Review: Real Friends

Real Friends by Shannon Hale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*reviewed through NetGalley - advanced read
What a great memoir in graphic novel format! Shannon Hale tells the tale of her elementary school experiences with friendship. Bullying is a prominent theme and how to deal with "mean girls", cliques and groups. I appreciated the honesty and reality of how girls really behave and how as parents, we can give advice, but sometimes easier said then done. I like how Hale came to her own conclusions and trusted her instinct to guide her to better choices for friends.

Book isn't being released until May, but it will be add LJHS library collection!

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Review: Rethinking Normal: A Memoir in Transition

Rethinking Normal: A Memoir in Transition by Katie Rain Hill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As I continue my search for books about transgenders that can be added to our library, I am still learning a lot. Katie Rain Hill's memoir takes the reader on her journey of growing up as Luke and transitioning to Katie. This is the first book I've read which goes into more detail about the surgical process of full transformation of male to female. Katie also has a serious relationship with another transgender teen Arin. This book has so much to offer, but too much on page relationship information to be able to place in our library. I recommend this book for high school and above.



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