Liberty Johansen is going to change the way we look at the night sky. Most people see the old constellations, the things they’ve been told to see. But Liberty sees new patterns, pictures, and possibilities. She’s an exception. Some other exceptions: Her dad, who gave her the stars. Who moved out months ago and hasn’tContinue reading “The Year We Fell From Space: Mental Health and Surrealism in Middle Grade”
Author Archives: Olivia Anne Gennaro
Culture Popped Open Podcast #3: Pose (Season 1)
Totally forgot to promote this over here again, but Tay and I have a new podcast episode up! This one’s about the first season of the TV show Pose (the second season was still airing when we recorded), and if you haven’t seen this fantastic, heartwarming, joyful, sometimes bizarre and funny show, head on overContinue reading “Culture Popped Open Podcast #3: Pose (Season 1)”
Review: Redwood and Ponytail by K.A. Holt
Genre: Middle grade contemporary, novel-in-verse Publisher: Chronicle Books Publication date: October 1, 2019 Told in verse in two voices, with a chorus of fellow students, this is a story of two girls, opposites in many ways, who are drawn to each other; Kate appears to be a stereotypical cheerleader with a sleek ponytail and aContinue reading “Review: Redwood and Ponytail by K.A. Holt”
Most Anticipated Fall Middle Grade Releases! (Sept.-Nov.)
Middle grade was my first love, and the market just keeps getting more diverse and delightful. Fall is usually a season of big releases, and this year’s middle grade has got me very excited (and worried about my bank account). Note: this is entirely my personal anticipated releases, and thus reflect my own reading habitsContinue reading “Most Anticipated Fall Middle Grade Releases! (Sept.-Nov.)”
“But your kids are gonna love it”: Introducing the 80s movies project!
That’s a quote from Back to the Future…a movie from the 80s I’ve actually seen. We’ve been in an 80s pop-culture nostalgia moment for a while now, amplified by Stranger Things (a show I mostly enjoy, though not for that reason), endless remakes and reboots and sequels, Guardians of the Galaxy‘s soundtrack, and other 80-setContinue reading ““But your kids are gonna love it”: Introducing the 80s movies project!”
Culture Popped Open Podcast #2: The Prom (The Musical)
I’m a little late with this, but Episode 2 of the podcast I co-host is out!! It’s all about The Prom, which is a Broadway musical (that just closed today…but there’s going to be a tour and a movie so it’s far from gone) set in Indiana about a girl who just wants to bringContinue reading “Culture Popped Open Podcast #2: The Prom (The Musical)”
Review: Me, Myself, And Him by Chris Tebbetts
Genre: YA contemporary/speculative fiction Publisher: Delacorte Press Publication date: July 9, 2019 Perfect for fans of Becky Albertali’s Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and A. S. King’s Still Life with Tornado, this story of parallel time lines cleverly explores how our choices can change and shape us–as well as the ways in which choicesContinue reading “Review: Me, Myself, And Him by Chris Tebbetts”
Pride Month (June) Wrap-Up!
Yes, I know this is a bit late, but I’ve been busy. (Have you subscribed to my knew podcast yet?? We recorded one on queer book recommendations that will be out soon-ish!) I didn’t read as much as I wanted to (see: my ambitious TBR) during Pride, but I read some pretty fantastic books! TheseContinue reading “Pride Month (June) Wrap-Up!”
ANNOUNCEMENT: I (co)-made a podcast!
My friend and fellow blogger Tay and I are constantly texting each other getting way too deep and enthusiastic about books, TV, musicals, and other such pop culture…so we decided to start a podcast to share our thoughts. It’s really something I’ve been wanting to do for a while and I’m so glad I’ve foundContinue reading “ANNOUNCEMENT: I (co)-made a podcast!”
Blog Tour: Tell Me How You Really Feel by Amina Mae Safi
Genre: YA contemporary/romcom Publisher: Feiwel & Friends Publication Date: June 11, 2019 Sana Khan is a cheerleader and a straight A student. She’s the classic (somewhat obnoxious) overachiever determined to win. Rachel Recht is a wannabe director who’s obsesssed with movies and ready to make her own masterpiece. As she’s casting her senior film project,Continue reading “Blog Tour: Tell Me How You Really Feel by Amina Mae Safi”
Olivia Anne Gennaro 