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KELLSIE Born and raised in Arizona, Kellsie has both a love for books and for the desert she calls home. She enjoys hiking, camping and taking daytrips in search of seeing something new. She's also known to carry a good pen and journal with her at all times. When she's not busy exploring, Kellsie likes to lose herself in literature and enter into a world of her own. Her favorite genres include Poetry, Graphic Novels and YA Fantasy. |
A rare perspective on the discovery and love of self from the view of a young trans man, who must take to the stage and face the eyes of his peers who have already labeled him otherwise. This story felt authentic all the way through, some parts so much so that I caught myself getting emotional. I really appreciated the author's decision to make their main character a trans man, as I feel like most LGBTQ literature lacks such a spotlight on this particular group. To add to its diversity, this book was also written by a nonbinary author! If you're searching for your new favorite YA read, I urge you to pick this one up.
Part graphic novel, part memoir, Noelle Stevenson shares with us a detailed journey through their adolescent and young adult life. I saw many of my own experiences mirrored by theirs as they described the pressure of having to face your whole future without having a full, concrete understanding of yourself or your own identity. This is a wonderful read whether you are familiar with Stevenson's other work or not. I promise that by the end, you'll be wanting to give yourself the biggest hug possible.
One of the great pioneers of the "YA Dystopian Society" genre. In order to prevent war and chaos, the surviving human population has been perfectly divided into 5 factions based on personality; Abnegation (selflessness), Erudite (intelligence), Candor (honesty), Dauntless (bravery) and Amity (peacefulness). Upon turning 16 years old, Beatrice Prior is faced with a choice to either stay in Abnegation with her family or forge a new life for herself within another faction. But Beatrice isn't like the others, and she is about to find out why in the most terrifying way possible...
A delightfully charming book of stickers that is patiently awaiting a spot on your shelf at home. If you're looking to pop some cottagecore vibes into your life, this is THE way to do it. Each illustration is beautifully done, and inside are over 300 pages filled with them. Indulge! Indulge! Indulge!
This lovely picture book takes little ones on a journey through the forest to meet all sorts of creatures who help them to learn about numbers and counting. Upon opening, you'll discover that each page inside is its own unique work of art. Dazzling illustrations combined with different textures, cutouts and pop-up elements create an immersive and interactive world that will enchant both children and adults alike. If you fall in love with this one as much as I did, be sure to check out the author's other book, Animalphabet, that teaches little ones about letters!
Who knew I would be obsessed with a sticker book as an adult? Then again, I've never seen one quite like this before. The stickers inside are so beautiful and detailed, and there are DOZENS to choose from. This book is great for adding a little whimsical touch wherever you see fit! (...mini fridge, I'm looking at you). Not only is the inside stunning, but the hardcover backing is perfect to go incognito amongst the other books on your shelf. I can't promise they wont be a little jealous, though.
Biodiversity! Community love! PLANTSSS! That just about covers the premise of this guide on how to become nature's greatest warrior. Prior to reading, I had never even heard of the term "Guerilla Gardening", much less the fascinating history behind it. The author explains how the practice is used as a way to bring nature back into modern cities or neighborhoods that otherwise lack plant life. It also offers a way to make certain foods and produce more accessible to local communities who need it. I need you to read this book because there is *so* much more to it that I can't fit in here. By far, this is one of the COOLEST graphic novels that I have seen, and one of the best history lessons I've ever been given! Highly, highly recommend.
Come explore the fantasy world that Meyoco has so gracefully created! One of my favorite artists making her debut, Meyoco is an illustrator based in Southeast Asia with a large following on both Twitter (@meyoco_) and Instagram (@Meyoco), as well as a brand new online apparel and print shop. Her use of pastel colors, flat lines and her incorporation of natural elements work to create stunning visuals that one could only see in a dream. Weather for your own inspiration or enjoyment (or a combination of the two), I highly suggest allowing this artist a special place on your bookshelf.
An extremely well-versed guide for color use to benefit both the experienced and inexperienced designer! I've referenced this book countless times when doing graphic design work, and it has made all the difference. Complete with color palettes, infographics and examples of use on varying mediums, this book is everything you could possibly ask for!
Cat Min's stunning illustrations add so much life and wonder to this charming little story. If you were like me and had some trouble with confidence as a kid, this book would've been the answer to your prayers. The world can seem big and scary at times, and it can be hard to imagine yourself as a part of it. But once you begin to believe in yourself and your abilities, you'll discover that the world isn't so big and scary after all.
As someone with ADHD and Autism, I had a really hard time dealing with strong feelings and emotions as a child. It helps to remember that everybody has feelings, but when those feelings are bad, its important to know how to work through them in a healthy way. This book explains this concept perfectly, and in simpler terms that children will find easy to understand. Accompanied by diverse and bright illustrations, this book deserves to be a staple in your library!
Part graphic novel, part memoir, Noelle Stevenson shares with us a detailed journey through their adolescent and young adult life. I saw many of my own experiences mirrored by theirs as they described the pressure of having to face your whole future without having a full, concrete understanding of yourself or your own identity. This is a wonderful read whether you are familiar with Stevenson's other work or not. I promise that by the end, you'll be wanting to give yourself the biggest hug possible.
