Best books of the Year 2019
It is always so hard to decide what were my favorite books of the year. I try to only choose 12, but there were so many powerful and diverse titles that I expanded my list to 14. This year even more diverse stories are being shared and celebrated, and I have enjoyed reading such rich stories of strong women and fresh new voices. I have also included the covers of some of the best books from 2018 that I didn't read until 2019. Hope this list leads you to some books that will make you laugh, cry, swoon, imagine, and think. Let me know what you think is the best books of 2019 in the comments!
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Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly
In stories, girls are often stuck in two roles. The perfect princess is the girl who is beautiful, humble, kind, obedient, and who always ends up marrying a prince. The evil stepsister is a physically ugly girl who is mean, spiteful, and jealous, and she always ends up alone and hated. Donnelly's powerful novel Stepsister, explores what happens to a girl who doesn't want either role. For years, Isabelle has been told she is not as pretty or as sweet as her stepsister Cinderella. After her cutting off her own toes in one last desperate act to be what everyone else wants, Isabelle still fails to win the prinace, and instead, her family's cruel treatment of the prince's bride makes them hated. Now struggling to keep her family fed, Isabelle has accepted that she will never be a pretty princess, but she wants to be more than evil stepsister. With an enormous amount of bravery, Isabelle vows to change the ending to their stories and forge a new path where a girl's worth is not based on her features but her bravery. This novel powerfully explores what it means to be a woman, a sister, and a dreamer. You will forever be changed by this new take on Cinderella and her ugly stepsisters. HIghly, highly recommended!
In stories, girls are often stuck in two roles. The perfect princess is the girl who is beautiful, humble, kind, obedient, and who always ends up marrying a prince. The evil stepsister is a physically ugly girl who is mean, spiteful, and jealous, and she always ends up alone and hated. Donnelly's powerful novel Stepsister, explores what happens to a girl who doesn't want either role. For years, Isabelle has been told she is not as pretty or as sweet as her stepsister Cinderella. After her cutting off her own toes in one last desperate act to be what everyone else wants, Isabelle still fails to win the prinace, and instead, her family's cruel treatment of the prince's bride makes them hated. Now struggling to keep her family fed, Isabelle has accepted that she will never be a pretty princess, but she wants to be more than evil stepsister. With an enormous amount of bravery, Isabelle vows to change the ending to their stories and forge a new path where a girl's worth is not based on her features but her bravery. This novel powerfully explores what it means to be a woman, a sister, and a dreamer. You will forever be changed by this new take on Cinderella and her ugly stepsisters. HIghly, highly recommended!
Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds
When the school bell rings at 3:00, that is when the best stories happen. Stories about the power of spare change, the importance of watching where you are going, the security of having a friend who always has your back, and more. In a series of vignettes, Reynolds gives us 10 tales covering the complicated lives of kids who live on 10 blocks in the same neighborhood. Each story is a brilliant gem that shines a light on the real lives of kids. Some tales will make you chuckle, and others will have you reaching for a tissue. Reynolds, a genius storyteller, has once again created a book that appeals to all ages: upper elementary, middle school, high school, and adults will not be able to help stepping into the shoes of each of these characters. It is also whiplash fast read that you cannot put down. Jason Reynolds is magic, and this latest work reinforces this. Highly, highly recommended!
When the school bell rings at 3:00, that is when the best stories happen. Stories about the power of spare change, the importance of watching where you are going, the security of having a friend who always has your back, and more. In a series of vignettes, Reynolds gives us 10 tales covering the complicated lives of kids who live on 10 blocks in the same neighborhood. Each story is a brilliant gem that shines a light on the real lives of kids. Some tales will make you chuckle, and others will have you reaching for a tissue. Reynolds, a genius storyteller, has once again created a book that appeals to all ages: upper elementary, middle school, high school, and adults will not be able to help stepping into the shoes of each of these characters. It is also whiplash fast read that you cannot put down. Jason Reynolds is magic, and this latest work reinforces this. Highly, highly recommended!
