Category Archives: Book Review and Content

Review: Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

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Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You
Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
Little, Brown, Books for Young Readers
Published March 10, 2020

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About Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

A remix of the National Book Award-winning STAMPED FROM THE BEGINNING for ages 12 and up.

A timely, crucial, and empowering exploration of racism–and antiracism–in America.

This is NOT a history book.
This is a book about the here and now.
A book to help us better understand why we are where we are.
A book about race.

The construct of race has always been used to gain and keep power, to create dynamics that separate and silence. This is a remarkable reimagining of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s STAMPED FROM THE BEGINNING, winner of a National Book Award. It reveals the history of racist ideas in America and inspires hope for an antiracist future.

STAMPED takes you on a race journey from then to now, shows you why we feel how we feel, and why the poison of racism lingers. It also proves that while racist ideas have always been easy to fabricate and distribute, they can also be discredited.

Through a gripping, fast-paced, and energizing narrative, Jason Reynolds shines a light on the many insidious forms of racist ideas–and on ways readers can identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their daily lives.

My Review

First, the summary description of the book as “gripping, fast-paced and energizing” is totally accurate. I listened to this book as an audiobook twice in a row. There’s so much information packed into such a short span of pages. It is a lot to take in, so I’m sure this won’t even be the last time I read it. I have a hard copy that I’d like to go back to and highlight certain passages in as well.

So, the summary also says this isn’t a history book. Yet, it talks a LOT about history. It looks at history from the perspective of racism and relationships between black and white people in America. It looks at the beginning ideas about our differences and how those ideas evolved (or didn’t) as history played out.

One of the things I like a lot about the book is that it gives a survey overview of a lot of moments but zooms in on some critical places and familiar people as well. There’s quite a bit of discussion about Thomas Jefferson and the things he believed and where the contradictions are. I found that really helpful to clarify and explain some of the things I already knew about him. It definitely filled in some blanks for me.

I think in school, because we’re looking closely at certain parts of history, I sometimes had a “can’t see the forest for the trees” experience. In this book, Reynolds shows us the forest. We kind of get to see the whole of how the relationship between black and white people developed and changed, the rise of different ideas, and why they were harmful or helpful. I liked that. I don’t think I’ve ever seen dots connected in this way. It actually made me feel like I wish we had more books like this– conversational and easy to understand– about other topics. Give me this, but with the history of the United States from an indigenous perspective. Or from the perspective of women’s rights. LGBTQIA+ rights.

I’m sure some of those books already exist, which is awesome because now I’m hungry for them.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 12 up.

Representation
The book references and briefly summarizes the lives of many people, predominantly white men and women and black men and women.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
One instance of mild profanity.

Romance/Sexual Content
References to rape and claims of rape. For example, the book references a movie called Birth of a Nation in which an actor in blackface plays a man who rapes a white woman. No graphic descriptions.

Spiritual Content
Some discussion of the Puritans and early Christian colonists and their views about indigenous people and African people. Some discussion of a church leader and prolific writer who wrote a book that spread fears about witchcraft.

Violent Content
No graphic descriptions of violence, but mentions of enslavement and enslaved people being punished by being whipped. Mentions of people being lynched. Mentions of war.

Drug Content
None.

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Review: Wolfpack (Young Readers’ Edition) by Abby Wambach

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Wolfpack (Young Readers’ Edition)
Abby Wambach
Roaring Brook Press
Published October 6, 2020

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About Wolfpack (Young Readers’ Edition)

In this young readers’ adaptation of her #1 New York Times bestselling book, two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA World Cup champion Abby Wambach inspires the next generation to find their voice, unite their pack, and change the world.

From rising young star to co-captain of the 2015 Women’s World Cup Champion team, Abby Wambach’s impressive career has shown her what it truly means to be a champion. Whether you’re leading from the bench or demanding the ball on the field, real success comes when you harness your inner strength, forge your own path, and band together with your team.

Updated with stories that trace her journey from youth soccer to the hall of fame, this young readers’ adaptation of Abby’s instant bestseller Wolfpack is for the next generation of wolves ready to change the game.

