The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bahni Turpin won the Audible Narrator of the Year Award 2016 for her heartfelt, authentic voice in this deeply disturbing historical fiction concerning the many atrocities of slavery, bondage, misery and murder as resilient Cora grows up on a Georgia plantation, then escapes through the Underground Railroad (which runs like an underground system of railroad cars) and flees from slave catchers through the Carolinas. Cora is not the only voice - there are many slaves, family members, and abolitionists Colson Whitehead peopled in this history of racism, violence, and tragedy. A must read and I highly recommend the narration by Ms Turpin!!!

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Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum

Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great book! I loved everything about Julie; she desperately misses her mom who has died. Her Dad meets someone in an internet grief support group and marries her one weekend while he is on a business trip (supposedly) and up and moves her to California. She leaves behind her best friend Scar and her new stepfamily is a total nightmare. But someone emails her after here first miserable day at the new school and calling himself Somebody Nobody begins to help her navigate the treachery of high school with emails and IMs. Who is this person??? As her life unfolds (this unknown friend encourages her to become friends with a nice girl and navigate the nasty girls. Julie gets a job at a cute little bookstore and tentatively begins to develop a life in her new world. Buxbaum does a great job with the characters, the highs and lows of friendship, and a secret admirer. I totally rooted for Julie - she does not know she is comfortable in her own skin and that she is strong. Buxbaum has crafted a book teens will love; there is humor, drama and so much more in this awesome book!!!

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Three Dark Crown by Kendare Blake

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It is not often that I don't give 4 or 5 stars to a book (because I love so so many) and while I will continue with this series, I really did not like MOST of the characters. Yes, it is a large female cast but there was no redeeming qualities to the three queens and I suppose it was because of the people in charge of raising them (they were unkind, evil, lying and conniving) - the queens are stripped from their families, sequestered with women who will nurture their powers (woo to any queen if you don't seem to have powers) and as they move toward the big day when only one will win and the winner kills the losers, I really hoped for redemption. So I will wait for #2 but I really did not like the total darkness, evil intent, and malice throughout this book.

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The Diabolic by SJ Kincaid

The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG what a great book! I loved the cover of the book, the plot, the characters, everything! I could not put this delicious book down! A diabolic has one purpose in life, to protect the only person they are bonded to and Nemesis is bonded to Sindonia von Impyrean. As she leaves her pen and merciless treatment, Nemesis is a killing machine who will share with the reader her hopes, fears, and life with the senator's daughter. When Sindonia's father openly speaks against the Emperor, Sindonia is called to the Court as a hostage (it is her mother who decides to send Nemesis posing as Sindonia) and the scheming, heartlessness of the Emperor, his ruthless mother, and the mad nephew who is next in line to rule, all plunge Nemesis into a world where she must BE convincingly HUMAN. I can't wait for the next book, DARN - not until Fall of 2017 and the 3rd not until Fall 2018.

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Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well it only took me 3 years to finally get to this final Anna & the French Kiss book!!! And oh did I love it! Taking place in France and New York, Isla has had a crush on Josh Wasserstein for 3 years and as begins her last year of American School in Paris, she will finally get her wish and become ONE with Josh. I loved Perkins' words, characters, setting- it all went together perfectly but with Isla's insecurities my hopes were dashed about the certainty of their continued love story. A must read, but I am sure Perkins fans read it when it came out, but I am so glad I finally got my copy of the book through ILL, it was definitely swoonworthy!

