In the Tree House by Andrew Larsen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In The Tree House is an adorable story of two brothers who were growing apart. However, their relationship brought them back together when the power was gone out in their neighborhood one night.

The story is quite simple, but it reminds us of several lessons. Aside from being in touch with our loved ones, the beauty of simple living away from gadgets and other forms of digital entertainment was also tackled in this picture book.
Thanks to Kids Can Press for the reading copy.

A Dream for Three by Jérôme Hamon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emma and Violette is a short story of two sisters who dreams to be a prima ballerina someday. While Violette has no problems making it to the audition to one of the prestigious schools for ballet, Emma on the other has was having difficulty due to her individualistic way of performing.

This graphic novel is highly recommended especially to middle graders — it shows that we should do what makes us happy and not just conform to what others tell us to do. And that sometimes, what we believe our dream is not really what we are destined to be.

The Invisible War: A Tale on Two Scales by Ailsa Wild

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Invisible War is not just like any ordinary or common graphic novel that I've read so far. Surprisingly, this book is not only entertaining to read but it also very educational, notably on the medical part and other useful information about the war.

This is quite an informative read even beyond the end of the story — the appendix is rich in noteworthy facts that will leave readers to want more. If you're looking for something interesting to read, this graphic novel is a must and should be a recommended read for students.

Cosmonauts of the Future by Lewis Trondheim

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Are aliens and robots already invading the world? That's what concern the two children in this story of the Cosmonauts of the Future. The team-up of Martina and Gildas on checking whether there is a probability that their dilemma is true will amuse readers, especially how funny reading their banters. I didn't expect that I will like this graphic novel because I thought that maybe that story could be childish, but it wasn't.

Readers will love the curiosity of the two main characters and how odd the twist in the ending is. This is definitely worth reading and could be recommended to everyone who loves a good story and appreciates graphic novels.

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I've finished this book months ago but I have to re-read it so I could refresh my memory. I understand that a lot of readers, notably his fans, were raving about this latest novel by John Green — he vividly depicts how those who experience some mental illness, such as OCD and anxiety, suffers and struggles in their everyday lives.

Green's writing skill is undeniably highly praiseworthy and impeccable but I find that the story of Turtles All The Way Down trying-to-be melodramatic, especially on the love story of Aza and Davis. I've read some of his past works and he became well-known because of this kind of stories. However, I believe that this recent novel of Green is trying too much to be sentimental when it should not; it is like pushing readers to cry or to feel sorrow but there are several that just weren't able to grasp the emotions that he wants to convey.

I still anticipate the novels that John Green would be releasing and I'm looking forward that there might be a happy ending to one or two of his stories in the future.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After two weeks, I was able to finish this astounding novel of Angiel Thomas that addresses racism; the problems in illegal drugs and gang wars; and the issue about police atrocities. I can compare the untimely death of Khalil and the grief of his loved ones to what's happening here in our country now.

There are several reported cases of how policemen kill some of these drug suspects during police operations or the so-called "War on Drugs" here. Their excuse is that these suspects always fought or tried to shoot the authorities; in some cases, there are accusations that these policemen even planted a gun near where the suspect was killed.

I may include that I support our President for this campaign against illegal drugs. I just don't trust the policemen because they usually exercise their authority in a severe and unacceptable manner.

I have two cousins who are in the constabulary; one is still in service, while the other one chose to resign after 5 years because according to him, his conscience can no longer take what some of his colleagues do. Also, the father of a friend of mine was a retired police director; that's why I've learned a lot of ways on how they torture suspects and some other alleged police brutalities through them.

The Hate U Give teaches us that there's more behind the story of these drug users and drug pushers; they need every help that they need because they are in dire situations. Instead of just wasting their lives by killing them, why don't we try to help them change by making them enter rehab and attend spiritual counseling. They are victims also of some circumstances and killing them will not resolve anything. On second thought, drug lords should be punished as they are the source and they should be killed instead as they killed many lives.

Empathy; some of these police officers lack this. If only, police training could teach modesty and compassion, perhaps people will learn to respect them.

Just like in this novel, we should be always like "Starr" in the midst of this abomination, injustice, and despotism. We must learn to stand for what we believe is right as well as for our rights.

Bloom by Beau Taplin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bloom contains 140 interesting poems written by Beau Taplin that people, notably the millennials, can be able to relate to. The contemporary poems and prose in this anthology will make readers reminisce some of the not-so-good memories of the past while reading this. The book sets to motivate readers to move on, to stay strong and be a better person instead; it is a good companion to those who currently handles a lost love.

A Psalm for Us by Reyna Biddy

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Psalm for Us is a collection of poems that will capture the attention or much likely is suitable for those who are currently in pain. The prose and poems in this anthology are more like of healing affirmations that will help them cope up with what they are going through. I'm not the target of this poetry book, but I reckon this could be a great help to comfort and motivate those who are in the blue.