A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
Prince Rhen is cursed to repeat his 18th year over and over again until he finds a girl who will fall in love with him. It seemed easy at first to break the curse, but at the end of each season, he transforms until a mindless beast. Now Rhen must live with the guilt that he has killed his entire family and most of his court while in beast form. No girl has loved this beast, but Rhen, desperate to save his kingdom from himself, continues to kidnap a girl each season in hopes that one will be different. He never expected to find a girl like Harper.
A lifetime of tough luck has taught Harper to be strong, even though everyone underestimates her because she has cerebral palsy. While trying to stop a kidnapping, Harper ends up being the one chosen to go to Rhen's world. A world of magic and chivalry seems absurd to Harper, but as she meets Rhen's people, she discovers they are just as real as she is. Harper is torn between wanting to get back home to her dying mother and wanting to do what she can to help Rhen's people and save him from this curse. With the time running out, how can this Beauty and her Beast find a happy ending?
Within the pages of this book lies the one of best re-imaginings of the Beauty and the Beast story, and like a beast, you will want to devour this book. Both Harper and Rhen are complex characters that fiercely fight for the people they love. I love that Kemmerer's main character has CP, but the book is not about CP. I also loved the idea of a beast who truly becomes an inhuman monster. With no control over his actions, it makes the consequences even more heartbreaking. The romance between Harper and Rhen is swoon-worthy, and at the end, you will be dying to for the sequel, A Heart So Fierce and Broken, which comes out January 7, 2020. Highly, highly recommended!
Prince Rhen is cursed to repeat his 18th year over and over again until he finds a girl who will fall in love with him. It seemed easy at first to break the curse, but at the end of each season, he transforms until a mindless beast. Now Rhen must live with the guilt that he has killed his entire family and most of his court while in beast form. No girl has loved this beast, but Rhen, desperate to save his kingdom from himself, continues to kidnap a girl each season in hopes that one will be different. He never expected to find a girl like Harper.
A lifetime of tough luck has taught Harper to be strong, even though everyone underestimates her because she has cerebral palsy. While trying to stop a kidnapping, Harper ends up being the one chosen to go to Rhen's world. A world of magic and chivalry seems absurd to Harper, but as she meets Rhen's people, she discovers they are just as real as she is. Harper is torn between wanting to get back home to her dying mother and wanting to do what she can to help Rhen's people and save him from this curse. With the time running out, how can this Beauty and her Beast find a happy ending?
Within the pages of this book lies the one of best re-imaginings of the Beauty and the Beast story, and like a beast, you will want to devour this book. Both Harper and Rhen are complex characters that fiercely fight for the people they love. I love that Kemmerer's main character has CP, but the book is not about CP. I also loved the idea of a beast who truly becomes an inhuman monster. With no control over his actions, it makes the consequences even more heartbreaking. The romance between Harper and Rhen is swoon-worthy, and at the end, you will be dying to for the sequel, A Heart So Fierce and Broken, which comes out January 7, 2020. Highly, highly recommended!
There's Something About Sweetie by Sandhya Menon
Sweetie is tired of her mother telling her what she can do, who she can date, what she should eat, and what she can wear all because she is not tiny.
Ashish, a former playboy, is tired of his broken heart keeping him from finding joy in anything, even his favorite activity - basketball.
They both need a kickstart to get control of their lives. The perfect solution. Sweetie should date a mom her does not approve of (Ashish). Ashish should finally date a girl that his parents choose (Sweetie). Neither are looking for love, but as the two grow closer, they will have trust each other and their own hearts if they are to find happiness.
This feel-good story is a celebration of being true to yourself, loving yourself the way you are, and trusting others can love you too. I couldn't put this book down as I cheered for both Sweetie and Ashish to believe in themselves and their relationship. I was so angry at Sweetie's mom for making her feel like she was never enough just because of her weight, and I loved watching Sweetie take back her life. The swoon-worthy scenes with Ashish perfectly spiced up the narrative. This story features Rishi's brother, Ashish, from Menon's first novel, When Dimple Met Rishi. This latest book brought me pure joy. If you are looking for a book that will encourage you to love yourself just as you are, this romantic comedy is exactly what you need. Highly, highly recommended!
Sweetie is tired of her mother telling her what she can do, who she can date, what she should eat, and what she can wear all because she is not tiny.