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Our Own Private Universe by Robin Talley

Our Own Private Universe by Robin Talley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Teen for the ARC, Our Own Private Universe by Robin Talley. Fifteen year old Aki and her best friend, Lori, pinky swear on a bet that they will be exploring their sexuality and rating it and comparing it with each other while with their church group in Mexico. Aki is African American and the preacher’s daughter and it is through her very authentic, honest, questioning character the reader follows her as she meets and traverses a romantic, bisexual relationship with Christa (from another Church group). Aki also has lots of drama with family and friend issues too. What I liked about this book is that it raised many issues and explored many relationships. Through Aki we see the teen world with lying, bullying, best friend, and also family, drama. But as Aki maneuvers her way through her summer trip, love life, and countless serious, happy, striking moments, she becomes a character you root for as she grows and changes messily (loved the debates). The reader gets an up close and questioning look at religion, Mexico, family problems, teen friendships, bullying, and bisexuality. The characters are well drawn (adults and teens) with the added backdrop of living and volunteering in a third world country making this a realistic contemporary novel, teens need. I loved in the Author Notes how Robin Talley wishes she had a book like this to read when she was a teen. Recommended.

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Miss Mary Reporting: The True Story of Sportswriter Mary Garber by Sue Macy

Miss Mary Reporting: The True Story of Sportswriter Mary Garber by Sue Macy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book as part of #YearofYA and their monthly chat, STEM and YA. Join us on Thursday 1/26 at 8PM EST for our twitter chat. Sue Macy has written a gem of a picture book highlighting the life and career of Mary Garber who only wanted to play sports and write about them. I fell in love with Mary in the man's world of sports and reporting - with World War II taking the young men overseas, Mary became a sports writer. She had a way with her writing- she was honest, positive, and covered Jackie Robinson as he overcame prejudice with grace. She had to endure being the only woman wearing a press pass (banning women from the press box). Mary attended and reported on black athletes games as well as whites. Mary Garber may have been small in stature but she was a strong voice for equality in sports, newspapers and life. She was small but mighty in her pursuit of reporting and her life was a long and rich fifty years worth of writing and awards.

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The First Step: How One Girl Put Segregation on Trial by Susan E. Goodman

The First Step: How One Girl Put Segregation on Trial by Susan E. Goodman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this as part of the twitter chat for #YearofYA for January's topic, STEM and women in history taking place Thursday 1/26 at 8PM EST, join us! The story of African American youngster, Sarah Roberts in history begins with the day she was told she could not attend her school anymore; it was now only for white children. The story of Sara, her life, the court case arguing for equal education, begins a long struggle in history for children like Sarah. Author Susan Goodman's research and EB Lewis's paintings create a compelling picture of segregation and it's effects in history. This is a picture book all children, teens, and adults would enjoy because of its many messages-integration was a must, segregation was wrong and even losing can be a victory if people stand together for equality.

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You're Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner

You're Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children’s and Knopf Books for Young Readers for the ARC, You’re Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner. Julia is an awesome protagonist; she is righteous concerning her art style- graffiti, and her friends. When her best friend is targeted; Julia takes action:
"No one gets to call my best friend a slut, especially not up on a wall, not on my turf. She asked for help, and I took matters into my own paint-stained hands. I designed a killer piece, cut out the stencil, shook up the cans, and got to work. I'm getting away with it. I'm about to get up. On my way to becoming an all-city queen of art. I rip down the last stencil, take a step back, and admire my work. Its killer. You're welcome, Universe."
The first page does an awesome job of plunging the reader to Julia's world. She is deaf, has 2 deaf moms, a double crossing "best" friend, is kicked out of her School for the Deaf, and now attends a new school (with an interpreter, no less) all the while working at McDonalds. Where does she go from there? Well, this book rocks every page with Julia's gritty drama and her responses, actions, wit, and her love of art and illegal graffiti (legal murals) will mesmerize teens. The rocky road of high school and friendship is explored on a whole new level through authentic characters Julia, her moms, YP, Jordyn, her interpreter and art teacher. I heartily recommend this book; it is a winner, through and through.


