As can probably be proven from my bookshelves, I love biographies and memoirs, and as soon as I saw this one, I knew that I would simply have to read As can probably be proven from my bookshelves, I love biographies and memoirs, and as soon as I saw this one, I knew that I would simply have to read it. I am of the generation that remembers when journalists and broadcasters were respected and unbiased, and I can certainly recall watching Connie Chung in her various roles at CBS, including anchoring the nightly news, and being impressed with how polished she was. This book highlights some of the sparkling and disappointing moments during her long career, offering just enough details to intrigue readers and allowing her personality to come through. One of the notable aspects of the book in addition to how it gives readers glimpses into news reporters and what goes on behind the scenes is how grateful Chung is. Throughout the narrative, she constantly acknowledges those who proceeded her, paving the way for her to become the first Asian to anchor a United States news program. She shares details about her parents' move from China to the U.S., the racism and sexism she faced, and her struggles with fertility. Surprisingly, she exhibits a keen, self-deprecating type of humor, a humbleness, and keen insight into the broadcasting and political world that make her story unique and worth reading. While I wish she had delved more deeply into how she sees news and reporting changing over the past couple of decades, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this memoir. I gained a whole new appreciation for her husband, Maury Povich, as well. ...more
Uber achiever Giddy Barber has had it. With a tummy that constantly rumbles unhappily, constant late arrivals at school due to home responsibilities, Uber achiever Giddy Barber has had it. With a tummy that constantly rumbles unhappily, constant late arrivals at school due to home responsibilities, an untrustworthy friend group, and a bullying classmate in her history class, she knows that something has to change. After learning about something called opposition therapy online, she decides to act in unexpected ways for 10 days. For Giddy, this means leaving her younger siblings to fend for themselves, choosing strange foods for her meals, and mentally checking out of her favorite math and science classes. Needless to say, her new behaviors cause concern among teachers, family and friends, eventually leading to several conflicts. And Giddy isn't even sure what the point of any of this even is. There can never be enough YA books featuring characters who seem to have it all together but are secretly falling apart or on the verge of exploding. This one is, by turns, humorous and heartbreaking, well written with a distinct narrative voice, and a protagonist who makes readers want to wrap in their arms or in a soft comforter while offering a soothing cup of warm tea and a moment to rest. This novel is a 3.5 for me. ...more
Although there certainly is magic in this follow-up to the previous Meesh the Bad Demon and Meesh takes her new role as a Guardian seriously, the plotAlthough there certainly is magic in this follow-up to the previous Meesh the Bad Demon and Meesh takes her new role as a Guardian seriously, the plot also focuses on prejudices and the assumptions we make about others, which elevates this story from many others. Meesh's friend Chai is in trouble. Just as his family starts to feel as though they are home, they are attacked and forced to leave. While the blame for the violence quickly falls on a familiar suspect, as Meesh works to save the lands that are threatened, she uncovers the reasons for the violence, hatred, and mistrust among the fairies, demons, and fairy-demons. The seed of hate was sown many years ago, but it's based on an assumption that is simply not true. Perhaps some readers will recognize their own prejudices while reading this graphic novel with its appealing, relatable characters and intense Photoshop illustrations. This book and the entire series do a fine job of turning the tables on what it means to be a "bad" demon while reminding readers that strength and magic lie within each of us. ...more
Twelve-year-old Meesh doesn't fit in with the rest of the other demon children. While they have keen interest in the typical demon pursuits, Meesh lovTwelve-year-old Meesh doesn't fit in with the rest of the other demon children. While they have keen interest in the typical demon pursuits, Meesh loves fairies, flowers, and replicas of her favorite online princess. When her hometown is threatened and its inhabitants turned to stone, Meesh will need to find a way to save everything. While she has some powers, clearly, they won't be enough by themselves, and Meesh will have to reach out to some unexpected allies. This is such a nifty graphic novel, part of a series, with an important message about empowerment, friendship, and about being willing to forgive and trust others while remaining true to oneself. The friend group that Meesh gathers to support her mission is diverse and loyal. While the storyline is unique, given the way demons are portrayed, the artwork, created with Photoshop, is colorful and gets better the further into the story that readers venture. There is so much about Meesh that is relatable, balanced with aspects that are not so familiar. ...more
