The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan

The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this APALA Honor Award Winner as part of the 2019 HUB Reading Challenge and oh was this an aching read but oh so very necessary as magical realism permeates to help teen Leigh (Asian/White heritage) deal with the suicide of her depressed mom. Leigh "sees" her mother become a bird that leads Leigh on a life changing journey to find her mother and in this search, she learns about her history, heritage, and how grief helps her comes to term with who she and wants to be. I had a really great review---BUT my computer seized and I lost it!!!
So short and sweet--the compelling, strong character of Leigh and her love of art power this tale of heartbreak and finding heritage, history and love in her search for answers. I could not put this book down; I rooted for Leigh and best friend Axel (best friend and lover of art and music). The trip to Taiwan opens Leigh to discovering her parents' past, meeting her grandparents, and forging a future without her mother. A powerful, astonishing journey; a must read!

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Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner

Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this book as part of the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge and the review of the ARC is below but I just have to say narrator, Michael Crouch was so totally awesome as tortured Carver Briggs, who has lost everything (his 3 best friends, the school community and his 3 friends families). Crouch has flawlessly presented Zenter's enthralling, tortured book - one which teens will embrace, love, talk about and cry lots and lots about too. I especially loved the Goodbye Days and his psychiatrist and Jessamyn---they all (and especially Carver) become key to helping Carver navigate his self-loathing, his aching for his friends and his many what-ifs...another great story by Jeff Zentner that will be read and enjoyed over and over again.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random Houses Children’s and Crown Books for Young Readers for the ARC, Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner. I was compelled to read The Serpent King three times and with Zentner’s 2nd book, Goodbye Days, I will certainly be reading this book multiple times. Carver Briggs loses his 3 best friends with just one text, Where are you guys, text me back. With this ripped from the headlines story, a teen loses everything he loved - his best friends known as The Sauce Crew. Teen readers will deeply feel Carver’s palpable grief, his tremendous loss, and also the anger, rage, and unforgiving nature of some of his best friend’s family members. When Nana Betsy asks Carver to help her celebrate her grandson, Blake, in a Goodbye Day, both Nana and Carver learn things they did not know about Blake. It is a deeply moving day but one that Carver needed to deal with the loss of his best friend. Even though we never “meet” Blake, Mars and Eli; Carver’s memories of how they each met, each of their goodbye days, and Carver’s celebrations of their Sauce Crew antics, made these guys real and very exceptional to me. I knew them and loved them like Carver did. Carver navigated his grief and self-hatred by leaning on strong characters: Blake’s sister, Georgia was remarkable and supportive while Jesmyn (dated Eli) was such a new, special friend along with honest psychiatrist, Dr. Mendes. Teens will be passing this book around; there is so much they will relate to with Carver’s loneliness, despair, and turmoil but he is also someone they will root for, love, and hold tight in their hearts. Highly recommended for teens and adults.

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Sparrow by Sarah Moon

Sparrow by Sarah Moon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this award winner as part of the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge. Oh did I love Sparrow's journey, from a lonely child who loses one friend and never seems to make another. Sparrow spends her time becoming a bird and flying. It is when she is on the roof at school that people think she will jump, that Sparrow goes into counseling and oh what a journey she begins with Dr, K. Sparrow and her mom go through a very difficult period too, not talking to each other. It is so beautiful when Sparrow discovers music, how it heals her, energizes her and speaks to her---when Sparrow, her mom and Dr. K talk and settle on Sparrow going to a 3 week long music camp...OMG I just loved Sparrow's spirit as it soared, made friends, wrote songs, played the bass. The best book ever! Quite the debut!!!

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Scooby Apocalypse (Vol. 1) by Keith Giffen

Scooby Apocalypse, Volume 1 by Keith Giffen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this graphic novel the beginning of a series I enjoyed as part of the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge and can't wait to continue the series of this award winner. The gangs adventures continue as the world's chaos continues with ScoobyDoo!

