Engaging and well done book that melds urban fantasy with a very realistic view on adoption and foster care and all the emotional toll that entails.

Really enjoyable book that grounded me more in Philadelphia than any Rocky movie ever did.

Received a copy of this book via Netgalley for an honest review. ( )

I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Girl and the Grove was one of my most anticipated 2018 releases. I requested the ARC months ago and I was overjoyed when I got it, but somehow I only got around to reading it in May.

It was awesome to read a book with a teen protagonist whose hobby is protecting the environment, with a fondness for trees in particular. I also think this is one of the only #ownvoices books with an adopted protagonist that I’ve read, especially a protagonist who was adopted as a teen and not as a small child. (In fact, the only one I can suddenly think of is one of Vavyan Fable’s books, but as far as I know, that wasn’t #ownvoices.) It was really interesting to read about Leila’s experiences, and how she struggled with accepting that she finally had a home and a family.

Read the full review on my blog. ( )

A love letter to my hometown's Wissahickon and Fairmount Park system, and to the coffee houses, friends of the woods, and park rangers of Philadelphia, but also so much more than that -- finding a place to thrive, saving (an important part of) the world, being true to yourself.

This YA is all heart. And leaves. And branches. And mostly heart.

(nota bene: Eric is a friend, we're interviewing him for Cooking the Books & my first novel, Updraft, is mentioned in TG&TG.) ( )

Review also posted on my blog: https://bennilovesbooks.wordpress.com/2018/06/19/review-the-girl-and-the-grove-b...

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This book has content warnings for mental illness/anxiety/depression/Seasonal Affective Disorder, depiction of panic attacks, child abuse (mentioned), rape (mentioned), ableism, racism, and death.

I absolutely loved this book. The writing style is incredibly strong, and I connected with the characters near-instantly because of it. Leila's mental illnesses were relatable, and her struggles with fully accepting her new adopted family tugged at my heartstrings. Her new adoptive parents, as much as they struggled with Leila's difficulties with referring to them as "mom" and "dad," were very sweet and tried very hard to give her a good home. Her best friend, Sarika, is also amazing and lovable and I want her as my own best friend.

There was lots of diverse representation in this book, from Leila being Black/biracial to Sarika being South Asian to group home/adoption rep to mental health, and I really appreciated it. Leila's Seasonal Affective Disorder was especially relatable for me, and I loved seeing a character use a light therapy box as I regularly use a HappyLight while I'm at home and it really helps me a lot.

The fantastical elements in the book worked well within the world within the book; Leila's interests are largely environmentally-related, and the magic within the book segues from there really nicely. It made the whole narrative tie together in a way that felt true to the story. Though the story is very environmentalist it was written without feeling preachy or overbearing; rather, it's very immersive as if you were getting lost in the forest itself.

Overall, this is a lovely book with colorful characters and a well-rounded setting that is easy to fall in love with. Those who love outdoorsy stories with realistic teenagers and just a dash of magic will love this.

Final rating: 5 of 5 stars ( )