This graphic novel is perfect for those youngsters who dream of creating their own comics. Basically a primer for how to do just that, the examples, aThis graphic novel is perfect for those youngsters who dream of creating their own comics. Basically a primer for how to do just that, the examples, advice, and even terminology are nestled within a story of four youngsters (Makayla, Howard, Lynda, and Art), all of whom are creative and interested in visual storytelling. The school librarian, Ms. Fatima, serves as their guide along the way. Although the characters aren't particularly well developed, there's still something about them that is relatable for the book's intended audience. For instance, one character is so frozen by perfectionism that she can barely finish a sketch, and another one is brimming with ideas but doesn't know how to pull them all together. If nothing else, this book will make youngsters such as these feel seen and perhaps even inspire more Cartoonists Clubs throughout the land. ...more
Drawing from her own childhood in Puerto Rico, the author of this picture book [3.5 for me!] celebrates her wonderful abuela and women like her who seDrawing from her own childhood in Puerto Rico, the author of this picture book [3.5 for me!] celebrates her wonderful abuela and women like her who seem able to transform the ordinary into something magical. How do they do this? Through cooking, through gardening, through dancing, even through bedtime rituals. Vivid words and memorable description such as flan that "tastes like sugary kisses and caramel dreams" (unpaged) and equally impressive mixed media illustrations capture effectively the love and admiration shared by granddaughter and grandmother. ...more
Luminous, lifelike illustrations, created with acrylic, oil paint, cut paper collage, pen, marker, and embroidery thread, accompany a tender story of Luminous, lifelike illustrations, created with acrylic, oil paint, cut paper collage, pen, marker, and embroidery thread, accompany a tender story of familial love and cultural richness in this picture book. The narrator, a young Black boy, relates an important event in his family's lives as they head to a store to select the Kente cloth for his baby brother, JoJo. A weaver working on a loom invites him to help, and together, they fashion the gift. Even though the boy makes a mistake in one place, the weaver reassures him that the cloth and pattern are beautiful. Such an empowering experience--and book! The back matter offers additional information about Kente and its significance in Ghanan culture as well as the meaning of the colors used in the cloth. Add this one to a collection of books about cultures and families. ...more
Not only is this unique novel sweeping in its scope, moving back and forth in time and leaping from one character to another while also returning to tNot only is this unique novel sweeping in its scope, moving back and forth in time and leaping from one character to another while also returning to the night when one character disappears while walking along the beach with his daughter, but it's just as sweeping and massive in its writing. The author uses complex sentences, vivid descriptions, and small moments that capture the essence of her characters, and just when it seems that readers feel as though they know all about someone, that knowledge turns out to be untrue or incomplete. Since I knew nothing about how several individuals had been kidnapped and imprisoned in North Korea, much of the political aspect of this story was revelatory for me. There is so much to consider while pondering the slippery nature of memory and emotions here as well as family dynamics and how we choose to cope or simply continue on after great losses. It's a fascinating mystery that requires some patience on the part of readers, and the omission of great swaths of time may be problematic for some. But ultimately, everything fits together rather neatly, possibly prompting a reread to appreciate even more the author's storytelling and plotting abilities. I wasn't quite sure what to expect when starting this book, but I wasn't disappointed. As I reached the last pages, I found myself thinking about how little of what happens to us is actually in our control, something that the author makes quite clear. ...more
Richly layered, filled with hope, humor, and introspection, this latest graphic novel [3.5 for me!] by the author of Fun Home will be devoured by her Richly layered, filled with hope, humor, and introspection, this latest graphic novel [3.5 for me!] by the author of Fun Home will be devoured by her fans. The plot concerns Bechdel and her partner, Holly, living in Vermont, where they care for pygmy goats. While Alison writes--or prepares to write or procrastinates writing, often spending writing time ordering stuff online--Holly is getting in touch with her do-it-yourself side, chopping wood, and offering advice about handling various machines. posting videos filmed by Alison. Alison also feels some envy over her sister's efforts to tell her story of their upbringing while growing increasingly dismayed about how her own memoir, now turned into a television series, is being handled. Watching this couple and their friends settle into middle age with some of its insecurities and some of its unexpected joys and comfortability is quite entertaining. While parts of the story are serious, other parts are amusing, and Alison's self-deprecating comments may make some readers uncomfortable, even if they contain a ring of truth. The subplots concerning the goats and the experimental nature of one couple's sexual antics add layers of humor to the story, and observant readers will be delighted to find cats to be an important part of the daily lives of Alison and Holly, present in several scenes and almost always curled up on the bed or some other inconvenient spot. The cover with its emulation of the classic painting, American Gothic, lets readers know exactly what they're in for, and the contents remind them that no matter how bad or confusing life can be, as the song says, we get by with a little help from our friends. ...more
