Tag Archives: diverse books
Lucy and Linh
Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
September 6, 2016
352
Lucy is a bit of a pushover, but she’s ambitious and smart, and she has just received the opportunity of a lifetime: a scholarship to a prestigious school, and a ticket out of her broken-down suburb. Though she’s worried she will stick out like badly cut bangs among the razor-straight students, she is soon welcomed into the Cabinet, the supremely popular trio who wield influence over classmates and teachers alike.
Linh is blunt, strong-willed, and fearless—everything Lucy once loved about herself. She is also Lucy’s last solid link to her life before private school, but she is growing tired of being eclipsed by the glamour of the Cabinet.
As Lucy floats further away from the world she once knew, her connection to Linh—and to her old life—threatens to snap. Sharp and honest, Alice Pung’s novel examines what it means to grow into the person you want to be without leaving yourself behind.
Originally published in Australia by Black Inc. in 2014 under title: Laurinda.
Review:
I think that my intense dislike of “Lucy and Linh” may be a case of it being “it’s not you, it’s me.” For that reason I bumped up the stars from two to three.
I really did want to like the book. The story of a poor immigrant trying to assimilate in a private school full of spoiled rich girls seemed interesting. Not to mention, a diverse book! It seemed so full of promise. In reality, I found myself with an almost immediate dislike of Lucy that only increased as I kept reading. It didn’t help that the plot seemed to move at a crawl.
I’m going to stop there because I believe some readers may really enjoy “Lucy and Linh,” and I don’t want to discourage anyone who reads the description and wants to give it a try from picking it up. In short: Your Mileage May Vary.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Content Warning:
Language, Very Minor Sexual Talk, Bullying, Racial Slurs
The Rest of Us Just Live Here
The Rest of Us Just Live Here
HarperTeen
October 6, 2015
336
ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults * Cooperative Children’s Book Center CCBC Choice * Michael Printz Award shortlist * Six starred reviews * Kirkus Best Book of the Year * VOYA Perfect Ten * NYPL Top Ten Best Books of the Year for Teens * Chicago Public Library Best Teen Books of the Year * Publishers Marketplace Buzz Books * ABC Best Books for Children * Bank Street Best Books List
A new YA novel from novelist Patrick Ness, author of the Carnegie Medal- and Kate Greenaway Medal-winning A Monster Calls and the critically acclaimed Chaos Walking trilogy, The Rest of Us Just Live Here is a bold and irreverent novel that powerfully reminds us that there are many different types of remarkable.
What if you aren't the Chosen One? The one who's supposed to fight the zombies, or the soul-eating ghosts, or whatever the heck this new thing is, with the blue lights and the death?
What if you're like Mikey? Who just wants to graduate and go to prom and maybe finally work up the courage to ask Henna out before someone goes and blows up the high school. Again.
Because sometimes there are problems bigger than this week's end of the world, and sometimes you just have to find the extraordinary in your ordinary life.
Even if your best friend is worshipped by mountain lions.
Review:
“The Rest of Us Just Live Here” is one of the most unusual books I have ever read.
The beginning of every chapter tells what the “Indie Kids” are up to, which is the stuff typically found in young adult fiction that is not realistic. There were so many lines centering around them that had me laughing I couldn’t even begin to narrow it down to only one example. The real story centers around a group of friends who are just living their normal lives on the outside, not really involved with what’s going on. None of them are “the chosen ones.”
All of the characters are well-developed, including the secondary ones, and are going through the typical growing up issues all of us face at one time or another. The group is diverse in almost every way imaginable, and that really adds another level of enjoyment to it all. Most importantly, there are some very important messages hidden within the fun and entertainment. I’ll let you find those out for yourselves.
As an aside, there is a wonderful portrayal of OCD found in the main character, Mikey. It isn’t the main focus, but I’m sure many readers will relate.
I highly recommend “The Rest of Us Just Live Here” to any older young adult or adult who is looking for a book that is capable of having them shifting between laughter and tears.
