Sometimes troubled times require shocking actions to awaken those around us. And sometimes those actions can change the lives of those who are close tSometimes troubled times require shocking actions to awaken those around us. And sometimes those actions can change the lives of those who are close to the activist. In the case of this YA novel, set in 1969 Czechoslovakia, it is seventeen-year-old Pavol Bartos who sets himself on fire in Prague because he sees only a bleak future for himself and others like him. His death prompts the others in his circle--his pregnant girlfriend Lida and his two friends, Stepan, who is gay, and Tomas, who finds the rules of everyday socialization confusing, to question their next steps and possible futures. While Pavel appears only briefly in the story, his influence is far-reaching, and readers learn more about his character, background, and ambitions through the eyes of his friends. The characters, even Lida's father, Ondrej, are particularly well drawn, complex, and relatable, and their paths forward aren't always smooth, easy or predictable. Moving back and forth in time so that it's clear what has led to some of these decisions, including the reprisals meted out to those who don't obey the harsh rules of the current regime as well as the rewards for walking the party line, the story is fast paced, deeply engaging, and informative. For anyone coming of age in 1969 in the United States, it will bring back some memories of that time period, but for those coming of age today, the story is particularly timely. Questions about repression of certain music and literature and whether it is more effective to try to fight the system from within in order to make a change or leave and start a new life are raised by this well-researched, nuanced, and important book. Teen readers will care deeply about the characters, perhaps relating to one of them, and wonder what they might have done in similar circumstances. ...more
Deftly interspersing fairy tales, even a queer ballet, an immigration story, and realistic fiction about a young boy's concerns about coming out to hiDeftly interspersing fairy tales, even a queer ballet, an immigration story, and realistic fiction about a young boy's concerns about coming out to his parents, this graphic novel is simply empowering, beautiful in language, tone, and artwork, and important for its uniqueness. Tien has supportive friends in Claire and Julian, and he even confided in the school librarian when searching unsuccessfully for a word in Vietnamese for being gay, but he hasn't been able to share this part of himself with his parents, Hien and Vinh, who are much more comfortable speaking Vietnamese than English. Partly his hesitancy stems from a fear about how they'll react, how to express himself so that they will understand, but also, from an awareness of how preoccupied both of them are with other matters. Still feeling guilty for leaving home, Hien misses her mother, who is sick, and still in Vietnam while Vinh is almost always working. Each time Tien comes close to talking about being gay, something prevents him from doing so. A teacher notices his behavior and arranges for a talk with a priest and Tien's mother. The parallels between the traditional stories and the ballet and Tien's own life are interesting, and the bond formed between parent and child through reading these stories is a powerful one. By the end of this graphic novel, readers have hope for a fairy tale ending for Tien and others like him. Like other readers, these one captivated me from start to finish, and I'd be hard pressed to choose whether I loved the modern aspects, the historical ones or the fairy tales best. I eagerly anticipate more from this talented creator....more
While I can see this book's value since it covers territory about which most youngsters--not to mention older readers--won't know very much [the SpaniWhile I can see this book's value since it covers territory about which most youngsters--not to mention older readers--won't know very much [the Spanish Civil War], it left me wanting more. I appreciated how the story is told from the point of view of two siblings, one seven and one nine, living in Spain when Franco came into power in 1936, and anyone who opposed him was in danger, the narrative seems rather detached and didn't have the emotional impact that might be expected. There are passages about being hungry, having to be secretive, and worrying about their father who has fled the country that were interesting but not developed enough for me. And even when the family joins their father in Venezuela, the description is minimal and lacks detail and emotional depth. I wish there had been more explication and exploration of emotions. Perhaps the artwork, created with charcoal, pastel, and colored pencil, some full-page artwork, some double-page spreads, and some spot art, adds much-needed emotional resonance. The idea of being different-on the "wrong" side politically in this case is an important consideration, especially in today's charged political climate, and might have been developed further. I'm not sure how many fourth, fifth, or sixth graders will be enticed by this one....more