Ashish, a former playboy, is tired of his broken heart keeping him from finding joy in anything, even his favorite activity - basketball.
They both need a kickstart to get control of their lives. The perfect solution. Sweetie should date a mom her does not approve of (Ashish). Ashish should finally date a girl that his parents choose (Sweetie). Neither are looking for love, but as the two grow closer, they will have trust each other and their own hearts if they are to find happiness.
This feel-good story is a celebration of being true to yourself, loving yourself the way you are, and trusting others can love you too. I couldn't put this book down as I cheered for both Sweetie and Ashish to believe in themselves and their relationship. I was so angry at Sweetie's mom for making her feel like she was never enough just because of her weight, and I loved watching Sweetie take back her life. The swoon-worthy scenes with Ashish perfectly spiced up the narrative. This story features Rishi's brother, Ashish, from Menon's first novel, When Dimple Met Rishi. This latest book brought me pure joy. If you are looking for a book that will encourage you to love yourself just as you are, this romantic comedy is exactly what you need. Highly, highly recommended!
Internment by Samira Ahmed
Things started to get bad when American citizens were asked to identify their religious affiliation. Those who reported being Muslim are now facing terrible consequences. Layla's dad lost his job as a professor, and Layla has to be homeschooled. Layla keeps thinking it can't get worse, but it does. She and her parents are spirited away in the middle of the night to an internment camp. Instead of being treated like an American citizen, she and other Muslims are being treated like prisoners of war. Layla is angry with adults around who keep complying with the craziness. She and her friends are going to resist. With the help of many, Layla plans to let the world know what is happening to American citizens at this camp and will protest until their American rights are restored. Layla is playing a dangerous game, and if she doesn't win, she and her friends may lose more than their rights. They may lose their life. This thought-provoking dystopian will terrify you with how close our hate-speech society is transforming this fiction into reality. I think it is an essential text for students to think about and discuss, and it would be especially good paired with George Takei's new graphic novel about his experiences in a Japanese internment camp in They Called Us Enemy. Highly recommended!
Things started to get bad when American citizens were asked to identify their religious affiliation. Those who reported being Muslim are now facing terrible consequences. Layla's dad lost his job as a professor, and Layla has to be homeschooled. Layla keeps thinking it can't get worse, but it does. She and her parents are spirited away in the middle of the night to an internment camp. Instead of being treated like an American citizen, she and other Muslims are being treated like prisoners of war. Layla is angry with adults around who keep complying with the craziness. She and her friends are going to resist. With the help of many, Layla plans to let the world know what is happening to American citizens at this camp and will protest until their American rights are restored. Layla is playing a dangerous game, and if she doesn't win, she and her friends may lose more than their rights. They may lose their life. This thought-provoking dystopian will terrify you with how close our hate-speech society is transforming this fiction into reality. I think it is an essential text for students to think about and discuss, and it would be especially good paired with George Takei's new graphic novel about his experiences in a Japanese internment camp in They Called Us Enemy. Highly recommended!
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
While some girls dream of being a princess in castle, Bri has always dreamed of becoming a queen of rap. After killing it her first time in the ring, Bri is starting to feel confident, but an incident of racial harassment at school makes her anger overflow. In her rage, she creates a powerful and controversial song called "On the Come Up." As the song goes viral, Bri's dreams of making it big are getting closer to reality. The fame and money can't come fast enough. As her family's fridge gets emptier and more bills are going unpaid, Bri's rapping needs to make money, or her family may be homeless. However, as music producers want Bri to fit a certain image, she has to decide what is worth more important: being true to herself or finding fame and wealth in rapping? No matter what, no one is going to stop Bri "on the come up." Angie Thomas' second novel hiply avoids the sophomore slump. Once again her writing is on point. Her characters are fresh and original and fight back anyone trying to fit them into stereotypes. Bri fights fiercely for her voice to be heard, her raps to be respected, and her family to be taken care of, and you have to cheer for her as she fights for her dreams. Her friends and family are equally fierce, funny, and poignant. At times, Thomas' dialogue had me laughing out loud, and other moments I was fighting tears. Like Bri, Thomas is a Wordsmith who uses language with precision and care to create a story that will leave you hungering for more. Highly, highly recommended!