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Devils Within by S.F. Henson

Devils Within by S.F. Henson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Henson's debut awesome, glad I read it for 2018 HUB Challenge! A must read for all - reminded me of Bang by Barry Lyga (with the self-hatred) and his series, I Hunt Killers (with the awful awful father). Nate's fatheris the head of the Fort, a white aryan group, but Nate has been abused, indoctrinated with hate, and terrorized by his father and the group. Luckily he had a few years of love from his mother---but Nate murders his father, spends time in juvie because his lawyers are able to prove he has PTSD, but not everyone believes him, and he is still pursued by the Fort. This story is just beginning and I could not put it down, the life that these poor people live when they get caught up in the web of the Aryan movement, is so abhorrent. I truly loved Nate and all he suffered, wanted, but his self-hatred was always there. The author based this book on actual events and the research shows, this is a book teens (and everyone else) MUST READ! This cycle must be broken;; "education and discussion are the first steps to opening hearts and changing minds (p. 390)."

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Sandwiches!: More Than You've Ever Wanted to Know about Making and Eating America's Favorite Food by Alison Deering & Bob Lentz

Sandwiches!: More Than You've Ever Wanted to Know about Making and Eating America's Favorite Food by Alison Deering
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this wonderful, in-depth look at making sandwiches for the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge. What I loved about this book was the drawings of each the sandwiches- each sandwich is shown made and then on the opposite page there is a step by step of how to put it together plus tips, history, and other essential information. The sandwiches begin with Level 1 - Plate and Knife and moves to another level Toaster & Microwave, Level 3 Oven/Broiler, Level 4 Stone, Skillet & Panini Press & Level 5 The Big Time- Extra Cooking, Recipes & Prep Work. Deering & Lentz have compiled a visually appealing, fun, homage to sandwiches!

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Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Octavia Butler, illustrations Damian Duffy and adapted byJohn Jennings

Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Octavia E. Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved reading this graphic novel as part of the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge. Octavia Butler's story, Kindred, is adapted into a totally scary, sad, time travel from 1970 back to pre-Civil War south. Dana is a young black woman newly married to Kevin (he is white) when she thrown into the South where a small white boy, Rufus, is drowning. The story is a horror of the indignity of slavery that Dana must endure and try to save Rufus (who is totally indoctrinated into the way the slave world works) the only way she can get back to 1970 is when she is almost threatened with death...I ached as I turned the pages for all the slaves on this plantation--the horrors they endured and what Dana and Kevin suffer as a result of trying to help. The oppression was bleak and frightening but the graphic novel format will grab teens and while reading they will be learning important aspects of history, slavery, women, science fiction and race; highly recommended!!!

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Black Hammer (Vol. 1 Secret Origins) by Jeff Lemire Dean Ormston Dave Steweart

Black Hammer, Vol. 1: Secret Origins by Jeff Lemire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this 2nd award winner graphic novel by Jeff Lemire as part of the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge. This is another great graphic novel by Jeff Lemire; I loved the illustrations of the super heroes as heroes and also their bodies as they impersonate normal humans in a small town… where they have been hiding out for the last 10 years since the downfall of Spiral City. This is the beginning of a series and I can't wait to get to Vol. 2 The Event. I loved all the characters, Abraham Slam, Golden Gail, Colonel Weird, Madame Dragonfly, and Barbalien and enjoyed the histories/biographies of each provided by Lemire at the end. An awesome read!

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The Language of Thorns:Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic (Grisha Verse,#0.5,# 2.5,# 2.6) by Leigh Bardugo

The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to these awesome Grisha tales as part of the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge and I loved Lauren Fortgang's narration. The mystery and the danger in each of the stories drew me into Bardugo's Grisha-verse and kept my heart hammering.

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Brave (Awkward #2) by Svetlana Chamkova

Brave by Svetlana Chmakova
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this delightful graphic novel as part of the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge and loved Chmakova's characters, especially Jensen! Bullying was the main theme tackled in an authentic way with middle school cliques, kids trying to be invisible, kids being awesome- the 3some of Jenny, Akilah and Felipe along with other minor characters like Jorge, loved him and kids just trying to fit in!!! Totally enjoyable, I will be reading the first in the series ASAP!