I'm embarrassed to admit that I never heard of Abraham Cahan before reading this book [3.5 for me]. That's rather sad since I have a degree in journalI'm embarrassed to admit that I never heard of Abraham Cahan before reading this book [3.5 for me]. That's rather sad since I have a degree in journalism and love words as well as stories of social justice and those who fight for those who don't have life easy. This lively, respectful biography traces Cahan's move from Lithuania where he attracted the notice of authorities for his anti-government stance to New York City. He learned how to speak and write in English, and seeing the need for a publication in Yiddish, he and others founded Forverts/Forward, a Yiddish newspaper that helped immigrants make their way in this new country, offering tips about clothing, pastimes, ways to stay healthy. The newspaper even published stories by Yiddish writers and supported the rights of workers. The book's title, designating him as "amazing" is quite apt since Cahan devoted his life to causes that mattered. The colorful gouache illustrations, including those on the endpapers, capture life in the Lower East Side of New York City as the 1800s moved into the next century. Add this one to a collection about voice or how one person can make a difference. The importance of having a free or low-cost publication in one's own language cannot be overstated....more
Part of Operation Peter Pan, which brought 14,000 youngsters from Cuba to the United States from 1960 to 1962, Marisol Alabarce struggles to fit in atPart of Operation Peter Pan, which brought 14,000 youngsters from Cuba to the United States from 1960 to 1962, Marisol Alabarce struggles to fit in at her school and even in her new home. Despite the kindness and patience of her temporary family, Marisol can't help but feel homesick for Cuba, her parents, and everything that was familiar, including the food, the language, the plants and flowers. Brooklyn, New York is cold, and her classmates are less than welcoming. Eventually she finds solace in books, cooking, and introducing her foster parents to Cuban dishes. Since this graphic novel contains almost no words, readers experience the same sort of confusion that Marisol did during several scenes. The decision to tell her story in this way mimics the silence in which the once-exuberant girl initially lived in her new surroundings. This starkness and her depression are even more noticeable when contrasted with life back in Cuba. Double-page spreads mark the passage of time clearly, and there are touching scenes such as when her host mother attempts to comb her hair or when she experiences her first menstrual cycle or her sheer delight when finally, finally, finally, she receives a letter from her parents who are still in Cuba. My heart filled with happiness when she returned to school after a break and introduced herself to some of her classmates. Although this story captures some of the tropes found in immigration stories, it does so in a unique way while covering events with which most youngsters won't be familiar. ...more
Set in Brooklyn in the early 1980s, this novel in verse features two likeable characters in JJ Pankowski, who loves punk, especially the Clash, and PiSet in Brooklyn in the early 1980s, this novel in verse features two likeable characters in JJ Pankowski, who loves punk, especially the Clash, and Pierre (Pie) Velez, a budding artist and tagger who wants to follow in the footsteps of Jean-Michel Basquiat. JJ has just moved back to Brooklyn to stay with his grandmother after his father, who immigrated from Poland, lost his job at JFK Airport. He tries to fly beneath the radar since school isn't his thing; in fact, he's so silent that his teachers report him as being absent. Pie, whose mother is from Puerto Rico, is smart, ambitious, and keenly aware of the different ways whites and those with black or brown skin are treated. He sees injustice all around him, at school, in the streets, and in his own country. Both middle-graders regard music and art respectively as ways to escape their harsh realities and express themselves. In JJ's case, his family is struggling economically, and his father is a racist. In Pie's case, his beloved mother is mentally ill, vacillating from periods of lucidity and times when she becomes quite confused and wanders the street. For some reason, Pie befriends JJ, who is being bullied in the cafeteria, and the two of them teach each other about their passions--art and music. An incident with police officers causes a rift between the boys since Pie is treated quite differently than JJ is, causing Pie to question their friendship since JJ doesn't speak up for him. Although the ending is a bit rushed and there weren't many examples of JJ's pervasive developmental disorder that would put him on the autism spectrum today, this book offers a great starting point for conversations about racism, class differences, and self-expression. Some readers will be disappointed that it doesn't have a particularly happy ending, but the authors' choice about how to conclude the story seems realistic to me. I loved the cultural references, including a nod to Robert Cormier's classic The Chocolate War, which JJ has read and considers as he contemplates whether and how he might dare to disturb the universe, along with others who are like-minded....more
