Site Title

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Heartstopper

Author: Alice Oseman

Director: Euros Lyn

Starring: Joe Locke, Kit Connor, Yasmin Finney

Production Company: See-Saw Films

Streaming Service: Netflix

Copyright Date: 2022

Genre: Romance, Realistic Fiction

Format: TV series (8 episodes)

Reading Level/Interest Level: Rated TV-14

Plot Summary: When Charlie Spring walks into his homeroom and gets assigned to sit next to Nick Nelson, he doesn’t know what to think. Nick is a star rugby player at Truham Grammar High School; why is he being so friendly to a nerd, the only openly gay boy at school? When Nick asks Charlie to join the rugby team, the mystery deepens. Could he… also be gay?? Meanwhile, Charlie’s secret hookup Ben turns ugly after Charlie decides he’s just being used. Everything seems to be changing; Charlie’s friend Elle has transferred to all-girls school Higgs, and his tight group of friends is now just a trio. Will it survive Charlie’s new crush on one of the popular kids?

Author Background: Alice Oseman is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Heartstopper graphic novel, originally a webcomic, as well as a number of YA novels about “teenage disasters” (Oseman, n.d.). She is also the creator, writer, and producer of the Netflix series. She was born in Kent in 1994. 

Critical Evaluation: I love this show! It’s unbelievably charming, and wears any potential controversy lightly (while taking LGBTQ issues very seriously). It’s about the issues any teenager faces: how to find out who you are, how to be true to yourself in the face of bullying, how to stand up for what you believe in without putting a target on your back, and perhaps most importantly, how to tell a crush you like them. It tackles the realities of coming out for queer teens with nuance and empathy. Everything from the acting to the casting to the set direction is perfection; even the minor characters sing (shout out to Fisayo Akinade as Mr. Ajayi and Georgina Rich as Jane, not to mention rich, subtle performances from supporting actors Yasmin Finney as Elle and William Gao as Tao). It feels very Gen Z; graphic elements flit across the screen, and a not-insignificant amount of time is dedicated to the dramas of texting. This is definitely a show to binge watch; no wonder it was Netflix’s #5 watched show when it debuted (Wikipedia, n.d.). 

Creative Use for a Library Program: Texting is a big part of the drama in Heartstopper. Can you write a short story through text messages? This workshop will engage teens in a language they speak fluently! Bonus points for illustration. 

Speed-Round Book Talk: Charlie has a crush on Nick. But he’s the only openly gay boy at school, and Nick is the star of the rugby team. There’s NO WAY he could be interested… right??

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation: Heartstopper, with its straightforward portrayal of gay and trans teens, could easily be a target of challenges, though I haven’t found any documented yet. I would argue that it is a an important representation of the issues queer teens face. It is so wholesome it would be hard for anyone to argue that it’s truly inappropriate for teens. 

Reason for Inclusion: It’s so lovely to have such a swoony queer romance with a racially diverse cast. And who doesn’t love British school uniforms?

Want more? Watch the official trailer for the TV show:

And here are some stories Alice Oseman has written about the characters in her books! 

Aaaand here are Outtakes and Bloopers from the show! (Can you tell I’m obsessed?)

References

imdb.com (n.d). Heartstopper. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10638036/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_cl_sm

Nicholson, R. (April 22, 2022). Heartstopper review—possibly the loveliest show on tiv. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/apr/22/heartstopper-review-alice-oseman-netflix-tv-drama

Oseman, A. (n.d.). About. Retrieved from https://aliceoseman.com/about/

Wikipedia (n.d.). Heartstopper (tv series). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heartstopper_(TV_series)

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You

Author: Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds

CD ISBN: 9781549184482

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Copyright Date: 2020

Genre: Nonfiction, American history, Racism

Format: Audiobook

Awards or Honors: Earphones Award winner (audiobook), ALA Odyssey Honor Audiobook, Kirkus Prize finalist (print book), Jane Addams Children’s Book Awards finalist (print book)

Reading Level: 12+

Plot Summary: This book, which the authors are quick to point out is not meant as an actual history book, but rather a book that uses history to make its point, is an important introduction to the concept of antiracism. (As in, we all view the world through a lens shaped by race; rather than trying to not “be racist,” we should strive to be antiracist and work to make sure the consequence of that lens does not make people’s lives worse because of the color of their skin.) Starting with early examples of racism—as far back as 15th century Portugal—and working their way through slave trading and plantations, the Civil War, Reconstruction, through the Civil Rights movement and all the way up to the present day, Kendi and Reynolds make a powerful case that race inflects every minute of our history. But that doesn’t mean we can’t aim for better. 

