'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French
Showing posts with label Reviews by Nia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reviews by Nia. Show all posts

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Review: WillieBoy Eats The World

WillieBoy Eats the World is an exuberant rhyming picture book about a dachshund named WillieBoy and his human companion Steve, who discover that the world is full of delicious food, if only you're willing to try it.

WillieBoy narrates the story with boundless enthusiasm. He and Steve are creatures of habit, perfectly happy with their beloved Italian food, shrimp in spicy sauce, lasagna, linguini with clams, pizza, and cannoli. But a visit to a new dog park changes everything.

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Junior Review: My Wild Garden Zoo

My Wild Garden Zoo is a rhyming picture book that invites children to view a garden as a shared habitat rather than a controlled space. 

Through playful language and detailed watercolor illustrations, the book follows a day in which wild animals wander through a family garden, interacting with vegetables, berries, and flowers in humorous ways. 

The story concludes with an evening calm that reinforces themes of observation, coexistence, and respect for nature. 

Friday, May 16, 2025

Junior Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Victor Hugo, unfortunately not related to our protagonist, once said, 'Life is the flower for which love is the honey.

Author Taylor Jenkin Reid brings this quote to life in her historical drama, romance novel, which focuses on the glamorous life of former Hollywood hot-shot Evelyn Hugo. 

Through her writing, Reid demonstrates that true love is unsuspecting, taking the reader on a wild rollercoaster ride of Evelyn Hugo’s life from the 1950s to 1980s.

The novel starts off by introducing us to Evelyn Herrera, a young Cuban girl who grew up in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, with no money & just a simple dream to become an actress on the Hollywood stage. 

She left home by marrying neighborhood boy, Ernie Diaz, to chase her sunset dreams but quickly learned that Hollywood doesn’t have any leading roles for brunette Latinas. 

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Junior Review: Thirteen Reasons Why

Jay Asher’s 13 Reasons Why is one of those books that stays with you. It’s emotional, haunting, and painfully honest. 

The story dives into the life and death of Hannah Baker, a high school student who takes her own life. But before she does, she leaves behind a series of cassette tapes. Each one is meant for someone who, in her eyes, played a role in her decision.

This innovative narrative draws readers into her mind, allowing us to hear her voice directly and feel the weight of her experiences. It’s raw, personal, and often uncomfortable , but that’s what makes it so effective.

The story begins when Clay Jensen, one of Hannah’s classmates and someone who once quietly admired her, receives the tapes. 

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Junior Review: Pine Marten Cuties

Pine Marten Cuties introduces young readers to the life of a pine marten. 

The book uses simple, rhyming lines to explain the pine marten's behavior, its forest home, and what it eats. The text is direct and easy to follow. 

Each page focuses on a different aspect of the animal’s life, making it a useful educational tool.

The pine marten is the only character and is portrayed as active and curious. The writing emphasizes its agility, strength, and love for trees. 

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Guest Post: Q & A with Meredith Rusu on The Creative Process by Nia Shetty

There’s a Robot in My Socks by Meredith Rusu is a light-hearted story that skillfully captures the wonders of childhood while addressing the complexities of emotions in a fun, engaging way. 

The book follows Jamie and her trusty robot companion through a delightful adventure that showcases how even ordinary items, like socks, can spark extraordinary moments. 

Rusu’s book is filled with playful humor, vivid imagery, and a creative blend of the real and the imaginary, making it a perfect read for young children and their parents who are navigating their own big feelings.

One of the standout features of this graphic novel  is how themes of comfort, emotion, and the occasional chaos of childhood are wonderfully mixed. 

Through the imaginative lens of a child’s world, Rusu touches on separation anxiety, the need for routine, and the importance of emotional expression, all with a charming robot by Jamie’s side. The vibrant illustrations by Martín Morón bring Jamie’s world to life with bright colors and whimsical designs, perfectly complementing the story.

Now, let’s hear from the author herself, Meredith Rusu, as she shares insights into the inspiration, characters, and creative process behind There’s a Robot in My Socks in our exclusive KBR interview:

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Junior Review: Jerk Chicken Magic

Jerk Chicken Magic is a delightful journey into the life of a multi-generational immigrant family, the Higgins, from the point of view of charming 6-year-old Lizzy. 