Seventh grader Eli Adams and his father are still processing the death of Renee, Eli's mother, and trying to make life in New York City work. The famiSeventh grader Eli Adams and his father are still processing the death of Renee, Eli's mother, and trying to make life in New York City work. The family had moved there from Minnesota for her new taste kitchen job, but she died during the pandemic. When Eli stumbles on some of her cooking videos, he decides to learn how to cook, partly to ease his boredom with his father's restrictions and fears but also partly to honor a piece of his mother and stay connected. As he hones his skills, starting simply with eggs over easy, and building up to more complicated recipes, Eli gains confidence, starts to heal, and begins falling in love with the city while appreciating what it has to offer as well as developing a crush on the grandson of a neighbor. With recipes, plenty of mistakes, and some truly messy moments, this story [3.5 for me] is brimming with humor, pain, and healing and more than its share of tenderness and queer joy. Overall, it's clear that Eli, a budding computer coder, is egg-ccellent, and the book's title quite clever. I have to say that I'd find it quite frustrating to have to go out constantly for ingredients for whatever I was planning to cook as was the case with Eli and his father. Keep those shelves and refrigerators stocked. ...more
This unique memoir--3.5, maybe even 3.75 for me!--allows the author to channel the voice of her beloved grandmother, Bobby Bell, after her death at 90This unique memoir--3.5, maybe even 3.75 for me!--allows the author to channel the voice of her beloved grandmother, Bobby Bell, after her death at 90. This woman must surely have been a force of nature and led a fascinating life. The two-grandmother and granddaughter--were particularly close, and Bobby shared many of her family history and some secrets with the girl. They had special lunches, went to plays, and exchanged phone calls or left voicemails. Often, the older woman doled out advice and admonitions, but always with so much love. Readers are treated to stories about the author's mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who immigrated to the United States from Russia. The text includes actual voicemails and exchanges, and even imagines what Bobby would be thinking and feeling from the grave. Opinionated, probably ahead of her time, this woman had a great sense of humor and a unique ability to tell stories, something her granddaughter seems to have inherited. By the time the book ends, readers will miss Bobby and wish that they, too, had been able to share a meal or an afternoon with this remarkable woman. Somehow, against the odds, the author has captured her personality and way of speaking and behaving remarkably well, through fiction and nonfiction. There will be many Jewish readers who will recognize their own grandmother in Bobby while others of us will find ourselves plumbing our memories, scrapbooks, and photo albums to recollect life with our mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers, if they were still in our lives. I thoroughly enjoyed this humorous, honest, heartfelt tribute. ...more
There's been a recent spate of graphic memoirs for young readers and teens published, but this one stands out among them. It's easy to see why it has There's been a recent spate of graphic memoirs for young readers and teens published, but this one stands out among them. It's easy to see why it has landed on so many "Best" lists for 2024, including the Pura Belpre and the Notable Books for a Global Society. Not only is the story original what with its narrator, Pedro/Peter Martin, off on a 2,000 mile journey from California to Pegueros, Mexico, in a Winnebago while also trying to figure out his identity and where he fits in, but it offers a glimpse into the dynamics in a large family. Pedro is one of nine children, and one of the youngest. He knows very little about his Mexican culture, and this road trip will afford him and his siblings the chance to immerse themselves in the food, language, traditions, and daily life of their parents' homeland as they travel south of the border to bring back their grandfather. There is so much humor in the storyline, supported by colorful images and oddities such as the Little Peepee Man purchased while in Mexico, the pranks and mishaps along the way, including an incident at the border that results in their musical choices being limited to one annoying song. Even the preparation