Author Backgrounds: Ibram X. Kendi wrote the bestselling, adult version of this book. (There is also one for kids.) After studying for a career in sports journalism as a young man, he realized that he was more interested in the subject of racial justice and completed a second major in African American Studies. He received his doctorate in the same discipline in 2010, and taught at several universities before becoming the Andrew W. Mellon professor at Boston University and a Guggenheim Fellow in 2019.

Jason Reynolds is a national treasure (no reference for this, just my personal opinion, though I’m sure I am not alone!). He grew up listening to rap and reading poetry; he didn’t read a novel cover to cover until he was 17 (Reynolds, n.d.). He graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in creative writing and published several books of poetry before finishing his first novel in 2014. He has since continued to write books that stand up to his pledge to “not write boring books” (Reynolds, n.d.), books for kids who don’t think they like reading, books that leap off the page. He is a master of the spoken word and has recorded several of his books as audiobooks as well as performing live and on video. He has won too many awards to count and is the current National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. 

Critical Evaluation for Books: Jason Reynolds has worked his magic again. (I am a HUGE Reynolds fan in case you haven’t noticed.) I haven’t read the original book for adults, but this one is accessible, interesting, funny, heartbreaking, and never, ever boring. His narration brings the book to life. While it’s not footnoted, there is suggested reading (and listening) at the end for teens who want to engage further with the material. Given the pushback against this book from the haters (and book banners), arming them with further research is essential. 

Creative Use for a Library Program: This book works well for a book club discussion. (Hachette has a set of discussion questions that can be used.) Readers will probably have a lot of questions and feelings about this book and giving them a space to talk about it with other kids (and supportive adults) will be very powerful. 

Speed-Round Book Talk: Are you a segregationist, an assimilationist, or an antiracist? If you don’t know the difference, it’s time to read Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You. This book is grounded in history and bursting with ideas. 

Potential Challenge Issues: Well, this was a Top 10 most challenged book of 2020, so it pays to be prepared. (Although I noticed it didn’t make the list in 2021, so seems like the book challengers follow the whims of the moment, which is promising in terms of their lasting power.) This books has received glowing reviews and numerous awards, so while it may be challenged, it clearly has critical merit. I would point out that no book is meant to be definitive, but this is an important part of the conversation about race and that it is crucial teens engage in critical thinking. 

Reason for Inclusion: This book is controversial, but honestly, it shouldn’t be. There may be quibbles to be made about some of the assertions in the book, but the authors are looking to educate, not impose ideology (unlike their critics). This is well worth having on any shelf. 

Want more? Jason Reynolds performs “For Every One”: 

Or watch this conversation between Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds:

References

ALA.org (2021). Top ten most challenged books lists. Retrieved from https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10

Kendi, I. X. (n.d.) Biography. Retrieved from https://www.ibramxkendi.com/bio

Hachette. (n.d.) Stamped book club guide. Retrieved from https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/StampedBookClubGuide.pdf

Kirkus (December 1, 2019). Stamped [review]. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jason-reynolds/stamped/

Reynolds, J. (n.d.) About. Retrieved from https://www.jasonwritesbooks.com/about

Saunders, B. (n.d.) Stamped: Racism, antiracism, and you [review]. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/stamped-racism-antiracism-and-you

 

 

 

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Last Night at the Telegraph Club

Author: Malinda Lo

ISBN: 978-1-529-36658-7

Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers

Copyright Date: 2021

Genre: Historical Fiction, romance

Format: Print book

Awards or Honors: 2021 National Book Award in Young People’s Literature, Stonewall Book Award, Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, Walter Dean Myers Honor Book, and Printz Honor Book (among many others!)

Reading Level/Interest Level: 14+

Plot Summary: It’s San Francisco in 1954; Joseph McCarthy’s influence is waning, but the Red Scare isn’t over yet. The Stonewall Uprising hasn’t happened yet. And the Chinese Exclusion Act has been repealed, but it still leaves a bitter taste. 17-year-old Lily Hu’s parents want her to be a dutiful Chinese-American daughter, doing well in school and staying away from boys. Which is fine, because Lily loves school and wants to work at the Jet Propulsion Lab like her Aunt Judy, and … she doesn’t really like any boys at school anyway.

