Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh was this book just so beautiful, cute and a must read. I have seen it on so many lists, recommendations, and now that I have read it, I understand why. Jessica Love's picture book is just perfect for diverse authenticity, the message of self acceptance by Julian's grandmother, Abuela, is perfect! I recommend all children, adults, school teachers, counselors will thoroughly enjoy this gorgeously illustrated book about wonder, family and community!

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Shame the Stars by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

Shame the Stars by Guadalupe Garcia McCall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book but it was such a tough but GOOD read! What happened in history during 1915 between the people of Texas and Mexico, the Texas Rangers, and the government, between the families of Joaquin and Dulcena was violent, compelling and authentic. This was a riveting book and I had to put it down so many times as I ached for what these families were enduring at the hands of racists with governmental acquiescence. But I kept picking it back up because I needed to know what this period of history was like---Ms McCall's Notes at the end were pivotal. Teens will see many parallels in history and today as they read this powerful, tension-filled book.

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They Call Me Guero: A Border Kid's Poems by David Bowles

They Call Me Güero: A Border Kid's Poems by David Bowles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this Belpre Author Honor Book as part of the 2019 HUB Reading Challenge and this slim yet important novel in verse about a border kid, twelve-year-old, nicknamed Guero, who lives his life on both sides of the river; has 3 best friends called Bobby, a wonderful family, and he loves to write poetry! Eye opening, funny, and blending the culture of Mexico, kids will enjoy his life, poems, and language!

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Picture Us In The Light by Kelly Loy Gilbert

Picture Us in the Light by Kelly Loy Gilbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this Stonewall Honor Award (first & most enduring award for GLBT books is the Stonewall Book Awards, sponsored by the American Library Association's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Round Table) as part of the 2019 HUB Reading Challenge. I read and loved Kelly Loy Gilbert's first book, Conviction, and like her debut---this 2nd book deals with many issues and themes that still continue to fill my brain. As the narrator, Danny Cheng is flawed, insecure, and a child/teen with VERY secretive parents. The reader knows how much they love their only son, but how they show it...Danny is a gifted artist and I loved the way the author let us see Danny's world and his introspections through his mind's eye. I liked the way the book was set up, I don't want to give away anything but I rooted for Danny as he got a scholarship to RISD, ached for him as he struggled personally and with his art. But through all this drama, Danny has friends like Harry and Regina (though there are tense times, they remain true to one another) and also Danny himself as he tries to figure out just what is going on with his parents and his life after high school. I also liked the Asian American teens, their families, and high school life--totally mesmerizing, yet authentic, and true. There were so many quotes in this book I could not stop putting in the little post-its to mark them. Now I need to put them all in Goodreads quotes- if they are not already in there- so memorable about Danny, loved ones, his art, his friends. This book MUST be read--teens, guidance counselors, parents will all come away with enduring feelings about family, friendship, suicide, adoption, and diversity!

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Leah on the Offbeat (Creekwood #2) by Becky Albertalli

Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to Shannon Purser's spot on narration of Becky Albertalli's awesome book about Leah, who is a drummer in a band) but we never actually see her in concert or really practicing- she is much better at pencil sketches, and they are on her blog, on her bedroom walls and really, really good! Leah has a great, close group of friends, she speaks her mind and is kind of gruff, she has come out to her mom that she is bisexual (but none of her friends know) and she is looking forward to going to college. As her year progresses Leah has a guy in their group asking her to prom (and really likes her, according to their friends) but Leah just maybe liking someone she crushed on a year ago...where will this take Leah? Albertalli has written a very relatable teen book dealing with LGBTQ issues, social class, single parents, race and teens will gobble Leah (Simon and Bram- love them!!!) and her drama and root for her---to put her heart out there, no matter what! Highly recommended!

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Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi

Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Totally awesome book! I would love to see this as a duology, there is so much more I want to know about Penny and Sam's journey and romance!!! Debut author, Mary H.K. Choi uses texts between 2 awkward characters as a way of forging a friendship. Penny is new to college and has a roommate who is rich, kind, has an annoying best friend who is selfish, and also an uncle, Sam, who works in a coffee house on campus. Penny and Sam have different kinds of issues, but they both seem to be in sync - for example, the first time they meet - they are both wearing the same shoes and black outfits!!! The college setting is great because the reader sees Penny in school, while Sam is struggling to stay in college. There are so many issues that were really effectively dealt with such as mothers and daughters, sexual assault, friendship, race, families, and finally the emergence of love. I loved this book so much but I still want to know more about their journey. The ending was awesome (so many YA books are downers and that makes me so sad, for teens - they deserve to see happy endings are possible) and hopeful, yay for Sam and Penny! A must-read, enjoyable and one teens will be discussing (especially with the social media, texting aspect). A favorite for me!!!