Liv Holme and her mother have recently relocated to Harbour City after things have gone terribly wrong at her old school. Liv, who is Goth and bisexuaLiv Holme and her mother have recently relocated to Harbour City after things have gone terribly wrong at her old school. Liv, who is Goth and bisexual, suspects that her parents are on their way to splitting up since her father is rarely, if ever, home, and her mother seems preoccupied. But the students at her new school are much more open than her old friends, and Liv is invited to play computer and video games with Jake and Aaron. Eventually, Jake's on again, off again girlfriend Layla also befriends Liv. She'll need all the support in the world when her English teacher starts paying her attention that comes dangerously close to crossing a line, even suggesting that she read Nabokov's Lolita. The text and illustrations in this graphic novel capture the essence of the mall culture so prevalent during the early 2000s as well as Goth culture. There will be plenty of readers who will see themselves in Liv and her shock when she discovers the truth about her teacher. I loved the pins Liv wears: "Dip me in chocolate and throw me to the lesbians" and "BI AS IN SEE YA," the latter one a gift from Liv's mom. As malls seem to have seen better days and no longer have the appeal they once had as a place to see and be seen, this one has plenty of historical and sentimental value. Since I lived on a farm for from town and miles from any mall, I can't relate to the social nature of malls, but I can appreciate the many issues this graphic novel addresses. ...more
Updated from the 1994 edition, this picture book provides a solid introduction to the Seminoles. Part of the First Americans series, the book discusseUpdated from the 1994 edition, this picture book provides a solid introduction to the Seminoles. Part of the First Americans series, the book discusses their history, including wars [three of them] waged against the Seminoles by the U.S., as well as daily lives, and important ceremonies. Softly colored artwork accompanies the story of a resilient people who never surrendered and who continue to share a bond with the land on which they live. Having information about the Seminoles today helps youngsters realize that Native Americans are still around, many living in Oklahoma and others in Florida. Books such as this one have an important role in educating those unaware of the different tribes or Native American nations as well as affording indigenous youngsters today a place to see themselves and their peoples represented. The author doesn't shy away from discussing how the U.S. mistreated the Seminoles. ...more
Fans of some of the football-focused programs such as Friday Night Lights or the college or professional games might want to take a break from those eFans of some of the football-focused programs such as Friday Night Lights or the college or professional games might want to take a break from those entertainments and read this book, which focuses on a California team whose members are deaf. While at first that very idea might seem absurd, readers will quickly realize that there are advantages to being deaf and playing such a sport. The author, a reporter for the New York Times, spent part of two seasons with the California School for the Deaf in Riverside, California, whose student body consists of 168 individuals, offering insight into Deaf culture, the players and their families, and their path to victory in eight-man football, which has similarities but also differences from the traditional football played in most places. Along the way, as the young men face challenges, disappointments, and successes as well as experiencing highs and lows, the author provides historical context for their feats in addition to the changing role of Deaf education over the years. His keen sense of observation allows him to capture the games themselves where the audiences and hoopla are much quieter than at typical football games. He also shares the stories of these players, one who slept in his father's car, one who suffered a leg injury and still played, and their dedicated coaches, including Head Coach Keith Adams. So much more than a football story, this one has much to teach us about ourselves and about adversity, but also about the heroism that lies within each of us. It's a must-read. Add this title to a collection featuring athletes who rise above life's challenges; this one is just as enjoyable and insightful in its own way as the equally good Canyon Dreams, which focuses on basketball. ...more
Inspired by the wind telephone created by Itaru Sasaki in Japan in 2010, this story relies on spare but moving text to gradually reveal the grief and Inspired by the wind telephone created by Itaru Sasaki in Japan in 2010, this story relies on spare but moving text to gradually reveal the grief and loss at its heart. As the book opens, Ayla, the narrator, is reminiscing about she and her best friend Kiri met and some of the important moments in their lives. Both of them have a special bond with trees, and Ayla looks forward to Kiri's return. Her absence initially seems mysterious; perhaps she's ill or traveling? But before long, there are enough hints dropped that readers will realize the truth. Part of Ayla's healing process concerns an old-fashioned telephone that suddenly appears in a nearby tree--a telephone that various individuals use to "call" the individuals who are missing from their lives. Each word in this story has been carefully chosen, and while parts of it will break readers' hearts, others will provide some hope. This understated story is filled with grace, kindness, and community spirit. Would that we all have such a telephone to bring us comfort. ...more