Lily isn’t like the other girls she knows; she’s far more interested in rockets and outer space than lipstick and the latest fashions. But her pulse races a little when she sees the women at the Miss Chinatown Contest, or when Kath, the only other girl in her advanced math class, sits next to her. She and Kath start spending more and more time together, and one day, Kath offers to take her to see Tommy Andrews, a male impersonator at the Telegraph Club. Is Lily brave enough to sneak out of her house and follow her heart?

Author Background: Malinda Lo was born in China, and immigrated to the United States when she was a young kid. She has a masters in East Asian Studies from Harvard, a masters in cultural anthropology from Stanford, and worked as a journalist specializing in LGBTQ stories for many years before writing her first novel (Lo, n.d.). Her bestselling books have won many awards and accolades. She lives in Massachusetts with her wife and their dog. 

Critical Evaluation: This book plunges you into mid-century San Francisco, swirling with both fog and fear. The narrative jumps around in time, adding nuance to the portrayal of Lily’s mother and aunt and the realities Asian women faced. While not first-person, the writing reflects Lily’s restrained and analytical mind. The pacing is measured and steady, but also manages to convey the throbs of emotion and desire Lily feels as she comes into herself. The book is meticulously researched and comes with extensive notes about the history and groups represented as well as a selected bibliography. 

Creative Use for a Library Program: This is the perfect book for a book club discussion or multi-part workshop (educator resources here). Have participants note what they think they know about the 1950s before they start reading. Afterwards, have them reflect on time periods and people they feel are underrepresented by historical fiction. 

Speed-Round Book Talk or Short Book Trailer: Lily Hu never meant to keep secrets from her parents. But it’s San Francisco in 1954, and falling in love with another girl is something that has to live in the shadows. Or does it?

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:  It was challenged in 2022 in Keller School District, Texas for unknown reasons, although it’s not hard to guess them (Lo, 2022). Fortunately the challenger declined to show up at the hearing and the book was not removed. Despite including a love scene, it’s not particularly graphic, so any complaint would be because it’s a scene between two girls. I would happily argue that this is an important story that needs telling, an excellent historical novel, and that libraries are for all readers. 

Reason for Inclusion: This is a powerful evocation of young love, a meticulously researched portrayal of a moment in history, and a much-needed representation of a young, queer Asian woman. 

Want more? Malinda Lo put together a fabulous Spotify playlist of 1950s tunes for you: 

References

Lo, M. (n.d.). About Malinda Lo. Retrieved from https://www.malindalo.com/about

Lo, M. (March 2, 2022). An update on book bands in the US. Retrieved from https://www.malindalo.com/blog/2022/3/2/an-update-on-book-bans-in-the-us

Kirkus (December 1, 2020). Last night at the Telegraph Club [review]. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/malinda-lo/last-night-at-the-telegraph-club/

Penguin Classroom (n.d.) Last night at the Telegraph Club. Retrieved from https://penguinclassroom.com/books/last-night-at-the-telegraph-club/

 

 

 

Bibliographic Information:

Title: The Poet X

Author: Elizabeth Acevedo

ISBN: 9780062662811 

Publisher: Harper Teen

Copyright date: 2018

Genre: Realistic fiction

Format: Print book

Awards or Honors: 2019 Printz Award Winner, Pura Bulpre Award Winner, Walter Dean Myers Award Winner, Carnegie Medal

Reading Level/Interest Level: 14+

Plot Summary: The book begins as notebook musings of Xiomara, or “X,” as she grapples with her restrictive mother, her brilliant brother, and the expectations of her culture and religion of how women are meant to behave. As she starts to fall in love with a young man in her class, and discovers a poetry slam club at school, she begins to push against her boundaries, with catastrophic consequences. But will Xiomara be able to use the power of her words to forge a new future for herself? Readers will be rooting for the Poet X until the last page, and thinking about her long after the book ends.

Author Background: Elizabeth Acevedo is a National Poetry Slam champion, a fellow of Cave Canem, and a bestselling author (Acevedo, n.d.). She has won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, the Pura Belpré Award, the Carnegie medal, the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, and the Walter Award, among many others. She lives in Washington D.C.

