Concrete Rose (The Hate You Give, #0) by Angie Thomas

Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dion Graham awesomely narrates this stunning, authentic novel about Maverick Carter's teen life (he is Starr's father from THUG) as he deals with fatherhood, loss of his cousin, life with the King Lords, dealing drugs, his father in prison, his mother holding down 2 jobs. As Maverick tries life without dealing drugs, he works for his neighbor in his store and his garden. He learns so much but he feels like he is working for the lowest wages and his old life comes calling again. I loved Dion Graham's narration, it was so powerful catching Mav's insecurities, heartache and frustrations. I also loved his girlfriend, Lisa, who wanted more and did not ever give up hope. This is a must read for teens as they find out what life is really like for African American teens who have parenthood forced on them in high school, their decisions and how they proceed in life. Highly recommended!!!

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Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany Jackson

Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesomely narrated by Korey Jackson , Nile Bullock , Adenrele Ojo , Adam Lazarre-White; I loved this book- the characters were so real, likable, funny, and dealing with their own issues. Steph, Jasmine's big brother and all around good guy has been murdered; Jasmine and his 2 best friends, Quadir and Jarrell feel keenly Steph's music needs to be heard and hatch a plot to get everyone listening to Steph as if he is alive but they call him The Architect. When each of them begins delving into Steph's life their are mysteries and secrets Steph was keeping and now the 3 friends are keeping secrets. Loved the music world aspect look into the making of a demo, learning the history of music, of rappers, being represented by a label and fame. The narrators were so good; I enjoyed the authenticity they brought to the teens' language, dress, social status and racism. Jackson's book was awesome; teens will love the 90s portrayal of the music scene, the loyalty of friends, and the grief after a loved one dies.

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These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, such a compelling read; I could not put this book down; so many great reviews had me push it to the top of my TBR list and I am so glad I did! I read this as part of #BitAboutBooks Winter Reading Challenge, Book set in Another Country, and oh was this Shanghai in the 1920s filled with gore, drama and chaos. Shanghai is a city being tugged at by 2 gangs, The Scarlets and The Whites, and now Russians are infiltrating and trying to unionize the workers in both gangs. Also there is a monster in the river that is making people tear out their own throats; following this mystery and how Juliette and Roma work together, despite their warring gangs, to save lives and end the monster. With the history of Shanghai, the scifi of the monster, I could not put this book down!!! I am trying to understand what the title means... but it is definitely one of my favorite series reads! There is so much visceral, deep seated hatred, anger, despair but also HOPE (in Juliette) and I am rooting for Juliette and Roma and can't wait to see what the next book brings. Highly recommended!

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Dear Justyce by Nic Stone

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

Just wow! I have read and loved everything Nic Stone writes, and this book is a must read by all, very ripped from the headlines, and even though fiction, so true in depicting LaQuan's life, his friendship with Justyce, his "bond" with his "brothers" in the Martel Organization, and his dysfunctional family and school life problems.
Just as I loved Dear Martin, so did Quan tear up my heart as I read his letters to Justyce, and followed his time in jail. The depth of all the characters is powerful, honest and kept me rooting for Quan --- I could not stop turning those pages! Adults and teens must read this book! Highly recommended!

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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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Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I enjoyed this third book in the Perfect Chemistry trilogy but the characterization of Luis Fuentes and Nikki Cruz seemed rushed. I didn't feel the depth of personality that developed slowly but surely with Alex and Brittany and Carlos and Kiera. There were not many adult figures that played a role model type role in the original two books and I would have liked to have seen more development of Officer Reyes instead of all three brothers believing he was trouble with no interest in their mother. Elkeles can still get the heat going with her descriptions of Luis and Nikki's yearnings or spurnings. Teens will enjoy this book, but it just didn't hit the mark of the first two with the human drama, drugs and gangs, it seemed too contrived, but I will be asking my students what they think as well.



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