WOW! This graphic novel [3.5 for me!] truly is groundbreaking as it's the memoir of author-illustrator Lewis Hancox as he looks back on his formative WOW! This graphic novel [3.5 for me!] truly is groundbreaking as it's the memoir of author-illustrator Lewis Hancox as he looks back on his formative years in St. Helens, and offers advice and encouragement to the younger version of himself, Lois. Because it's so personal and written from his perspective after the passage of some time, the story is particularly important, filled as it is with humor, pain, and ultimately, hope. From grandparents who easily accept that Lois is trans, supporting his journey, to a mother who sometimes blames herself for this to a father who simply cannot be bothered to use the name Lewis prefers and continues to deadname him, this book has it all--budding romances, clothing choices, clueless doctors, supportive friends. It doesn't get much realer than this. YA books featuring trans characters are still quite rare, and true stories about trans teens even rarer, making this one quite important and essential for a library or home collection. Plenty of readers will see themselves in Lewis's journey while others will gain insight into one man's trans journey by reading it. Clearly, it may take some time, but it DOES get better. I loved the artwork, which consists of detailed black and white panels, just as much as the story. ...more
Fans of the previous graphic novel, Huda F Are You? will love this further glimpse into the lives of the Fahmy family as they embark on a road trip toFans of the previous graphic novel, Huda F Are You? will love this further glimpse into the lives of the Fahmy family as they embark on a road trip to Disney World. Huda and three of her sisters are thrilled to visit the theme park, but the trip there is less than ideal since they are crowded together in the back seat and stop along the way to eat the food their mother has prepared for them. Since the family is visibly Muslim with their garb, including hijabs, Huda feels that they stick out like sore thumbs everywhere they go, including the theme park where most of the visitors are dressed scantily and no one except her family is praying in public. There's so much to unpack in this humorous graphic novel, including her parents' purpose behind the road trip, Huda's new appreciation for her siblings, and her feelings about her identity as well as how she learns to stand up for herself. As was the case with its predecessor, this one was a delight from start to finish. It's a 3.5 for me. ...more
Don't be fooled by the book's cover or the dog's name--Gather--into thinking that this is yet another sweet book about a boy and his dog. While it is,Don't be fooled by the book's cover or the dog's name--Gather--into thinking that this is yet another sweet book about a boy and his dog. While it is, to some extent, that, it is so much more than that. At its heart it's a story of survival and determination, a treatise against systems that keep individuals and struggling families trapped, of the wide-sweeping effects of addiction on families, but also, about those individuals who gather together to lend a hand to someone who is drowning. It examines bullying, social class, and the dwindling of family farms as well as home and the importance of having a place to call one's one. The narrator, Ian Henry, who is managing to keep things afloat on his family's Vermont farm until the worst possible thing happens, has the most distinctive narrative voice that I've encountered in a YA novel in a long time. I was moved by his journey, one that is both figurative and literal, but also one that resembles the lives of many teens today. This one would have been my pick for the 2024 Printz Award. The way the author builds suspense and hints of tragedy ahead is effective and holds readers' interest all the way to the end. ...more
This is such a great example of how truth is far more shocking than fiction and that what seems to be justice can turn out to be quite unjust. It alsoThis is such a great example of how truth is far more shocking than fiction and that what seems to be justice can turn out to be quite unjust. It also just adds to my growing alarm at how much the current prison system is a huge moneymaker. The author traces the wrongdoings of various judicial officials in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, regarding teens and preteens, and how one juvenile judge doled out extremely harsh and irrational (almost whimsical) sentences for some of the slightest offenses. The further that readers go into the story, the angrier they are likely to become since many of these youngsters had no legal representation or were simply instructed to plead guilty without being allowed to offer any defense or character witness. And to add insult to injury, their sentences were frequently extended, all to fill beds at the detention center and to line the pockets of various individuals. It's a fascinating, well told story that is almost unbelievable. ...more
As a longtime feminist it's tempting to comfort myself about topics such as those raised in this engaging, important book by reflecting on how far we'As a longtime feminist it's tempting to comfort myself about topics such as those raised in this engaging, important book by reflecting on how far we've come and how much progress has been made. But it's just as clear that we have far to go. Covering the decades of efforts by the players on the U. S. Women's National Soccer Team to be compensated equally for their play as compared to the men's team, this book is inspiring, empowering, and detailed with just enough soccer lingo and description of action on the field to keep teen soccer fans engaged. There are so many individuals who came together to reach this particular goal of equal pay--and readers will relish having their perspective on the journey as well as acknowledging the importance of working together for a common cause. The book's cover, its title, and the facts the author presents about just how unequal the pay has been over the years, not just in soccer or sports but in many other areas as well, may serve as something of a rallying cry for the next generation to keep pushing forward and standing its ground. I thoroughly enjoyed this one with its suggested readings and source notes and a firm nudge to readers not to be afraid to take up space and demand to be paid for what they're worth. ...more
