This was so good and the artwork was bright and fun! Honestly, prior to reading this, I didn't know anything about I.M. Pei. To be quite honest, it's This was so good and the artwork was bright and fun! Honestly, prior to reading this, I didn't know anything about I.M. Pei. To be quite honest, it's embarrassing since I've seen so much of his work in person! I appreciate the work that authors and illustrators are doing to bring more light to figures across the globe that have contributed so much to society. While it's great to get newer biographies of well-known individuals, I also think it's important to shine a light on those lesser known figures to give younger readers a broader scope of information. Lueng created text that is easily digestible and with beautiful illustrations by Yifan Wu, this is a biography that you don't want to miss adding to your collection....more
As a undergraduate history major, I'm somewhat ashamed of how little I know about the Chinese cultural Revolution. Ying Chang Compestine provides younAs a undergraduate history major, I'm somewhat ashamed of how little I know about the Chinese cultural Revolution. Ying Chang Compestine provides younger readers with an opportunity to learn more about this moment in Chinese history through her experience as a child. The illustrations by Xinmei Liu are absolutely beautiful and capture the struggle that Compestine and her family faced during this time in history. If you're looking for an easily digestable information picture book/biography that focuses on a part of history that isn't typically taught to secondary education students, I highly recommend checking this one out....more
This was such a quick read, but also excellent. It's taken me forever to pick this one up, but I'm glad that I finally did. CW: racism, bullying, vandThis was such a quick read, but also excellent. It's taken me forever to pick this one up, but I'm glad that I finally did. CW: racism, bullying, vandalism
In the Beautiful Country is a middle grade novel written in verse that follows the Zhang family as they move from Taiwan to the US in search of new opportunities. Although they were supposed to receive help from a family friend when they arrive, they find that they must start over from scratch by opening a fast food restaurant. Kuo beautifully captures the every day experiences of this immigrant family as they attempt to adjust to live in a new country and city.
What Worked: The writing was absolutely beautiful. Kuo is a master storyteller that's able to capture so many different aspects of this family's experience through verse. Anna's voice is so strong and as a reader you truly connect and empathize with her feelings of loneliness, frustration, and heartbreak. Kuo maintains this difficult balance of having Anna keep the voice of a child, but still illustrate the complexity of immigration. And while the story itself is dark at times, Kuo is sure to maintain a semblance of hope for both the readers and the characters. It's been a while since I've been so invested in a family of characters, but Kuo had me rooting for each one of them until the end of the book.
What Didn't Work: Unfortunately, this book technically is a historical fiction, but quickly looses that feeling due to lack of descriptions. To be quite honest, I kept forgetting that this book takes place during the 1980s instead of present time. Although everything covered definitely can take place now, I wish that Kuo would have provided more elements that were reflective of the established time.
Overall this was a great read and I'm definitely looking forward to diving into the companion novel....more
Once Upon a Sari is one of those picture books that leaves an emotional and lasting impressions. The story follows a little girl who is caught playingOnce Upon a Sari is one of those picture books that leaves an emotional and lasting impressions. The story follows a little girl who is caught playing with her mom's saris. Instead of scolding the little girl, her mother begins to tell her the history behind each of the saris. The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous and told the beautiful history of their family and India. There is nod to the partition of India without directly naming it. If this is being utilized as a read aloud with an older group, I would recommend having a brief discussion about it. Even my four year old asked me why the family had to move from their homes to another place. Overall, this was great and absolutely beautiful. Avani Dwivedi's artwork captured the personality and history of each sari beautifully! ...more
Ooo my friends...I wanted to enjoy this one, but it didn't work for me. CW: violence (some involving children, death, grief, death of animals.
DragonfrOoo my friends...I wanted to enjoy this one, but it didn't work for me. CW: violence (some involving children, death, grief, death of animals.
Dragonfruit has been gaining quite a bit of traction this year as the genre of romance fantasy becomes more widespread in popularity. It follows main character Hanalei of Tamarind who has been living in exile due to her father's thievery. Eventually, she is able to return to Tamarind to help Sam (the current prince) find another dragonfruit to help his ailing mother who's been sick for so long.