My Review

I love the inspirational tone that Wambach maintains throughout this whole book. It’s uplifting and encouraging, but it doesn’t ignore hardship or unfairness in our lives.

The book is broken into eight chapters, each highlighting a rule for young readers that will help them unite with others, find their voice, and make changes in the world around them. It’s about cultivating a new kind of leadership that elevates others and sees what can be despite the obstacles that may sit in the way.

My favorites are chapters three and five, both of which focus on lifting others up and celebrating their achievements, even when we’re not in a starring role. I love this so much. Instead of a competitive spirit that dominates others or is threatened by others’ success, this teaches kids to be comfortable with and celebrate others’ achievements as a part of good leadership. If we have a whole generation of people who do this, I can’t imagine what we’ll be able to do.

I’m probably gushing, and honestly, this book deserves it. It’s a super quick read– less than 100 pages– and absolutely worth it. Give this to the aspiring athletes and leaders in your life. Share it with the people who are part of your wolfpack. (There’s an adult version for older readers, too!)

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Abby Wambach is married to another woman.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
The author references her marriage and other times she has fallen in love.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
Reference to sports injuries and treatment. At one point, she remembers a time when she had a head injury that was stapled closed.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review: Ugliest by Kelly Vincent

Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , , ,

Ugliest (The Art of Being Ugly #3)
Kelly Vincent
Publisher
Published

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About Ugliest

Life, academics, and activism. Facing hate and bigotry, can this agender teen make a difference in LGBTQ+ rights?

Oklahoma City. Nic Summers is equal parts excited and nervous. Determined to excel, the seventeen-year-old strives to find time to survive physics, build confidence, and enter a competitive art mentorship. But the principled teen’s stress skyrockets when a protest video results in them and a trans friend being forced by the school to move to the female dorms.

Burning with a strong sense of justice, the normally shy teenager summons the courage to speak out against damaging state legislation. But when the vision goes viral, they’re shocked when the authorities hand down an ultimatum: stop or be expelled. Can Nic dig deep and prevail against institutional bullies ready to erase their identity?

Sharing the plight of those too often silenced, author Kelly Vincent opens the door to understanding and empathy. Through the eyes of a big-hearted main character, Vincent leads the way toward accepting and appreciating each other’s differences.

My Review

Since I hadn’t read the first two books in this series, I was a little nervous about diving into the final book. Without knowing exactly what I missed, I think Vincent does an excellent job filling readers in on whatever relevant backstory without slowing down the narrative. I never felt like the story referred to things from earlier books in a way that was confusing, so that was great!

The writing style in the book is a little different than I’m used to. There’s a lot of dialogue, which I do enjoy, but the narrative reads a bit like diary entries in terms of the writing style. It centers on Nic reporting things that have happened and then moving into talking to their friends about what’s happened.

One of the things I struggled with in the book is how the characters express their (understandable) rage and frustration. Their feelings make total sense, and I’m sure they’re realistic. Sometimes, it just felt like the characters vented their hate over and over, and reading it was more draining than I expected.

I think my favorite part of the story happens when the characters take action toward the end of the book. There’s a scene that shows a rally and it has a lot of energy to it. I felt like I could picture it really well. Nic’s relationship with their mom and their younger sister were also really nicely done. I enjoyed seeing those.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Nic is nonbinary. Their best friend Mack is transmasculine and asexual. Another friend, Jenna, is a lesbian, and Jacob is bisexual. Mack is white and Latino. Jacob is Black.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Strong profanity used somewhat frequently. A few F-bombs appear in the text.

Romance/Sexual Content
References to a past dating relationship and kiss.

Spiritual Content
Nic is leery of people who self-identify as Christians because they often coincide with people who bully or terrorize them. They acknowledge the need to work on making snap judgments but still want to protect themselves and be safe. One Christian character turns out to be an ally.

