BookDragon Books for the Diverse Reader

And They Lived … by Steven Salvatore [in School Library Journal]

*STARRED REVIEW
From Steven Salvatore’s warm dedication onward, Kirt Graves ignites the pages with kaleidoscopic talent and charm, fulfilling his self-described “passion … for telling queer stories, the types of stories he wishes he had while growing up.”

Animation major Chase arrives at art college with dreams of falling in love. His initial baggage is heavy: body dysmorphia, an abusive father, a traitorous ex-best friend. But his new roommate Benny couldn’t be more supportive (or Graves more splendid), his true BFF is just a campus away, and his animation seminar promises achievable rewards. And then there’s “we’re not sure he’s even gay-adjacent” Jack.

Verdict: Salvatore knows how to tell an empowering story. Graves embellishes with indispensable sparkle.

Review: “22 Audiobooks Inspired by Fairy Tales and Mythology,” School Library Journal, August 29, 2022

From the introduction: For the latest audio roundup, we turn to titles inspired by fairy tales and mythology, each published in 2022. Rewriting, adapting, subverting the familiar has long been a popular literary trope – who can argue with universal appeal? Cinderella, especially, continues to be an evergreen favorite, appearing in multiple stories, often in surprising permutations. Read (and listen) on!

Readers: Young Adult

Published: 2022

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