I probably would have enjoyed it more as an audiobook because I found the language difficult to get into and read- it didn't have the flow that other I probably would have enjoyed it more as an audiobook because I found the language difficult to get into and read- it didn't have the flow that other nonfiction does with a clear focus chapter by chapter, instead this was about making sure history is remembered correctly when it comes to Black ballerinas and in particular Arthur Mitchell who was a Black danseur who created a studio in Harlem to recruit and train Black ballerinas.
It's a sweeping history but because I don't have as much of an interest, I needed the storytelling to be stronger to keep me engaged. Certainly recommend for its sharing of history especially all of the hardworking men and women who fought back against racism and discrimination at every turn whether it was makeup and costumes or access to the best performances. ...more
The industrious of younger teens! It reminds me of A Soft Place to Land where she started a dog walking business. In this case, a group of girls startThe industrious of younger teens! It reminds me of A Soft Place to Land where she started a dog walking business. In this case, a group of girls start a hair braiding business and what better place than at the summer camp, except that there's a rival girl who is intent on starting her own braiding business as well.
But that's only part of the issue as Maggie has a new disruption in her life that she's trying to see as a positive but it's moving quickly. Her dad had a child, who is about her age who he didn't know about until recently and because Callie's mother died, Callie's visit becomes a permanent stay in their house. It's going to be different for all of them including Callie who lost her mom and is adjusting to this new life. The person who is adjusting the least is Maggie's best friend Daija who feels threated by Callie's presence.
The middle grade includes business acumen, creativity, friendship, family, and summertime....more
This story that would be perfect for a middle schooler or high schooler is a focused, brief autobiography of Lowe who experienced poverty and a disrupThis story that would be perfect for a middle schooler or high schooler is a focused, brief autobiography of Lowe who experienced poverty and a disrupted upbringing but kept her eye on excelling in track and field, saying to herself when she was very young that she wanted to be an Olympian after seeing FloJo on the screen.
Her mom tried to care for the family but it ultimately meant she moved to a few other family members' homes before living with her grandmother and taking advantage of opportunities to do track in California away from her mother. Her laser-like focus meant she wanted to get a track scholarship and succeed in the sport while studying hard and being surrounded by the love that she gave and was given back to her. Her positive outlook didn't fail her even in the darker times.
Page 26 when she meets her grandmother: "Driving the point further home, the woman pointed at me yet again and said, "I know my family, and that little girl right there is my granddaughter." Feeling that this woman was deeply mistaken, I waited for my mom to correct her. Then to my shock, my mom said, "Yes, Mrs. Booker, I think she is."
"All the happiness of new love faded when he began to drink heavily and started beating her. The last time he used her as his punching bag was so brutal that he left her bleeding with a fractured skull and spiraling into a deep depression." "Mrs. Yarborough," I said. "Does it have to be creative writing? can I write a nonfiction story?" Taking a minute to think about my question, she said, "Yes, if you're excited about writing it, I can't wait to read it."...more
The color palette is as delightful as the art style, the fun Goldilocks retelling, and the Scares antics that Goldilocks knows she can corral by cookiThe color palette is as delightful as the art style, the fun Goldilocks retelling, and the Scares antics that Goldilocks knows she can corral by cooking up her odd food filled with dreadful things.
It's a fun one to read and a visual feast for the eyes. The Scares have their repetitive saying and every kid could do an activity creating their own boo stew. Totally love. ...more
I'm a Marks fan so I was excited to listen to the Netgalley digital audio copy about Elise, a girl who wakes up the day after her birthday and realizeI'm a Marks fan so I was excited to listen to the Netgalley digital audio copy about Elise, a girl who wakes up the day after her birthday and realizes that she's just time jumped but no one else seems to notice but it's made quite clear that something is up because her friends are no longer her friends and she's got to uncover the mystery about why she's the only one that seems to have time jumped.