Violent Content
Some brief homophobic and/or transphobic statements or references to those statements.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review: The Medici Heist by Caitlin Schneiderhan

Book Review and Content, Historical, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , , , ,

The Medici Heist
Caitlin Schneiderhan
Feiwel & Friends
Published August 6, 2024

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Medici Heist

Welcome to Florence, 1517, a world of intrigue, opulence, secrets, and murder. The Medici family rules the city from their seat of wealth, but the people of Florence remember the few decades they spent as a Republic, free from the Medicis and their puppet Pope, Leo X.

Sharp-witted seventeen-year-old con-woman Rosa Cellini has plans for the Pope and the Medicis – and, more specifically, the mountain of indulgence money they’ve been extorting from the people of Tuscany. To pull off the Renaissance’s greatest robbery, she’ll recruit a team of capable Sarra the tinkerer, Khalid the fighter, and Giacomo, the irrepressible master of disguise. To top it all off, and to smooth their entrance into the fortress-like Palazzo Medici, Rosa even enlists the reluctant help of famed artist and local misanthrope, Michelangelo.

Old secrets resurface and tensions in the gang flare as the authorities draw closer and the Medicis’ noose pulls tighter around Tuscany itself. What began as a robbery becomes a bid to save Florence from certain destruction – if Rosa and company don’t destroy each other first.

Get ready for an absolute swashbuckling riot, beginning with a ‘mud’ pie to the Pope’s face, and ending with a climatic heist that would give Danny Ocean a run for his money. Bursting with snark, innuendo and action, Medici Heist is your next un-put-downable obsession.

My Review

I can definitely see the comparisons to Ocean’s 11 with this book. It does have a heist in which a team of people, each with a particular area of expertise, work together to steal something, and their motives are not always what they seem. Instead of being a modern-day tale, this one is set in sixteenth-century Italy, though.

I’ve read several novels written by screenplay writers, and it’s going to sound weird, but I am starting to feel like I can tell when it happens. There are certain things that I keep running into in these books. In some scenes in The Medici Heist, I felt like what I was reading would make a cool movie scene, but it didn’t always translate well to a novel format.

For example, the opening scene begins from the perspective of a child who barely appears in the rest of the book. There is some circular storytelling, where toward the end, we reference the significance of that moment again, but it was strange to start a novel from the viewpoint of a character who never does anything important or even really appears on scene again in the book. But I could see a movie opening that way much more easily.

I like that the story has an ensemble cast (this might make it a good choice for readers who enjoyed Six of Crows) and that each character has a secret or hidden objective or motive that comes into play as the heist takes place. I also enjoyed the way that Rosa and Sarra’s relationship evolves. They were once as close as sisters and then drifted apart. They begin the story with very different feelings about the past which they have to work through. I loved how that worked out in the book and the way it impacted the overall story.

On the whole, this one started a bit slow for me, but around chapter nine or ten, I started investing more in the characters and their relationships. Readers who enjoy historical fiction or heist adventures will want to check this one out.

Content Notes for The Medici Heist

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Two characters are gay. Main characters are Italian.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Strong profanity used infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
A very enthusiastic kiss between husband and wife at a wedding. The observer describes them gazing at each other lustily during the ceremony. Kissing between two young men.

Spiritual Content
The Pope and a Cardinal are characters in the book, though he’s not very admirable ones. Characters visit a chapel to pray in several scenes. One worries that going against the Pope, God’s mouthpiece, means going against God, but hopes that God understands their reasons.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Battle violence. A fire destroys a building. Riots erupt in the streets one night.

Drug Content
Several characters are (or appear) drunk. Soldiers try to arrest two drunk men who are fighting. In the end, they’re simply escorted somewhere to sober up.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review: HoverGirls by Geneva Bowers

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , ,

HoverGirls
Geneva Bowers
Bloomsbury
Published August 6, 2024

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About HoverGirls

The web comic sensation about magical girls by acclaimed illustrator Geneva Bowers, now in a beautiful print edition, featuring an expanded storyline and revised art!

Jalissa and Kim Vasquez are cousins who move to the city of Los Aguaceros together. Kim dreams of becoming a famous model and fashion designer, while Jalissa is just trying to hold herself together after a breakdown the year before.