Content Warnings:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Underage Drinking, Discussion of Eating Disorders
Gemini
Juvenile Fiction
Simon and Schuster
July 26, 2016
336
In a small town, as high school graduation approaches, two conjoined sisters must weigh the importance of their dreams as individuals against the risk inherent in the surgery that has the potential to separate them forever.
Review:
Actual rating: 3 1/5 stars
“Gemini” is a groundbreaking ya novel about conjoined twins. It was an interesting read that took me beyond my preconceived notions.
Clara and Hailey are conjoined but as different as two people can be. One is an artist and one is an astronomy genius. Told in alternating viewpoints, it highlights how differently they think and see their situation. Topics such as relationships and bullying are tackled, as well as the more mundane tasks in life that are more difficult for them, such as the act of sitting down. One of my favorite aspects of the characters was that they were unapologetically presented as capable of being assholes at times. Too many people think disabled people can’t be like that. The angel phenomenon was nice to see broken.
I will say that the story seemed more suited to upper middle graders than older teens. There is very little objectionable material and some of the situations can be ridiculous. The ending is a good example of that. That being said, it is still a fun read.
I can recommend “Gemini” to those looking for books about uncommon disabilities, somewhat light reads, and older middle graders.
This honest review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Content Warning:
Mild Language, Mild Sexual Situations, Brief Mention of Underage Drinking
And I Darken
Juvenile Fiction
Delacorte Press
2016-06
496
In this first book in a trilogy a girl child is born to Vlad Dracula, in Transylvania, in 1435--at first rejected by her father and always ignored by her mother, she will grow up to be Lada Dragwlya, a vicious and brutal princess, destined to rule and destroy her enemies.
Review:
I don’t know what I was expecting when I picked up “And I Darken,” aside from the story of Vlad the Impaler if he were female, but this book blew me away.
The main character, Lada, is a deliciously evil anti-heroine. She is nothing like the typical YA version of a female character. She’s plain, even ugly, and not in need of any boy. She’s a badass. A badass you never want to meet. Her brother, Radu, is the sensitive and beautiful one. There is romance, but like the plot, I don’t want to spoil anything. I’ll just say I was pleasantly surprised to find a lgbtq character in the book.
I highly recommend “And I Darken” to anyone who enjoys a dark story and doesn’t mind gore. That being said, I do want to warn that the publisher recommends the book for ages 12+, and I feel it would be a rare 12-year-old who will be able to handle the subject matter.
This honest review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Gore, Disturbing Imagery
Summer of Sloane
Summer of Sloane
Disney-Hyperion
May 3, 2016
Hardcover
304
Warm Hawaiian sun. Lazy beach days. Flirty texts with her boyfriend back in Seattle.
These are the things seventeen-year-old Sloane McIntyre pictured when she imagined the summer she'd be spending at her mom's home in Hawaii with her twin brother, Penn. Instead, after learning an unthinkable secret about her boyfriend, Tyler, and best friend, Mick, all she has is a fractured hand and a completely shattered heart.
Once she arrives in Honolulu, though, Sloane hopes that Hawaii might just be the escape she needs. With beach bonfires, old friends, exotic food, and the wonders of a waterproof cast, there's no reason Sloane shouldn't enjoy her summer. And when she meets Finn McAllister, the handsome son of a hotel magnate who doesn't always play by the rules, she knows he's the perfect distraction from everything that's so wrong back home.
But it turns out a measly ocean isn't nearly enough to stop all the emails, texts, and voicemails from her ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend, desperate to explain away their betrayal. And as her casual connection with Finn grows deeper, Sloane's carefree summer might not be as easy to come by as she'd hoped. Weighing years of history with Mick and Tyler against their deception, and the delicate possibility of new love, Sloane must decide when to forgive, and when to live for herself.
Review:
“Summer of Sloane” is the perfect choice for those looking for a beach read that is fun with a side of seriousness.
