Iveliz Explains It All by Andrea Beatriz Arango

Iveliz Explains It All by Andrea Beatriz Arango
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this debut novel in verse which do well with middle school and YA with the issues (PTSD, death, grief, anger, mental illness) Iveliz presents. Iveliz has a journal which the reader knows is from her heart and since her father's death, which she blames herself for, she is suffering, feels she can't talk to anyone (especially Mami) and even though she looked forward to a newer better year in 7th grade, she has run ins with friends and family and school. I rooted for Iveliz to share her burdens with others like her psychologist, friend Amir and her grandmother. A must read!

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In the Beautiful Country by Jane Kuo

In the Beautiful Country by Jane Kuo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great debut novel! The author uses her experiences coming to America to craft a story about Anna and her parents as they leave Taiwan for California. Her father thought he had a partner in a Dino's store selling ribs and burgers but his "friend" ditched him. Anna struggles in school where she is bullied and made fun of - never telling her parents because they are dealing with bullies too in their store- breaking windows, messing up their tables, spilling ketchup & salt on the floor. Referring to America as the beautiful country, Anna and her parents find it anything but! Struggling this family decides to leave but that will prove difficult trying to sell a store that does not make a profit. This is a must read about the perseverance of an immigrant family who experiences racism often but through a few friends, church and the will to succeed slowly but surely they craft a life---will they stay or will they leave? You must dear this book to find out! Highly recommended!!! And there is a sequel, I will definitely be reading it too!!!

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Twin Cities by Jos Pimienta

Twin Cities by José Pimienta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Twins, Fernando & Teresa live in Mexicali, Mexico but in the fall they will be going to different schools for the first time ever with Teresa crossing the border to a private school. There is the normal brother and sister drama but it reaches a hostile roar---will Fer & Teresa ever be close again? I learned alot about the different sides of the border and I loved the illustrations!

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Ballad & Dagger (Outlaw Saints, #1) by Daniel Jose Older

Ballad & Dagger by Daniel José Older
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide and Rick Riordan Presents for the advance reader copy, Ballad & Dagger (Outlaw Saints, #1) by Daniel Jose Older in exchange for an honest review. This is my 4th Rick Riordan Presents book and I just keep wanting to read more and more of these fantasies about different cultures. I so love Daniel Jose Older books and this new addition to the Rick Riordan Presents series had me turning those pages and loving the thrill of San Madrigal's history (past and present) as Mateo, a music genius who has not spent each day in his community (his parents are doctors who have travelled the world and always had Mateo with them), finds he is one of the key players in Madrigal's future as a healer and much, much more. Another key player is Chela, the rabbi's daughter, and together they get to know each other, and learn more about their powers and the evil that has been a key part of their history. I loved the world Mateo lives in: the food, the music, and the religious and political drama and delicious mystery---Older does such a great job with is words, the characters (Mateo's love of music and family), his plot- this is another winner, a must read for YA!

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Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book deserves all the awards: National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2021), Michael L. Printz Award Nominee (2022), Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Young Adult Fiction (2021), Teen category, Walter Dean Myers Honor Award. Awesomely narrated by Emily Woo Zeller; this story takes place in 1954 Chinatown where high school student Lily Hu lives with her family, with an annoying, an overbearing best friend, and the Red Scare has taken her doctor father's Naturalization Papers because of a patient her saw. When Lily begins to realize she has feelings for Kath Miller as a result of sneaking out to the GAY bar to see a female impersonator, the reader follows Kath and Lily's friendship turn to relationship and how their world blows up. Thoroughly researched this a must read for YA readers on the history of the Red Scare, life in Chinatown, and the growth of lesbian movement.

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Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This 2nd book was just as beautiful as the first and I absolutely loved the authentic, beautiful narration by Lin-Manuel Miranda. As men are dying of AIDS Ari and Dante remain in love but conflicted about being gay and what it will mean for their futures. I loved the different yet lovable personalities of Ari and Dante, their supportive and worried parents, friendships lost but found, and their profound love for each other in an uncertain world. I would love to read a 3rd book about them in college or maybe after? A must read, YA readers will relate on many levels.