While some girls dream of being a princess in castle, Bri has always dreamed of becoming a queen of rap. After killing it her first time in the ring, Bri is starting to feel confident, but an incident of racial harassment at school makes her anger overflow. In her rage, she creates a powerful and controversial song called "On the Come Up." As the song goes viral, Bri's dreams of making it big are getting closer to reality. The fame and money can't come fast enough. As her family's fridge gets emptier and more bills are going unpaid, Bri's rapping needs to make money, or her family may be homeless. However, as music producers want Bri to fit a certain image, she has to decide what is worth more important: being true to herself or finding fame and wealth in rapping? No matter what, no one is going to stop Bri "on the come up." Angie Thomas' second novel hiply avoids the sophomore slump. Once again her writing is on point. Her characters are fresh and original and fight back anyone trying to fit them into stereotypes. Bri fights fiercely for her voice to be heard, her raps to be respected, and her family to be taken care of, and you have to cheer for her as she fights for her dreams. Her friends and family are equally fierce, funny, and poignant. At times, Thomas' dialogue had me laughing out loud, and other moments I was fighting tears. Like Bri, Thomas is a Wordsmith who uses language with precision and care to create a story that will leave you hungering for more. Highly, highly recommended!
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
Emoni became a mom in 9th grade, and she has been forced to put her dreams on the back burner in order to be the best parent to her daughter. Now a Senior, Emoni is facing big decisions about her future. She has always loved created decadent and delicious dishes for her friends and family, and Emoni dreams of becoming a chef. Taking a special cooking class in school has her even more excited. However, night hours and being a single mom are not a great combination. With her future on the line, Emoni has to decide if she can be a parent and follow her passion in life, love, and food. I loved multi-award winning Acevedo's second book. The flavors Emoni creates waft from the pages of the book, and I dream of their being a tasting menu to match the book's recipes. The characters of the book have a lot of heart as they fight for their dreams, including Emoni's mixed emotions as she falls for a boy when she doesn't really want the drama dating could bring. Highly recommended!
Emoni became a mom in 9th grade, and she has been forced to put her dreams on the back burner in order to be the best parent to her daughter. Now a Senior, Emoni is facing big decisions about her future. She has always loved created decadent and delicious dishes for her friends and family, and Emoni dreams of becoming a chef. Taking a special cooking class in school has her even more excited. However, night hours and being a single mom are not a great combination. With her future on the line, Emoni has to decide if she can be a parent and follow her passion in life, love, and food. I loved multi-award winning Acevedo's second book. The flavors Emoni creates waft from the pages of the book, and I dream of their being a tasting menu to match the book's recipes. The characters of the book have a lot of heart as they fight for their dreams, including Emoni's mixed emotions as she falls for a boy when she doesn't really want the drama dating could bring. Highly recommended!
Heroine by Mindy McGinnis
How does a person with no previous issues go from pain management to addiction? McGinnis explores how easy this slide is in her latest novel, Heroine. Mickey is no stranger to pain. As the catcher on her softball team, she has dealt with intense physical training and injuries without complaint. However, after Mickey and her best friend are in a car accident, Mickey's hip is pulled out of socket. One surgery and three screws later, Mickey is terrified that she won't be able to play softball for her Senior season. When Mickey discovers how oxy can make her pain manageable, she is willing to break a few rules to make her rehabilitation and her season possible. The longer she uses oxy, the more it takes to get her fix. As she develops new friends who help her get her fix, Mickey treads a path that may lead to her destruction. This is a powerful and terrifying novel of how anyone could become an addict. Highly recommended!Heroine by Mindy McGinnis
How does a person with no previous issues go from pain management to addiction? McGinnis explores how easy this slide is in her latest novel, Heroine. Mickey is no stranger to pain. As the catcher on her softball team, she has dealt with intense physical training and injuries without complaint. However, after Mickey and her best friend are in a car accident, Mickey's hip is pulled out of socket. One surgery and three screws later, Mickey is terrified that she won't be able to play softball for her Senior season. When Mickey discovers how oxy can make her pain manageable, she is willing to break a few rules to make her rehabilitation and her season possible. The longer she uses oxy, the more it takes to get her fix. As she develops new friends who help her get her fix, Mickey treads a path that may lead to her destruction. This is a powerful and terrifying novel of how anyone could become an addict. Highly recommended!