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The Education of Margot Sanchez by Lilliam Rivera

The Education of Margot Sanchez by Lilliam Rivera
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for ARC, The Education of Margot Sanchez by Lilliam Rivera. I loved the cover of this debut novel; as soon as I started to read I knew Margot was going to be challenged throughout the book. Why? Because her gorgeous curly hair is straightened in the book by Margot since that is the way her friends from her new prep school wear their hair! Margot has finished her first year and it has been a struggle to get to where she is; she has two friends Camille and Serena, rich and living in big houses and spending their summer in the Hamptons. Margot was invited to spend the summer with her girl squad but she is now working in one of her family’s grocery stores to pay off the credit card debt she incurred when she “took” her father’s credit card and charged $600. Margot is determined to work off her debt and go to the big party at the end of the summer to get with Nick and nothing is going to stop her. Imagine how Margo feels when she meets Moises, setting up a table outside the store to obtain signatures to help old apartment building tenants keep their home. Very conflicted, Margot realizes she is attracted to this activist and he seems to like her too. But Margot will spend her summer fighting this desire since her father & brother forbid it and he doesn’t have the social standing preordained by Margot and her friends. The reader gets an up close and personal look at the diverse world of the South Bronx Margot lives and works in; the employees from the grocery store can barely make a living, her brother has been kicked out of school and now mismanages the store, always looking for a better deal that does not involve the store. Her family is a united front, hiding things from Margot and always concerned with their reputation. As the summer unfolds, Margot will be tested on many levels; in her friendships, family relationships, and those she works with – what kind of person will Margot choose to be? Lilliam Rivera did such a great job crafting Margot’s world of disparity in class, family dynamics and friendships. The characters were many, flawed and trying to eke out an existence. Margot’s South Bronx was in direct contrast to her prep school and the Hamptons. As Margot crashes into this minefield, the reader experiences with her the sexist cultural attitudes of the men (father, brother, workers), the judgments of her friends, and her own slippery slope concerning her existence, her heart, and identity. Teens will love this YA novel that speaks volumes on the drama of finding yourself. Highly recommended.

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Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty

Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the narration by Caroline Lee of this first Liane Moriarty book I have ever read (listened to) and I am definitely going to listen to Caroline Lee's narration of Big Little Lies (TV show comes on in February!) I was mesmerized by the 3 couples involved in this drama about lies, guilt, and thoughts that were best left unsaid. Clementine and Sam have 2 little girls, Holly and Ruby (I loved Lee's voices for these 2 little ones!!!) and their is pretty good. Erica and Oliver are trying to have children and are products of very dysfunctional families. These 2 couples are invited over to Tiffany & Vid's house, next door neighbors to Erica and Oliver and when a horrible accident occurs, the 3 couples are thrown into a unforgiving landscape, will they be able to work themselves back? An awesome read!!!

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Tiny Stitches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas by Gwendolyn Brooks

Tiny Stitches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas by Gwendolyn Hooks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Nerdy Nonfiction award winner was a wonderful picture book I read as part of the #YearofYA STEM chat which will take place Thursday 1/26 at 8PM. The story of a black man in America during the time of The Great Depression where the all white world stopped Vivien Thomas from becoming a doctor but the study of medicine did not elude him. The reason being --white Dr. Alfred Blalock was totally impressed with Vivien and his confidence and knowledge that he gave him a job and took him with him as he became the chief of Surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. This wondrous book details all of Vivien's wonderful surgical skills, his medical advances and his place in the world where racism thrived and his coworkers resisted his place next to Dr. Blalock. I loved Gwendolyn Brooks' narrative and Colin Bootman's perfect illustrations!

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Ada Lovelace: Poet of Science, The First Computer Programmer by Diane Stanley

Ada Lovelace: The Poet of Science by Diane Stanley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this nonfiction Nerdy award winner as part of the #YearofYA monthly STEM YA chat taking place Thursday 1/26 at 8PM. Diane Stanley's words & Jessie Hartland's drawings about Ada Lovelace's life and becoming the first computer programmer was a new direction for me (one I really enjoyed) in this exciting children's picture book. Ada was an imaginative yet very helpful heroine in her world and now the world can read this book and see her important contribution in computer programming's history.