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Samira Surfs by Rukhsanna Guidroz

Samira Surfs by Rukhsanna Guidroz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I so enjoyed this middle grade novel in verse about Samira and her family who flee from Burma to Bangladesh while she valiantly tries to repair her trauma of the journey, losing her grandparents and slowly rebuild her life. With her brother, she learns the alphabet and how to read; she makes friends, learns to swim and surf, while keeping it a secret from her parents. I rooted for Samira, loved the illustrations, and think kids who read this will be encouraged to try surfing! There was beauty in learning about her culture, sadness in sharing her losses with her friends, and seeing how the townspeople react to others being persecuted (her people, the Rohingya) and moving into their town.

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A Well-Tempered Heart (The Art of Hearing Heartbeats, #2) by Jan-Philipp Sendker

A Well-Tempered Heart by Jan-Philipp Sendker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesomely narrated by Cassandra Campbell, Julia flees to Burma when she begins hearing the voice of a woman who is afraid of black boots. In Burma reunited with her brother after 10 years, U Ba, she finds out who the woman is and tries to find out what happened to the woman (whose voice she hears) and her two sons. I loved Julia's growth in this 2nd book, U Ba is my favorite- he is just the most sensible, kind, loving human being. The story of Nu Nu, her husband and two sons leveled me; I could not stop listening to this compelling story!

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Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Re-read this as part of my Albright College Zoom book discussion and I loved it even more the 2nd time!

My mother gave this book to me and my reader friend Ruth recommended it years ago. I loved seeing Major Pettigrew grow, become bold, become forthright and fall in love with Mrs. Ali. The English village was beautiful but very tough on who and what they considered outsiders. There was humor, sadness, grief and so much more to enjoy in this book about older characters who change, grab at life, and turn their backs on tradition. Readers will enjoy the Major, Mrs. Ali, Grace, Alice, George, Amina, Sandy, and the Vicar and be chagrined with The Major's son, neighbors, Abdul and lots of others. It was a tug of war to see who could win the war of religion, race, and real estate, and I am so glad I was surprised by this book!

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Room to Dream (Front Desk) by Kelly Yang

Room to Dream by Kelly Yang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again, I just reveled in this new Front Desk series! Mia and her friends are as strong as ever, but Lupe is going up to the high school for classes as Mia and Jason miss her! Mia is getting too many writing rejections and for the first time she is not telling Lupe or Jason... but she is super excited to return to China to visit her grandparents, cousins and aunts and uncles. While there, Mia makes friends with a beloved aging teacher who encourages Mia to submit her articles to youth newspaper in China. Her articles are an instant hit, she gets fan letters, and she begins to confide what she is feeling towards her friends (they will never read it, they are in America!) and her love of writing is
energized. But back at home, the new hotel next door is using dirty tactics to undermine the Calavista and Mia, Hank, and the shareholders are approached to sell the Calavista, what is Mia to do? I just love Kelly Yang's writing; it is real, authentic and students reading this series will find this 3rd book packs alot of punch and will LOVE it---friendship, family, big business, journalism, bias, racism, consent, and adaptability. A must read!

