Very personal yet connecting but be wary with some themes still a 10/10 would read again in a few years

??????

The grid and contrapuntal poems did not function smoothly, and it is unclear if that was the point. I enjoyed the discussion on the in-between of word, meaning, and object, but when it comes to the bilingual integration, I was hopping for a dictionary at the back so I could understand the Vietnamese words how they were meant to be interpreted. I don't like to break away from my reading to look something up on my phone because I usually get distracted by my phone and forget the reading entirely. Plus, I don't always have my phone on me, so if I'm reading this collection without a dictionary, I feel as though I'm being barred from fully enjoying the poem.

This graphic novel spoke to me. I grew up with a bad relationship with food, and I understand the difficulties of trying foods when texture sensitivity is involved. Dougie saying Hillary only eats "White food" especially hit since I was like that for a long time. What connected me the most to the story is how those snacks connected me to my parents, and how I connect to my partner like Hillary to E. Depicting how one's perception to food influenced one's self worth can be tricky. I've seen writers portray it poorly and generalize it. Not this book and not this writer. I'm happy this book is available and accessible to readers like me. It validates my struggles, fears, and choices.

I appreciate the choice to mention real the nations and people that made a positive difference during the Holocaust. The most emotionally impactful story in the collection was "The Untold." A lot of that is happening because of ignorant and hate-filled individuals think the answer to their problems is killing them. It scares me how many people might look at this and gloss over the realities of our situation. I'm glad the stories are so easy to read, but I'm not sure the depth of tragedy will sink in with young readers. Still, I enjoyed them, and the mythical elements that made the subject lighter.

Good read, solid narrative, average art.

Easy to read and comprehend, designed well for middle grade readers. Compelling story that highlights the dangers "illegals" have to face to save themselves and their families.

The stories had good hooks and steady pacing, but the story seemed to cut itself short most of the time. The only stories in the collection that seemed to offer some closure and remain creepy are "The Nesting Place" and maybe "My Friend Janna." Other stories could have used more information.

I follow the artist on Instagram. I'm happy the story lives up to the well-drawn art.

A classic "there is something in the lake" horror story. I enjoyed the differentiation between the monochrome reality and the colorful dream. What I struggled with most is what happened in the last few pages between the moms (?). Not the kind of quality I'm used to from the great First Second publishing.