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This Motherless Land by Nikki May

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This Motherless Land by Nikki May
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First, let me say that I will read anything that Nikki May writes. I enjoy her storytelling immensely. I also admire her for taking on a Mansfield Park retelling, as it is often one of Austen’s least-appreciated novels. Mansfield Park has always intrigued me, and is a novel that reveals more with each re-reading. With that said, I would call This Motherless Land more of a Mansfield Park-inspired story. It is not an exact parallel. In fact, it seems to me to be inspired by a combination of Mansfield Park and the life of Dido Elizabeth Belle. Though, it does examine many of the same themes in Mansfield Park, such as family, greed, love, retribution, and forgiveness. One does not need to have read Mansfield Park to enjoy this novel. May creates empathetic characters, an engaging plot, and just the right amount of suspense.

This Motherless Land by Nikki May, (List Price: $30, Mariner Books, 9780063084292, October 2024)

Reviewed by Krista Roach, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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Witchcraft: A Graphic History by Lindsay Squire

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Witchcraft: A Graphic History by Lindsay Squire
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Love love love this book! I absolutely adore the illustrations done by Salsi- they add to the whimsical vibes. This graphic novel was super educational among witchcraft, along with the story of Biddy Early. I would definitely recommend this to all readers.

Witchcraft: A Graphic History by Lindsay Squire, (List Price: $19.99, Leaping Hare Press, 9780711295254, October 2024)

Reviewed by Kenzie Karoly, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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Open Me…I’m a Dog by Art Spiegelman

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Open Me...I'm a Dog by Art Spiegelman
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Is this really a book, or is it actually a dog? Find out what happens when a dog chases a rabbit, gets lost in the woods, and is cursed by a witch. For kids who love dog stories and adventure and for parents who love adult humor in children’s books.

Open Me…I’m a Dog by Art Spiegelman, (List Price: $18.99, TOON Books, 9781662665486, October 2024)

Reviewed by Jenny Gilroy, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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Lefty by Mo Willems

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Lefty by Mo Willems
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As a lefty in a world that wasn’t made for me, I love this. It’s so cute, fun, and perfect for kids trying to embrace their “left-handedness.” (Luckily, I’ve never had to put up with much other than the smudging of words on paper and fitting in desks weird.)

Lefty by Mo Willems, (List Price: $24.99, Union Square Kids, 9781454951483, December 2024)

Reviewed by Niamh Kenny, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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Halfway There by Christine Mari

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Halfway There by Christine Mari
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This had me SOBBING. For someone who is not mixed race, this was really eye-opening about the struggles that mixed-race children and adults face in their daily lives. I’m assuming this book would be very comforting for someone who also understands what the MC goes through. This really highlights the microaggressions that are often spoken. Really eye-opening and a very emotional ride. Beautiful story 10/10

Halfway There by Christine Mari, (List Price: $17.99, Little, Brown Ink, 9780316416726, October 2024)

Reviewed by Stephanie St. John, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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Bye Forever, I Guess by Jodi Meadows

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Bye Forever, I Guess by Jodi Meadows
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Being invisible and lonely is better than being seen and ridiculed, right? Warmth, caring, and cozy were all knit together to make this book. Middle school relationships are hard and are often made that much worse with miscommunication. Meadows handles it in a way that I think anyone can relate to and appreciate. Not to mention me giggling and kicking my feet at how sweet this romance is.

Bye Forever, I Guess by Jodi Meadows, (List Price: $18.99, Holiday House, 9780823456383, November 2024)

Reviewed by Lana Repic, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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Rednecks by Taylor Brown

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Rednecks by Taylor Brown
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With each book he writes, I always think Taylor Brown just keeps getting better and better at his craft. Rednecks is no exception, beautifully written (I reread the prologue twice it was that good) and exquisitely researched. Taylor treats the plight of the miners of West Virginia with an expert hand, educating us about a little-known piece of our country’s history. Taylor is truly one of the best modern American writers, imbuing his work with humanity and heart.

Rednecks by Taylor Brown, (List Price: $29, St. Martin’s Press, 9781250329332, May 2024)

Reviewed by Melissa Taylor, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

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A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
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I’ve had an itch for a really riveting heist story ever since I finished Six of Crows, and I’ve always been weak for found family stories, so when I saw this come in I immediately snatched it up and I’m so glad I did. The world-building is intricate and vivid; the White Roaring is a perfectly dark, glittering gothic city with so much personality, and the characters are wonderful. Arthie and Jin are some of my new favorites; Arthie is chaotic and clever and selfish at times but in the best way, and Jin is so charming and a complete flirt and so fun to follow. I could say great things about all the characters, no one feels shorted in terms of development and personality, they all mesh together so well, and the conflict is so tangible and easy to get invested in. The plot is a little slow at times, but those slow moments aren’t wasted, the found family dynamic is always showcased and developed in these moments, so they never feel wasted, and it definitely picks up when it needs to. I’m already ready for the sequel, I adore this.