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Elvis, Me, and the Lemonade Stand Summer by Leslie Gentile

Elvis, Me, and the Lemonade Stand Summer by Leslie Gentile
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thans to Laurie Hnatiuk for recommending this awesome debut author middle grade book. Taking place in the year after Elvis Presley has died, Truly has a secret and it is that Elvis is now living in their trailer park. Owned by Andy El, the Eagle Shore Trailer Park near an Indigenous reservation, her son Raymond faithfully comes to help with repairs, buy food, and spread love and security to his mom, Andy El, his sister and her kids and Truly because Truly's mom is just awful. Totally self absorbed and spurned by her mother because she got pregnant, her mother lets her down is so many ways. Truly spends more time with Andy El sleeping on her front porch, washing her clothes and eating at Andy El's and this summer Andy El has an idea for Truly to raise money. This lemonade stand comes to represent so much to Truly---she sells the lemonade but residents give her books, muffins, and other things to sell. She is saving to try to find her father but she is keeping this a secret; she tells everyone she is saving for a puppy and everyone wants Truly to have this puppy. This book broke my heart time and again (her mother of course!!!) but Andy El and her family filled Truly's heart with love and determination, a must read for all! Highly recommended!

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Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares (Paola Santiago #2) by Tehlor Kay Mejia

Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares by Tehlor Kay Mejia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide and Rick Riordan Presents for the advance reader copy, Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares by Tehlor Kay Mejia in exchange for an honest review. This second in the Paola Santiago series was thrilling with heart pounding adventures for Paola, her nightmares now in a forest and it seems her father is involved somehow. Is this good or bad? My heart ached for Paola in this second book as she experienced friendship drama, mother and new boyfriend issues, and trusting her scientific mind over and above her new reality. As Paola is plunged into new nightmares, her best friend Dante seems to be angry with her all the time and won’t let her come over to his house and visit with his abuela. When Dante is at soccer practice she sneaks over and what happens sends shockwaves through her! Dante’s abuela addresses her as Maria (her mother!!!) and warns her against the bad men in her life. When his abuela passes out, Paola is devastated and reaches out to her friend, Emma, for help. I could not stop reading this suspenseful sequel that packs so many punches and psychological dilemmas for Paola as she revisits the missing boys and their leaders, monsters with green eyes and powers from the Highwayman that are beyond brutal. As Paola valiantly tries to wade through the mysteries, disappearing friends, and vanishing family, the reader will be plunged into her world of doubt, betrayal, lies, and mysteries. This is a must read, highly recommended for middle grade mystery lovers!

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Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca

Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read and loved this book as part of my 2nd #BitAboutBooks Winter Reading Challenge a book published in 2021 worth 15 points. Just as I loved her debut, Midsummer's Mayhem, I could not put down this affecting, touching novel in verse (which I totally loved) about Reha, a young Indian American girl who was born and raised in America but by Indian parents who migrated to the United States and married. Reha loves her life with her mother and father but feels so constrained by their expectations which are opposite what her daily American life is in school. This book deftly portrays the double world Reha lives in; I enjoyed learning about the Indian mythology especially Savitri, Amma's letter writing known as Aerogramme, and the Indian foods and culture. Especially noteworthy is Reha's friendship with her Indian friends on the weekends, and the support from the kids at school like Pete, Penelope, and Rachel when Amma is sick. This is a book that all must read--there is much to be learned about Reha's life that AA readers can and will identify with, learn from, and understand about family struggles such as illness, expectations, and differences. Highly recommended!

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Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again, Elizabeth Acevedo has written a beautiful, timely story in her signature novel in verse style. Camino and Yahaira do not know each other but they share a father and a last name, Rios. When their father dies in a plane crash on his way to visit Camino (as he does every summer) in the Dominican Republic, their lives are shattered. In prose, that is haunting, authentic, and charged, two girls discover through grief that they have each other. Highly recommended!

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Parachutes by Kelly Yang

Parachutes by Kelly Yang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a read; Kelly Yang as done it again! Her middle grade debut, Front Desk, was a winner and so is Parachutes. Telling the story of life in a high school in California that encourages students from China to get a leg up for college by going to high school in the U.S. Once they come, these "parachutes" are hosted by families. Dani, a Filipino American girl who is a scholarship student tutors and cleans houses to help her mother make ends meet. Her mom decides to host a student from Shanghai, Claire, who is rich, and privileged. Close to 500 pages, there is a lot going on in this important read. Dani and Claire are house mates only and travel in different crowds and many things happen to thwart their friendship. I loved Dani's debate qualities and Claire's search for friends. Many high school issues and family problems are dealt with as well as friendship, exploitation, and the importance of speaking up! Teens will relate to these girls, their lives, interests, and drama. Especially important is the author's notes and how she spoke up and was NOT heard! A must read!!!