of the parents--shopping for new clothes and supplies at Kmart, stocking up on bananas and Spam for the trip--is relatable but also humorous. In this period of Star Wars and superhero popularity [late 1970s] Pedro and some of the younger siblings imagine that their grandfather is/was some sort of superhero, certainly one that is larger than life. And in many ways he is. But he's also human, emotionally fragile, elderly, burdened by time and loss, and not particularly talkative. There's so much to love in this layered, culturally rich blend of family history, culture, and a long road trip. Even crossing the border is fraught with worry but also some humor, and the fact that the travelers are split into two vehicles--a truck driven by the older siblings and that Winnebago--there's even a diagram of its various compartments--adds to the story's tension and funny moments as they travel. Somehow, even the most surprising moments--Pedro's attempts to help a wounded deer on the way home--are learning opportunities with some surprising outcomes and painful lessons. This one is a must-read....more
I'm so glad that I read this autobiography. Not only did parts of it make me laugh while others made me reflect on my own life, but it also prompted mI'm so glad that I read this autobiography. Not only did parts of it make me laugh while others made me reflect on my own life, but it also prompted me to consider how hard it must be to become a star and world famous at a fairly early age, only to be typecase, and unable to branch out into other roles. This was the fate of the author, Henry Winkler, who rose to fame through his role as the Fonz on the television series, Happy Days. Nominated for a prime-time Emmy for his acting, it would be 43 years before he would win one in that particular category. In between, Winkler did a lot of living, loving, and searching. Having endured an emotionally abusive childhood and emotionally distant parents and struggling with academic work due to undiagnosed dyslexia, he grew up trying to belong and fit in wherever he went. Even on stage or in front of the camera, he had doubts. Eventually, through talk therapy, hard work, and honest reflection as well as time, Winkler learned to love and accept himself as he is and to push aside those negative tapes telling him that he wasn't good enough and couldn't measure up and replace them with positive ones. His journey to self-love and self-acceptance is one with which many readers can relate. He shares just enough details about his various projects to hold readers' interest even while being brutally honest, self-effacing, and cheerful. His is a story of persistence, of breaking free from the mold in which others place us, and of continuing to work. Rarely, if ever, have I read an autobiography from an actor or star that describes so vividly the urgent need to act, to perform, to assume a role. Those of us who enjoyed him on Happy Days will be delighted to discover his depths through this book. Anyone who needs a pick-me-up or a reason to smile and forge forward against the odds will find inspiration here. ...more
Told from a collective we point of view of the 669 Czech children who were transported from Prague to Britain in 1939, this picture book effectively cTold from a collective we point of view of the 669 Czech children who were transported from Prague to Britain in 1939, this picture book effectively captures the ever-encroaching violence and anti-Semitism of that time as viewed from the perspectives of children who were seven, eight, nine, ten and completely confused by the changes around them and the secrecy with which their parents seem to speak and act. As their mothers packed suitcases as though for a holiday, they wondered why they were going along and who had purchased the ticket for the train they would ride. They also had no idea that this trip was intended to save their lives. The text ably captures the tension, fear, and uncertainty of that journey as well as how homesick for parents and favorite foods they were even when their foster families tried to make them feel welcome. War news left them terribly worried, a concern that was justified when it ended and they could finally return home, only to learn that most of them no longer had parents. Their curiosity about their benefactor, whose identity was not revealed until his wife discovered a scrapbook in 1988, almost 50 years since Nicholas Winton arranged to save them. This story is an amazing, inspiring, almost unbelievable example of how one person can make a difference even when faced with what seem to be impossible odds. The text flows gently but inexorably toward the tragedy of being separated from loved ones and then learning that they have died while the memorable and moving artwork, created with acrylic paint, colored pencil, and collage, depicts various emotional scenes with insight and empathy. While some might think that there are enough books about the Holocaust, this one serves as a reminder that there are still stories of bravery and heroism to be told and that even the smallest acts of kindness can have long-rippling effects. ...more
