Book review - True Colors

 

Title: True Colors

Author: Abby Cooper

Genre: dystopia

Similar books: The Town With No Mirrors by Christina Collins

                      Falling Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix 

Rating:

 

a little flat

Summary (provided by publisher): In Serenity, Minnesota, everyone looks on the bright side, and that’s on purpose: to live in this town, people have to agree to talk positively and only focus on the good things in life. For twelve-year-old Mackenzie Werner, who has the rare gift of her emotions showing up as a colorful haze around her body, this town seems like the perfect place; she’ll never face the embarrassment of a grumbly grapefruit smog if everyone and everything is set up to be happy. But when a documentary maker comes to town and starts asking questions, Mackenzie, overwhelmed with emotion, can’t hold her haze back—and it explodes onto the whole town. Now everyone has their own haze, revealing their real feelings. As Mackenzie learns that emotions go beyond surface level, the whole town must reckon with what it means now that these true colors are on display.

My opinion: With the set-up here, the average reader will not be surprised at the direction that this plot takes. The messaging about emotional complexity is clear, making it easy for a young reader to grasp. The writing itself isn't especially nuanced. Characters are thin. It's a unique concept but doesn't really extend much beyond that. It doesn't take chances or stretch the reader much.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Graphic novel spotlight - Karate Prom

 

Karate Prom by Kyle Starks

Between the title and the cover art, no one is going to be surprised by the humorous nature of this book. It absolutely does not take itself seriously. This is basically the more madcap version of Scott Pilgrim. With a meathead, jerk villain, constant battles, and a strong fighter as a female character, this is a fun read. Nothing deep, but still quite enjoyable.

 Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.

WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

Stepping Off by Jordan Sonnenblick - A rising junior who feels like the biggest struggle he faces is his attraction to two girls finds his world rapidly changing in the face of his parents' marital struggles and the appearance of COVID-19.

What did you recently finish reading?

The Space You Left Behind by Ona Gritz - A verse novel that explores identity for a disabled teen, her sperm donor father, and what feels missing in her life.

What do you think you'll read next?

Dr. Z and Matty Take Telegraph by Ari Rosenschein

Listen with me

 

The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord

This story of a girl whose whole world has been turned upside down learning to see life through a different lens could be pretty compelling. Let's give it a listen and find out together.

Non-fiction book review - Wall to Wall

 

Wall to Wall by Mary Ann Fraser

If you have even a passing interest in wall art, this book is worth a look. From cave paintings to modern protest art, all sorts of wall art are explored here. For each instance we learn about the historical and geographical setting, the method of painting, and the larger cultural "why" - the reason for the setting and the thought behind the art. The text is easy to read and supported by images. And for a person like myself who has never had much interest in graffiti and murals, reading a book like this one makes it a far more compelling subject.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Non-fiction book review - The Awesome Physics in Your Home

 

The Awesome Physics in Your Home

 If there is one branch of science that people find intimidating, it's physics. But physics is all around us and that's what this book wants to help us understand. This text explores simple physics like static electricity and far more complicated procedures. Nothing is explained in depth but we do gain a cursory understanding of each principle. With a few simple experiments supporting the information, this is a solid choice for science minded kids and their adults.

More information: The Awesome Physics in Your Home releases June 18

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

WWW Wednesday

 What are you currently reading?

True Colors by Abby Cooper - A girl who sees emotions as colors moves to a town where only positivity is allowed.

What did you recently finish reading?

Have You Seen This Girl by Nita Tyndall - Sid is haunted by the ghosts of five girls - girls their dad was convicted of murdering. Now more girls are going missing and Sid will have to find the truth of what happened to them and what that means for Sid and their attempt at living a quiet life.

What do you think you'll read next?

How You Grow Wings by Rimma Onoseta