There are literally no words to describe how amazing this book was! I highly highly recommend listening to it on audio. CW: physical altercation, mentThere are literally no words to describe how amazing this book was! I highly highly recommend listening to it on audio. CW: physical altercation, mention of interpersonal violence, abandonment, trauma/PTSD
I genuinely don't think that I have the words to describe how amazing this book is. Granted, I've had a great experience with Kelly J. Baptist in the past, but this one takes the cake. Told in alternating perspectives, Eb and Flow follows two main characters of the same name that get into a brief altercation at school. As a result, they are both suspended. During their suspension, readers learn more about the intricate details of their lives and the very elements that motivate them to behave in certain ways and perceive the world in certain ways. Baptist never ceases to amaze me with the complexity with which she writes in both the plot and character development. I wish I had better thoughts to provide, but this is definitely a book that all middle grade readers need to pick up....more
This was such a quick read, but also excellent. It's taken me forever to pick this one up, but I'm glad that I finally did. CW: racism, bullying, vandThis was such a quick read, but also excellent. It's taken me forever to pick this one up, but I'm glad that I finally did. CW: racism, bullying, vandalism
In the Beautiful Country is a middle grade novel written in verse that follows the Zhang family as they move from Taiwan to the US in search of new opportunities. Although they were supposed to receive help from a family friend when they arrive, they find that they must start over from scratch by opening a fast food restaurant. Kuo beautifully captures the every day experiences of this immigrant family as they attempt to adjust to live in a new country and city.
What Worked: The writing was absolutely beautiful. Kuo is a master storyteller that's able to capture so many different aspects of this family's experience through verse. Anna's voice is so strong and as a reader you truly connect and empathize with her feelings of loneliness, frustration, and heartbreak. Kuo maintains this difficult balance of having Anna keep the voice of a child, but still illustrate the complexity of immigration. And while the story itself is dark at times, Kuo is sure to maintain a semblance of hope for both the readers and the characters. It's been a while since I've been so invested in a family of characters, but Kuo had me rooting for each one of them until the end of the book.
What Didn't Work: Unfortunately, this book technically is a historical fiction, but quickly looses that feeling due to lack of descriptions. To be quite honest, I kept forgetting that this book takes place during the 1980s instead of present time. Although everything covered definitely can take place now, I wish that Kuo would have provided more elements that were reflective of the established time.
Overall this was a great read and I'm definitely looking forward to diving into the companion novel....more
Oooo my first Mital Perkins book for older readers and it did not disappoint! CW: death of a parent, grief, racism
Hope in the Valley, a cross between Oooo my first Mital Perkins book for older readers and it did not disappoint! CW: death of a parent, grief, racism
Hope in the Valley, a cross between historical fiction and realistic fiction, takes place during the 1980's and follows main character Pandita. Battling the grief of losing her mother, Pandita struggles with big changes including the inevitable reality of having to start middle school. To even further complicate her feelings, Pandita learns that her father has enrolled her in a theater summer camp when she prefers not to sing and act in front of others. Pandita is also struggling with the fact that her town may tear down the old, abandoned farmhouse to create more affordable housing for the growth of the tech industry. Not only must Pandita learn to find her voice to advocate for her community, but also herself.
What Worked: This book tackled so many issues and it did so in a way that was both clear and concise. It didn't feel overwhelming as each issue unfolded at a steady and realistic pace all culminating around the idea that Pandita was going to have to find the courage and strength to not only stand up for herself, but also what she believed in. Some of my favorite moments were Pandita's volunteer work at the historical society where she learns more about the "Keep California White" a slogan utilized by James D. Phelan as he ran for a senatorial seat in 1920. Not only are readers learning more about the 1980's, but they're learning about history of the 1920s that affects and changes the main character. Pandita does struggle with a lot, but I appreciated that Perkins provides her with a great support system in her sisters, her father, and a new friend (maybe potential first crush) by the name of Leo. There is even some conflict closely related to a friendship break up that is handled beautifully. Clearly this book has some great components, but I think that one of my favorite's deals with the representation of advocacy. Pandita attends local county meetings to advocate for what she believes is right for her community. Children are often taught so much about politics on the federal level, that they aren't always aware of the work and advocacy that can be down on a community level. Hope in the Valley does a great job illustrating those efforts.
Overall, this was a good read and one that I definitely will recommend to middle grade readers that enjoy historical fiction....more
Another powerful middle grade book that addresses the impact of parental addiction on children. This is my first time reading Jamie Sumner, but it defAnother powerful middle grade book that addresses the impact of parental addiction on children. This is my first time reading Jamie Sumner, but it definitely won't be my last! CW: PTSD, descriptions of overdose, descriptions of drug use.