A touching story that shows how our love for others goes far beyond face value. Beetle and Caterpillar spent every day together, until one morning when Caterpillar goes missing. Searching far and wide, Beetle is determined to locate her. Upon finding her again, Beetle notices that Caterpillar looks quite different. But they still share their day together as they did before. Beetle realizes the love he has for his friend remains the same even though she has changed. This book is a beautiful reminder to us all that true friendship means loving one another despite the changes that life may bring.
When her hair just won't act right one morning, Stella searches the galaxy for a new style that's just as stellar as her. After her aunties give her lots of ideas, Stella combines them all herself to make one that is truly stellar and uniquely her own. This is a wonderful, empowering story about loving your hair and all the twists, zig-zags and curls that come along with it (with some added facts about our solar system)! The out-of-this-world illustrations perfectly enhance the beauty of the story and the beauty of black hair.
Like the many flowers found in a garden, each child is special and unique. Month by month, the author describes the wonderful qualities of children born throughout the year and matches them with a flower that blooms within the same month that they did. Accompanied by a charming rhyme scheme, the enchanting illustrations will draw in both children and adults alike!
A fun, lighthearted story about two princesses who discover that their special bond helps them to bring out kindness and love in both themselves and the people around them. With beautiful illustrations and a strong LGBTQ presence, this book made my heart so very happy while reading it!
Katie O'Neill once again delivers a charming tale accompanied by breathtaking illustrations that bring it to life before your eyes. When young Lana comes to visit her family's old village by the sea, she discovers a magical world hidden beneath the waves that is on the brink of extinction. In order to save it, Lana knows she must be the voice of reason even if it means going against the wishes of those dear to her. This is a story of strength, forgiveness and survival. It reminds us that the planet we live on is both alive and sacred, and that it is our responsibility to make sure it stays intact for generations to come.
So a bit of history on this book; both of the authors run a twitter account which you can find under @PoetAstrologers. Every Sunday, they send out weekly horoscopes for each sign, but in the form of poems! Even though they can appear a bit vague, I swear that these two have been frighteningly accurate with my predictions multiple times (shoutout to my fellow Scorpios). The authors are both poets themselves, and their thought-provoking writing translates perfectly into this book. If you’re looking for a modern astrology guide that’s fun but also in-depth and insightful, I highly recommend picking up this read.
WWII is my go-to era for historical novels, and this book is my favorite that I’ve read so far. This unique (and true!) story explores the life of Edith Hahn, a Jewish woman facing anti-semitism during the reign of the Nazi party. Upon returning home from a labor camp, Edith goes into hiding and takes every precaution to keep her Jewish identity a secret...until she meets Nazi paty member, Werner Vetter. After eventually falling in love, Werner agrees to keep her secret. Edith goes on to detail her life of hiding in plain sight, including the birth of her daughter and her life after the war. There’s nothing I’ve read quite like this, but this story of courage, bravery and a truly bada** woman has kept a special place in my heart for years.
This story centers around a young Japanese girl named Sumiko, who is living with her family in California around the same time that Pearl Harbor was bombed. Due to many Americans falsely believing that their Japanese neighbors were actually spies, Sumiko and her family are forced out of their home and placed into an internment camp in the middle of a reservation located in southwestern Arizona. While in the camp, Sumiko meets a young Mohave boy named Frank, who is rightfully agitated by the fact that the camp is on his tribe’s land. This book gives a clear insight into the mistreatment of both Japanese-Americans and Native Americans in the 1940’s. Kadohata’s writing nearly moved me to tears at many points throughout the novel.
Since time began, Earth and the dark world known as Metamoor have been safely kept separate. When portals between the two worlds begin to open, threatening the safety of Earth, five elemental guardians are called upon to protect it. Those guardians are friends Will, Irma, Taranee, Cornelia and Hay Lin; teen girls who must now balance their daily life with trying to save their world. As they develop their powers, the girls learn that they must be careful of who they trust, because just like them, everyone has their own secrets to hide. Possibly the most beautiful graphic novel I’ve ever read, this story is perfect for those who love fantasy, adventure and a hint of comedy.
Dystopian future stories are some of my absolute favorites, and the suspense in this one made it nearly impossible to put down. Whit and Wisty Allgood reside in a world where society has been overly regulated by the government, and whose leading political party, The New Order, has declared magic illegal. When everything they hold dear is put at risk of extinction, the siblings realize the only way to stop The New Order’s tyrannical reign is to fight it. If you’re looking for a YA read similar to titles such as Divergent or The Maze Runner, this is a perfect choice for you!
I credit this series with jump-starting my love for reading back when I was younger, and I still keep up with it to this day! Meet Rusty, a simple house cat with a vast curiosity for what lives in the forest beyond his fence. Rumors speak of viscous wild cats, bound by no rules and who are constantly in a fight to survive. Follow him on the night that he finally decides to explore past his home, and uncovers a whole world that he never knew existed; that of the four Warrior Clans. This story is so incredibly well written, with details and lore that will make you feel as though you’re inside the forest yourself.