Sloane is a character put into a very difficult situation through no fault of her own, and the way she works through it feels very natural and realistic. She’s someone who is easy to like, something that is not always easily found in young adult romances. All of the supporting characters added to the story and were well-developed. Most are the sorts of friends anyone would want to have. You’ll know the ones you definitely do not want when you read it.
I loved the pacing and the writing. It flowed steadily and the narration really sucked me into Sloane’s world. Not an easy feat since I have never been to Hawaii and probably never will get to go. I felt like I was sitting around a bonfire with my friends a good amount of the time. None of the conversation felt stilted or forced, and the writer gave each character a unique voice. There are also some very important life lessons thrown in that don’t seem at all preachy. It strikes a nice balance.
“Summer of Sloane” is a good book for anyone looking for a teen romance with a little bite. It’s also a cheap summer getaway to paradise.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Underage Drinking
Little Chickies
Little Chickies
Canticos
Encantos
April 1, 2016
Board Book
25 pages
"Los Pollitos Dicen," or "Little Chickies Squeal" is one of the most popular songs in the Spanish speaking world, akin to "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" in English. This English adaptation of the song is as catchy and lyrical as the Spanish version and sure to engage new audiences not familiar with the original song. The song is an homage to the demanding nature of babies and the unconditional love, care, and warmth given to them by their mommies.
Review:
“Little Chickies” is an adorable board book that introduces Spanish or English, depending on the child’s native language, in a simple and easily accessible way. The story is told in both languages, one following the other, with the same illustrations in each version, allowing children to easily see the connections. On top of that, there is a download available of the story being read. Very cute and inventive!
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
A Fierce and Subtle Poison
Young Adult Fiction
Algonquin Books
April 12, 2016
288
Spending the summer with his hotel-developer father in Puerto Rico, seventeen-year-old Lucas turns to a legendary cursed girl filled with poison when his girlfriend mysteriously disappears.
Review:
“A Fierce and Subtle Poison” is a wonderful tale of magical realism and fantasy based heavily upon the stories and superstitions found in Puerto Rico.
If you’re looking for a book with typical romance, this one is not for you. The focus is more on the mysterious nature of a girl and a boy’s search to find himself. I absolutely loved the look into how Puerto Ricans view the rich Americans who are taking over and destroying the natural beauty of their homeland. For his part, Lucas, the main character, does have a love of the place and the people. It’s nice to see hope for change.
The characters are very well-developed, and the book reads at a fast and easy pace. It’s easy to get lost in the world and believe in magic again. I can’t say much else without giving away some important things, but I can say the ending is satisfying and leaves room for a sequel without needing one to make the story feel complete. It’s a really fun ride.
“A Fierce and Subtle Poison” does have some themes that might not be appropriate for younger middle graders, but anyone older who loves a good fairy tale will enjoy this book. I highly recommend it.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Underage Alcohol Abuse, Violence, Brief Mentions Of Animal Death (Not Graphic)
Defender
Wendy Lamb Books
April 12, 2016
240
Seventeen-year-old Tyne and her boyfriend Stick investigate a decades-old murder after she finds the body of a girl in the basement wall of her apartment building.
Review:
“Defender” is a gritty mystery set in a downtrodden urban area of Toronto.
While I felt that the varied races of the characters and the realistic feel of the location were unique, there was something off about it all that I can’t quite put my finger on. It didn’t all come together in a way that could have taken it from okay to great. There were a lot of subplots occurring, and that may have been a barrier in keeping the story cohesive.
The mystery contained in the story was a good one with an ending I really appreciated. The look into the very real problems with the foster care system and the difficulty of being able to escape poverty were eye-opening. Many readers are sure to find characters they can relate to, which for many may be a rare occurrence.