What Worked: This book had a lot of potential. Lucier did a wonderful job introducing what could have been a complex and beautiful world that illustrated interactions between the different kingdoms, gods/goddesses, and dragons. There was also some great messaging towards the end where Hanalei and Sam both acknowledge the mistakes that we all make throughout life especially when we're younger.
What Didn't Work: Oh so much of this book didn't work! The pacing was extremely slow which made the stakes feel low even though they technically were high. Hanalei and Sam lacked the necessary character development for me to be invested in them as individuals and as a couple. Granted, the two grew up together, but I did not understand nor could justify any reasons for them to be together outside of repairing their old friendship. There was no chemistry between the two although Lucier attempted to make the attraction between them apparent. To be quite honest, the plot was probably the true villain behind this entire novel. Lucier not only leaves loose ends untied, but there elements of the book that go unexplained particularly the magic system. I'm still unclear about the purpose and magic/lore behind the dragonfruit. This is one of those books that I think works well as a "vibes" read; however, it terms of actually delivering in relationship to the plot and world building is a completely different story. It was repetitive in sections while being unclear in others. Writing a stand alone fantasy is a task that takes great execution skills and I don't think we get that in this title. It's underwhelming and would have served better as an opening to a series.
Overall, I was disappointed by this read; however, I am an outlier and I know that people really adore it. While this particular title didn't work for me, I would be interested in checking out something else by Makiia Lucier in the future....more
Oooo my first Mital Perkins book for older readers and it did not disappoint! CW: death of a parent, grief, racism
Hope in the Valley, a cross between Oooo my first Mital Perkins book for older readers and it did not disappoint! CW: death of a parent, grief, racism
Hope in the Valley, a cross between historical fiction and realistic fiction, takes place during the 1980's and follows main character Pandita. Battling the grief of losing her mother, Pandita struggles with big changes including the inevitable reality of having to start middle school. To even further complicate her feelings, Pandita learns that her father has enrolled her in a theater summer camp when she prefers not to sing and act in front of others. Pandita is also struggling with the fact that her town may tear down the old, abandoned farmhouse to create more affordable housing for the growth of the tech industry. Not only must Pandita learn to find her voice to advocate for her community, but also herself.
What Worked: This book tackled so many issues and it did so in a way that was both clear and concise. It didn't feel overwhelming as each issue unfolded at a steady and realistic pace all culminating around the idea that Pandita was going to have to find the courage and strength to not only stand up for herself, but also what she believed in. Some of my favorite moments were Pandita's volunteer work at the historical society where she learns more about the "Keep California White" a slogan utilized by James D. Phelan as he ran for a senatorial seat in 1920. Not only are readers learning more about the 1980's, but they're learning about history of the 1920s that affects and changes the main character. Pandita does struggle with a lot, but I appreciated that Perkins provides her with a great support system in her sisters, her father, and a new friend (maybe potential first crush) by the name of Leo. There is even some conflict closely related to a friendship break up that is handled beautifully. Clearly this book has some great components, but I think that one of my favorite's deals with the representation of advocacy. Pandita attends local county meetings to advocate for what she believes is right for her community. Children are often taught so much about politics on the federal level, that they aren't always aware of the work and advocacy that can be down on a community level. Hope in the Valley does a great job illustrating those efforts.
Overall, this was a good read and one that I definitely will recommend to middle grade readers that enjoy historical fiction....more
This was a delightful and cozy graphic novel that is perfect for fans of fantasy books that take place at magical boarding schools. With beautiful illThis was a delightful and cozy graphic novel that is perfect for fans of fantasy books that take place at magical boarding schools. With beautiful illustrations by Pablo Ballesteros and a brilliant storyline by Sangu Mandanna, readers will connect with Jupiter's struggle to recognize the importance of her particular school in comparison to her peers. It ultimately captures the idea that every job is important in making a community successful even if some jobs seem more glamorous than others. With adventure, a mystery, magic, self-discovery, and friendship at the core of this story, this isn't one that you want to miss!...more
I think I wanted to love this one so much more! It wasn't a bad book, but I expected a little more from both these authors. CW: racism, Islamophobia, I think I wanted to love this one so much more! It wasn't a bad book, but I expected a little more from both these authors. CW: racism, Islamophobia, death of a child, grief
Four Eids and a Funeral at it's core is a love story about two young adults who have lost their connection for an unknown reason. Tiwa and Said were close growing up and spent a great deal of time together at their local Islamic Center; however, when Said goes to boarding school the two lose a connection. It's only through the death of their hometown librarian that the two are forced to reconnect with each other and work to save the Islamic Center after it burns down.