I wish this book [4.5 for me!] had received more attention than it did since it's important, moving, and insightful. The author, a journalist who workI wish this book [4.5 for me!] had received more attention than it did since it's important, moving, and insightful. The author, a journalist who works for the New York Times, spent several months in and around Chinle, Arizona, following the high school basketball team and its coach, Raul Mendoza, as he tries to shape his players as basketballers but also as human beings with a bright future. Naturally, there are many challenges to these tasks--sometimes even the young men themselves and the long, wearisome road trips necessary to reach some of the teams they'll play. While basketball is the focus here--or the excuse to publish the book--this is so much more than a book about a basketball team. Author Michael Powell conducted many interviews with individuals living on the Navajo Nation, including families of the team, fans--and basketball is SERIOUS business in Chinle--educators, even a ranger. While Powell acknowledges the isolation, poverty, abuse, addiction, and suicide that are so often a part of the boys' lives, he also celebrates their tenacity, determination, and spiritedness that they possess. Several parts of the narrative are downright poetic as Powell soaks in the culture, the awe-inspiring beauty of the land, and the warmth of his welcome even as he ruminates on what he's observing and feeling. The connection to this place is strong even while many of its residents, especially the youth, dream of a different, not necessarily better, life. Fans of those Netflix docudramas about basketball and football should love this one with its insight into a place and its inhabitants. ...more
Readers may wonder why Tibbles the Cat is of any importance as they move through this comic book explanation of an important science lesson learned inReaders may wonder why Tibbles the Cat is of any importance as they move through this comic book explanation of an important science lesson learned in New Zealand. After all, the cat is the pet of David Lyall, who moves to a small island near New Zealand with Tibbles in 1894 in order to become its lighthouse keeper. When Tibbles brings Lyall a bird that he's never seen before, this sets off all sorts of stirs in the scientific community, prompting ornithologists to come to the island to see the bird in its natural habitat. Alas, they find that Tibbles has been quite busy. I found this way of telling an important story with a warning about invasive species quite effective, supported as it is with sketches and that afore-mentioned comic book artistic style. Pet owners who let their cats roam freely outdoors might also see it as a cautionary tale....more
It took the author twenty years to write this particular story focusing on a little-known part of Holocaust history--the Nazi Lebensborn program. ThisIt took the author twenty years to write this particular story focusing on a little-known part of Holocaust history--the Nazi Lebensborn program. This effort to insure abundant future generations of Aryans with "pure" bloodlines involved women, some of whom volunteered to become pregnant for the honor it would bring, but it also had a cruel consequence since babies who weren't perfect were often killed. In this particular book, the protagonist, Allina Strauss is taken to Hochland Home after her family and village are destroyed and she is assaulted. She works there as a nurse, eventually tending to the children who are deemed slower or more flawed than the others and initiating a program to help develop the skills they've lost through neglect. (This part of the story is fictionalized.) Allina meets a high-ranking SS officer, Karl, who turns out to be nothing like she expects. His involvement in helping some of the Jewish children and families escape is part of his efforts to atone for his blind involvement in the Nazi Party when he was younger. While Allina and Karl might be considered ordinary or little cogs in the big picture, their actions are, indeed, heroic, and demonstrate that it is possible to stand up for one's beliefs and act against the wrongs that are in the world, even though those actions may come with a heavy price. Readers will be deeply invested in this story, told from the points of view of Allina and then of Karl as well as being bookended by another character's thoughts. The characters are complex, the setting unique, and the descriptions of people, places, and events carefully detailed. This is one of those books that will stay with readers for some time, prompting reflection about choices, sacrifice, and the power of love in the midst of impossible circumstances. I thoroughly enjoyed it, appreciating the author's attempt to bring to light this horrible practice of eugenics. I've read a couple of books about this topic so this one is unique in its focus. ...more