A friend jumps into the mix to try to identify what's up as well. It involves a few trips to a local store, plenty of investigation from phones to photography class clues, questions to her family, and more, plus there's some "history" by including bits about the pandemic.
The story is approachable, feels classic for the intended audience, and isn't overwritten. Enjoyable! ...more
I will always add food memoirs to my TBR list and listening to the autobiography read by the person is always a bonus so it was good to hear his voiceI will always add food memoirs to my TBR list and listening to the autobiography read by the person is always a bonus so it was good to hear his voice come through.
I'll admit to not knowing much about Samuelsson aside from some face recognition but I don't watch cooking shows or pay attention to grand openings of restaurants. But after reading the book I recognize that he's a bit of an international man both because of his upbringing (an Ethiopian adopted to Swedish parents who had stints at restaurants across Europe and opened restaurants in the United States). The biography is generally typical as was the writing. I wanted a few snippets of his childhood before moving on to the moving and shaking in the food world. While it was a mix of those things, it ran a little long and could have been shortened to make a stronger impact.
I'm glad to have read it but it's not one of my favorites in the category. ...more
Coming up on election day in a few short months, this children's book goes back in time to talk about (loosely inspired by) a mother going to vote in Coming up on election day in a few short months, this children's book goes back in time to talk about (loosely inspired by) a mother going to vote in 1969 and taking her kids along with her.
It's a lesson in history and current topics about who gets to vote and why it's important to democracy. ...more
A short story anthology full of twists and turns, some of them supernatural others more realistic that centers the Black experience in horror.
My favoA short story anthology full of twists and turns, some of them supernatural others more realistic that centers the Black experience in horror.
My favorite was probably “Cemetery Dance Party” by Saraciea J. Fennell but “Foxhunt” by Charlotte Nicole Davies with it's social commentary and teen manhunt vibes was a perfect end to the anthology in which a new girl to town ends up being singled out to be the one to catch in a game where the homecoming queen chooses that person as an "honor". Everyone pays into a pot of money. That person tries to get across a lake in town before all of the other kids get them. If it's the person, they get the money, if it's all the other kids, they split the money but it's got more sinister underpinnings. ...more
It starts off with "to kids who spend most of their time at the library" so what's not to love by the illustrators but when Weaver Jr. endears us all It starts off with "to kids who spend most of their time at the library" so what's not to love by the illustrators but when Weaver Jr. endears us all with his plight as a weirdo/nerd and finding the balance of friendships and believing in yourself.
In Weaver Jr.'s case that meant moving schools somewhat frequently and then eventually after a suicide attempt that is explained, but not in detail, in the story to share what Weaver Jr. went through until he began attending a new school in which he found a literature club and worked through being different as all the kids in the club were different- be it that they liked drama and performance, manga/anime, or were just plain weird like Weaver Jr. who still enjoyed his vivid imagination of superheroes and imagined worlds which plays into the story at various intervals.
There's a bit of unevenness to the story though- at the beginning he relied heavily on metaphors like gardens/planting and others to share what he was feeling and how he was trying to cope which all kind of dissipated when the trajectory of the story changed and then there was the pacing at the end, it felt like it abruptly came to a head with saving the school- the end! The denouement didn't exist the way the seeming buildup did.
But that's a smaller detail compared to the outsized message of owning who you are and feeling supported and being kind to yourself. ...more
A beautiful collection of stories/essays regarding the experiences of nature, the outdoors, farming, and general communing with nature through the lenA beautiful collection of stories/essays regarding the experiences of nature, the outdoors, farming, and general communing with nature through the lens of Black people from the famous (poets like Audre Lorde) to the common. It's the perspectives and voices that are given space to share using images, deep emotions, and thoughtful reflection. Each one is unique in its approach and focus which is what provides the depth. ...more
The kind of book that libraries should own. It shows the reality of dog ownership- they're great companions but they have variable temperaments dependThe kind of book that libraries should own. It shows the reality of dog ownership- they're great companions but they have variable temperaments depending on the type of dog. They're the best to take on walks and have fun with but also you have to care for them including potty training and regular vet visits. They're entertainment but you also have to make sure they're safe from dangerous foods and you wipe them down if they're wet.