How does a person with no previous issues go from pain management to addiction? McGinnis explores how easy this slide is in her latest novel, Heroine. Mickey is no stranger to pain. As the catcher on her softball team, she has dealt with intense physical training and injuries without complaint. However, after Mickey and her best friend are in a car accident, Mickey's hip is pulled out of socket. One surgery and three screws later, Mickey is terrified that she won't be able to play softball for her Senior season. When Mickey discovers how oxy can make her pain manageable, she is willing to break a few rules to make her rehabilitation and her season possible. The longer she uses oxy, the more it takes to get her fix. As she develops new friends who help her get her fix, Mickey treads a path that may lead to her destruction. This is a powerful and terrifying novel of how anyone could become an addict. Highly recommended!Heroine by Mindy McGinnis
How does a person with no previous issues go from pain management to addiction? McGinnis explores how easy this slide is in her latest novel, Heroine. Mickey is no stranger to pain. As the catcher on her softball team, she has dealt with intense physical training and injuries without complaint. However, after Mickey and her best friend are in a car accident, Mickey's hip is pulled out of socket. One surgery and three screws later, Mickey is terrified that she won't be able to play softball for her Senior season. When Mickey discovers how oxy can make her pain manageable, she is willing to break a few rules to make her rehabilitation and her season possible. The longer she uses oxy, the more it takes to get her fix. As she develops new friends who help her get her fix, Mickey treads a path that may lead to her destruction. This is a powerful and terrifying novel of how anyone could become an addict. Highly recommended!
The Lovely War by Julie Berry
Which is more powerful: love or hate? For centuries, society has argued this question. In this book, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, sets out to prove and once and for all that hate and war are no match for the power of love. To prove this, she tells the stories of four individuals, Hazel and James and Collette and Aubrey, whose lives intersect during the one the deadliest wars in history, World War I. As they fall in love against this bloody backdrop, can their
love survive the brutality of war? Will love be more powerful than war? Told with gorgeous prose that weaves a spell around the reader, this immersive story draw you in with complex characters, luminous writing, and a rare look into the horrors of World War I. Aphrodite might be the one caught in the net at the start of this book, but the reader is the one that will be trapped by this magical book. Highly, highly recommended!
Which is more powerful: love or hate? For centuries, society has argued this question. In this book, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, sets out to prove and once and for all that hate and war are no match for the power of love. To prove this, she tells the stories of four individuals, Hazel and James and Collette and Aubrey, whose lives intersect during the one the deadliest wars in history, World War I. As they fall in love against this bloody backdrop, can their
love survive the brutality of war? Will love be more powerful than war? Told with gorgeous prose that weaves a spell around the reader, this immersive story draw you in with complex characters, luminous writing, and a rare look into the horrors of World War I. Aphrodite might be the one caught in the net at the start of this book, but the reader is the one that will be trapped by this magical book. Highly, highly recommended!
Only a Breath Apart by Katie McGarry
Jesse Lachlan's and Scarlett Copeland's lives are ruled by fear. Scarlett is terrified of never escaping her father's rage and control, and Jesse is terrified of losing his family's land. When fate makes it clear that Jesse and Scarlett must work together if they have a chance of making their future plans a reality, these former best friends reluctantly team up. As they become reacquainted, they discover their nearly magical childhood bond hasn't completely broken and is, instead, transforming into something more powerful. Then Scarlett's dad discovers their relationship, and his rage may destroy everything they hold dear. Can Scarlett and Jesse defy fate? I am a HUGE Katie McGarry fan, and I think this may be her best book yet. McGarry's characters always have so much heart, an internal kindness and integrity that makes you root for them. Scarlett's struggles to fight her father for her own identity and safety were honest and heartbreaking. Of course, Jesse's ragtag friends all have tragic backstories, and I am going to be heartbroken if each does not receiver their own novel. I also love that McGarry creates heart-stopping romance without a side of cheese. After reading a lot of clunky romances this year, Only a Breath Apart reminded me why I love the genre. I love it when complicated people find love, the ultimate magic, together. Swoon! Highly, highly recommended!
