The Words We Keep by Erin Stewart (2022) is a YA novel for readers twelve and up. This is a beautiful story that realistically and sensitively addressThe Words We Keep by Erin Stewart (2022) is a YA novel for readers twelve and up. This is a beautiful story that realistically and sensitively addresses the topic of mental health in young adults as they live their lives. This novel has earned starred reviews from the School Library Journal, Kirkus Review, and Publishers Weekly. The School Library Journal writes: “Stewart authentically presents the subject matter and isn’t afraid to address the negative, including self-harm and the stigma facing those with mental illness. This book’s message—that people with mental illnesses are still human and trying to deal with their own problems of friends, family, and romance—is thoughtfully handled.” The main character is Lily, a high school junior. Two other important characters are Micah, Lily’s partner for an English project and Alice, Lily’s older sister. Each of these characters have mental health issues that range from bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, to obsessive compulsive disorder. The secondary characters of parents, siblings, friends, and teachers all add to this realistic tone of the content. Mental health is an issue for many young people. This is an exceptionally well written story that the Kirkus Review states: “. . . there’s an overpowering sense of hope underlined by an achingly sincere message: Speak up and get help if needed.” Truthfully, even though this book’s characters are middle class, these health issues are America’s challenge and impacts young people from all backgrounds. The current statistics in America are startlingly dramatic in the numbers of young people who need help. The Mental Health America 2023 Key Findings (https://mhanational.org/issues/2023/m...) reports that:16.39% of youth (age 12-17) have suffered from at least one major depressive episode in the past year. And that “59.8% of youth with major depression do not receive any mental health treatment. Further that, “6.34% of youth in the U.S. reported a substance use disorder in the past year.” ”No one would ever say that someone with a broken arm or a broken leg is less than a whole person, but people say that or imply that all the time about people with mental illness.” ~ Elyn R. Saks who is an associate dean and Orrin B. Evans Professor of Law, Psychology, and Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California Gould Law School, an expert in mental health law, and a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship winner. The Words We Keep by Erin Stewart is an outstanding book. I recommend it to young adults, parents, grandparents, and teachers. I hope it generates conversation and action to expand mental health services for all youth across the country. ...more
The Canyon’s Edge by Dusti Bowling (2020) I a novel in verse for middle schoolers. This is a serious story focusing on a young girl, Nora, grieving thThe Canyon’s Edge by Dusti Bowling (2020) I a novel in verse for middle schoolers. This is a serious story focusing on a young girl, Nora, grieving the loss of her mother and the serious withdrawal (from normal life) by her father. A year after her mother’s death, Nora and her dad are hiking in a canyon in a desert when, once again, Nora’s life dramatically changes in an instant and she is alone in the desert.
Bowling’s book is a survival novel for a young audience. It is excellent. In their starred review, Kirkus Review writes, “elements of the survival story and psychological thriller combine with strong symbolism to weave a winding, focused, stunning narrative ultimately about the search for healing.”
Apple Skin To The Core: A Memoir in Words and Pictures by Eric Gansworth (2020) has rightfully so, received many recognitions, among them: the NationaApple Skin To The Core: A Memoir in Words and Pictures by Eric Gansworth (2020) has rightfully so, received many recognitions, among them: the National Book Award Long-list, TIMES10 Best YA and Children's Books of 2020, and NPR’s Best Book of 2020. I really enjoyed this book. I have a real interest in what it was like to grow up Native American at about the same time I was growing up with white privilege in America. I also appreciated, the artwork and pictures, the poetry and the interweaving with the themes and work of the Beatles. Gansworth is an accomplished author of many YA novels reflecting Native American themes. My favorite is his 2013 work: If I Ever Get Out Of Here. Apple Skin To The Core is the story of the author’s life growing up on a Tuscarora reservation (Gansworth is a member of the Onondaga Nation) and later living very close to that reservation in The state of New York. This is an illustrated work of poetry telling the story of Eric Gansworth. When I think about these poems I conclude that each of the many poems illuminates and event, awareness or wonderment of his life as a child, teen and young man. Among many topics - his culture, family, and circumstances of social justice are shared in revealing and personal ways. Gansworth’s experience was unique to him. He is presenting his singular story. We learn about his love of art and his deep appreciation of pop culture and especially the Beatles. This is an excellent book....more
This is a wonderful book. Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo (2020) is a YA novel in verse. This is realistic fiction. Clap When You Land is abou
This is a wonderful book. Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo (2020) is a YA novel in verse. This is realistic fiction. Clap When You Land is about two girls, Camino who lives the Dominican Republic and Yahaira who lives in New York City. Both of the girls are about seventeen and they have never met. Yet, they have the same father and different mothers. Acevedo masterfully presents a complex story of how both girls live through the tragedy that causes them to meet and confront the challenges in front of them. The character development is exceptional, the tension is tangible, and the plot makes want to turn the page. Both Camino and Yahaira learn about family, secrets, lies, dreams, forgiveness, and grief. I highly recommend book. ...more
A thought provoking book in verse about a teenage boy’s, Amal Shahid, incarceration in New York City for being involved in the beating of a teenage whA thought provoking book in verse about a teenage boy’s, Amal Shahid, incarceration in New York City for being involved in the beating of a teenage white boy. The poetry is compelling. The system seems to be willing to crush Amal. One of the authors is an exonerated youth offender. A powerful story....more
The Poet X written by Elizabeth Acevedo is a young adult novel in verse about a sophomore girl in Harlem. Acevedo is a gifted teller of stories with aThe Poet X written by Elizabeth Acevedo is a young adult novel in verse about a sophomore girl in Harlem. Acevedo is a gifted teller of stories with a precise and captivating talent for word choice, pacing, tone and topic. She tells the story of X as X focuses on: her very religious mom, sexuality, high school, sharing her poetry, a gifted twin brother, the ugly ways ‘boys’ objectify her, having a secret boy friend, discovering slam poetry, and so much more. Her writing is so on the mark and assessable - it is not surprising that the work has been honored with the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature...more
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