What Worked: I'm not Muslim so I can't speak to how other members of the Muslim community feel about the representation in the book; however, I appreciated that YA is getting another book that focuses on celebrations and religions outside of the Judeo-Christian sphere. Overall, we're starting to see a lot more representation regarding Eid in children's literature and I love that. There were a few conversations that Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Adiba Jaigirdar had throughout the course of the novel that I appreciated including Tiwa's experience as a Black Muslim, the grief that the family experiences after the death of her brother, the importance of the Islamic Community Center, as well as navigating familial relationships. Although the topics could have been discussed at greater length, it was nice to see them included in the text.
What Didn't Work: The pacing of this one felt a little off in some areas. There are flashbacks of Tiwa and Said during their childhood including previous Eid's that were celebrated together, but they felt surface level especially the one that should have connected Said to Tiwa's experience of familial loss and grief. It prevented me from being able to connect to their relationship as friends and their blooming relationships as something that is more than friends. The reveal was probably the biggest disappointment of the book. There is a very specific reason why Tiwa and Said stop communicating when he's off at boarding school. Eventually readers are clued into that reason and it just didn't work well. It was outside forces at play and the justification for why there was any interference wasn't plotted well. It didn't make me root for Tiwa and Said or become more invested in their relationship. Unfortunately, I was more invested in them as individuals than as companions.
Overall, this was a solid read. It was slightly disappointing, but there were specific elements that I did enjoy and I would be interested in seeing these two pair up again for another novel....more
An absolutely beautiful and delightful read about a young man character by the name of Tala who learns the traditional Somoan dance taualuga. This wasAn absolutely beautiful and delightful read about a young man character by the name of Tala who learns the traditional Somoan dance taualuga. This was beyond an enjoyable read. It was a beautiful and informative. My daughter and I ended up watching videos of people performing the taualuga and she was so amazed and asked a wealth of questions I couldn't even answer. We need more books like these to dominate the publishing industry where children are either able to see themselves or gain insight to a cultural practice that they may not be familiar with. If you haven't given this one a try, definitely check it out....more
I started this book last year and never game back to it. I'm happy that I finally took the chance to pick up it again because it did not disappoint!
LeI started this book last year and never game back to it. I'm happy that I finally took the chance to pick up it again because it did not disappoint!
Lei and the Fire Goodess is perfect for middle grade readers who love any books that center/focus on mythology. It follows main character Lei who is spending the summer with her grandmother in Hawaiʻi and, to her dismay, has to learn more about her family's moʻolelo. Caught in an identity crisis, Lei insults the Fire Goddess, Pele, and causes a curse to be placed upon her family. It is up to Lei to figure out how to life the curse and save her family.
What Worked: This book was so rich in storytelling and the inclusion of Hawaiʻi myths, culture, and lore. Maunakea did a wonderful job capturing those middle grade struggles that I look for whenever I pick a up a book intended for this age group. She's at a crossroads with her identity that causes her to struggle with appreciating her family and culture. The story is definitely a journey of self-discovery and learning to be comfortable with who you are. It's fast paced and fully immerses the reader into the world of gods and goddesses that aren't often discussed as frequently as Greek, Roman, etc. I found the characters to be fun, yet serious enough that they hold Lei accountable to for her actions. The conclusion was great and it left the perfect amount of openness for the next book in the series.