Critical Evaluation: This powerful verse novel packs a serious punch. Made up of short verse chapters, the story slowly unfolds until it explodes. Acevedo’s writing is relentless, juicy, and insightful. The lines of poetry seem simple at first, but by the end of each poem, Xiomara has slammed her point home. The litany of awards speaks to critics’ appreciation of the book, but teens seemed to love it, too. The Poet X made YALSA’s Teen Top Ten, and had 15 enthusiastic reviews on Commonsense Media (many books only have a smattering of reviews or none at all). 

Creative Use for a Library Program: Host a Blackout Poetry workshop. Choose some weeded or discarded books and cut out a few pages for each participant. They can black out the words they don’t want with permanent markers to use to create short poems that can be performed at the end of the workshop (inspired by DeMarco, 2022). 

Speed-Round Book Talk: Xiomara chafes against the expectations her mother has of her; she’s never felt comfortable being quiet and submissive. When poetry starts to spill out of her notebook and into her life, will she be able to please her mother—and herself?

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation: This book was challenged in North Carolina in 2021 for being “anti-Christian”; while the book was not in fact banned from the school district in question and a subsequent lawsuit was thrown out, it is being appealed (Marshall.edu, 2021). While the challenge was over a book being used in a school curriculum, the challengers are trying to have the book removed completely (school officials affirmed that no one is forced to read books and can be offered an alternative). I totally agree with the school’s decision to offer an alternative; while Xiomara rebels against the Catholic church, she has respectful discussions with her priest and I think the book falls well within the parameters of considerate discourse. 

Reason for Inclusion: This is an absolutely enthralling book; I gobbled it up. It’s also a relatively rare representation of a Latinx teen and a great lesson in the power of poetry as storytelling for budding writers as well. Teens as well as critics loved this book, so it’s a no-brainer to include (even though it’s now been five years since it was published, it’s become a modern classic). 

Want More? Elizabeth Acevedo introduces her book:

References

Acevedo, E. (n.d.). About. Retrieved from http://www.acevedowrites.com/about

Clark, T (n.d.). The poet X [review]. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-poet-x

DeMarco, N. (April 18, 2022). School library programming ideas for national poetry month. Retrieved from https://bookriot.com/school-library-programming-ideas-for-national-poetry-month/

Kirkus (December 21, 2017). The poet X [review]. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/elizabeth-acevedo/the-poet-x/

Marshall.edu (2021). Banned Books 2021—The Poet X. Retrieved from https://www.marshall.edu/library/bannedbooks/poet-x/

 

Bibliographic Information:

Title: My Hero Academia / Boku no Hīrō Akademia

Author: Yōsuke Kuroda

Director: Kenji Nagasaki

Producer: Studio Bones

Streaming Service: Crunchyroll, Adult Swim, or Funimation

Release Date:  2018-present (U.S. release)

Genre: Superhero, adventure, action

Format: TV show

Awards or Honors: The manga version received a Harvey Award for Best Manga in 2019; the anime was nominated for Anime of the Year at the 2016 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. 

Reading Level/Interest Level: 13+ (I couldn’t find any age ratings online, but that’s my assessment given some mild sexual references, cartoonish violence and minor peril)

Plot Summary: Set in the near future, 85% of the population has evolved to manifest “quirks” as young children. Most are inconsequential enhancements, but some are significant enough to create a class of superheroes, who protect the population from immoral people who use their quirks for theft, attacks or other mayhem. Izuku Midoriya has always longed to be a superhero, but he doesn’t have a chance; he never developed a quirk.

That is, until a chance meeting with the Number One Hero, All Might, changes his life: it turns out that All Might’s quirk of super strength is passed down by choice, and Midoriya’s persistence and big-heartedness mark him as worthy. He gets a chance to attend UA, the elite high school for training superheroes. But will he learn to control his quirk? And can he keep up with the other talented students? [The series continues, but this is the plot of the first few episodes.]

Author Background: Inspired by Hayao Miyazaki’s Castle in the Sky, Kenji Nagasaki embarked on a career in anime. He directed Gundam Build Fighters and Classroom Crisis before he started on My Hero University, based on a manga of the same name (Wikipedia, n.d.-a). Its continued popularity has meant that another season is planned for fall of 2022. He won Best International Director at Lusca Fantastic Film Fest in 2018. 

