An inviting take on feminine wisdom and the power of collective self-transformation.
Seventeen-year-old Canadian camp counselor Nora Nichols’ boyfriend has broken up with her right before her arrival at the all-girls Camp Cradle Rock in West Virginia.
The “wounds / are still tender,” and Nora is hoping to leave everything behind, concentrate on getting to know her fellow counselors, and embark on “a fresh start.” Sitting in the Lightning Circle, a tradition inspired by a legendary camp story that builds a connection between the six young women counselors, Nora finds self-love and healing from the pain of unrequited love and rejection. The interconnectedness that “passes / from hand to hand” in their circle is metaphorically compared to the “electricity” of lightning. This story in journal form emphasizes sisterhood. In the poem “The Recovery Position,” one counselor reveals an eating disorder. The counselors support the younger campers with their own concerns—homesickness, fitting in socially, getting a first period. The free-verse poetry’s accessible diction speaks to teenage voices and is punctuated with nature imagery, symbolism, and details that vividly and nostalgically recall traditional camp experiences, from fingers that are “sticky from sucking on watermelon rinds” to “dancing barefoot in the grass.” Nora writes about shells, mountains, rivers, trees, and horses, and each poem is accompanied by beautiful illustrations, including portraits of the campers and images of everyday objects and flora and fauna. Ultimately, Nora movingly reflects on the perspective she’s gained from “this magical space.” Characters largely read white.
An inviting take on feminine wisdom and the power of collective self-transformation. (Verse fiction. 12-18)Pub Date: March 26, 2024
ISBN: 9781774882498
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Tundra Books
Review Posted Online: Jan. 5, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A satisfying rivals-to-lovers romance played to the beat of marching bands and D&D dice rolls.
Can former friends, now members of mutually antagonistic marching band sections, trade rivalry for love?
In Glen Vale High’s marching band, the percussion section and color guard are bitter rivals. Senior Hazel Buchanan, whose mother—a former Glen Vale Marching Knights trumpet player—pours on the pressure to succeed, is captain of the unfortunately mediocre color guard. Recently, her junior high friend and secret crush, Max Coleman, moved back to town—and he’s grown distractingly hot. However, not only does he play percussion, for unknown reasons he’s taken against Hazel. While mean pranks and an ill-conceived bet fuel the band rivalry, at home, Hazel’s parents welcome Max’s mother back into their Dungeons & Dragons game—and the parents assume the two will hang out together like they used to. Can D&D offer Hazel and Max, who present white, a path back to friendship—and maybe more? Fans of both marching band and D&D will find much to love in the detailed descriptions of both activities and how they resonate through the characters’ lives. While the band rivalry feels somewhat contrived, Max and Hazel’s personal challenges ring true. As Max struggles with his parents’ separation, Hazel faces her mother’s crushing expectations, trying to train and bond her rookie team, and being a first-time Dungeon Master. The romance between these two overly competitive ex-friends is sweet.
A satisfying rivals-to-lovers romance played to the beat of marching bands and D&D dice rolls. (Romance. 12-18)Pub Date: May 5, 2026
ISBN: 9780593899229
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Delacorte Romance
Review Posted Online: Feb. 2, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2026
A suspenseful story that starts off with great promise but fails to deliver.
A teenage girl struggles with the question of whom to trust in the age of social media exposure.
Thanks to Connie’s mom’s family vlog, her life is anything but private. She enjoyed it at first, but now, between the mean comments online and the cruel mockery from peers in real life, Connie feels like she’s in a prison. Her sister, Isla, says it’s worth it for the money, but Connie isn’t sure if that’s really true. Connie’s anger over Mom’s refusal to heed warnings that revealing so much puts them in danger continues to build. When she’s left alone for two weeks while Mom and Isla go on a college road trip, local girls start dying, and a fan reaches out on social media in an unsettling way, leaving Connie worried about her safety. White-presenting Connie’s sense of humor is charming, and her insights will earn readers’ sympathy as the tension builds. As emotions rise, Preston’s poetic language beautifully captures Connie’s feelings about her mom’s obsession with social media and her confusion about who is worthy of her trust. The topics of safety and the uncharted waters of social media are skillfully woven into the plot. However, some inconsistencies weaken the overall story: Apart from Connie, the characters are too lightly developed, and some plot points don’t align with earlier events and motivations, making the ultimate revelation a disappointment.
A suspenseful story that starts off with great promise but fails to deliver. (Thriller. 12-18)Pub Date: Dec. 2, 2025
ISBN: 9798217028009
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Delacorte
Review Posted Online: Nov. 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2026
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