Although this middle-grade novel might have a little too much going on as far as plots and subplots go, it's another fine read [3.5] from the reliableAlthough this middle-grade novel might have a little too much going on as far as plots and subplots go, it's another fine read [3.5] from the reliable Kelly Yang. Surely, there will be plenty of readers who will see themselves in its pages, whether they are immigrants or not. The protagonist, Lina Gao, arrives in California when she is ten, having been separated from her parents and living with her grandmother for five years. Lina, a talented artist, has dreamed of what life might be like with her family, especially after the rosy picture her mother has painted. But to her surprise, nothing is the way she expected. For starters, the family lives in a cramped apartment without a bathtub, they owe back rent due to the pandemic, and her father is hardly ever home since he works long hours at grueling tasks on an organic, regenerative farm. As Lina struggles to fit in, she encounters racism and the same sort of treatment that she experienced in China from classmates who ridiculed her for being left behind by her parents. One classmate, Jessica, constantly belittles her for her awkward English and emergent reading skills, while another one, Finn, is almost overly helpful, offering to translate for her when he only knows the words for certain Chinese dishes. Eventually, Lina finds her way, through the help of a patient ELL teacher, Mrs. Ortiz; a savvy librarian, Mrs. Hollins; and Mrs. Carter, a teacher open to the possibilities of graphic novels as teaching tools. In some respects this book is a shout-out to all those teachers and librarians who work so hard to reach their students through engaging reading material as well as rebuttal to all those would-be censors who want to remove certain materials from classroom and/or library shelves since part of the plot concerns a parent who dislikes graphic novels, regards the one that Mrs. Carter is reading aloud to be divisive, and she complains to the administration about the book. Teachers will love this book for that part. It made me want to cheer, but I also loved small touches that made the book seem authentic to its main character, calling a Green card a "leafy card," for instance, or thinking that the offer of "something else" when choosing an ice cream is actually a flavor. Her mother's wishful trips to the Imagination Hotel added depth and verisimilitude to the story as so many children and adults dream of what their future will be but in an over-the-top way. The relationship between Lina and her Lao Lao is so poignant, and I wonder what will happen there. In the end, I was pleased that Lina found her voice and was finally seen and heard. ...more
Set in South Vietnam mostly during the spring and summer of 1964 before the United States became deeply involved in the country's conflict, this histoSet in South Vietnam mostly during the spring and summer of 1964 before the United States became deeply involved in the country's conflict, this historical fiction provides a unique perspective on the war. Eleven-year-old Be, originally called Thuong, has an idyllic life until her father decides to relocate the family for safety reasons. After she and her mother move to his childhood home near the Cambodian border, she discovers that he has another wife with whom he had other children, all boys, and she is not happy at all about their arrival. Although Be's paternal grandmother and her cousin try to protect her from the volatile, cruel woman, that protection ceases once the elderly woman dies. Ma leaves in search of a job that will enable her to support her child, and the abuse quickly escalates, culminating in Be being sold to a sex trafficker. Be finds a caring community and a family among the other girls and women who are in the same situation that she is in, and eventually she and another girl, Ngan, are able to take advantage of a violent attack to escape. There are several heart-wrenching passages as Be keeps hoping for some comfort and security and the return of her mother or some form of rescue, only to have her hopes dashed. Parts of her heart crack time and time again as does her belief in adults and the promises they make. Be's simply desire for a home is clear in almost every line, and readers will be grateful for the tender moments between Be and Meo, the three-pawed kitten she has tended since birth and rescued. Had it not been for that cat the story would have been unrelentingly sad, but Meo provides comic relief and hope for readers and the characters. That was one resilient, smart cat who really lived up to the old wives' tale that cats have nine lives. It's a good thing too since Be no longer speaks due to various traumas. Although the story's conclusion was a bit rushed and unlikely, the author helps readers recognize the consequences of war on civilians as well as the possibility of finding family, kindness, and compassion even during the most terrible situations. There are so many "what-if" moments in the narrative, and it's hard not to question the decisions made by Be's father and her mother. Readers won't soon forget the gray-striped cat named Meo or Be. ...more