Overall, this was a great read and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series....more
4.5 Stars. I absolutely want to smack myself for taking so long to read this one! It was GOOD. While Sterling states that it’s not autobiographical, i4.5 Stars. I absolutely want to smack myself for taking so long to read this one! It was GOOD. While Sterling states that it’s not autobiographical, it does draw from his own personal experiences. There was so much to enjoy about the storytelling, the importance of friendship and family, and themes that will resonate with middle grade readers. I honestly wasn’t expecting the magical element and thought that this was going to solely focus on the family food truck. It was a nice addition; however, I thought that it could have been developed/fleshed out a little more. THE FOOD. The inclusion of traditional dishes from the Philippines was *chefs kiss.* My mouth watered while reading this and I was happy to see a recipe for adobo chicken in the back. Overall, if you haven’t had a chance to check this out, make sure you do! With great artwork and storytelling, this isn’t one to miss....more
A great picture book that allows younger readers to experience a different culture and become more familiar with a balikbayan box. I don't think I hadA great picture book that allows younger readers to experience a different culture and become more familiar with a balikbayan box. I don't think I had even heard of this prior to reading the picture book. The illustrations are great and I highly recommend checking out the authors note....more
See, I need more romances with older characters. The maturity speaks to me on a completely different level. CW: pan/biphobia, distressing family dynamSee, I need more romances with older characters. The maturity speaks to me on a completely different level. CW: pan/biphobia, distressing family dynamics. 4.5 Stars
Role Playing is everything that I need in my adult romances. It follows two main characters, Maggie and Aiden, who are older, each dealing with troubles in their interpersonal relationships. Maggie's son has left home and she's determined to remain a hermit until her son forces her not to. Aiden's ex-fiancé is now engaged to his brother and he is left to take care of his aging mother as she attempts to meddle in his romantic life. Both Aiden and Maggie end up joining an online gaming community to get away from the troubles of their life while also finding new ways to socialize with others. What starts as a cute, realistic friendship ends up turning into a mature, grown romance.
What Worked: Cathy Yardley can write her ass off! It's been a while since I've read a romance with older characters, but Maggie and Aiden feel so real. I'm not in my 40's yet; however, this urge to keep to myself and be a hermit was relatable. The struggles that Aiden faces with his family is something that I've experienced first hand. The way in which Yardley captures the emotional toil and impact on Aiden is spot on. I also appreciated the geekiness and the dynamics of their relationship. I used to game a lot more when I was younger and I must say reading about their gaming escapades was fun and gave me a sense of nostalgia. While I don't want to completely spoil the nature of their relationship, I will say that they are a sounding board for each other. They support each other in all facets of their experiences including sexual identity. There is a specific scene in the book where Maggie reads Aiden's family and his ex-fiancé for fucking filth and I appreciated every single moment. Although it took them to a while to process their feelings for each other, their romance developed in a way that was mature and grown and as someone who is close to their mid 30's, I'm learning that I prefer to have those elements in my romance than those meant for younger audiences. This book was a breeze and easy to read and beautifully written.
What Didn't Work: Their romance was a little to slow burn for me, but I understand the intentions that Yardley had for their development.
Overall, this was an amazing read. I enjoyed every second of reading it and I'm looking forward to checking out more books by Cathy Yardley in the future....more
This cover!! And the story on the inside matches the outside. CW: gaslighting, bullying
Samira's Worst Best Summer is yet another one of my attempts toThis cover!! And the story on the inside matches the outside. CW: gaslighting, bullying
Samira's Worst Best Summer is yet another one of my attempts to keep up with 2024 middle grade releases. Although it wasn't high on my radar, I'm glad that I decided to pick it up. The story follows main character Sammy as she attempts to move on from a friendship break up. When she meets a new girl in the neighborhood (after an unfortunate TP incident), Sammy thinks that she has the chance to start over. Unfortunately, her ex best-friend comes back into the picture with the intention to steal Sammy's new friend away and Sammy must find the courage to stand up for herself and her new friend.