Both a great beach read and insightfully humorous social commentary, this debut novel [3.5 for me!] couldn't be more timely or original. The book's prBoth a great beach read and insightfully humorous social commentary, this debut novel [3.5 for me!] couldn't be more timely or original. The book's protagonist, Julie Chan, struggles to make ends meet while her twin sister, Chloe Van Huusen, is living the high life as a social media influencer. Due to their parents' death, the girls were separated when they were four and have had little contact since then. After Julie receives a brief and aborted phone call from Chloe and then gets no response to her calls, she travels to Manhattan to check on her. Finding her dead, she impulsively decides to assume her identity and becomes involved with a group of influencers called the Belladonnas--beware of anyone or anything with that name!--who were her sister's friends. Initially, Julie is down to earth and immune to the lifestyle that their posts and views afford these women, but she's quickly lured into posting her own stories and photos due to the lucrative nature of these activities and the allure of all the positive feedback she receives online. Page by page, it becomes clearer that the old Julie Chan really is dead, and this iteration of her needs the adulation provided by online activity. While the book could have been even better by exploring this aspect of social media a bit more, it's still a strong debut, with whip sharp writing and insight into the hearts of humans. ...more
Eye-enticing artwork, created with gouache, acrylic gouache, crayons, colored pencils, paintbrushes, combs, and other materials, accompanies a story aEye-enticing artwork, created with gouache, acrylic gouache, crayons, colored pencils, paintbrushes, combs, and other materials, accompanies a story about an unusual journey. The lyrical language in this picture book [3.5 for me!] adds to the story's magic as a young girl takes a motorbike ride with her Amma through the villages and rural parts of South India. The images and words capture the heat present even late at night as well as the mysterious experience of riding through the dark during this unexpected adventure, during which it seems that they "reach the end of the world" (unpaged). Unconditional love seeps through every word and page as the two share these special moments when anything seems possible. There's a nostalgic, almost regretful feel to the story since these moments won't last forever and can't be recaptured. Be sure to check out the Notes from the Author and Illustrator to learn more about the inspiration behind this picture book. ...more
Color-drenched digital artwork fills almost every inch of this moving, inspiring, relatable picture book [3.5 for me!] that will speak to anyone who'sColor-drenched digital artwork fills almost every inch of this moving, inspiring, relatable picture book [3.5 for me!] that will speak to anyone who's ever traveled to an unfamiliar place. In this case, the narrator, a young girl flies from California to Taiwan with her parents and grandmother. She's disconcerted by her first flight, street signs in a new language, and the possibility of flying cockroaches. Still, her Nainai coaxes her to explore her surroundings and to climb a mountain outside the city. Along the way, the woman shares her own memories of growing up in Taiwan. The journey up the slope isn't easy, but stopping to look at various objects and creatures of interest helps them keep going. Once they reach the summit, others greet them, remembering her grandmother and delighted to meet her granddaughter. As they take in the view, she wonders about her grandmother's feelings about having left this special place and whether she has regrets. So many special memories of the past collide with the new ones they are making right in this moment. The text is melodic and made even more meaningful through the Note from the Author, which explains her connection to the story and experience. ...more
Sixteen-year-old Ros Demir, who is half Turkish, is one of those protagonist readers will love to hate, even while seeing parts of themselves in her. Sixteen-year-old Ros Demir, who is half Turkish, is one of those protagonist readers will love to hate, even while seeing parts of themselves in her. She makes plenty of mistakes and might be one of the most self-absorbed characters since Scarlett O'Hara from Gone with the Wind. Uncertain about her future college plans, conflicted about her Turkish heritage, and nursing a grudge or two, she offers plenty of humor and life lessons to teen readers. Still stinging from rumors about her reputation and the loss of her best friend, Lydia, from years ago, she's on the hunt for a handsome boyfriend, who will basically be a prop in her pursuit of a spot on the high school homecoming court. As she stumbles from betrayal after betrayal, she leaves behind plenty of messes, only realizing at a late hour just what she's done and owning responsibility for her actions. As I read this YA title, I couldn't help wondering what might have happened if she'd put all that energy toward something more worthwhile than a crown. Gosh! I thought homecoming courts and all that hoopla had gone out of style. Some teen readers will gobble this one up, perhaps rooting for Ros to get the boy, while other readers may hope that she has learned her lesson and will be a kinder, more thoughtful person. ...more