This fast-paced middle-grade novel [3.5 for me] has a great opening line and plenty of action. Plus, its setting along the Silk Road many centuries agThis fast-paced middle-grade novel [3.5 for me] has a great opening line and plenty of action. Plus, its setting along the Silk Road many centuries ago, makes it a unique children's book as I can't think of others set during that place and time. The clever chapter titles and almost-nonstop tension keep readers in suspense. Strong writing allows the main character, Monkey, to be introspective and judgmental as he is rescued from being punished by Samir, who might be the world's best traveling salesman. Monkey is grateful for the rescue, but he's also shocked to discover that Samir, who makes Monkey his servant, is far from truthful and that he often exaggerates the values of his wares and tricks others out of their money or possessions. As Samir and his caravan travel along the Silk Road, they are chased by various assassins, including a Viking berserker and a Mongolian gunner, hired by those who want to get revenge for how he's taken advantage of them. Even though those assassination attempts are thwarted, Samir loses something along the way until he's left with almost nothing. Monkey watches all this and wonders about loyalty, friendship, love, and revenge. He also realizes that perhaps he's misjudged Samir, who truly does believe in found family and helping others achieve their dreams. While I ended up liking the story and appreciating the colorful illustrations that introduce each chapter, I never connected with the characters even while admiring how the plot moves forward for the most part although the fact that readers suddenly learn that Monkey is giving testimony about what happened to some soldiers seemed abrupt and could have benefitted from being made clearer at the start of the story since he is no longer giving that testimony at the conclusion. In fact, I liked the over-burdened, blind donkey Rostam more than any of the human characters. I know this one got a lot of Newbery love so it will be interesting to see how its intended audience reacts. ...more
4.5 Although there are those who will find this nonfiction title too detailed and too drawn out, I thoroughly enjoyed it because of the complexity of 4.5 Although there are those who will find this nonfiction title too detailed and too drawn out, I thoroughly enjoyed it because of the complexity of the topics it covers. In fact, this 2024 winner of the YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award just may be the most honest coverage of the effects of ONE--yes, that's one--social media account on its creator, its followers, its victims, and the larger school and town community around them. Started in March 2017 as a private Instagram account intended to amuse one teen boy's friends, the account featured racist remarks, photos, and memes. One of the most shocking aspects of this book is the fact that many of the students knew each other; in fact, some were even friends. This means that these victims or objects of ridicule were definitely not strangers. Slater, who also wrote The 57 Bus, has gone to great pains to be as objective as possible in her coverage of these events, which spiraled into discord at the students' high school in small-town Albany, California, as well as suspensions, expulsions, lawsuits, and attempts at restorative and transformative justice. Hearts were broken, lives were changed, and it's sometimes challenging to determine exactly who is being held accountable and for what. So many parts of the book are hard to read, but doing so is important for anyone interested in trying to understand the effects of social media on users but also those who are trying to balance the importance of Free Speech and Freedom of Expression with kindness and empathy. Not only do the voices of students and faculty speak loudly in this account, but the author has also included the thoughts of various sociologists and psychologists who weigh in on various matters. Although the students survived and went on to their different futures, most readers will finish this book feeling rather unsettled as to what to do if this happens in their schools or how to have those difficult conversations about how certain types of humor can do great harm. Considering levels of culpability is also important, making this one a must-read for teens and their parents and an essential tool for understanding how racism damages those who are harmed as well as those who do the harming, even when its effects are unintended. Despite its sometimes wordiness, this book will stay with readers for a while, prompting important and essential discussions that might lead to healing and understanding. As I read about the evolution of a couple of the boys--Eren and Charles--and how they changed over the course of a few years, I found myself wondering if this might have been inevitable even if the account hadn't received so much attention and prompted self-reflection on their part. There's so much to consider after reading this book, which is well deserving of its award....more