Jesse Lachlan's and Scarlett Copeland's lives are ruled by fear. Scarlett is terrified of never escaping her father's rage and control, and Jesse is terrified of losing his family's land. When fate makes it clear that Jesse and Scarlett must work together if they have a chance of making their future plans a reality, these former best friends reluctantly team up. As they become reacquainted, they discover their nearly magical childhood bond hasn't completely broken and is, instead, transforming into something more powerful. Then Scarlett's dad discovers their relationship, and his rage may destroy everything they hold dear. Can Scarlett and Jesse defy fate? I am a HUGE Katie McGarry fan, and I think this may be her best book yet. McGarry's characters always have so much heart, an internal kindness and integrity that makes you root for them. Scarlett's struggles to fight her father for her own identity and safety were honest and heartbreaking. Of course, Jesse's ragtag friends all have tragic backstories, and I am going to be heartbroken if each does not receiver their own novel. I also love that McGarry creates heart-stopping romance without a side of cheese. After reading a lot of clunky romances this year, Only a Breath Apart reminded me why I love the genre. I love it when complicated people find love, the ultimate magic, together. Swoon! Highly, highly recommended!
The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
After the bloody Spanish Civil War ended in 1939, over a half a million people died in the fighting, and General Franco became the ruthless dictator of Spain. Sepetys' latest novel is set in Madrid, Spain, in 1957, nearly 20 years after the end of the war. Franco has just started to let outsiders into Spain as he is working to bring American business in to revive his country's economy. Daniel, whose father is an oil tycoon, is in Madrid as his father is working to secure an oil deal in Spain. Although his father wants him to take over in the family business, Daniel dreams of being a photojournalist and going to journalism school. As he goes around Madrid taking pictures, he discovers the darker side of Spain. Anna, the hotel employee who works for Daniel's family, has personally experienced Spain's darkness. Orphaned due to the water, Anna and her siblings are struggling to survive. Anna knows it is safest is she fades into the background and avoid Daniel, but knowing and doing are two very different things.. As Anna and Daniel grow closer, the secrets they uncover may not only destroy them but their families as well. Septys is a master of unmasking history's most terrible, hidden tragedies. Before reading this book, I knew almost nothing about the Spanish Civil War and Franco, and now, I will never forget the haunting stories of the Spanish people fighting for their dreams even when life seemed hopeless. Filled with unforgettable characters, you, like Anna, will not be able to stop yourself from getting into a story that you know won't end happily. Septys also inserts primary documents from Americans who worked in Spain during the time to add depth to the story. The audiobook is absolutely lovely to listen to and helps to pull you back into time. Highly, highly recommended!
After the bloody Spanish Civil War ended in 1939, over a half a million people died in the fighting, and General Franco became the ruthless dictator of Spain. Sepetys' latest novel is set in Madrid, Spain, in 1957, nearly 20 years after the end of the war. Franco has just started to let outsiders into Spain as he is working to bring American business in to revive his country's economy. Daniel, whose father is an oil tycoon, is in Madrid as his father is working to secure an oil deal in Spain. Although his father wants him to take over in the family business, Daniel dreams of being a photojournalist and going to journalism school. As he goes around Madrid taking pictures, he discovers the darker side of Spain. Anna, the hotel employee who works for Daniel's family, has personally experienced Spain's darkness. Orphaned due to the water, Anna and her siblings are struggling to survive. Anna knows it is safest is she fades into the background and avoid Daniel, but knowing and doing are two very different things.. As Anna and Daniel grow closer, the secrets they uncover may not only destroy them but their families as well. Septys is a master of unmasking history's most terrible, hidden tragedies. Before reading this book, I knew almost nothing about the Spanish Civil War and Franco, and now, I will never forget the haunting stories of the Spanish people fighting for their dreams even when life seemed hopeless. Filled with unforgettable characters, you, like Anna, will not be able to stop yourself from getting into a story that you know won't end happily. Septys also inserts primary documents from Americans who worked in Spain during the time to add depth to the story. The audiobook is absolutely lovely to listen to and helps to pull you back into time. Highly, highly recommended!
