Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University, Author at Study Breaks

in article about Blue's Clues, children hugging the dog Blue from the series

How ‘Blue’s Clues’ Shaped a Generation

Celebrating the show's 25th anniversary, Nickelodeon brought back the series's original host, Steve Burns, to deliver a video to those who grew up watching.…

September 28, 2021

Illustration of Cinderella, the 2021 Amazon film version

Amazon’s ‘Cinderella’ Could Have Been Better but Didn’t Put in the Effort

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

While the film assembled a high-power, star-studded lead cast, it skimped on the story, script and overall execution.…

September 18, 2021

An image of the novel These Violent Delights

Chloe Gong Reshapes a Classic Love Story in ‘These Violent Delights’

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

The debut novel twists 'Romeo and Juliet' into a story of high-stakes action with a cast of ruthless characters.…

September 14, 2021

A screenshot from the show 'Manifest' of two male characters standing next to each other.

‘Manifest’ Raises Questions About Why Good Shows Get Canceled

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

The Season 4 renewal is a rare case, but it demonstrates how determined fans and a spike in views can change the fate of an entire TV series.…

September 7, 2021

An illustration of an animal sitting next to a stack of books reading in candlelight.

Is Reading Consistently the Key to a Long and Healthy Life?

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Your mind will thank you for picking up this habit as early in life as possible.…

August 31, 2021

In an article about independent bookstores, a women standing in front of a row of bookshelves.

Will Independent Bookstores Survive the Pandemic?

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Though Amazon is dominating the sale of books, a few positive developments could mean good things for smaller sellers in the years ahead.…

August 23, 2021

Shadow and Bone screenshot in an article about TV adaptations of books

Does the Endless Number of New TV Adaptations Indicate a Rise of Books on Screen?

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Will the shows be any good? Or is Hollywood just running out of original ideas? …

August 17, 2021

Photograph of the bottom of books lined up in a row

GoodReads Lackluster Interface Is Pushing Readers to New Book Sites

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

The beloved website continues to provide its users with great potential but it is seriously weighed down by a long list of issues.…

August 3, 2021

Illustrations of headphones on top of a graphic novel with a phone showing an audiobook.

Graphic Novels Can Reshape Our Notion of What Constitutes ‘Reading’

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

It’s time for society to drop the idea that stories told with words and artwork are lesser than their more traditional counterparts.…

July 26, 2021

‘The Bright Sessions’ Creator Lauren Shippen Is Expanding the Story

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

What started as a low-budget audio series is now developing into an entire world of young adult novels and spin-off shows.…

July 19, 2021

Illustration of creature from Stranger Things show

Will Season 4 of ‘Stranger Things’ Be Worth the Wait?

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Millions of fans remain loyal to the series, but in order to maintain audience satisfaction, the Netflix original must return to its glory days.…

July 12, 2021

Illustration of characters from the film "Luca" in the sea.

Pixar’s ‘Luca’ Is an Homage to Childhood and Identity

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Rather than comparing this release to other Pixar films, viewers need to embrace this distinctive time in the studio’s history and accept the movie for its heartfelt themes.…

July 5, 2021

R. L. Stine’s ‘Fear Street’ Films Will Offer Nostalgia to an Older Audience

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

If you loved the 'Goosebumps' series when you were younger, you have reason to be excited for the new, violent editions of Stine's work.…

June 28, 2021

Nostalgic Disney Park Rides Are Changing for the Better

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

The rides you grew up enjoying may not be the childhood rides of future guests, but if anything, it’s a positive indicator for the direction of the major entertainment company.…

June 21, 2021

In an article about "Selena: The Series," an illustration of Selena singing

‘Selena: The Series’ Provides a Glimpse Into the Life of a Tejano Icon

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Though the biographical drama has mixed reviews from fans of the late singer, it is still an important portrayal of the legend's legacy.…

June 12, 2021

‘Stalking Jack the Ripper’ Blends Murder Mystery and Romance

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Despite its familiar premise, the strong chemistry between the main characters is what really holds the young adult series together.…

June 5, 2021

The ‘Percy Jackson’ Reboot Could Change the Game for Book Adaptations

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Last year, Disney+ announced they would be giving this literary phenomenon a second chance at an adaptation. This new TV series already has the potential to win the hearts of fans and first-time audiences alike.…

June 1, 2021

in article about A Good Girl’s Guide for Murder, someone holding a knife behind their back

‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ Series Is a Nuanced Teen Thriller

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Complete with twists and an unexpected ending, this series cannot be passed up by anyone who loves young adult mystery novels.…

May 21, 2021

‘Chaos Walking’ Fails as a Movie Despite Its Strong Cast

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Starring Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley, the adaptation of this young adult series fell short, much to the dismay of the series’ fans.…

May 18, 2021

Illustration of dystopian novels disappearing

What Happened to Young Adult Dystopian Novels?

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Why are teens drawn to the genre and why did its popularity seem to quickly fade out? It might make an unexpected comeback soon.…

May 13, 2021

Does the Live-Action ‘Cruella’ Origin Story Have Potential?

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Disney's upcoming '101 Dalmatians' spin-off has some Disney fans divided. Do we need this classic villain's backstory?…

May 10, 2021

in an article about the future of Star Wars, a screenshot from The Mandalorian

The Future of the ‘Star Wars’ Franchise Is Uncertain

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Longtime fans are concerned that Disney is producing an excessive amount of media sourced from the famous space opera. Can the franchise return to its former glory?…

April 29, 2021

In an article about literary podcasts, an illustration by Lucas DeJesus of a child wearing headphones connected to multiple books

Literary Podcasts That Will Inspire Your Inner Author

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Perfect for any lover of the written word, these shows will give you some insights into the writing, reading and publishing that goes on in the literary world.…

April 16, 2021

In an article about the TikTok book community, a person holding three books

TikTok Is Changing the Way Publishers Market New Books

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Publishers are paying users in the book community on the app, also known as BookTok, to promote their books, leaving some people with mixed feelings.…

April 11, 2021

5 Rewarding Hobbies That Are Perfect for Introverts

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

If you’re looking for something to do while you’re alone or just a fun activity to pass the time, here are several hobbies for those who prefer to spend time with themselves.…

April 1, 2021

Illustration of Raya in 'Raya and the Last Dragon'

‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Signals an Important Shift for Disney

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

While Disney’s newest film isn't perfect, it marks a change in how the studio operates creatively and prompts questions about how the studio will approach future releases.…

March 26, 2021

‘Elatsoe’ Explores Living Legends While Grounding Itself in Indigenous Traditions

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

Darcie Little Badger's young adult debut is a charming story of magical realism featuring Lipan Apache representation and a murder mystery waiting to be solved.…

March 16, 2021