While I liked this book well enough, it didn't seem as strong as her other two titles. There were times when there was just too much navel-gazing and While I liked this book well enough, it didn't seem as strong as her other two titles. There were times when there was just too much navel-gazing and description, and the characters weren't particularly likeable. seemingly younger and more immature than those in the other books. And while there are some unexpected twists that most readers won't see coming, there were aspects of the plot that just seemed unbelievable. Moving back and forth in time between now and what came before, the story focuses on shy, impressionable (maybe obsessed is a better word} Margot, who has spent her freshman year at college mourning the loss of her best friend Eliza, who died under suspicious conditions and was supposed to attend the same college. But Margot starts finding life worth living again when she is invited to move into a off-campus house with three other girls. One of them, Lucy Sharpe, is mysterious, enchanting, and draws Margot out. But Lucy has dark secrets in her past, and as they start unraveling, Margot becomes increasingly uneasy. Perhaps not surprisingly, Margot has some deadly secrets of her own. The author builds suspense and tension quite well as readers wonder about the costs of friendship, loyalty, and fitting in, and how jealousy and misunderstanding can lead to betrayal, perhaps of oneself, perhaps of others, and just how tight those ties that bind can be. The last couple of pages are quite chilling and leave readers with questions about how they themselves might have behaved when faced with such a dilemma. Ultimately, this one is worth a read, but it requires some patience to get to the good stuff. There are too many important topics that are introduced but not explored thoroughly. ...more
The cover of this autobiography is just fantastic, intriguing because it contains so many tiny images of the author at various points of her life, a dThe cover of this autobiography is just fantastic, intriguing because it contains so many tiny images of the author at various points of her life, a design that is appropriate for the subject matter. And while I might not understand or agree with parts of her self-help advice or her path to acceptance, it's clear that this is HER journey and not mine or yours or even that of her well-known husband, Will Smith. It's painful to read about aspects of her life during childhood and beyond, and how all that fame, wealth, and acceptance that she achieved were not enough to make her feel worthy. Instead, she took something of a circuitous path to finding love--not in the romantic sense--but self-love and self-acceptance, and along the way, she seems to have found peace, something that many of us are trying to find. Plumbing her formative years in Baltimore, her mother's addiction, and the attraction the streets and a fast buck earned through selling drugs, the author allows her hard-earned truths to unfold over the course of the book's pages, tracing her relationships with various famous individuals, including Tupac Shakur and Will Smith, as well as some of her television, film, and music projects as well as how she reared her children. Readers looking for celebrity gossip won't find it here, but what they will discover if they read the book with an open heart is a woman who seems to have lost herself and then found the way back to herself and some measure of happiness. While the type of marriage she and Smith have may not be suited to everyone, theirs seems to be a strong connection, and they really owe no one an explanation of their relationship. Is the book worth a read and some contemplation? Absolutely! It just might change some lives and some expectations about the pursuit of happiness. ...more
Having enjoyed this author's debut title, A Flicker in the Dark, I figured that I'd also want to read this one, 3.5 for me. That was a good decision aHaving enjoyed this author's debut title, A Flicker in the Dark, I figured that I'd also want to read this one, 3.5 for me. That was a good decision as I appreciated how the author builds tension in the book, holding readers in suspense as they try to figure out just how trustworthy the narrator, Isabelle Drake, is. The fact that she's been unable to sleep, catching only catnaps and briefly dozing, for the past year, ever since her son Mason disappeared from her Savannah, Georgia, home, and that she has a rather murky past, hinted at in various flashbacks to time spent with her younger sister Margaret, only add to readers' reluctance to fully trust Isabelle despite her