All of the items are useful tips and would be a book that a parent could read to their kid who starts asking "can we have a dog?"
The illustration quality is sparing and lovely alongside the information itself. ...more
Jason Reynolds is the GOAT. Has been for a while, will remain so for life especially when he continues to drop stories like thisPure FREAKING genius.
Jason Reynolds is the GOAT. Has been for a while, will remain so for life especially when he continues to drop stories like this.
I have talked extensively about my love for YA literature that features sex in realistic conversation and context. Reynolds' new one opens up with Neon in the bathroom psyching himself up for first-time sex with his girlfriend of two years, Aria. And then the rest of the story goes BACKWARD in time from this point in their senior year.
When I share this book, I may or may not share this information as it's both the reason it's so genius and I'd want everyone to discover it for themselves but it's also the selling point for it too. Neon's voice is that introspective and fun peek inside a teen's brain while the rest of the characters are just as three-dimensional as Neon.
The quirkiness of the elements like what the Wednesday family business does or how Neon's mom approaches a conversation about sex or the inclusion of BINGO are the layers of this amazing YA novel. But the intelligence lies in how it's laid out. It's what captivated me in this story and another favorite (adult graphic novel) Always Never....more
Picture book biographies for the win. I didn't know anything about Mavis Staples and now I know she stuck to her guns and kept singing the things (thoPicture book biographies for the win. I didn't know anything about Mavis Staples and now I know she stuck to her guns and kept singing the things (though at some point she DID want to sing something else) that brought her joy- gospel and with her family.
Obstacles were overcome including the discrimination of being Black when they traveled around as they made a name for themselves and had money and prestige. And their success came from their hard work and dedication meeting people like Elvis and Martin Luther King Jr. It was the talent and the drive to bring music to others.
Chock full of information both from Staples herself, this was insightful. ...more
A book with a message. A book that shows what second chances are and what looking for forgiveness looks like. And a book the shows the devastating conA book with a message. A book that shows what second chances are and what looking for forgiveness looks like. And a book the shows the devastating consequences of the rumor mill, misinformation, and secrets.
A fresh start at a new school, a public one versus a private one, is supposed to be a good thing for Jordyn, but she's already the subject of the mysterious podcast that a mysterious person at the school runs that knows that she was expelled from her first school and asks who Jordyn really is.
So the mysteries begin to pile up- what happened to Jordyn before this new school? Who is this person spilling the tea? Why does it seem like everyone is keeping secrets? The last one is easy to answer, it's hard to make mistakes and own up to them be it cheating on a girlfriend/boyfriend or saying things you don't mean. What works so well is the authenticity- there are no big bombs of information- it truly feels like what happens in schools (sub out a podcast for an Instagram account as an example) and relationships fluctuate as misunderstandings go unresolved and people seethe.
Woodfolk is a true voice of YA that feels so real. This one has a few elements that make it feel too pop culture for its own good (like the phrase/concept of spilling tea), but that's understandable for the actual audience. ...more
So many things I didn't know! It's precisely why I love reading this series.
I didn't know that Langston Hughes was "discovered" even though he was alSo many things I didn't know! It's precisely why I love reading this series.
I didn't know that Langston Hughes was "discovered" even though he was already Harlem famous by a famous poet he approached dining at a hotel restaurant where he was a busboy. The poet recited the poetry Hughes gave him in front of a crowd to rousing applause and papers did a story on Hughes.
I didn't know that Hughes didn't really lives with his parents most of his life. His father moved to Mexico, but his mom hated it and moved back to the states. While Hughes visited his father a few times afterward in Mexico where he ranched and passed for white, he never really lived with him. His mother couldn't make ends meet with the work she had, so Hughes grew up with his grandmother until she passed.