Maid for It was an unexpected, yet powerful read! It follows main character Franny who has recently moved with her newly sober mother to a new town in an apartment above a laundromat. It's a chance for Franny and her mother to start new as Franny's mom attempts to remand sober. When the mom gets into a car accident, Franny begins to not only panic about money needed to pay the bills, but also the chance that her mother will break her sobriety due prescription medication offered to her for pain relief. In order to maintain their household, Franny decides to secretly take over her mother's cleaning jobs. Things start off okay, but slowly Franny begins to realize that the burden just may be too difficult to carry alone.
What Worked: This was a raw, yet beautifully crafted novel. There are a handful of books on my TBR that address addiction, but I must admit that this one in particular was not on my radar. Sumner does an excellent job with the character development of Franny. There are a lot of emotions that she attempts to process as she realizes the financial burdens that could possibly impact her family. Franny is overwhelmed, stressed, fearful, and on the edge. Sumner skillfully writes these emotions in a way that they essentially seep off of the page. It gave me a more powerful connection to Franny and my heart ached for the trauma she faced every time she thought her mom had overdosed. There are other middle grade issues that are tackled in this book including first crushes, new friendships, bullying, academics, and more. I appreciated the balance that Sumner was able to create with all these topics. This book doesn't have a perfect ending. Franny's trauma doesn't just disappear and that can be hard to reckon with as a reader; however, it's realistic. There are some pretty impactful lines made by Franny's mom at the end that will resonate with any parent, caregiver, and child that's come into contact with a loved one battling addiction. And Sumner never goes without making sure that Franny has a support system outside of her mother.
Overall, this was a good read and one that I will be adding to my list of recommendations for youth who need books about addiction....more
Clairboyance is a book that I've been excited to read since it was officially announced. There aren't a lot of middle grade books that take place in HClairboyance is a book that I've been excited to read since it was officially announced. There aren't a lot of middle grade books that take place in Hawaii from Native Hawaiian authors. It was great to be able to add this to my running list. CW: discussion of divorce, health issues experience by family member
Clairboyance follows main character Clara who is struggling with a host of problems. She's questioning whether to leave O'ahu and move to Arkansas to live with her dad, her mom is currently deployed in Alaska, she's recently lost her best friend, and she's having trouble making and maintaining friendships at school. In order to repair her relationship with her best friend, Clara makes a wish upon a family heirloom to hear what boys are thinking. Surprisingly her wish comes true and her new gift causes her more issues than expected.
What Worked: Oh goodness! There was so many great elements included in this book. I absolutely adored Clara as a character. It was wonderful to see a coming of age story, but from the perspective of a place and culture that often goes underrepresented in children's literature. Not only is Clara attempting to juggle the idea of leaving O'ahu, but she's attempting to figure out ways to repair her friendship with Leo. I was particularly nervous about Clara being able to hear what middle grade age boys were thinking; however, Kahakauwila handled it was such grace and class and in a way that captured the intricacies of friendships that so many of us experience at that age. Clara learns a lot through her gift and it takes her time to learn how to balance hearing people's thoughts and her inclinations to react and intervene on those thoughts. There were so many great culturally moments where Kahakauwila introduces readers to both Ōlelo Hawaiʻi and Hawaiian Pidgin which were both rewarding to listen to via audio. I highly recommend checking out the author's note at the end to learn more about the history of both languages. I also adored the relationship between Clara and Tūtū. The support, care, and love shared between them was felt in every interaction. I was glad to see Clara have Tūtū as a support system especially when she was attempting to navigate her friendships and when and how to use her voice in times of struggle/conflict.
What Did Not Work: I absolutely loved the familial connection to Clara's gift; however, it felt as though readers didn't get enough background information on it. I wanted to know more history related to it and the broader impact it had on the family.
Overall, this was good read. I'm appreciating all these middle grade books that are coming out that are detailing the impact of friendship break ups. I hope to see more from Kristiana Kahakauwila in the future!...more
It's been a while since I've read an Alex Gino book and Rick did not disappoint!
Although it's not a direct sequel to Melissa, Rick allows readers to It's been a while since I've read an Alex Gino book and Rick did not disappoint!
Although it's not a direct sequel to Melissa, Rick allows readers to seeing some of their old favorites including Melissa! This book specifically follows a main character by the name of Rick who is exploring his own feelings about attraction and romance. Unfortunately, he has a close friend that is misogynistic and homophobic and prevents Rick from being able to discover who he really is. Through the help of his school's QUILTBAG+ group and his amazing grandfather, Rick is able to put words to the way that he's feeling.