“Defender” has its good and bad points, and I encourage those who are interested to give it a try. There is quite a bit of disturbing imagery, so those buying for younger or sensitive readers should keep that in mind.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Violence, Disturbing Imagery
Don’t Tell, Don’t Tell, Don’t Tell
Second Story Press
April 5, 2016
Paperback
235
Frederick has a lot of rules for himself—like if someone calls him Freddy, he doesn't have to answer them, and he only wears shirts with buttons. But when his friend Angel—his only friend—goes missing and he is questioned by the police, he doesn't have a rule for that. Friendship is a new concept for Frederick, so when Angel asked him to keep a secret no matter what, he agreed. But do the rules of friendship apply when your friend is missing?
Review:
I can’t say that “Don’t Tell, Don’t Tell, Don’t Tell” is a bad book. In fact, I enjoyed most of it quite a bit. There were a couple of problems that kept it from being a four star book, though.
The story centers around Frederick, who has Asperger’s, and Angel, who is only his second friend. Frederick and his wandering stream-of-consciousness voice may be difficult for some to follow, but it’s an accurate portrayal of how many with Asperger’s (or add, adhd, etc.) think. One caveat with this is that people remember: If you’ve met one person with Asperger’s, you’ve met one person with Asperger’s. Think of this as a general view, not necessarily a specific one. Anyway, the situation in which he finds himself is complex for anyone, let alone someone with a different way of processing the world, and the portrayal of how he works through it is fascinating.
Angel is a mystery to him, but his observations do develop her character well. However, there is an abrupt shift to her point-of-view that irritated me. Here is a wonderfully refreshing story told by someone with a different way of looking at the world, and it suddenly shifted from his story to hers. We have more than enough books about the neurotypical, and I would have liked to see this one remain Frederick’s.
Granted, there is quite a significant event that happens (one I cannot elaborate on because it is a spoiler), so I can understand why the author may have thought it important to switch to Angel, but that event could have been tackled using Frederick. In fact, the handling of it seemed a bit rushed. It was a good thing to include, but I believe more exploration of the aftermath would have been more beneficial.
Overall, I can neither recommend nor not recommend “Don’t Tell, Don’t Tell, Don’t Tell.” If it seems interesting to you, give it a try.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Suggestive Dialogue, Sexual Situations
In Real Life
Juvenile Fiction
Macmillan
March 1, 2016
240
Hannah Cho and Nick Cooper have been best friends since 8th grade. They talk for hours on the phone, regularly shower each other with presents, and know everything there is to know about one another. There's just one problem: Hannah and Nick have never actually met. Hannah has spent her entire life doing what she's supposed to, but when her senior year spring break plans get ruined by a rule-breaker, she decides to break a rule or two herself. She impulsively decides to road trip to Vegas, her older sister and BFF in tow, to surprise Nick and finally declare her more-than-friend feelings for him. Hannah's romantic gesture backfires when she gets to Vegas and meets Nick's girlfriend, whom he failed to mention. And it turns out his relationship status isn't the only thing he's been lying to her about. Hannah knows the real Nick can't be that different from the online Nick she knows and loves, but now she only has one night in Sin City to figure out what her feelings for Nick really are, all while discovering how life can change when you break the rules every now and then.
Review:
Real rating: 3 1/2 stars
“In Real Life” is a quick read that still packs a punch in the acceptance of the difference between expectations and reality.
I really appreciated that the book took seriously the importance of friendships that can form online. Some of my best friends were met online through mutual interests (let’s be real, those interests revolve mostly around books), and I value them as much as the ones made “in real life.” The expectation of someone you have met online measuring up to what you have made them out to be in your head is a major part of the book, but the same thing is true of those we meet elsewhere. Learning to adjust your expectations to reality is a part of growing up. Honestly, many a failed relationship is due to not accepting that, including everything from friendships to marriages.
The characters were typical teenagers, and I believe their reactions to circumstances were accurately portrayed. However, Hannah could be more than a little bit judgmental, and the adult in me wanted to scream at some of the bad decisions they were all making. None of this ruined the plot for me, but it did cause me to deduct a star.
Bonus: It’s a diverse book!
“In Real Life” is a book that will resonate with anyone who has a bond formed with someone they met online. I believe it’s a good read for anyone upper middle grade and up.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations
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