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A review by readwithatlas
Cool. Awkward. Black. by Karen Strong
4.0
I absolutely loved this! Novels like these are hard to rate just because of how contrasting the ratings between stories can be. I did overall think this was well done though. I started giving short reviews to each short story but promptly gave up around halfway when I realized how many there were. Here were the half that I did do though! The others were (mostly) great as well.
— "Our joy, Our Power" by Julian Winters
★★★★☆
I was super excited for this short story because of my love for Julian Winters! This was super sweet, especially the overarching message. The setting was adorable, and I liked the main couple even if we didn't get time to see them develop.
— "The Book Club" by Shari B. Pennant
★★★☆☆
I'm a sucker for a good bookstore setting and fantasy, so I knew I'd like this from the start. Secret magical societies are going to hit every time, so I wish I could've gotten more of this.
— "Nina Evans, in the Round" by Kalynn Bayron
★★★★☆
I'm like really not a fan of this author, so this was a bit a change. I quite liked the wholesomeness with the family dynamics and hopefulness of this one. I enjoyed the inclusion of theater in this historical setting.
— "Earth is Ghetto" by Ibi Zoboi
★☆☆☆☆
I'm not going to lie. I was confused for most of the start, but... ailens! I did like the relatability of the main character in ways but not much else. It's definitely an interesting idea, though? I ended up skimming this one.
— "Initiative Check" by K. Arsenault Rivera
★★★☆☆
This was so fun! Second chances in this magical setting. I wish I could spend more time with these characters and get more explanation on the fantasy, but it works as a short story.
— "Corner Booth" by Leah Johnson
★★★★☆
Another author, I'm not a huge fan of who surprised me! I'm finding that I just love most of these settings. This was nerdy and cute and just a good time. It was predictable, but I doubt it was really trying to throw you for a turn with the twist.
— "Betty's Best Craft" by Elise Bryant
★★☆☆☆
I can't really bring myself to like these second chance stories that much just because I feel like I need more attachment to the characters. But also, this relationship wasn't my favorite of the bunch. I did like the inclusion of crafts and such in this, though.
— "The Panel Shows the Girl" by Amanda Joy
★★★★★
I loved Anaya and her magical little sketchbook. I can't really say much without spoiling this one, but I thought the plot was creative and executed nicely as well!
— "Spirt-filled" by Jordan Ifueko
★★☆☆☆
I just wasn't really interested in this one. I also ended up skimming it. I'm also just not a fan of most works with religious themes.
— "Cole's Cruise Blues" by Issac Fitzsimons
★★★★★
Adored the trans rep in this one! Queer middle school stories are always just pleasant as a whole. There's always a tenderness to them. This was probably my favorite! I also adored the authors other novel so I expected to enjoy this one and was correct.
— "Our joy, Our Power" by Julian Winters
★★★★☆
I was super excited for this short story because of my love for Julian Winters! This was super sweet, especially the overarching message. The setting was adorable, and I liked the main couple even if we didn't get time to see them develop.
— "The Book Club" by Shari B. Pennant
★★★☆☆
I'm a sucker for a good bookstore setting and fantasy, so I knew I'd like this from the start. Secret magical societies are going to hit every time, so I wish I could've gotten more of this.
— "Nina Evans, in the Round" by Kalynn Bayron
★★★★☆
I'm like really not a fan of this author, so this was a bit a change. I quite liked the wholesomeness with the family dynamics and hopefulness of this one. I enjoyed the inclusion of theater in this historical setting.
— "Earth is Ghetto" by Ibi Zoboi
★☆☆☆☆
I'm not going to lie. I was confused for most of the start, but... ailens! I did like the relatability of the main character in ways but not much else. It's definitely an interesting idea, though? I ended up skimming this one.
— "Initiative Check" by K. Arsenault Rivera
★★★☆☆
This was so fun! Second chances in this magical setting. I wish I could spend more time with these characters and get more explanation on the fantasy, but it works as a short story.
— "Corner Booth" by Leah Johnson
★★★★☆
Another author, I'm not a huge fan of who surprised me! I'm finding that I just love most of these settings. This was nerdy and cute and just a good time. It was predictable, but I doubt it was really trying to throw you for a turn with the twist.
— "Betty's Best Craft" by Elise Bryant
★★☆☆☆
I can't really bring myself to like these second chance stories that much just because I feel like I need more attachment to the characters. But also, this relationship wasn't my favorite of the bunch. I did like the inclusion of crafts and such in this, though.
— "The Panel Shows the Girl" by Amanda Joy
★★★★★
I loved Anaya and her magical little sketchbook. I can't really say much without spoiling this one, but I thought the plot was creative and executed nicely as well!
— "Spirt-filled" by Jordan Ifueko
★★☆☆☆
I just wasn't really interested in this one. I also ended up skimming it. I'm also just not a fan of most works with religious themes.
— "Cole's Cruise Blues" by Issac Fitzsimons
★★★★★
Adored the trans rep in this one! Queer middle school stories are always just pleasant as a whole. There's always a tenderness to them. This was probably my favorite! I also adored the authors other novel so I expected to enjoy this one and was correct.