Life is messy, and relationships are often not very easy. In her latest offering for adults, Renee Watson examines both through the lens of Lena, a biLife is messy, and relationships are often not very easy. In her latest offering for adults, Renee Watson examines both through the lens of Lena, a big Black woman edging toward 40 in Portland, Oregon, where she's lived all of her life. When her plans to marry Malcolm are disrupted by his unexpected confession on the day of their wedding, Lena is sent reeling and feels uncertain about her next steps, especially since she has her beloved daughter, Aaliyah, to consider. As she tries to affirm Aaliyah and surround her with love, she also realizes that she, herself, has much work to do since she still struggles with body image issues and the prejudices and racism associated with her size and her skin color. She's deeply involved in a project to reclaim and celebrate the history and legacy of Black Portland and Oregon whose contributions have been ignored. Cleverly, Watson includes tidbits about these individuals in various sections sprinkled throughout the book, offering a small bit of breathing space from the rest of the narrative. There's so much to appreciate about this book--the writing, the honesty, the community, the friendships, the characters, all of whom are multifaceted, and the family dynamics described here. There are aspects of the story that will make readers uncomfortable, but those moments are also so raw and so authentic that removing them would detract from the book's power. As Watson reminds us, there is still prejudice about women who are considered too large, plus, heavy, or fat. I winced several times in self-recognition. I almost chose to skip this one so that I could read some other books, but I'm glad that I didn't. The reminder that we're all works in progress, no matter our ages or life situations is supportive and empowering...more
I didn't enjoy this novel [3.5 for me!] as much as I expected to. Its characters--Cam, TJ and Kai--are well drawn, and readers will certainly come to I didn't enjoy this novel [3.5 for me!] as much as I expected to. Its characters--Cam, TJ and Kai--are well drawn, and readers will certainly come to care about them over the course of the book. Cam and TJ reunite in Houston, TJ's hometown, where his parents ran a bakery, Cam is on a downward spiral, grieving the death of his lost love, Kai, and trying to make sense of the world, while engaging in various self-destructive forms of behavior. While both TJ and Cam have families of origin, they seem to have the strongest bonds with their chosen family and support each other even when they make choices that aren't necessarily going to lead to happiness. As other reviewers have noted, this one is filled with food and lots and lots of sex as well as the awareness that those we love the most often have the ability to hurt us more than anyone else. But they also have the ability to nurture us and help us heal. I'd probably have enjoyed the book more if it didn't bounce around in place and time so much. While I usually enjoy nonlinear narratives, some of these transitions in time were so jarring as to disrupt my appreciation of the book. And what about Cam's eating disorder? At first, there were hints about his not eating much, but then this part of the book or this part of his journey seemed to no longer matter. Surely, there'd be more pages devoted to that as well as his time in rehab. The abrupt ending also left me wanting more and feeling quite unsatisfied. ...more
While this story of immigration would be significant simply on its own merits due to its sometimes stark ["People climbed over each other to reach theWhile this story of immigration would be significant simply on its own merits due to its sometimes stark ["People climbed over each other to reach the highest point" (unpaged)] and sometimes exquisite language [the narrator's village, "a tiger's whisker away from the jungle" (unpaged) and once the family is safe and her school is "a cat's whisker away from my new home" (unpaged)], it takes on even more significance and emotional resonance when read against the backdrop of the current Presidential administration's policies about its borders and immigration. As with many of these sorts of stories, it's clear that the narrator's family needed to leave their homeland in South Vietnam in order to survive and that they risked everything to do so, but they had few other options. After slipping away at night, the family boards an overcrowded boat whose pump stops working after five days. Although the narrator's family survives, many others do not, and even though she considers herself lucky, she's haunted afterward by the fate of those who lost their lives in that swirling, endless sea. And yes, this story has a happy ending, but as the author points out in the Author's Note, much happened after their rescue and now, hopefully a tale that will be continued in a future publication. Also, she relates that between 200,000 and 400,000 Vietnamese who died during those voyages--sobering numbers, for sure. She also highlights the enormous number of refugees seeking new places to live today. The moving, personal text is supported with delicate digital artwork, images of green abundance, a secret flight in the darkness of night, the blacks, greens, grays, and whites of fierce, choppy waves that assail the wooden boat they're traveling in, and the blacks of the ocean's depths in which pink-colored corpses swirl. Intense, moving, and necessary, now more than ever, this superb picture book, told from the perspective of a young child, fits within a collection on immigration, refugees, and/or survival stories. How anyone could read it and not be moved is beyond me? ...more