I loved that this was story about questioning your identity without coming to a clear resolution. We're constantly evolving as individuals, and I think it's important for kids to understand and recognize that it's a normal part of growing up. Although Rick experiences some horrible behavior at the hands of Jeff, it was great to see that he had a support network in not only the QUILTBAG+ group, but also his grandfather. The two of them shared great conversations about respecting boundaries, identities, and standing up for what's right even when it's your friend doing the wrong thing.
Overall, this was a quick, easily digestible novel that brought constant smiles to my face. Definitely check it out....more
What a devastatingly beautiful and heartwarming book. I originally checked this book out because I was looking for something shorter to read fOh my...
What a devastatingly beautiful and heartwarming book. I originally checked this book out because I was looking for something shorter to read for a readathon, but I wasn't anticipating the beauty of this story.
The Deepest Breath told in free verse, follows main character Stevie who is an avid reader and knows a lot about a variety of things. With her mom, she's learning how to manage her anxiety, but she's having trouble figuring out the fuzzy feelings she's been getting when she is around her friend Chloe.
This book. This book. This book. This is one of the most heartwarming coming of age books that I've read in a while. It's a love letter to librarians. It's a love letter to identity. It's a love letter to coming out. I can't imagine how many younger readers have read this book and have connected to it and felt seen. Stevie is such an amazing character with a warmth about her that made her one of my favorite characters that I've read so far this year. I was happy to see that through all the various things she experience in this book there was strong support network standing by to assist her through her emotions.
An excellent read that I recommend everyone read at least once....more
One thing's for certain, Jacqueline Woodson never ever ever disappoints me. There isn't a thing that she will write that I won't enjoy. Remember Us waOne thing's for certain, Jacqueline Woodson never ever ever disappoints me. There isn't a thing that she will write that I won't enjoy. Remember Us was no different. CW: death of animal, trauma related to fires, death of child, grief/mourning loss of parent
Remember Us is a mix between historical fiction and realistic fiction and follows a main character by the name of Sage who grows up in a Bushwick community known as "the matchbox" due the number of fires that occur in the neighborhood. Sage's mother is saving up money to move them out of the neighborhood so that they can start new. While this is happening, Sage must reckon with the memories that she has of her community and the need to move forward.
What Worked: I never doubt that I'm going to learn something when I pick up a book by Jacqueline Woodson. Reading this title was no different. It's an interesting mix of historical fiction and realistic fiction and ultimately captures the scheme that landlords would use to acquire insurance money. I ended up reading an article that describes how people in the 2000s-2010s considered Bushwick to be one of the coolest areas to live/visit with little to no regard about the multiple transformations the community experienced. The biggest transformation being that of the 1960s and 1970s where the neighborhood experience blockbusting, fires, and finally the black out that made national news in 1977. One of the reoccurring themes that I saw in my research that is woven into this book is the idea that the memory of those who were in Bushwick before and during these transformations gets lost. Woodson utilizes Sage and her experiences as a catalyst for a time in a community that is seemingly washed away, forgotten as they were forced to move on with their lives. It's a tough road for Sage to navigate as she battles the grief from the loss of her father as well as the casual sexism she experiences for being a girl that loves basketball. Woodson ties all these elements into a somewhat somber story, but one that is ultimately rewarding and provides insight to a specific time is US history.
Overall, I enjoyed my reading experience of this one (this should come as no surprise). I'm not sure why I haven't done it yet, but I need to make my way through Woodson's backlist ASAP....more
I hate that I waited so long to get to this one! It was such a fun read. CW: physical altercations, microagressions, violent outbursts, homophobia.
BarI hate that I waited so long to get to this one! It was such a fun read. CW: physical altercations, microagressions, violent outbursts, homophobia.
Barely Floating by Lilliam Rivera is unlike any middle grade that I've read before in that it presents to a readers a lead character that doesn't fit into the typical mold of middle grade characters. It follows Nat who has trouble effectively expressing herself in high tension moments. In fact, most times she's quick to react in ways that lead to violent outburst. One of these outburst leads to her getting removed from the community pool. Forced to attend a different pool, Nat encounters the LA Mermaids, a synchronized swimming team, and immediately feels compelled to join. Unfortunately, not only does Nat have to deal with parents who disapprove of a sport that seems to focus too heavily on looks, but also a society that doesn't think she's thin enough to compete. What follows is a story of self-discovery, growth, self-love, and finding one's voice.
