Reviews written by Jazmen Greene

Absolute fun is one way to summarize The Pepper Party Picks the Perfect Pet. Perfectly placed and brilliant illustrations helped to tell a story that keeps the reader enthralled with the busy-body family. Utterly clever and downright laugh-inducing, The Pepper Party Picks the Perfect Pet, is...

Truly Madly Royally was a cute-ish read that lacked a certain something to take it fully over the edge. Zora is a modern day activist, socialist and do-gooder. Zora is attending a prestigious college to prepare for (possible) attendance in the fall. While doing...

Dr. Snow Has To Go is a loosely illustrated chapter book with humor that just might go over some young heads. Taking humor in things like the word but (see: butt) being said aloud; and wacky teachers, Dr. Snow Has Got To Go toes the line between...

While Colorblind won’t be shattering barriers, it opens the conversation in racism from a standpoint not yet explored. Colorblind, narrated by the boy it’s inspired by: tells the story of an African American boy in America navigating growing up and being black in America. ...

Dragons in a Bag is a whimsical, moving, and magical tale. Perfectly tailored to it’s intended audience, Dragons In a Bag, hits all the right notes. Jaxon and his Mom are in trouble. They’re on the cusp of losing their apartment to an eviction. This is how...

99 lies pick up exactly where the last book left off, post-kidnapping—at least for most of them. Genesis and Holden are still stuck on the island and everyone that’s made it back on American soil are worrying about their health and safety. In the most unusual way,...

The Disturbed Girl’s Dictionary is as disturbing as its name implies. While, in an effort to not trivialize or pretend as if teenagers don’t go through hard things, I’d timidly suggest this novel for older teens. Macy is disturbed or is she? Forced into...

Easy prey’s story is directly relevant to its title. It tells the story of how when you prey on others, completely disregard the people you hurt, you just might become easy prey yourself. The internet can be a nasty place. I think many of us have...

Lights Camera Carmen is a quick-to-read tale of a zealous and outspoken kid destined to make it big. Though she dreams of being on stage, a Dino-Krispies cereal contest thrusts her into a new dream, she’s going to be on tv. With a personal cinnamon-tographer, whose...

The Color of Lies relies heavily on its interesting characters, not-so-original plot, and captivating writing to keep its reader--but as for the thrill, it just doesn't sizzle enough. YA novels don't tend to be too wowing in the thrill department and while this one is not...

Reading stories set during the time of slavery twists the stomach into a knot. Though most of us have never and might never have to experience such a cruel era of servitude and dehumanization it’s a sore spot. A spot that smarts at the mere mention....

Pride is flavorful, a cornucopia of culture, a coming-of-age story with characters so well-developed they practically leaped off the page. Zuri Benitez is just a girl with words in her heart, Brooklyn nestled in her veins and dreams bigger than the neighborhood she’s grown to love. ...

Pete the Kitty is the younger version of the beloved Pete the Cat books; perfect for lovers of the original and even younger readers. With bright and vibrant illustrations and easy-to-read text, Pete the Kitty and the groovy play date was a fun time; that also delved...

My wish for you is the quintessential girl power read. Although it seems to focus on empowering young girls the rules can apply to any child. However, it is all about the girls. Pages filled with young beautiful girls of every race, shape and...

Kendall’s snow fort is a feel-good lesson learning wintery mix of fun. Essential for slightly more advanced readers, Kendall’s snow fort has slightly lengthier sentences, but the spaces in between take into account a younger reader. Starting off with a great idea, a snow...