Set against the backdrop of Jamaica's flavorful culinary tradition, this book takes readers on a savory adventure through the magic of jerk chicken.

Authored by Noel-Andrew and Roxanne Bennett, Jerk Chicken Magic is more than just a children's picture book—it's a celebration of resilience, adaptability, and the profound significance of preserving cultural heritage. 

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Junior Review: The Sun Is Also A Star

A touching story based on the author’s real-life, features Natasha, a Jamaican teen facing imminent deportation in the next 24 hours, and Daniel, who has been living in the shadow of his older brother his entire life. 

When they cross paths at a bookstore, neither of them knows that this is the start of a unique and heartwarming love story.

Both Natasha and Daniel have their own demons to fight, with each of them living in homes that feel broken as they dream of a way to escape their reality. 

Ironically, 'dream' is not a word in Natasha’s vocabulary as she only sticks to the facts and science. On the contrary, Daniel fantasizes about saying his poetry out loud, a thought he keeps hidden from his Korean parents. The reader gets to dive into each of their perspectives with chapters alternating between the two.

Monday, August 28, 2023

Junior Guest Post: Nia Shetty's Summer Reading List Recommendations!


Gifted words smith and KBR junior reviewer, Nia Shetty, gives us her top picks for sensational 'summer' reading. You don't have to be in the Northern Hemisphere to enjoy these gritty, provocative and classic YA reads though. Check them out for yourself.

Monday, July 17, 2023

Junior Review: Farhenheit 451

Do you love Dystopia / Science Fiction  then Fahrenheit 451 is the book for you.  

A world where firemen don’t deal with fires, but their purpose is to burn books. 

Fahrenheit 451 is the temperature at which paper burns . A dystopian universe crafted by Ray Bradbury where Guy Montag chooses to challenge everything he’s ever believed. 

After meeting an inquisitive young girl Charisse, Montag decides to go on a treacherous journey to figure out what caused the end of free speech and literature. While naive Montag doesn’t know what he’s getting himself into, sometimes not asking questions about things, the answers might scare you.

Friday, March 3, 2023

Junior Review: I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

This touching book is about Julia Reyes, a 15 year old teenager who lost her sister, Olga, and is forced to deal with all the struggles that growing up in an immigrant household would bring, like high expectations, stereotypes, all while trying to navigate being a teenager. 

I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter handles sensitive topics like depression, grief.

The book starts off with Olga, getting violently killed in a bus accident. Olga was the perfect Mexican daughter who went to church, attended college, listened to her parents, and would never bring shame to the family. 

Julia is far from perfect, and she matches the standards of the rebellious younger daughter.

Friday, February 24, 2023

Junior Review: Ten Thousand Tries

Ten Thousand Tries by Author Amy Makechnie is a book that deals with tough topics giving the reader a look into a middle schooler soccer kid whose family is dealing with ALS . 

Once you open this book , you cannot put down this emotional read. The main character, Golden Macaroni is a star soccer player, who has everything he wants until his life hits a roadblock. 

His dad is diagnosed with ALS* , but Golden simply can’t believe that there is no cure. He’ll do anything to make sure that his dad will never stop trying to get better. 

On the soccer field, Golden is working extremely hard to become captain of the team, one of his steps in becoming the next Messi. 

Friday, February 17, 2023

Junior Review: We Are Not From Here

We Are Not from Here is a poignant and powerful story about three teens Pulga , Chico and Pequeña living in a small, poverty-stricken town in Guatemala who leave family and friends to escape violence.

The book is written from the first person perspectives of 15 year old Pulga and his cousin Pequeña . It starts off with Pequeña being pregnant and hating the baby's father, a gang member. Chico and Pulga are best friends who have to flee their town because of a dangerous gang leader, Rey. 

They decide to risk the journey to the United States, and Pequeña joins them. They pack their bags and leave on La Bestia, a dangerous train that goes through Mexico. It's a tough journey, with lots of obstacles and violence, but their friendship and the hope for a better life keep them going.

Friday, October 21, 2022

Junior Review: Two Degrees

Climate change takes the shape of 3 natural disasters in this novel. A raging wildfire in California, a ravenous polar bear in Canada, and a hurricane ready to destroy Miami. 