Although this book [2.5 for me!] wasn't my cup of tea, I'm sure its intended audience will gobble it up and wish that they too could dine on dinosaur Although this book [2.5 for me!] wasn't my cup of tea, I'm sure its intended audience will gobble it up and wish that they too could dine on dinosaur pie. The plot concerns Rory, whose mother purchases dinosaur pie for him at the local supermarket. The dish has a strange side effect as Rory and anyone else who eats it transforms into--you guessed it--a dinosaur. This might seem great fun at first, but as Rory and his two friends, Oleg and Daria, discover, it's also quite convenient when it comes to going to school, using the toilet, and just walking down the street. There are several moments that will prompt giggles from readers as Rory's mother endeavors to hold the store accountable, and as the youngsters search for an antidote. I confess that I giggled at Oleg's need for online validation and Rory's nickname for their teacher. There are several illustrations accompanying the text, making this a quick read that some fans of dinosaurs may enjoy. ...more
There continues to be something charming about this series set in Nigeria. Perhaps it's the books' protagonist, Anna Hibiscus, with her fondness for hThere continues to be something charming about this series set in Nigeria. Perhaps it's the books' protagonist, Anna Hibiscus, with her fondness for her home and extended family, including a rooster called Snow White. Maybe it's the unfamiliar setting. Or perhaps it's the almost hypnotic way each story is told. Or how relatable some of her adventures are, despite their setting. Whatever it may be, the same elements that have appealed to readers like me from the very first title in this series are still apparent in this, the sixth chapter book in the series. This time around Anna follows her grandparents to the village where both of them once lived. She's been told that travel on a crowded bus is fun, but that doesn't seem to be the case at first. Nor is it easy to get to the village after the bus drops her off since she must make her way through the bus. She also faces moments of being bullied by some of the village's youngsters due to her lighter skin. But as with every situation in which she has found herself in previous books, she eventually figures a way forward, solving problems with some sound advice from her elders. The illustrations, rendered in ink, capture some of the important moments in the book perfectly, and I wouldn't change a thing about the text or artwork. This one might be a good classroom read aloud choice. ...more
**spoiler alert** Unlike some readers, I liked The Plot, this novel's predecessor, more than this one [3.5 for me!]. This one started too slowly for m**spoiler alert** Unlike some readers, I liked The Plot, this novel's predecessor, more than this one [3.5 for me!]. This one started too slowly for me, but it gained steam as I moved through its pages. There are plenty of twists, turns, and surprises, and as the protagonist, Anna Williams-Bonner, the widow of a deceased writer, goes to great lengths to hide her past and put to rest any ghosts who might possibly haunt her. The ghosts, of course, aren't actual supernatural beings, but excerpts of a manuscript written by her brother, the contents of which bear a striking resemblance to her husband's novel and to her past. All this is interesting on its own merits, providing glimpses into the world of publishing and book tours as Anna travels around the country in support of her own book, but what makes the story even more interesting for me is how Anna justifies her actions, almost as though she's simply clearing the road of unnecessary traffic or removing leftovers that have started to mold. Don't read this one before The Plot, but once you've read that one, definitely dive into this one with its totally amoral protagonist. (Well, maybe not completely amoral--after all, she does save the cat!)...more
I liked this middle-grade science fiction story [3.5 for me!] a lot. I wasn't sure about its contents, based on the cover, but it drew me in from the I liked this middle-grade science fiction story [3.5 for me!] a lot. I wasn't sure about its contents, based on the cover, but it drew me in from the first page when Michael Rosario is stealing peaches from the grocery store in preparation for Y2K. Not only does Michael worry about what will happen then, but he worries about how hard his mother works. Twelve-year-old Michael is so relatable as he's small for his age, quiet, helpful, and picked on by others. He also has a caring heart as he feeds the stray cats in his apartment complex in Delaware and enjoys spending time with Mr. Mosley, who works in the complex. When he spots a strange boy, Ridge, hanging out nearby, Michael and his babysitter Gibby introduce themselves and are puzzled by his odd use of slang and strange clothing. As it turns out, Ridge is from the future, and he's traveled back in time to 1999 to see what the world is like. The way the story is told is interesting since part of it is straight narrative, and other parts are audio transcripts from 2199 as his mother and siblings try to bring him back. All this is interesting enough, bringing to mind at times Rebecca Stead's When You Reach Me, but what might resonate most with readers is Ridge's advice that Michael learn to live in the present and being fully engaged in the now rather than worrying constantly about the future or bemoaning the past. The notion of "the first state of being" is that present. This one is a fast read with interesting characters and a protagonist with flaws but good intentions as well as hints about what the planet's future will be like--no bees, no tigers, for instance. Some readers will feel cheated because Ridge doesn't explain a great deal about life in 2199, instead, simply saying that "it's complicated," which may make them feel cheated. Readers won't want to miss the Additional Excerpts at the back of the book. ...more