The way this book is organized is impressive since the table of contents and each small section honor all the different ways individuals have protesteThe way this book is organized is impressive since the table of contents and each small section honor all the different ways individuals have protested in the past. From writing books to showing up to walking alone to walking out, there are many different ways to make our voices heard. This particular title makes it seem as though protesting is part of the American way, which was encouraging and affirming for the next generation. Although some of the rhyming lines don't flow as smoothly as might be desired, they still move readers from page to page against the backdrop of bright colors in the gouache artwork and individuals who are engaged in activities that might lead to change but certainly insure that voices are being heard. There are sidebars along the way that identify the protest or change that was being sought. Of course, not every protest accomplished its intended goals, something the author makes sure to acknowledge. There's also a double-page spread map of the United States showing where these protests took place. Ten pages in the back matter expand on the protests highlighted on the previous pages. RISE UP, INDEED! It almost goes without saying that this book is important to have in today's classrooms as many changes in laws and regulations are being proposed that might be worth challenging. Add this one [3.5 for me!] to a social studies or history classroom library. ...more
Actor Al Pacino has many admirers, and I am one of them. I've been impressed with his willingness to take risks and to inhabit the characters he playsActor Al Pacino has many admirers, and I am one of them. I've been impressed with his willingness to take risks and to inhabit the characters he plays in films. And of course, who could forget his role as Michael in The Godfather or his violent, perhaps over the top rendition in Scarface? But I knew very little about his background and formative years. Unlike some biographies or memoirs written when the writer is still too young to have achieved much perspective, this one has the fortune of being created when Pacino is in his eighties. The subsequent work is full of heart, humor, and insight into human nature, the craft of acting, fame, and paths not taken. There are so many interesting anecdotes and so much color concerning New York City and LA that readers will feel as though they've traveled back in time and place with Pacino. Interestingly, he avoids dishing dirt on those whose paths crossed with his. I thoroughly enjoyed this voice-filled read. ...more
The daughter of two established writers, Macy Descanso sees herself as a writer even though she's never written anything and struggles with writer's bThe daughter of two established writers, Macy Descanso sees herself as a writer even though she's never written anything and struggles with writer's block. She's sure that the summer writing retreat to which she's been admitted will help her deal with that. Being paired for critique with Caleb Bernard, with whom her family has conflicts for unexplained reasons distracts her as does the literary mystery left behind by popular romance writer Betty Quinn. This teen romance covers quite a lot of territory, including grief, loss, self-esteem, and self-confidence, and many parts of it are quite relatable for its intended audience. But the build-up to the mystery with all its clues had me hoping for something special, and the solution was something of a letdown. For a book about a writing retreat, this one contains less than expected about the craft of writing. Still, the voice here is distinct, and the novel serves as something of a love letter to reading, writing, and romance. After all, what could be expected with such a pink cover?...more
Youngsters can never hear enough the messages of positivity and affirmation as presented in this picture book [3.5 for me!]. With colorful digital illYoungsters can never hear enough the messages of positivity and affirmation as presented in this picture book [3.5 for me!]. With colorful digital illustrations filled with warm, exuberant scenes showcasing the queer community in all its unique glory, the book follows a queer family as they venture into the streets to celebrate Black Pride. Empowering posters, flags, a parade, and fireworks are the backdrop for the festivities while the text contains an important message of parental acceptance of their child and whatever choices he/she/they may make. Back matter includes information about the Black Gay Pride Movement as well as a display of various flags symbolizing different sexual identities, including aromatic, intersex, and demisexual. There aren't many picture books focusing on Black Gay Pride, which makes this one that helps fill that gap. After all, it is PRIDE, Baby, in every sense of the word. ...more