When a curious incident on the beach leaves them with supernatural powers and monsters start attacking the city, Kim decides that using their powers to stop them is the perfect way for them to become famous. But being heroes isn’t as easy as it seems–and Los Aquaceros is in more danger than they imagine.

This beautifully illustrated and hilarious YA graphic novel began as a web comic and quickly became a WEBTOON sensation. This print edition features an expanded story and updated art, offering something for new and old fans alike!

My Review

The illustrations in this graphic novel definitely live up to the hype. The character expressions are great, and the color palette is warm and inviting.

Jalissa and Kim are a grumpy/sunshine pair. Kim dreams of being a famous fashion designer and sees the best possibilities in everyone around her. Jalissa is the more grounded, responsible cousin.

When the girls receive superpowers, Kim hopes that their adventures in saving the city will boost their notoriety and help her achieve her personal goals. Jalissa would rather stay on the couch in her comfy clothes and watch soap operas. She reluctantly gives the superhero life a try, though, if only to make sure Kim stays safe.

The story celebrates the life of girls getting out on their own for the first time and strong female superheroes. It’s a fun adventure for readers who enjoy stories like Karate Prom by Kyle Starks.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 12 up.

Representation
Main characters are Latine. Jalissa is romantically interested in another girl.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kim dates a boy who seems more interested in taking advantage of her than in her. Jalissa is romantically interested in another girl.

Spiritual Content
The girls develop magic powers after encountering an otherworldly creature.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Battles between the girls and strange flying fish.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review: Amber Brown is Not a Crayon: The Graphic Novel by Paula Danziger and Victoria Ying

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Graphic Novel or Adaptation, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , , , ,

Amber Brown is Not a Crayon: The Graphic Novel
Paula Danziger
Adapted and Illustrated by Victoria Ying
G. P. Putnam’s Sons
Published May 21, 2024

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Amber Brown is Not a Crayon: The Graphic Novel

Even when her best friend is moving away, Amber Brown is always bold, bright, and colorful. #Amber Brown is out now on Apple TV+

Amber Brown and Justin Daniels are best friends. They’ve known each other for practically forever, sit next to each other in class, help each other with homework, and always stick up for each other. Justin never says things like, “Amber Brown is not a crayon.” Amber never says, “You’re Justin Time.” They’re a great team—until disaster strikes. Justin has to move away, and now the best friends are fighting. Will they be able to work it out before it’s too late?

Along with the ups and downs of shared custody, the Amber Brown chapter books are beloved for tackling relatable dilemmas with thoughtfulness, humor, and plenty of puns.

My Review

I don’t usually review chapter books, but sometimes the overlap with a middle grade audience is pretty high. This one is a graphic novel adaptation of a popular chapter book series by Paula Danziger that came out decades ago. I haven’t read the original, so I can’t compare it to this adaptation.

I loved the expressive faces on the characters in this graphic novel. The characters experience a broad range of emotions and their faces clue readers into what they’re feeling, very often with a comedic flare.

The opening pages introduce us to Amber as her class prepares for an imaginary flight to China. Her teacher serves as the pilot, and the class learns different things about Chinese history and culture as part of the “trip.” I thought that was a cool idea. We also get to know Amber’s best friend, Justin, whose family is about to move from New Jersey to Alabama. As the story progresses, Amber and Justin deal with the move in ways that drive a wedge between them. With the move date drawing near, Amber is at a loss for how to save her friendship with Justin and enjoy the last of her time with him.

What a cute book! I already mentioned the facial expressions, but they’re my favorite part of the book. They communicate feelings and, many times, add humor and charm to the story. I like Amber’s spunky attitude and that she and Justin have different strengths and interests yet are still best friends.

This is a fun read for kids as they age up from chapter books to middle grade novels. It’s got a lot of humor but explores a complex emotional moment in a friendship that’s relatable to a lot of kids.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 7 to 10.

Representation
Most characters are white/white-passing. Amber’s teacher and a classmate are BIPOC.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
References to Amber’s parents’ divorce.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
A girl calls Amber “messy,” and she tries to charge at the girl angrily. Justin holds her back.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.