What Worked:I'm familiar with Nin Hamza through Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year; however, this is the first book that I've read from her. It was beautifully done and wonderfully written. Not only did Hamza do a great job with the character development, but she also perfectly captured what it's like to go through a friendship break during middle school. Kiera is HORRIBLE. This wasn't a friendship break up that just happened because they grew apart. Kiera was intentionally horrible to Sammy and gaslight her to the high heavens. Some people may feel like this is too much for a middle grade book, but I think it's a great way for this age group to begin to recognize the signs of unhealthy relationships. Sammy knew that a lot of things Kiera was doing was wrong, but she had to build up the courage to defend herself and Alice. Additionally, if you're looking for a middle grade book that does a wonderful job developing secondary characters, look no further than this book. The side characters were AMAZING. I absolutely loved Imran. He's Sammy's brother and helps Sammy (whether intentional or not) learn a lot about herself and the way that she treats/interacts with people. He's on the spectrum and I think that Hamza handled his character development with grace and care. And there's Umma. She has got to be the closest thing that I've read to a perfect grandmother. She's caring, fun, charming and such a great support system for Sammy.
Overall, this was a fun read. It definitely is the definition of love, friendship, and community. Now that I've read this one, I definitely need to go back and read more from Hamza....more
This is a cute and charming sapphic romance! 3.5 Stars. CW: fatphobia, colorism, anti-Asian social media posts directly discussed on page, racism
The DThis is a cute and charming sapphic romance! 3.5 Stars. CW: fatphobia, colorism, anti-Asian social media posts directly discussed on page, racism
The Dos and Donuts of Love is the first time that I've read a book from Adiba Jaigirdar and it did not disappoint. It contains two of my favorite elements: sapphic romance and food! The story follows main character Shireen who has entered Ireland's junior baking show to win money that will assist her family in keeping their donut business afloat. Unfortunately, when she arrives at the baking show she learns that she must work closely with her ex-gf. Even more ironic, this ex-gf's family runs a donut business that is the direct rival of Shireen's family donut business. What ensues is a fun, food filled romance about trusting/loving yourself and maybe finding love for the second time.
What Worked: THE GLORIOUS FOOD! I'm a huge foodie so it should have been no surprise to a single individual that a baking show would completely and totally enthrall me. Jaigirdar did a wonderful job incorporating specific and detailed parts of the show that made it feel as though readers were really "watching" something like The Great British Bake Off. I found the writing to be seamless, accessible, and enjoyable. Jaigirdar also did a great job addressing fatphobia that exists in Bangladeshi communities. As described in her authors note, Jaigirdar points out the irony in family and community members encouraging someone to eat only to tear them down for their size at the same exact time. There were also great conversations related to racism against the Asian community especially those who have migrated to and placed roots down in places like Ireland. Shireen also had an AMAZING network of humans that supported her through every trial and tribulation. From her best friend to her parents to one of the judges, there wasn't a moment where I felt like she was fighting external or internal battles alone.
What Didn't Work: The character development could have used a little more work. While I don't disagree with the sentiments of Shireen not being the most likeable character, I need (no, I implore) adult readers to remember that we are not the target demographic. It is completely normal and developmentally appropriate for teen characters to be self-centered. Now, I do think that Jaigirdar could have done more to make the second chance romance more believable. The characters weren't given enough time to work through their issues to make the romance a total sell. It happened too fast, and people do not change that quickly. Also, what was up with the audiobook? The main character was born in Ireland yet had an American accent. But the side character had an Irish accent? It made absolutely no sense.
Overall, this was a good book and I'm looking forward to reading more books by Adiba Jaigirdar.
-This book is absolutely gorgeous, filled with the most immaculate illustrations. -Ho's words are devastating, yeOkay let's start with the positives:
-This book is absolutely gorgeous, filled with the most immaculate illustrations. -Ho's words are devastating, yet uplifting and pay such honor and tribute to the legacy of Asian Americans. -The amount of research that went into this book is amazing and it includes some marvelous back matter.
Now, most of you know by this point that I'm a librarian. I love my job and take it seriously and I aim to give honest, well thought out reviews on most books I read. This book (and I mean this in the kindest way) is not a read aloud for children. The ideas and language in this book are so abstract in some sections that most children wouldn't understand it. They would miss the entire purpose and intention of the poem. Now, this could possibly work as an unit opening in an upper middle school/high school classroom setting where students are learning about about the impact, legacy, and history of the Asian American community.
With that being said, I rated this book based on the purpose and intent of the text and illustrations, but I think that there are some marketing issues on behalf of the publisher. Utilize this book with older students who will have the ability to handle the concepts of the narrative....more
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