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Dear Martin by Nic Stone

Dear Martin by Nic Stone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s and Crown Books for Young Readers, for the ARC, Dear Martin by Nic Stone. Debut author, Nic Stone, has crafted a realistic fiction and urban fiction novel all teens will be clamoring to read. With the ripped from the headlines news of teens being shot by police and police violence, Stone has written a powerful, hard hitting novel I could not put down. I ached for Justyce, a black teen in a mostly white prep school who is unjustly judged by a white cop; roughed up and handcuffed, as he tries to help his drunk, white girlfriend. The title, Dear Martin, comes from the letters Justyce writes to Dr. King as a project to himself, as he tries to emulate King’s style and words to sort through racism, oppression, and injustice he encounters. Justyce’s problems intensify as he becomes more and more embroiled in incidents that involve him, his school friends, and his neighborhood acquaintances. As Martin leans on friends, his debate teacher, and debate partner (love interest), he becomes more and more disillusioned. Stone’s writing, her characters, and plot were all powerful reminders that there is still a great divide in our world and she raises many valid questions about problems our society needs to solve. Justyce’s world and struggle brings many needed diverse voices and issues to all readers. Today’s teens care about the heated, frustrating questions and concerns Nic Stone tackles in her haunting debut novel. Highly recommended!

Review of AudioBook
I listened to this wrenching book for the #2jennsbookclub twitter chat to take place Thursday, April 12 at 8PM EST and Dion Graham's narration of the book, plot and character's was just authentic, moving, and once again plunged me to awful depths with Justyce's confusion and despair after he is arrested. Nic Stone has penned a book ALL must read- there is still so much that needs to be done - African American teens must not be profiled, violated, assaulted and killed...they deserve much better.

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American Panda by Gloria Chao

American Panda by Gloria Chao
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing and Simon Pulse for the advance reader copy American Panda by Gloria Chao in exchange for an honest review. Gloria Chao has written an honest, heartbreaking book about perfect Taiwanese daughter, Mei, who at age seventeen, is a freshman at MIT with weekly visits for dinner by her overbearing, judgmental parents who have her future meticulously planned for her- become a doctor (she really hates germs) and wed a Taiwanese doctor (arranged marriage, of course!). I suffered along with her as she realizes she can’t be the perfect daughter and will she be cast off as daughter just like her brother was? With the help of her brother and Darren (the forbidden Japanese boy) and digging deep within herself, I relished Mei’s journey to happiness, a future in dance, new friends, and a future with dreams. Chao’s description of Mei’s Taiwan culture and beliefs, and food was authentic. The characters and plot were fully fleshed, I could not put this book down. Teens will laugh, empathize, and wrap their arms around Mei, her MIT experience, and being an insecure teen with family ties that hurt more than helped. I fell in love with Mei, highly recommended!

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Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson

Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great book!!! Jade and her friends Lee Lee, Sam, mentor Maxine, her mom are all such authentic, real characters living in a challenging world, trying to face it the best way they can. I was not a fan of the cover, but as I read the book Jade's world on the cover was one of color, brightness, showcasing her hope but also the power and beauty of art made me fall in love with this colorful cover, a mosaic of Jade's life and aspirations! I have been hearing about this book since it was published in February 2017, and after reading THUG, Long Way Down, Dear Martin, ShadowHouse Fall, The Education of Margo Sabchez, Patina & Ghost, and I am sorry it took me so long to get to reading it, but so happy I read this powerful novel about friendship, finding oneself, hardship, heartbreak, the power of love and hope and honesty---a must read for all especially those who like urban fiction, adversity, diversity, and making a difference. Such a powerful book and ending- highly recommended!

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Refugee by Alan Gratz

Refugee by Alan Gratz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, what a must read for all; Alan Gratz crafts a heart stopping, gripping read about 3 young teens and their families as they become refugees trying to escape Nazi Germany in 1939, Cuba in 1995, and Syria in 2015- all devastating times in history where people are/were persecuted, preyed upon, murdered and desperately searching for freedom, acceptance, and a place to call home. I ached as I read Josef, Isabel and Mahmoud's courageous struggles with their close knit families as they fled homes they loved because of persecution and war. Gratz's use of different time periods to show how history keeps repeating itself in it's discrimination of cultures, genocide, and violence shows the refugee/immigrant plights keep continuing; wiping out families, communities, and homelands; this should be required reading for all students, teachers, parents, and leaders. Readers will not be able to put this book down; there is so much to discuss; things need to be remedied - this should not happen; the dangers are all too real; countries can't/won't handle the influx of refugees and people/families are disintegrating, suffering, losing hope. The Author's Note is essential, and What you Can Do just as important to read at the end of this book.

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Dear Martin by Nic Stone

Dear Martin by Nic Stone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s and Crown Books for Young Readers, for the ARC, Dear Martin by Nic Stone. Debut author, Nic Stone, has crafted a realistic fiction and urban fiction novel all teens will be clamoring to read. With the ripped from the headlines news of teens being shot by police and police violence, Stone has written a powerful, hard hitting novel I could not put down. I ached for Justyce, a black teen in a mostly white prep school who is unjustly judged by a white cop; roughed up and handcuffed, as he tries to help his drunk, white girlfriend. The title, Dear Martin, comes from the letters Justyce writes to Dr. King as a project to himself, as he tries to emulate King’s style and words to sort through racism, oppression, and injustice he encounters. Justyce’s problems intensify as he becomes more and more embroiled in incidents that involve him, his school friends, and his neighborhood acquaintances. As Martin leans on friends, his debate teacher, and debate partner (love interest), he becomes more and more disillusioned. Stone’s writing, her characters, and plot were all powerful reminders that there is still a great divide in our world and she raises many valid questions about problems our society needs to solve. Justyce’s world and struggle brings many needed diverse voices and issues to all readers. Today’s teens care about the heated, frustrating questions and concerns Nic Stone tackles in her haunting debut novel. Highly recommended!