As is the case with many other readers, I find novels in verse quite appealing since they tend to be deceptively short because of how the lines are prAs is the case with many other readers, I find novels in verse quite appealing since they tend to be deceptively short because of how the lines are presented but they also pack an emotional wallop and often necessitate reading and pondering between the lines. In this one, the author reaches back in time to plumb his memories of his high school graduation in Spring 1999 while he's living in Prince George through Fall 2000 when he transfers from one college to another. The first person in his family to attend college, he deals with racism, homophobia, and economic issues during that period but also during his formative years. He copes with each of these with supportive friends and through his creative expression--poetry. There are actual handwritten copies of the poems he wrote during this period included in the book. Because of his small size and lack of athletic prowess, he's also dealt with bullying. Additionally, he starts feeling as though he's reading from someone else's script or expectations for him, which causes tension in his long-time relationship with Blu, his girlfriend. Part of the problem is that he starts questioning his sexuality and finds a connection in a chatroom. This is one of the most honest memoirs I've read, filled with references to popular music and emerging technology as well as Tony's growing awareness of the inequities around him and how his own dishonesty about his identity may protect him from the judgment of others, but it also mutes his voice. Add this to your to-read pile or move it to the top. ...more
WOW! There are hardly words to do justice to this intense, moving, highly original graphic novel, the follow-up to the previous My Favorite Thing Is MWOW! There are hardly words to do justice to this intense, moving, highly original graphic novel, the follow-up to the previous My Favorite Thing Is Monsters. Picking up where the earlier book left off, this fictional graphic diary written and illustrated by 10-year-old Karen Reyes will keep readers' attention throughout the entire book even though it's a long one. Still missing her mother and trying to make sense of the actions of her brother, Deeze, Karen is determined to figure out who killed her upstairs neighbor, Anka Silverberg, a Holocaust survivor, even while other important events swirl around her. Set in Chicago in 1968, the book takes readers and Karen to Grant Park for the Festival of Life where she sees police violence in action. She also considers her own sexual identity, begins a romantic relationship, and ponders her brother's complex nature, nurturing toward her but violent toward some others. By the time the final page of this resplendently illustrated book is reached, readers will be pretty sure about the identity of the real monsters among us. This book and volume one are the kinds of reading material that require readers to sit with them for a few minutes or hours after finishing them in order to allow some of what has been lived through vicariously to be digested. Others have called these two books masterpieces, and I wouldn't disagree. ...more
Fifteen-year-old Ezra Cloud relocates to Red Gut Bay in Canada after he comes under suspicion after a violent incident resulting in two deaths. Still Fifteen-year-old Ezra Cloud relocates to Red Gut Bay in Canada after he comes under suspicion after a violent incident resulting in two deaths. Still dealing with the loss of his mother and his desire to live on the reservation and soak up indigenous ways, he's relieved in some ways to put Northeast Minneapolis behind him for a while and spend time with his grandparents. His father, a college professor, worries that he won't get justice since he and Matt, the boy whose house burned, had an encounter during school. Matt enjoys picking on Ezra and his best friend, Nora. Once Ezra arrives at his grandparents' home, he begins running traplines with his grandfather, staying in a remote cabin while learning survival skills and hearing his grandfather's stories, which include a heart wrenching story about the fates of two family members. The story contains plentiful descriptions of trapping, skinning, and preserving animals as well as encounters with various wildlife, including wolves and a majestic bear. Parts of the plot seemed outlandish or too convenient to me, but I still enjoyed watching Ezra grow into a confident young man. And while I understand that trapping animals for food and fur was necessary for survival, I hated to think of all those beautiful creatures dying because shoppers wanted fur coats. The book's cover is perfect for its content. ...more
Seventh grader Bea Mullins, the protagonist in this middle-grade novel [3.5 for me!], may remind many readers of themselves. Even though she's tall anSeventh grader Bea Mullins, the protagonist in this middle-grade novel [3.5 for me!], may remind many readers of themselves. Even though she's tall and might seem suited for basketball, she failed miserably at that particular sport as well as others. When flooding in the Toronto middle school gym necessitates some sort of extracurricular physical activity, she reluctantly joins the inaugural girls' hockey team with some urging from her best friend Celia. Although she likes watching hockey on television with her father, she's never played. Still, she tightens up her skates, borrows her brother's equipment, and heads to the rink, planning to stay out of the limelight--and action--as much as possible. But several embarrassing videos of her mistakes make her even more uncomfortable with playing. Still, there's something about practice, skating, and working as part of a team that excites here. Plus, there are sparks between Bea and Gabi, an Olympic hopeful. Is Bea ready to take risks, both on and off the rink? The budding romance is at the heart of the story, of course, but there is also a relevant plot concerning how hard the team has to work in order to pay for rink time and how inequitable pay is between men and women professional hockey players. The story held my attention all the way through, and I rooted for Bea to start to feel comfortable in her own skin and not worry so much about what others thought of her. ...more