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei
As kids, we are told America is the great melting pot, the land of the free where no one is discriminated against. At age 4, George Takei discovered how false this statement was when he woke up to find his family was being forced to leave their home, jobs, and most belongings behind and was sent to a detention center with other Japanese Americans. George's family did nothing wrong and had been in American more than one generation. They just happened to be Japanese American in 1942, when Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese, which gave America license to give into racial prejudice, fear, and hate. George's family, and all other Japanese Americans, lost everything when their finances and homes were seized. In this graphic novel, George shares his family's experiences and how this event dramatically changed the lives of all American citizens with a Japanese heritage. America vowed never to let prejudice and fear win again. Read this book to learn about one of America's greatest mistakes, so we are not sentenced to repeat it again. This is an essential story to read as we continue to detain more people at our border. George Takei, who went on to become famous for his role as Captain Sulu in Star Trek, has become a human rights activist whose words inspire empathy and kindness. Becker's black and white images mirror George's innocence as a young child who is protected by his parents as they deal with a horrific reality. The reader will mimic George's move from innocence to anger as he realizes what has happened to his family and all other Japanese Americans. This is a moving introduction to a terrible event in American history, and it should be incorporated into all American history classes. Highly, highly recommended!
As kids, we are told America is the great melting pot, the land of the free where no one is discriminated against. At age 4, George Takei discovered how false this statement was when he woke up to find his family was being forced to leave their home, jobs, and most belongings behind and was sent to a detention center with other Japanese Americans. George's family did nothing wrong and had been in American more than one generation. They just happened to be Japanese American in 1942, when Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese, which gave America license to give into racial prejudice, fear, and hate. George's family, and all other Japanese Americans, lost everything when their finances and homes were seized. In this graphic novel, George shares his family's experiences and how this event dramatically changed the lives of all American citizens with a Japanese heritage. America vowed never to let prejudice and fear win again. Read this book to learn about one of America's greatest mistakes, so we are not sentenced to repeat it again. This is an essential story to read as we continue to detain more people at our border. George Takei, who went on to become famous for his role as Captain Sulu in Star Trek, has become a human rights activist whose words inspire empathy and kindness. Becker's black and white images mirror George's innocence as a young child who is protected by his parents as they deal with a horrific reality. The reader will mimic George's move from innocence to anger as he realizes what has happened to his family and all other Japanese Americans. This is a moving introduction to a terrible event in American history, and it should be incorporated into all American history classes. Highly, highly recommended!
Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson
Laurie Halse Anderson became famous for her powerful young adult novel, Speak, which tells the story of a freshman girl who can't speak about being raped by a boy from her school. Readers cheered for Melinda as she fought to tell her story of abuse. This novel, published 20 years that has been translated in 16 languages, has become a YA classic. In Anderson's latest book, Shout, she shares that Speak was based on her own rape at age 13 by a boy she trusted. She too couldn't speak about what happened, and the attack almost destroyed her. In this painful verse memoir, Anderson talks about how she survived the event and how she continues to fight for the voiceless victims of sexual abuse. This memoir will encourage everyone to make their stories heard. Anderson performs the audiobook, so listening to her tell the story in her own voice was haunting and powerful. Reading Speak and Shout together would be fantastic. Highly, highly recommended.
Laurie Halse Anderson became famous for her powerful young adult novel, Speak, which tells the story of a freshman girl who can't speak about being raped by a boy from her school. Readers cheered for Melinda as she fought to tell her story of abuse. This novel, published 20 years that has been translated in 16 languages, has become a YA classic. In Anderson's latest book, Shout, she shares that Speak was based on her own rape at age 13 by a boy she trusted. She too couldn't speak about what happened, and the attack almost destroyed her. In this painful verse memoir, Anderson talks about how she survived the event and how she continues to fight for the voiceless victims of sexual abuse. This memoir will encourage everyone to make their stories heard. Anderson performs the audiobook, so listening to her tell the story in her own voice was haunting and powerful. Reading Speak and Shout together would be fantastic. Highly, highly recommended.