What Worked: I absolutely loved Nat. She's different and I have tendency to like what's different. She makes poor choices, makes horrible assumptions, and has a lot of growing up to do, but she's also caring, compassionate, and knows how to stand up for herself and what she believes in. This, ultimately, made her one of the most balanced characters that I've come across in middle grade this year. Most importantly, Nat grows and learns how to effectively deal with her anger. The descriptions of what it takes to participate in synchronized swimming were GREAT. While I wanted more of that on page, the moments we do get as reader paint an entirely new picture of the sport. Rivera also does a great job developing the side characters. I also appreciated the full circle moment that we end up getting with Nat's parents. While I know the lying won't be a hit for some audiences, it is something that happens between parents/caregivers and their children.
Overall, this was a great book and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from Lilliam Rivera....more
This cover!! And the story on the inside matches the outside. CW: gaslighting, bullying
Samira's Worst Best Summer is yet another one of my attempts toThis cover!! And the story on the inside matches the outside. CW: gaslighting, bullying
Samira's Worst Best Summer is yet another one of my attempts to keep up with 2024 middle grade releases. Although it wasn't high on my radar, I'm glad that I decided to pick it up. The story follows main character Sammy as she attempts to move on from a friendship break up. When she meets a new girl in the neighborhood (after an unfortunate TP incident), Sammy thinks that she has the chance to start over. Unfortunately, her ex best-friend comes back into the picture with the intention to steal Sammy's new friend away and Sammy must find the courage to stand up for herself and her new friend.
What Worked:I'm familiar with Nin Hamza through Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year; however, this is the first book that I've read from her. It was beautifully done and wonderfully written. Not only did Hamza do a great job with the character development, but she also perfectly captured what it's like to go through a friendship break during middle school. Kiera is HORRIBLE. This wasn't a friendship break up that just happened because they grew apart. Kiera was intentionally horrible to Sammy and gaslight her to the high heavens. Some people may feel like this is too much for a middle grade book, but I think it's a great way for this age group to begin to recognize the signs of unhealthy relationships. Sammy knew that a lot of things Kiera was doing was wrong, but she had to build up the courage to defend herself and Alice. Additionally, if you're looking for a middle grade book that does a wonderful job developing secondary characters, look no further than this book. The side characters were AMAZING. I absolutely loved Imran. He's Sammy's brother and helps Sammy (whether intentional or not) learn a lot about herself and the way that she treats/interacts with people. He's on the spectrum and I think that Hamza handled his character development with grace and care. And there's Umma. She has got to be the closest thing that I've read to a perfect grandmother. She's caring, fun, charming and such a great support system for Sammy.
Overall, this was a fun read. It definitely is the definition of love, friendship, and community. Now that I've read this one, I definitely need to go back and read more from Hamza....more
I've been looking forward to picking up another book by Hena Khan and Drawing Deena did not disappoint. It's a coming of age story that is about findiI've been looking forward to picking up another book by Hena Khan and Drawing Deena did not disappoint. It's a coming of age story that is about finding your voice and your passions.
Drawing Deenafollows main character Deena as she attempts to navigate her passion for art in a family that considers it be a "hobby" and not something to take seriously. Although her mother runs her own clothing store out of the house, the family struggles with money. Deena attempts to assist her mother in seeing all the benefits her business could gain from a social media presence while also pushing her to recognize that she not only sells her self short, but allows disrespectful behavior from customers. At the same time, Deena seems to struggle with stomach issues that make her extremely nauseas and prevent her from being able to eat. With the help of a few teachers and a counselor, Deena is finally able to identify the cause of her issues, understand the importance of discovering authenticity/originality in art, and find her voice to advocate for herself.
What Worked: I'm a huge fan of Hena Khan's writing. It's detailed and lyrical and really captures the emotions of the characters. Though I found this to be evident in Amina's Voice, it was even more apparent in Drawing Deena. Khan beautifully captures the many struggles that Deena faces through out the course of the novel. It never felt overwhelming or chaotic. In fact, all of the problems that Deena encounters are interconnected. There was great representation of anxiety especially in the face of adults who wanted to consider it a "phase." The inclusion of supportive school staff and counselors is what every child should encounter during their K-12 education. The most beautiful aspect of this novel was Deena not only finding strength in her voice, but confidence in her identity and her ability to make art that is her own. For the first part of the novel, Deena primarily focuses on creating art that is inspired of Van Gogh instead of drawing from her own experiences and culture. Having characters to nudge Deena along this new journey was ingenious and pertinent to the overall development of the story and of Deena as a character.
Overall, this was a great and exciting read and I'm looking forward to reading even more from Hena Khan in the future....more
Bookishrealm
>
Books:
middle-grade-realistic-fiction
(118)
Loading...
