Lauren Simone Blogs — book reviews

In a world brimming with stories waiting to be discovered, Sherona Campbell stands out as a beacon for readers seeking authentic Black narratives. Born and raised in Connecticut to parents of Jamaican heritage, Sherona’s literary journey began long before she donned her Pace University cap and gown. Today, she’s not only a devoted bibliophile but also the visionary founder of The Narrative, a subscription box service dedicated exclusively to books by Black authors. Early Roots and Academic JourneyGrowing up in a household where Jamaican folklore mingled with classic literature, Sherona developed an insatiable appetite for stories that celebrated culture, resilience, and...

Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers’ Favorite The Tale of Princess Alicia, written by Yvette Phillips and illustrated by Simonne-Anais Clarke, is a short story about a young princess named Alicia who loved to sneak away to spend time outdoors with her animal friends. Her father, King O’Neil, did not allow her to play outside because he and others were afraid of the wicked witch in the woods that liked to capture and eat those who got lost. Princess Alicia, concerned over her missing friends, made her way into the woods to find them but was captured by the witch....

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite Elijah has been talking to his invisible friend and his mom is wondering who it is. Mom quietly follows Elijah to his room to see what he and his sister Madison are doing. In Elijah and His Invisible Friend (Madison and Elijah Book 1) by Sabrena Bishop and Elijah Bishop, Elijah is talking to his friend, Rex, who is a Tyrannosaurus. He is large, has green skin, and small eyes. His mother warns him that dinosaurs are dangerous. Elijah is confident Rex will not hurt him as they are good friends. They go...

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite Olivia Lauren is at a fashion show, and she gets to model on the runway. She and her friends have a great idea. They decide to explore the things they are going to wear in Olivia Lauren's A Guide to Things We Wear (Book 5) by Olivia Lauren and Melissa-Sue John. We usually wear clothes for protection, expression, or tradition. Fitted and stretchy clothes are usually worn to do exercise and play sports, and when it is hot, loose and light things like dresses, tank tops, and Capri pants can be worn. Many...