Two Degrees by Alan Gratz (one of my all time favorite authors, whose books are my go-to reads) is the very first book that I have read that tackled the tragedy of climate change.

In this novel, Akira, Owen and George, and Natalie find a way to fight back against Mother Nature in order to protect their home. Akira has the help of her horse, Dodger, but will she be able to out run the fire? 

Owen and George are minutes away from becoming a polar bears lunch, but can they escape? Natalie could be dragged away by the rising floodwaters, but can Natalie find refuge?

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Junior Review: Letters From Cuba

Esther has been yearning for her Papa ever since he left Poland to live in Cuba in the midst of World War 2, to provide for the family. 

After 3 years distant from the family, Papa has finally saved enough money for one child to come and stay with him. Therefore, the eldest, Esther travels across the large ocean from Poland to Cuba to visit her Papa. 

From the moment Esther steps down from the boat, she is in love with all the vibrant colors and aromas that meet her, and she falls in love with Cuba, her new home. 

To Esther’s surprise, her home won’t be in the heart of Havana, but in the small farmers village of Agramonte. In her tiny wooden house, Esther finds her inner talent for sewing and is able to help her father by providing extra income. 

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Junior Review: Not Here To Be Liked

Eliza Quan is the most experienced, hardworking, and slightly cutthroat journalist on the Bugle newspaper and has been for 3 years. 

Her favorite things are her grey cardigan, the Bugle, and winning. Nothing is stopping her from becoming the next esteemed editor-in-chief until Len enters the picture. 

Len Dimartile is a handsome ex-jock turned journalist and by the popular opinion “the nicer candidate”.

Sunday, July 10, 2022

Junior Review: Bravo Anjali

Anjali is an avid tabla player and is used to others assuming that she’s doesn’t play the 'manly instrument'. 

As her skills grow, and she quickly rises to the top of the class, Anjali is surprised to be hearing harsh words from her friend Deepak. 

Anjali feels pressured to do her absolute best and show Deepak that she can play the tabla as good or better than him. 

When the teacher mentions an upcoming concert, Anjali feels the weight on her shoulders to do extremely well. 

Friday, January 28, 2022

Junior Review: The Iliad: A Graphic Novel

This is a review of The Iliad - graphic novel edition adapted by Gareth Hinds.  A great condensed version of Homer’s poem of gods and mortals at war. 

A decade long war rages and terrorizes the families of Troy and Greece, as their families are torn apart by the Trojan War. Will the nightmare ever end? 

Do the words Helen of Troy, Trojan War, or at least Achilles heel sound familiar to you? Let me give you a background. 

Paris, Prince of Troy, was promised the hand of Helen, unaware that she was married to the King of Sparta. Paris stole Helen and whisked her away to Troy, prompting a years-long battle that rewrote history between the Greeks and Trojans. 

The Iliad focuses on the tension between Greek King Agaemmon and the mighty Greek demigod Achilles.  Agaemmon had taken the daughter of an important priest favored by the gods and refused to return her. 

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Junior Review: The Westing Game

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin is a confounding, confusing mystery thriller, so be prepared to get scared and follow the winding road of unexpected events. If you are a middle school reader like me , this may be one of your first mystery novel of its kind.

 It all started with chosen tenants in an apartment building, and one mistake. An abandoned house, a puff of smoke and neatly delivered letters prompts a murder investigation. 


That’s the main question for these carefully chosen tenants, for step by step, as they figure it out, there might be a prize at the end. But later on, in this mind boggling game, a question pops into 12-year old Turtle Wexler’s mind; was it ever a murder to begin with? 


Saturday, January 15, 2022

Junior Review: Starfish

This is a review of Starfish by Lisa Fipps. An empowering novel written in verse on a young girl’s journey of finding herself. This book will give you confidence and spark a new feeling inside of you, hope.  

Ellie, dressed in a bright blue whale swimsuit, innocently cannon balled at her own 5th birthday party. 

Little did she know that one incident would lead to a lifetime of bullying and a name that stuck forever. Her diary is not filled with personal thoughts or feelings, but a list of 'Fat Girl Rules', similar to a survival playbook. 

Ellie has found a home in her swimming pool, but when her best friend moves away, Ellie thinks nothing will be the same again. 

She finds comfort in her new next door neighbor, Catalina as they embark on a new friendship.