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Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman

Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this excellent nonfiction book about the Van Gogh Brothers as part of the 2018 HUB Challenge and I really enjoyed the narration by Phil Fox- he was able to reach the many highs and lows in Vincent and Theo's letters to each other throughout their lives, as a reader I was mesmerized by these two brothers, their life, their selfless love for each other, yet, they also were not perfect, frustrated by each other, yet there was a fervent caring for each other that was very special. I also liked the journey of Vincent's art, the beauty of his calling as an artists and his deeply profound wish to have the world see and understand his art. Such a wonderful book; a must read for all!

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Dreadnought (Nemesis #1) by April Daniels

Dreadnought by April Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read and loved this awesome thriller for the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge and if you like superheroes and villains you will love Danny's drama. Danny has always wanted to be a girl but was born and raised a boy yet he secretly paints his toenails, tries on dresses, etc. As he hides in a side street there is an explosion and this famous superhero, Dreadnought, falls from the sky and before he dies he passes his mantle to Danny. What results is life changing and mind blowing- Danny is now a girl with Dreadnought's powers. What's a girl to do- her family is horrified and wants their son back and there is evil lurking in New Port...for a rip roaring read, you will love this first book in the series and I can't wait to read #2 Sovereign!

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Miles Morales by Jason Reynolds

Miles Morales by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love anything by Jason Reynolds and was so happy this was on the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge. Urban teen with Spider-Man heroics, Miles Morales life is not easy with his spidey sense going off in the classroom- getting him in trouble with his parents and the school. The only one he can confide in his is wacky friend and roommate. Will Miles be able to defeat the sinister forces at work in his school and community? I hope this will become a series because I want to follow more of Miles' heroics!

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They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this for 2 wonderful reasons: for the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge (I had read the ARC) and this book will be discussed on twitter book chat with #2jennsbookclub on Thursday 6/14 at 8PM. Listening to this book from Audible tugged once again at my heart!
Narrated awesomely by: Michael Crouch, Robbie Daymond, Bahni Turpin I was devastated and happy with the Last Friend app that brings Rufus and Mateo together after they are contacted by deathcast that this is their end day. Through the narration, Silvera's beautiful writing the reader is blesses with this enduring story that celebrates friendships, family and the power of love- a must read!

Thank you to Edelweiss and HarperTeen for the ARC, They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera. I LOVE Adam Silvera’s writing style, and this 3rd new book is just as moving! I was so impressed by Silvera’s note to readers setting the affirming, challenging, positive tone, inspiring and challenging all of us to “be who you want to be” encouraging friendships and experiences, free from insecurities and judgments. Rufus and Mateo are real teens dealing with the horrendous news that this is the last day of their lives. Rufus is a foster child who has a tight group of friends, calling themselves The Plutos while Mateo is a sheltered, sweet teen whose Dad is in a coma. Death Cast is the entity alerting people to their day of death. Since they are going to die “today” both Mateo and Rufus, who do not know each other yet, decide to use the Last Friend app, and spend their day together. While I was not a fan of the whole Death-Cast part of the story, I totally enjoyed these two opposites, meeting one another, getting to know one another, and enjoying their final day with a growing and deepening friendship. Silvera has such a sweet gift for writing sympathetic stories that grip you from page one, tug on your heart, and keep you turning those pages, all the while blowing your nose and wiping tears from your eyes. This is a must read that teens will be caring about and sharing. This book stole my heart and spoke to the power of friends, relationships, and family. Highly recommended!

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Honor Girl; A Graphic Memoir by Maggie Thrash

Honor Girl: A Graphic Memoir by Maggie Thrash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to this graphic memoir as part of the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge and although I loved the story, the audiobook was not a good way to read this story. I have put in an order for the book at the local public library to get the graphic novel and read it. I found the characters very confusing because they did not mention names and since they are at a girls camp, everyone sounds the same. Maggie Thrash is a debut author and tells about her summer at a day camp she has gone to her whole life and how she begins to have feelings for a camp counselor.

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Flying Lessons by Ellen Oh

Flying Lessons & Other Stories by Ellen Oh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to Flying Lessons, a short story compilation about growing up diverse. I loved every story, they were so different; were middle school and high school stories, from awesome authors and some were even read by those authors (like Kwame Alexander and Meg Medina). Ten authors weave stories of growing up, diversity, many cultures, with friends, family and laughs. Not to be missed; you will love Kwame Alexander, Matt de la Pena, Meg Medina, Soman Chainani, Tim Federle, Tim TYingle, Jacqueline Woodson, Walter Deam Myers, and Kelly J. Baptiste's tales which stress the importantce of diversity and its universality.