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The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the narration of Ruthie Ann Miles , Kimiko Glenn , Alexandra Allwine , Gabra Zackman , Jeremy Bobb , Joy Osmanski , Emily Walton , Erin Wilhelmi in this totally absorbing historical fiction taking place in China in a remote Akha village. Life is difficult until one day a man and his son come to their village in search of PUR tea. Li-yan translates for the village elders and her family, she also goes to school for higher education, marries and moves from her mountain village. This was such a compelling story about family, tradition, culture, the modern world, and how strong women in one family share their heritage with angel tea trees. I will not soon forget Li-yan, her mother, and the daughter she gave up for adoption---they were separated but their bonds were strong and lasting.

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Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another winner from Raina Telgemeier as she uses Maya's cystic fibrosis as a reason for the family to move to a warmer climate. Cat is not happy about the move, leaving her friends, but she is a supportive big sister. When they arrive in Bahia de la Luna the girls find out from their next door neighbor there is a long history of celebrating ghosts and loved ones who have passed on. I loved Maya's joy and exploring nature and Cat's protective side. Cat's mom loves the new neighbors because they are Mexican American like her and many new dishes and cultural roots are explored. I loved the ghosts, the beauty of the Day of the Dead and Cat's acceptance of many things in her new home, family and friends. This graphic novel will be flying off the shelves!

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From Twinkle With Love by Sandhya Menon

From Twinkle, with Love by Sandhya Menon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this Sandhya Menon book about a shy teen who doesn't really stand up for herself, loves to film, and laments the loss of her best friend, Maddy. When Twinkle is approached by Sahil Roy to direct a school project, she jumps at the chance to direct but also sees a way to date her crush, Neil who happens to be Sahil's twin. I loved every word in this romance, Twinkle's slow fall for Sahil, the high school infighting, and Sahil's total belief in Twinkle and the growth of her voice.

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Slay by Brittney Morris

Slay by Brittney Morris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow what a great, important read! Kiera Johnson is definitely one of my favorite protagonists; she is thoughtful, lives 2 lives--- she one of 4 African Americans in a mostly white prep school & asked really stupid questions about Black culture (as if she is the expert) and her 2nd life is in a black neighborhood where she is secretly the creator and moderator of a virtual reality game (which includes role playing (loved the names and costumes, cards (with Black connotations, some really hysterical & created by moderators and members) and different worlds, known as Slay. I loved how Kiera derived so much pleasure from Slay, so many online friends, and a true sense of Black community--hence players as Kings and Queens and can only join by invitation from a member (keeping an all black membership) until it is not. A must read, teens will love it for what it says about many different aspects of Black culture, history, and today's reality.

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Frankly In Love (Frankly In Love #1) by David Yoon

Frankly in Love by David Yoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this debut book, debut author and main character Frankly!!! Awesomely Narrated by Raymond J. Lee, Frankly (Frank Li) is a Korean American senior, nerd, good kid who falls for a white girl (strictly forbidden by his parents- since his sister is banished for marrying Black Miles)Brit Means. Since his family still meets with others who went to the same college together- their kids are called Limbos, Frank and Joy Song have grown up as Limbos- now Joy is dating a Chinese guy (unbeknownst to her parents) and as Joy and Frank lament their love problems they come up with a great solution---they will ACT like they are dating to fool the parents. This book is about so much more...but Frankly is such a believable character, stuck between the Korean immigrant parent wishes and stuck between his California upbringing---he is honest, compelling, mouthy, and sincere. There is so much to love about this novel, definitely a MUST READ! Loved it!!

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