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Red Madness: How a Medical Mystery Changed What We Eat by Gail Jarrow

Red Madness: How a Medical Mystery Changed What We Eat by Gail Jarrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was in @tavia_clark's resources for monthly #YearofYA chat Thursday 1/26 st 8PM on STEM & YA Lit and as a nonfiction book, it was mesmerizing as the medical mystery of the Pellagra disease was discovered in the late 1890s and sickened and killed many in the United States. Along with the narrative the photographs were so compelling and heartbreaking. There were many doctors and scientists who worked so hard to find the cause, research, and investigate possible cures and hopeful eradication of this mystery illness. I was in awe of Dr. Goldberger but also his wife, Mary whom he corresponded with as well as consulted his deepest thoughts about his work. And it was his wife, Mary as the only female to participate in the "contagion test." Dr. Goldberger, his wife, and other doctors, friends and colleagues infected themselves with pellagra in different ways. What the doctors, the medical community and then the world learned from this most awful scourge was the knowledge of the extreme importance of vitamins in the human diet as well as a nutritious diet. Loved this medical detective mystery by Gail Jarrow!

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The Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry

All the Truth That's in Me by Julie Berry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Julie Berry's The Passion of Dolssa and All the Truth That's In Me was on a best reads and this book was so so sad about Judith, a young girl who is taken from her home & held hostage for 2 years by a crazy man (who happens to be the father of a the boy she has loved her whole life) and returns to find almost everyone has turned against her and Judith can't say a thing because he cut out 1/2 her tongue (and her mom won't let her speak)! The small mindedness of this community was staggering - her mother hates her, her brother calls her Worm, the town thinks she is a whore all the while she loves Lucas and bears the derision of so many. Will Judith be able to lift the curse the village has bestowed upon her and will Lucas ever know how much Judith loves him? A searing look at truth, family and the fear of neighbors in a backward time in history.

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Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt

Tell The Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Taking place in the 80s where AIDS has hit, June is a child of fourteen, who now knows her dear godfather, Uncle Finn, is dying of AIDS. As she spends Sundays at Finn's (with her mom & Greta) while a portrait of June & her sister, Greta is painted by Finn she begins to hear some disturbing bits of information. While her questions go unanswered, her uncle dies, and life without Finn is unbearable. I could not put this tear jerker down; I loved the characterization; author Brunt floored me with the ugliness of Greta, June's mom and society in general while I relished June, Finn & Toby. There were so many what-ifs you ask yourself while reading; I was crushed each and every page for June and how she struggled with shyness, finding out she did not know everything about her Uncle, being bullied by her sister and further alienated by a mother who wanted her brother Finn to suffer for the choices he made. Well, she made everyone suffer, most especially Toby, Finn's love (who June had no idea existed before his funeral) and this just brought further guilt and anguish and questions to June. This is a searing must read on so many levels!

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The Trapped Girl (Tracy Crosswhite #4) by Robert Dugoni

The Trapped Girl by Robert Dugoni
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC, The Trapped Girl by Robert Dugoni. This was my first Robert Dugoni detective and mystery thriller and oh what a wild ride. I could not put down this 4th book in the Tracey Crosswhite series, loved the plot with all its twists & turns and the characters of Tracy and her team were authentic, hardworking, honest detectives while Dan (her sweet boyfriend) and Andrea Strickland (shy, quiet victim) were normal everyday people. But I especially enjoyed the nasty characters as well- especially Andrea’s weasel husband and suspect, Graham. Dugoni’s story was a taut, suspenseful mystery with so many angles and seemingly very complicated. A woman’s body is found in a crab net on Puget Sound and as Detective Tracy Crosswhite investigates, it becomes very apparent, the victim was not going to be easily identified. The back story about Tracy’s sister’s unsolved murder was a tense added plot element. As a result of this psychological thriller, I will definitely be reading many more Robert Dugoni novels. Highly recommended!

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