I greatly enjoyed this book, which centers on Nikhil, a voice-talent actor who plays a 12-year-old character. Nikhil's voice is beginning to change, wI greatly enjoyed this book, which centers on Nikhil, a voice-talent actor who plays a 12-year-old character. Nikhil's voice is beginning to change, with implications for his being able to continue the role that has brought him some visibility. That notoriety follows Nikhil to a new school in another part of the country, and is influential in his being given a leading role in a school musical production. Further complicating things, the bigoted parent of a former student stages a protest after reading an interview with Nikhil in the school paper, in which Nikhil expresses that he is gay. There is also some intergenerational conflict among Nikhil and his family at home. I think this book makes a great middle-grade addition to a library's collection....more
Ballad & Dagger, by Daniel José Older, combines supernatural adventure with political intrigue among a diaspora community of pirates, Cuban Santeros, Ballad & Dagger, by Daniel José Older, combines supernatural adventure with political intrigue among a diaspora community of pirates, Cuban Santeros, and Sephardic Jews which have made a new home for themselves in Brooklyn after their island community of San Madrigal sank into the sea almost 16 years ago.
The story centers around Mateo Matisse, a high-school student and gifted musician who, when the story opens, is only concerned with gaining the attention of Gerval, a famous musician with local ties. Mateo gets much more than he bargained for, however; when he witnesses a brutal murder committed by a person he thought he knew.
This book captivated my interest in so many ways. The story was suspenseful, and Daniel José Older’s thoughtful world-building introduced concepts early that were significant later on without giving things away prematurely. I especially appreciate the vivid detail that Older brought to depictions of music. I’m looking forward to continuing the story with the second book in this series.
Ballad & Dagger was published on May 3, 2022, by Rick Riordan Presents / Disney Hyperion. I received a digital advance copy of this book through Publisher’s Weekly’s recent Grab-a-Galley promotion, with fulfillment through NetGalley. This book was featured in a #BookTube “What I’m reading” video at https://youtu.be/ai6HKeab9ZQ....more
With Elatsoe, author Darcie Little Badger has crafted an exceptional #OwnVoices novel that blends mystery, horror, noir, ancestral knowledge, and fantWith Elatsoe, author Darcie Little Badger has crafted an exceptional #OwnVoices novel that blends mystery, horror, noir, ancestral knowledge, and fantasy. Published by Levine Querido in August 2020, the book has received a long list of accolades. Of special mention is the representation this book provides for an asexual main character, which is seldom depicted in media. Video review at https://youtu.be/4SGG9WPfEmE...more
Major-league pitcher VJ Capello has been Vivy Cohen’s hero ever since he showed her his grip for the knuckleball at a social event for people on the aMajor-league pitcher VJ Capello has been Vivy Cohen’s hero ever since he showed her his grip for the knuckleball at a social event for people on the autism spectrum and their families. Vivy writes a letter to VJ to satisfy the requirements of her social-skills class and, after Vivy sends him several letters, VJ actually writes back! The author, Sarah Kapit brings her lived experience as an autistic individual to craft Vivy as a believable character. Watch my video review at https://youtu.be/x-UrxoflBPc
Update, September 2022: Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen! satisfies Task #23 of Book Riot's 2022 Read Harder Challenge. (Just to be clear, I read the book first and then, later, assigned it to an applicable category.) Details about the challenge at https://bookriot.com/read-harder-2022/...more