I didn't know Hughes spent time in Russia and has some Communist sympathies even traveling around Asia before being asked to appear before a committee (though privately) about his connections.
I didn't know that Hughes didn't end up completing college between financial difficulties and wanting to interact with people more deeply. I didn't realize how many people he met, knew, inspired, or were connected with over his long life.
With all of that, it's such a fantastic biography of Hughes' life that gives a broad picture of his life but also contextualized during the time he lived. ...more
Reminding me of The Avant-Guards, Vol. 1 in a lot of ways, this graphic novel by the awesome Ukazu (with Rupert) explores Molly, an arts college freshReminding me of The Avant-Guards, Vol. 1 in a lot of ways, this graphic novel by the awesome Ukazu (with Rupert) explores Molly, an arts college freshman, who has just lost her scholarship and needs to find a way to pay for college. She looked in the dusty files of the financial aid information and discovered that there is a scholarship that awaits if she can rustle up a softball team and they win one game.
So what does a softball team at a college full of artsy kids look like? Well, all loads of entertainment. Plenty of begging to get a team together. Big personalities. Quirky situations. Post-game food. But can they win?
The odd mashup focused on financial aid and paying for college alongside a group of non-athletes learning to play softball is a mind break. And because it's in Ukazu's capable artistic hands too, it's a delight visually. ...more
Detailing the long life of Opal Lee, she had seen much over her 90+ years including her family home burned down by a white mob, a Black president, andDetailing the long life of Opal Lee, she had seen much over her 90+ years including her family home burned down by a white mob, a Black president, and the Juneteenth celebration become a national holiday which she had pushed for after her retirement and work within her community.
Lee was a person who persisted both working tirelessly after a failed early marriage with four children to return to her parents to help care for her children and work to get a degree to teach. She taught for many years and continued her connection and volunteerism with food pantries and more afterward.
The She Persisted series highlights persistent women from history in a chronological and focused way whether they're well-known or less known....more
The memoir didn't flow. There was no cohesive organization to the story as I was getting whiplash when a new topic or thought popped into his head to The memoir didn't flow. There was no cohesive organization to the story as I was getting whiplash when a new topic or thought popped into his head to share. There was a realism to the stream of consciousness but as a reader, I didn't enjoy being tugged in all these directions and it made me loose of his overarching message which was his journey of self-discovery.
He talks about his poetry, he talks about figuring out he was gay, and also how to share that with others and includes his own notebook pages alongside the typed versions of his musings. It isn't as powerful because it lacked the flow as other memoirs with similar topics or themes. ...more
A beach going family enjoys the water and sun and everyone's hair-- all types of hair but beach hair regardless. Dad is Asian, Mom is Black, child is A beach going family enjoys the water and sun and everyone's hair-- all types of hair but beach hair regardless. Dad is Asian, Mom is Black, child is a mix of both and what happens to their hair in the morning, at the beach, or right before bed? It's an exploration and celebration.
It didn't move me in any real way but it's value lies in the conversation itself. ...more
It's more like a 2.5 than a 3 star for me in the sense that I thought the merging of these two voices, both prolific writers for teens, might provide It's more like a 2.5 than a 3 star for me in the sense that I thought the merging of these two voices, both prolific writers for teens, might provide an avenue to bring aviation focused on Black aviators to life for a younger crowd. I was concerned because Wein is not accessible for the majority of teen readers- I've never found her books compelling while Smith I have had plenty of luck however this leans heavily into the information and less about the narrative which doesn't carry it well for an average teen reader.
PLENTY of amazing biographies and connecting stories for justice for Black aviators starting from the very beginning, however, it doesn't add the pizzazz of narrative to make me indulge and invest. I would take sections or pieces but I would have a harder time selling the whole book. Would it have made a thoughtful middle grade nonfiction leaning on the images that are in this book with more of a blocked chronology and biography? I think so, but I'm not out there doing the hard work that these writers do, so it's my observation. ...more
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