Critical Evaluation for Books and Non-Print Items: This is an utterly charming series. Perfect both as an intro to anime or for seasoned watchers, it’s funny, thought-provoking and visually interesting. Viewers new to anime will gawk at the over-the-top emotions and face-paced animation, but there are complex characters with interesting backstories mixed in with the almost nonstop action and cartoonish violence. Themes explored include grappling with perfectionism, perseverance, limits to power, and parental overshadowing. Overall it’s a lighthearted way for American teens to get a dose of Japanese culture and have fun doing it. 

Creative Use for a Library Program: What quirk would you have? Teens can come up with a quirk and superhero name and design a costume for their own personal superhero in the MHU universe. If there’s sufficient interest, the library could host a mini Comic Con where teens cosplay characters from the show (or invent a character). 

Speed-Round Book Talk: Midoriya longs to be a superhero, but he doesn’t have a chance; unlike most people around him, he never developed a “quirk,” much less one that could allow him to make a difference in the world. A chance encounter with All Might, the number one hero, changes everything, though. Texas Smash!!!! 

Potential Challenge Issues: I couldn’t find any challenges; there is some mildly suggestive moments, but nothing more egregious than any Marvel movie, so it’s unlikely to raise hackles. 

Reason for Inclusion: Anime is hugely popular with teens and it’s important to include a representation in the library. 

Want more? Check out the fan wiki! It has almost 3,000 articles written since 2014. 

References

Crunchyroll (n.d.). My Hero Academia. Retrieved from https://www.crunchyroll.com/my-hero-academia

imdb.com (n.d.). My Hero Academia. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5626028/?ref_=tt_urv

Wikipedia (n.d.-a). Kenji Nagasaki. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Hero_Academia

Wikipedia (n.d.-b). My Hero Academia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Hero_Academia

 

 

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Black Flamingo

Author: Dean Atta

Narrator: Dean Atta

Publisher: Harper Collins Audio

Copyright Date: 2020

Genre: Realistic fiction, poetry

Format: Audiobook 

Awards or Honors: 2020 Stonewall Award (print book), 2021 YALSA Amazing Audiobook nominee

Reading Level/Interest Level: 14+

Plot Summary: Ever since he was little, Michael felt like he didn’t fit in. Half Greek and half Black, he wasn’t enough of either, and he didn’t quite feel like other boys either. And then when he comes out in high school, he doesn’t always feel like he fits in with the other queer kids. It’s not until he discovers the Drag Club at university that he starts to believe he can share his whole self with the world.

Told in verse, this coming of age story is also a coming into self story. It’s an exploration of all the aspects that create an identity, and a powerful assertion of worth. 

Author Background: Dean Atta is a poet, writer, teacher and spoken word performer who grew up in London and lives in Glasgow. He has a Masters in Writing and Teaching from Goldsmiths, University of London, and has spent over a decade leading writing workshops for universities, companies, and organizations, the list of which is far too long to replicate (Atta, n.d.)! He has performed at poetry festivals around the world, and The Black Flamingo is his first novel in verse.  

Critical Evaluation: This story is one that needs to be told, and is told simply and well. I skimmed the print edition as well, and honestly, the audiobook is really how you should experience it. Atta is an accomplished spoken word performer and his quiet but powerful voice and cadence pull you straight into the story. You feel as though he’s reading Michael’s poetry straight off the page and out of his heart. 

Creative Use for a Library Program: Host an open mic poetry slam! Invite teens to bring their poetry to perform for other teens. Video can be recorded and shared on the library’s social media accounts. 

Speed-Round Book Talk: Michael Angeli has always felt out of place; too Greek to be Black, too Black to be Greek, too queer to be straight, but somehow, sometimes, not queer enough. When he gets to university, he finds the Drag Club, and things start to make sense… this verse novel explores what it’s like to find your place in a complex world. 

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:  The Black Flamingo has been challenged in Wyoming and Texas (Haynes, 2022), presumably due to its positive representation of drag and gender fluidity. I would argue that since our library is for all teens, we need to represent them. None of the material in the book feels unnecessary or gratuitous or inappropriate for teenagers. 