efforts to find her son. Dissatisfied with the efforts of local law enforcement agencies to solve the crime, Isabelle has been visiting various true-crime conventions, telling her story, and trying to prompt confessions. It's clear rather quickly that she's out of control, and even her husband, Ben, has left her. But as the story unfolds, maybe she's not as out of control as all that, and perhaps her perfect marriage is not as perfect as it might seem on the surface. When she agrees to allow a podcaster to highlight Mason's disappearance, the plot moves in some unexpected ways, and readers may find their sympathy for one character or another diminishing. This is a nifty page-turned with more surprises than readers will expect. Interestingly, it's also an intense character study as readers may finish it and find themselves thinking about the lies we tell ourselves in order to live with ourselves or how we fold ourselves into smaller, more convenient packages to please those we love. ...more
This graphic memoir is a 3.5 for me. There are parts that I wish had been fleshed out a little bit more--for instance, the family's acquisition of a vThis graphic memoir is a 3.5 for me. There are parts that I wish had been fleshed out a little bit more--for instance, the family's acquisition of a video store after initially buying a bakery. What is here is rich and filled with text and artwork that will have readers' mouths watering. Starting when he was five and concluding with his current age, author/illustrator Thien Pham follows his family's immigration to the United States from Vietnam through their moves to various places, including a refugee camp. Parts of that journey will be familiar to anyone who has read other immigration stories. But other parts won't be as familiar. The opening pages are dark, and many of the panels have thick black borders, perfect for depicting challenging moments and hardships such as pirates attacking the boat the Phams are in or as Thien prepares for his first day of school. But others are filled with joy and appreciation of small moments of joy--discovering potato chips, for instance, or the generosity of others in the refugee camp. Perhaps most notably, though, unlike many other memoirs of this type, this one contains several references to food, even referring to Thien's first memory as he devoured watermelon and a rice ball during that watery journey. There are also panels showing an older Thien casually throwing away the lunch his mother has packed because he's embarrassed by how different it is from the other students' lunches. All this, only to realize as an adult just how delicious those foods are. This is a moving, heart-tugging story of how one boy found his way in a strange land, even realizing as an adult just how important being a citizen and casting a vote in his new home's elections are. Well worth a read, this accessible book offers new perspectives on immigration and will make a solid addition to a collection devoted to immigration or journeys of self-discovery. ...more
While there are plenty of slave narratives and stories about the enslavement of individuals from various parts of Africa available, there are few, if While there are plenty of slave narratives and stories about the enslavement of individuals from various parts of Africa available, there are few, if any, that describe what happened to the 110 men, women, and children who arrived in Alabama aboard the very last slave ship. This novel in verse fills that gap through the voices of several of those who were transported to the United States [Kossola, Kupollee, Abile, Kehounco, Gumpa, all of whom have their own stories about life back home and in the strange new world in which they must live] as well as the ship, the Clotilda; Timothy Meaher, the wealthy plantation owner who arranges for the ship to be used for these purposes; William Foster, the man who leads the ship; and various other individuals. It's 1859 and international slave trade and transportation has been forbidden. But Meaher bets that he can somehow manage to smuggle in human cargo despite those restrictions--and that's precisely what he manages to do. While some of the story covers familiar territory--betrayals that lead to their becoming kidnapped and forced aboard the ship, the conditions during their voyage, and the hard labor to which they are forced--others are not as familiar since the book describes life after the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation, the founding of their own self-sustaining and independent community, called African Town. More than anything else, this is a story of survival, persistence, and hope, and one with which more citizens of this country should be familiar. I had never heard of this fascinating part of history, and now, of course, I'm eager to learn more. If I have a complaint about the book, it's that the voices of the characters often seem to blend together and sound too similar. But I'm willing to overlook that issue due to the freshness of the story. ...more