NInth House by Leigh Bardugo
For years, the world has been fascinated with Yale's Skull & Bone society and other secret groups like it. There are all kinds of rumors about what happens in these elite and mysterious groups. However, no one could ever guess that their source of power is magic. These societies are some of the last in the word with a direct link to magic, and each group can perform different dark rituals to gain power. Due to a few "unfortunate" deaths in the past, these societies are now supervised by the Ninth House, the society whose job it is to make sure that their magic is not used to hurt others. Darlington is the student in charge of Ninth House. His new second is Alex Stern, a girl whose life has been defined and destroyed by her ability to see and communicate with ghosts. This gift has almost killed her, but it also was the reason why she was given a full-ride to Yale to work for Ninth House. Alex has been living on the streets of LA, using, and barely surviving high school, and now she is trying to survive ivy league coursework and the society's dark workings, a world she doesn't fit in with. Just as Alex is starting to find her footing, Darlington disappears and a local girl is found dead on Yale's campus. All the societies claim they weren't involved, and Alex is told not to investigate. However, Alex's instincts are screaming at her that this is exactly what the Ninth House should investigate and that perhaps even Darlington's disappearance is tied to the case. She is willing to use any means necessary to get justice for this forgotten girl and bring Darlington home, and it is sure to get bloody. This dark and atmospheric mystery builds slowly at first as you are introduced to Alex and her dark past, Darlington and his love of magic, and the dark rituals of the different secret societies. The action and suspense really pick up when Alex starts actively investigating the murder. Bardugo has filled the plot with dark and surprising twists that will make your zip through the second half of the book. The damaged Alex Stern reminds me a lot of Stieg Larsson's Liz Salender; both survived unspeakable tragedy to become fierce defenders of the defenseless. Both are powerful women who are willing to die to get the truth. Both make you fall in love with them even though they are sure to break you. By the end of the book, you will be dying for the next one, which doesn't release for at least another year. Bardrugo has always been a master of atmospheric language to build mood and complex and compelling characters, and this, her first adult work, cements her reputation. Highly, highly recommended!
For years, the world has been fascinated with Yale's Skull & Bone society and other secret groups like it. There are all kinds of rumors about what happens in these elite and mysterious groups. However, no one could ever guess that their source of power is magic. These societies are some of the last in the word with a direct link to magic, and each group can perform different dark rituals to gain power. Due to a few "unfortunate" deaths in the past, these societies are now supervised by the Ninth House, the society whose job it is to make sure that their magic is not used to hurt others. Darlington is the student in charge of Ninth House. His new second is Alex Stern, a girl whose life has been defined and destroyed by her ability to see and communicate with ghosts. This gift has almost killed her, but it also was the reason why she was given a full-ride to Yale to work for Ninth House. Alex has been living on the streets of LA, using, and barely surviving high school, and now she is trying to survive ivy league coursework and the society's dark workings, a world she doesn't fit in with. Just as Alex is starting to find her footing, Darlington disappears and a local girl is found dead on Yale's campus. All the societies claim they weren't involved, and Alex is told not to investigate. However, Alex's instincts are screaming at her that this is exactly what the Ninth House should investigate and that perhaps even Darlington's disappearance is tied to the case. She is willing to use any means necessary to get justice for this forgotten girl and bring Darlington home, and it is sure to get bloody. This dark and atmospheric mystery builds slowly at first as you are introduced to Alex and her dark past, Darlington and his love of magic, and the dark rituals of the different secret societies. The action and suspense really pick up when Alex starts actively investigating the murder. Bardugo has filled the plot with dark and surprising twists that will make your zip through the second half of the book. The damaged Alex Stern reminds me a lot of Stieg Larsson's Liz Salender; both survived unspeakable tragedy to become fierce defenders of the defenseless. Both are powerful women who are willing to die to get the truth. Both make you fall in love with them even though they are sure to break you. By the end of the book, you will be dying for the next one, which doesn't release for at least another year. Bardrugo has always been a master of atmospheric language to build mood and complex and compelling characters, and this, her first adult work, cements her reputation. Highly, highly recommended!