Reason for Inclusion: I love this exploration of gender, race, and sexuality, and a young man’s place in the world. The simple verse is accessible for reluctant readers, and an engaging read for enthusiastic ones! 

Want to hear it? Here’s an excerpt:

References

Atta, D. (n.d.) Biography. Retrieved from https://www.sites.google.com/site/deanatta/cv?authuser=0

Audiophile magazine (n.d.). The black flamingo by Dean Atta read by Dean Atta [review]. Retrieved from https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/read/178170/the-black-flamingo-by-dean-atta-read-by-dean-atta/

Haynes, K.G. (April 5, 2022). The black flamingo by Dean Atta. Retrieved from https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-06-299029-7

Publisher’s Weekly (n.d.). The black flamingo [starred review]. Retrieved from https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-06-299029-7

YALSA (August 26, 2020). Amazing audiobooks (#AA2021) nominees roundup, August 26th edition. Retrieved from https://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2020/08/26/amazing-audiobooks-aa2021-nominees-round-up-august-26-edition/

 

 

 

Bibliographic Information:

Title: The Inheritance Games

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

ISBN: 9781549160462

Publisher: Little, Brown

Copyright Date: 2020

Genre: Mystery, thriller

Format: print book

Awards or Honors: Teen Buckeye award winner, Edgar award nominee, one of Kirkus Review’s Best Books of 2020 and YALSA’s Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers

Reading Level/Interest Level: 13+

Plot Summary: Avery Grambs is shocked when she turns out to be the beneficiary of a billionaire’s fortune, one she never met or even heard of. But to receive her inheritance, she must move into his sprawling, riddle-filled house, which is also filled with his disinherited and bitter family. And those four handsome, extremely charming grandsons? They might have had something to do with a girl who died a year ago. Suddenly, she realizes that it’s not just about money; it’s about survival. Avery’s fortunes have turned, but it might not be for the better. 

Author Background: Jennifer Lynn Barnes (aka Jen) has multiple advanced degrees in psychology, psychiatry and cognitive science from Cambridge University and Yale University (Barnes, n.d.). She has written more than a dozen young adult novels with wide acclaim, the first five while she was still in college. She teaches both psychology and professional writing at the University of Oklahoma. 

Critical Evaluation: This is one fast-paced, funny, clever mystery. Avery is driven and whip-smart; she can easily handle whatever Tobias Hawthorne roped her into, but it’s still fun watching the story unfold. Which of the handsome grandsons will she fall for? What happened to Emily?? What happened on her birthday??? I will say the ending fizzed a little bit given the build-up, but I suspect Barnes is saving further reveals for the next books in the series. 

Creative Use for a Library Program: Time to pull out the riddle books! Have an evening of riddles, math games, word challenges and more. Have participants dress up for a gala, or in prep school chic for extra credit. 

Speed-Round Book Talk: An inheritance, a riddle, and a family set on revenge. Will Avery Kylie Grambs be able to untangle the secrets of Hawthorne House before it’s too late? 

Reason for Inclusion: While there isn’t a great deal of diversity in the cast (most characters are White, although there is one Black and one multiracial character, and there is an ancillary romantic relationship between two young women), it’s a fun, very engaging read. YALSA recommends it for reluctant readers and I agree (Wikipedia, n.d.). 

Want more? Here’s a compilation of BookTok responses to the book:

References

Barnes, J. L. (n.d.) Bio. Retrieved from http://www.jenniferlynnbarnes.com/bio.html

Beach, A. (n.d.) The inheritance games [review]. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-inheritance-games-book-1

Kirkus (July 27, 2020). The inheritance games [review]. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jennifer-lynn-barnes/inheritance-games/

Wikipedia (n.d.). The Inheritance Games. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Inheritance_Games

 

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Instructions for Dancing

Author: Nicola Yoon

ISBN: 9781524718961

Publisher: Delacorte

Copyright Date: 2021

Genre: Romance, Magical realism 

Format: Print book

Reading Level/Interest Level: 13+

Plot Summary: Evie used to love romance novels. Loved anything swoony and romantic, like her parents’ marriage. But when her dad left her mom for someone else, she gave them all away and has declared romance one big scam. One day, something strange happens, though: a mysterious woman urges her to take a book from a Little Free Library: Instructions for Dancing. Evie takes it to be polite; then suddenly whenever she sees a couple kiss, their entire relationship—from beginning to end—flashes before her eyes. She takes the book to the La Brea Dance Studio, which is written inside the cover, hoping to stop the visions, and her entire life is changed forever. 