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Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert

Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Brandy Colbert's Pointe and her latest, Little & Lion grips your heart for so many reasons. With a very diverse cast, current themes of diversity, mental illness and disabilities, teens will be passing this book to all their friends. Little is Lionel's sister, she is fierce in her love for her brother but there are many complications she deals with, as she returns home from boarding school for the summer. Little and her mom are black and Lionel and his dad are white (and Jewish) and a very close-knit family. But the summer before, Lionel was diagnosed with bipolar disorder her parents thought it better to send Little away while they dealt with Lionel's mental illness, medicines, doctors and psychiatrist appointments. While at school, Little hides who she is because she just can't deal. So her summer back with her family and friends is just what she needs, but there are whole new unexpected issues and complications fraught with anxiety, secrecy, and lies Little must deal with. How will Little's summer turn out? Colbert's characters were real and I loved getting to know them- roommate Iris, love interest Emil, Rafaela (Lion's girlfriend and Little's co-worker) and mostly supportive parents. Colbert's latest is a must read, recommended.

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The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Saenz

The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group, and Clarion Books for the ARC, The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Saenz. This is another beautiful, heart-breaking book (just like Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe). Saenz has a powerful way with words and also his titles. The main character, Salvatore (known by family and friends as Sally or Sal) goes into much thought and depth about logic and also inexplicable logic throughout his deep soulful searches on life, love, family, being a senior and how to find his way in the world. Sal tells the reader his life was good, happy, and he was not bothered by much until senior year when he begins to question himself, starts getting into fights, withholds himself from his father, and his best friend, Sam. The one constant in Sal’s life is his grandmother, Mima, who has always loved and accepted him and now she is dying. Will Sal be able to survive this unbelievable loss? When will he open and read a letter from his mother? Will he be able to conquer his fears and grow up to be the kind of person his Mima, Dad, Sam, and new friend, Fito, know he can be? Readers will ache with the sadness and longing in Sal and his integral relationships and will grow with Sally as he questions, laughs, cries, and forges toward his future. A strong, authentic, YA read with diverse characters.

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ShadowShaper by Daniel Jose Older

Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book as part of The Top 10 Best Fiction of Young Adults for the Hub Challenge and I finished in 2 days. Sierra Santiago's voice, personality, spirit grabbed me from page 1- she is from Brooklyn, a muralist, and she is noticing the murals around Bed-Stuy are changing, get less distinct, and she even sees one tear drop out of a person's eye on the mural! What is up? Daniel Jose Older has written a book that is diverse, funny, magical, mystical, and urban - from Sierra's family, friends and community- the reader is treated to a book that tells a story about a teen protagonist you will not soon forget. Not only do we have Sierra's world of painting and friends but the reader is treated to magic, evil monsters, shadowshaping, and a girl who will stop at nothing to figure it all out. Highly recommended!

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On the Edge of Gone by Corinne Duyvis

On the Edge of Gone by Corinne Duyvis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and ABRAMS Kids for the ARC, On the Edge of Gone by Corinne Duyvis. If you are looking for a gripping post-apocalyptic read with diverse characters measured according to how “worthiness” On the Edge of Gone, is a rip-roaring action packed read! Denise is the tough but insecure protagonist, who does not let her autism stop her from proving her worth to gain a spot on the generation ship (bringing her mother along while still trying to find her sister, Iris) as a comet hurtles toward Earth. I loved the much needed diversity Duyvis brought to this raw book with biracial characters, transgender characters, and characters with disabilities. I saw this author speak on a diversity panel 11/15/15 in Philadelphia titled, Moving Past “Girl” Books and “Boy” Books: Representing a Rainbow, and I was so impressed. I immediately requested this title from NetGalley and I was so excited to read this scifi thriller. I even purchased Otherbound, too! Congratulations to Corinne Duyvis and the cadre of other authors celebrating diversity in culture and environment in their writing; YA readers need more authors to lend their voices; highly recommended!

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Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I purchased this book after going to the Friends Central Celebrate Diverse Literature Conference and listening to Becky Albertalli speak. Simon is a great male character who is emailing with someone named "Blue" and as they get to know one another (they attend the same school) they keep their identities secret but begin to have feelings for one another. This is a great story about diversity, friendship, family, and coming out as gay to family and friends. Simon's world is sweet, full of tumult (but in a good, nerdy way) and as he navigates this "new" part of his life, the reader journeys with Simon and roots for him every step of the way. Highly recommended for teens, reluctant readers and adults too.

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