A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal, (List Price: $20.99, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 9780374389406, February 2024)

Reviewed by Winter Goldsmith, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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Sharks Don’t Sink by Jasmin Graham

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Sharks Don't Sink by Jasmin Graham
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Such an entertaining and important memoir. Not only does Jasmin pack the book with super interesting shark facts, she also talks about important issues – racism, sexism, workplace and educational abuse, marine conservation, and mental health. The ways in which she describes her experiences (good and bad) and how they sometimes relate to sharks, is so poetic.

Sharks Don’t Sink by Jasmin Graham, (List Price: $28, Pantheon, 9780593685259, July 2024)

Reviewed by Stephanie St. John, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

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Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
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“Angels can look like many things… and so can monsters.” This book has a simple premise that is used to discuss more complex meanings and was done very successfully. It has a pretty straightforward plot, and older audiences will probably guess where it’s going, but I enjoyed it for letting how the characters reckon with this society and the choices they make be the focus. True monsters can hide in plain sight and we must be vigilant to the warning signs we might not want to see.

Pet by Akwaeke Emezi, (List Price: $11.99, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 9780593175446, January 2021)

Reviewed by Olivia Stacey, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking by Chloé Crane-Leroux

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The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking by Chloé Crane-Leroux
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A beautiful addition to any kitchen or coffee table. This book not only looks great but also is packed with whole food-oriented plant-based recipes. Short ingredient lists make these recipes easy, breezy, and still flavorful. Rather than being sectioned by type of meal, this book is broken up by who will be eating it! Solo lunches, dinner dates, and friend-filled brunches, it has it all.

The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking by Chloé Crane-Leroux, (List Price: $35, S&S/Simon Element, 9781668026946, September 2024)

Reviewed by Lana Repic, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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The Beautiful Game by Yamile Saied Méndez

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The Beautiful Game by Yamile Saied Méndez
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Fútbol is the most important thing in twelve-year-old Valeria Salomón’s life, especially when life feels like it’s turning against her. But when Val gets her first period in the middle of the most important soccer game of her life (so far), the fallout slide tackles her into a summer harder than she’d ever imagined. In this delightful middle-grade read full of attitude, Val is forced to dig deep, figure out who she is as a teammate, friend, and daughter, and- most importantly- learn to play like a girl.

The Beautiful Game by Yamile Saied Méndez, (List Price: $16.99, Algonquin Young Readers, 9781643753980, September 2024)

Reviewed by Morgan Holub, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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Goth Parenting by Casey Gilly

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Goth Parenting by Casey Gilly
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This book was HILARIOUS. Loved the concept, the drawings, and overall the humor. This should be the only parenting book used from now on. Also, a bonus point for making me shed an actual tear at the end with how sweet it was. I’m not a parent, but this was still very enjoyable.

Goth Parenting by Casey Gilly, (List Price: $14.95, Chronicle Books, 9781797229850, September 2024)

Reviewed by Stephanie St. John, E. Shaver, bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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Fowl Play by Kristin O’Donnell Tubb

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Fowl Play by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb
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After the death of her BFF Uncle Will, Chloe inherits his African Gray Parrot (Charlie). But not is all it seems as Charlie starts repeating words like “Call 911” and “Murder.” Chloe convinces herself that Uncle Will has been murdered and begins an investigation. As Chloe and her family uncover clues, the investigation leads them to meeting a cast of unusual suspects, including Boring Boris, George Jones (not the country music singer), and Jaws. Fowl Play will have you quickly turning the pages as the case slowly unravels to reveal the uncomfortable truth about accepting the death of someone you love. A powerful, quirky story of grief, healing, and the magic of laughter. Carpe Diem!

Fowl Play by Kristin O’Donnell Tubb, (List Price: $19.99, Katherine Tegen Books, 9780063274037, July 2024)

Reviewed by Jenny Gilroy, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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Into the Goblin Market by Vikki VanSickle

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Into the Goblin Market by Vikki VanSickle
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A cute cautionary tale with beautiful art. I love how the wolf follows Millie around in the illustrations, and how Millie was able to outsmart the traps. The narration was easy to understand and fun. A great read for children.

Into the Goblin Market by Vikki VanSickle, (List Price: $18.99, Tundra Books, 9780735268562, July 2024)

Reviewed by Kamilah Wong, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

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