Little Robot by Ben Hatke

Little Robot by Ben Hatke

135 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Life outside the robot factory is confusing.

Little Robot has a lot to learn...

And that's what friends are for.

But with danger in the way, will friendship be enough to save them?

The Way Home (Owly #1) by Andy Runton

The Way Home by Andy Runton

Owly #1, 160 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Owly is a good-natured little owl, and he's always helping those around him. But despite his kindness, he seems to frighten would-be friends away before they even give him a chance, just because he's an owl. That all changes, though, once Owly meets Wormy. Like Owly, Wormy is in need of a good friend, too -- someone who can be counted on for a helping hand, a good laugh, and a great adventure!

My Hero Academia, Volumes 7 & 8

My Hero Academia, Volume 7 - 192 pages

My Hero Academia, Volume 8 - 192 pages

Kohei Horikoshi, Caleb D. Cook (Translator)

Series Summary (From Volume 1 on Goodreads)

What would the world be like if 80 percent of the population manifested superpowers called “Quirks” at age four? Heroes and villains would be battling it out everywhere! Being a hero would mean learning to use your power, but where would you go to study? The Hero Academy of course! But what would you do if you were one of the 20 percent who were born Quirkless?

Middle school student Izuku Midoriya wants to be a hero more than anything, but he hasn’t got an ounce of power in him. With no chance of ever getting into the prestigious U.A. High School for budding heroes, his life is looking more and more like a dead end. Then an encounter with All Might, the greatest hero of them all, gives him a chance to change his destiny…

Review

I was hopeful that we might get to see a bit more development from Bakugo, as his character has hit a bit of a plateau.  Although I understand it would have detracted from the pacing, I would've liked to see at least a little more detail on each of the other teams' practical exams.  That said, I am still definitely satisfied with the depth that was added to Yaoyorozu's character.  

Stolen Heir by Sophie Lark

Stolen Heir by Sophie Lark -- 430 pages

They murdered my father, so I stole their daughter…She’s my captive, my little ballerina who dances only for me. Nessa is sweet and innocent. She doesn’t deserve any of this. But that’s how our world works - the wolves eat the lambs, no matter how gentle they may be. I’ll use her to get my revenge. Unless I give in to my hunger first...

Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez & Gabriela Epstein

Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez & Gabriela Epstein

208 pages

⭐⭐⭐.5/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

How can you be yourself when no one sees the real you?
Five students meet in the school cafeteria when they’re forced to complete their school community service hours.

There’s Jorge: the brain
Sara: the loner
Dayara: the tough kid
Nico: the rich kid
And Miguel: the athlete

They immediately know that they have nothing in common with each other... even though their school administration has decided that they all belong together.
None of the kids wants to be there, and each has their own issues they're dealing with in their life outside of school. But when they encounter someone who truly needs their help, they might just be able to come together to work as a team—and help their community—after all.

Thea Stilton and the Dragon's Code by Thea Stilton & Geronimo Stilton

Thea Stilton and the Dragon's Code by Thea Stilton & Geronimo Stilton

Thea Stilton #1, 176 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Geronimo's adventurous sister Thea takes center stage in this super special that's packed with mystery, adventure, and friendship! When Geronimo's sister, Thea, is invited to teach a journalism class at a college on Mouse Island, she has no idea that she's going to be called on to help solve a mystery. But when a student disappears, it's up to Thea and five of her students to find out what happened. A nail-biting mystery ensues, complete with secret passages, underground tunnels, and more than a few surprises along the way. Readers will love following the clues to help Thea and her new friends through their first adventure together!

The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman

The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman, 452 pages

From the MARC: "A high society amateur detective at the heart of Regency London uses her wits and invisibility as an 'old maid' to protect other women in a new and fiercely feminist historical mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Alison Goodman."

One of the biggest selling points of this novel was the fact the heroines are middle-aged women, and it's a refreshing change of pace, especially for historical fiction novels. Goodman did a wonderful job building the world of the Colebrook sisters--not just the trappings of the aristocracy but also the humdrum life details that are so removed from our own--without making it feel alien or too unfamiliar to understand and enjoy.  I also appreciated that the covert details of the shennanigans were never quite predictable. 

I can't wait to read the next installment, and I'm hoping there will be more to this series. I have questions that need answers!