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Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman

Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is just one example why I love the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge Challenge!!! This book is a Morris Award winner and one I might have missed but I loved it so much, I might have to read it again or listen to it- this is definitely a favorite. I read so many books and I am crushed by the horrors of violence, abuse, negativity, mean girls...but this debut author really knows how to write about the dysfunction that is Kiko's life (and teens will definitely relate) from an abusive mom, to a father who has a new family that has replaced Kiko's to remote brothers Kiko doesn't know how to talk to---this created the stifling isolation and socially awkwardness that is Kiko's life. Bowman's writing takes the reader into Kiko's head and heart and shows repeatedly how she is stunted by fear but Bowman also gives Kiko hope that she pins on her best friend, getting into art school, and then re-finding her childhood friend. I loved how her best friend tells her to grow lady balls in a note as she goes of to early admittance to college. This begins Kiko's challenging, growing self-awareness that she needs to depend on herself to change and grow... and by going out to California with Jamie to visit art schools, meeting famous painter who becomes her mentor, trying constantly to be STRONG, that the real Kiko begins to emerge. Some people have said that Jamie is too perfect but I think Bowman nailed it when she crafted him- when Kiko and Jamie were growing up (back then life was GOOD) they got each other, were best friends, and totally enjoyed each other. Now fast forward to running into him at a party---he is still the Jamie she knew and loved - but she is fractured and not the friend he remembered but like Adam rescues Julian in A List of Cages by Robin Roe, so Jamie rescues Kiko, but Kiko will complete the journey with her lady balls, while Jamie, always understanding her, will wait and understand. I loved this book so much!!!

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A Gentleman's Guide To Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this amazing audiobook narrated by Christian Coulson as part of the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge and this book also won Best Fiction & Stonewall awards! Oh did I love this book!!! Monty, Percy, and Felicity were the best and strong protagonists in this 18th century adventure that shines a light on sexism (poor Felicity) racism (Percy and the pirates) and violence and abuse (toward Monty). Monty can't wait to tour Europe for a year - lots of drinking, women and men and the time to think over and over again how much he loves his best friend, Percy. Having grown-up with each other they have spent all of their time together. But as Monty gets into trouble- kicked out of Eaton- his father makes sure this will not be their FUN TOUR and sends a guide along to babysit them and make them endure all the culture and none of the fun. I loved seeing spoiled, brash, self-centered Monty step up- he really does take risks for others, while I did not like to see him so thoroughly drunk all the time because then he would do and say things that got them all into trouble. But when Monty learns Percy has kept a secret from him, he does not give up in trying to keep Percy with him, trying to save him, and also in the process becoming a new, improved Monty. I loved his optimism and joy of life and his can do spirit. A roaring great read/audiobook. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series about Felicity!!!

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Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani

Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this graphic novel filled with adventure as part of The HUB 2018 Reading Challenge and oh did I love it. Priyanka “Pri” Das is an Indian American teen who lives with her mother in California and knows nothing at all about her father or India, where her mother lived. Author Chanani's black, blue and white illustrations depict California while the mysterious, magic pashmina is brightly colored takes Pri to an India that is romanticized, while a talking elephant and bird show her the country's beauty. As Pri demands to know more about her mother, her father and India- a long lost aunt (her mom's sister) is newly pregnant and asks for Pri's help. I learned how restrictive women's lives were in India (can't even drive) and was rewarded with Pri's new outlook when she returns and really talks to her mother. For Pri's authentic search for identity this graphic novel is a must read!!!

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Spill Zone by Scott Westerfeld & Alex Puvilland

Spill Zone by Scott Westerfeld
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this as part of the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge and also for the March twitter chat with #YearofYA to be held on Monday 3/26 at 8PM- please come join us as we discuss the award winners we have read. There has been a catastrophic spill in Addison's hometown where many, including her parents did not survive. Her little sister does not speak and Addison takes pictures of the horrors that remain and sell them on the black market. I can't wait for the 2nd book in this awesome series!!!

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