Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty by G. Neri

Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty by G. Neri
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I re-read this banned book for the September twitter chat with #YearofYA and it was even more powerful with Yummy's no win situation of a life of violence, gang wars, family dysfunction and urban decay.

G. Neri's graphic novel is a winner. He takes the true story of 11 year old Robert "Yummy" Sandifer's shooting of an innocent 14 year old girl, Shavon Dean, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time and crafts a gripping tale from the point of view of a boy, Roger, who knew both kids, lived in the same neighborhood, and had a brother in the same gang as Yummy. Roger is an onlooker, part of a close knit family (yet his brother is in the Black Disciple gang too)who went to school with Yummy and Shavon. His story catches the horror of gang life, a forgotten child, Yummy, who suffered at the hands of everyone he knew. Reluctant readers, those who love urban fiction, and all readers should digest this graphic novel. It covers a bleak time in 1994, in a broken down, neighborhood more like a war zone, where no one is safe. You, as the reader, will feel for the 2 sides of Yummy, and be chagrined at the horror of two YOUNG lives lost, for all the wrong reasons.

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Beyong Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out Written & Photographed by Susan Kuklin

Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book for my #yearofya twitter chat about Banned Books. This nonfiction banned book was very illuminating with author Kuklin interviewing 6 teens in the transgender community. their stories are powerful, all different concerning gender fluidity, transgender questions, family acceptance or denial, transitioning and identity that is not female or male. Kuklin's style of writing was arresting - the teens would talk but when Kuklin speaks she uses Italic font. The Notes & Resources were essential comprising an Author's Note, About the Callen-Lourde Community Health Center, About Proud Theater, a Glossary, and Resources. Very Important for teens, adults, teachers, guidance counselors and school nurses.

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