Author Background: Nicola Yoon is the bestselling, award-winning author of Everything, Everything and The Sun is Also a Star. She was the first Black woman to hold the top spot on the New York Times YA Bestseller list. She loves love (and is the co-publisher of Joy Publishing, a Young Adult imprint of Random house for romance books starring people of color), handwrites her first drafts, and considers herself a late bloomer (Yoon, n.d.). She grew up in Jamaica and Brooklyn, and now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter.

Critical Evaluation: This book is funny, romantic, and thought-provoking (and ugh, a bit sad). Yoon’s writing grabs you right away, and the touches of magical realism add a little bit of sparkle to a classic love story. Evie’s developing relationship with her dad also makes this story more complex than the average romance. The dialogue is witty and clever, and the pacing skips along like a dance. 

Creative Use for a Library Program: Have a local ballroom dancing instructor come and give literal “instructions for dancing” in a fun, energy-filled program. Teens can learn to waltz, foxtrot, and samba just like Evie and Xavier! 

Speed-Round Book Talk or Short Book Trailer: Evie hates love, but she has the ability to see what will happen to a couple as soon as they kiss in front of her. Will this romance hater change her tune while she learns to dance?

Reason for Inclusion: This is a lovely book that celebrates Black romance and families. We need more! 

Want more? Watch this cute interview with Nicola Yoon and her husband, author David Yoon: 

References 

Kirkus. (June 1, 2021). Instructions for dancing [review]. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/nicola-yoon/instructions-for-dancing/

Weinberger, A. (June 1, 2021). Nicola Yoon’s new book is a romance about a teenager who doesn’t believe in love. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/01/books/review/instructions-for-dancing-nicola-yoon.html

Yoon, Nicola (n.d.). Bio. Retrieved from https://www.nicolayoon.com/bio-3

 

Bibliographic Information:

Title: All We Can Save

Editors: Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine K. Wilkinson

ISBN: 9780593237069

Publisher: One World/ Penguin Random House

Copyright Date: 2020

Genre: nonfiction, climate change, environmental science, women and feminism

Format: print book

Awards or Honors: Named one of the best books of the year by Smithsonian magazine

Reading Level/Interest Level: 14+

Plot Summary: This anthology of essays and poetry about the climate crisis is all written by women, ranging from Naomi Klein to Gina McCarthy to Mary Oliver. Women are more likely to be impacted by climate change and less likely to be making decisions about it (Johnson and Wilkinson, 2020). This book tries to change that. Some of those featured work on policy for the US government; some run nonprofits drawing attention to the climate crisis; some are activists, others writers. But all are women focused on this terribly important topic. Organized into sections like Advocate, Reframe, Persist, Nourish and Rise, writings about policy mix with indigenous approaches to protest, poems about this beautiful planet we live on and how to love it, and the importance of community. It finishes with a list of solutions humans need to tackle to achieve “drawdown,” where greenhouse gas levels start to decline instead of increase (p. 377). This anthology gives readers a history lesson, a policy lesson, and the tools to be hopeful. 

Editor Backgrounds: Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is a marine biologist who has Harvard University and Scripps Institution of Oceanography on her resume. She co-founded Urban Ocean Lab, co-created and for a time co-hosted the podcast How to Save a Planet, and was named one of times 100 Climate Leaders for 2021. Dr. Katharine Wilkinson is a former Rhodes scholar and holds a doctorate in philosophy in geography and environment from Oxford. She is a writer, teacher, and co-host of the podcast A Matter of Degrees. 

Critical Evaluation for Books: Practical advice alternates with musings on our place in the world, and including poetry is a masterstroke. (It adds a creative touch for those who care about climate change but are less inclined towards science as well as offering exposure to poetry for those who might not otherwise seek it out.) The variety of types of essays is broad and interesting, and the focus on women and BIPOC authors gives voices to those who are often not consulted on this topic. 

Creative Use for a Library Program: Poetry writing workshop! Have teens write poems about climate change. Poetry anthologies (as well as All We Can Save) can be on hand for inspiration. 

Speed-Round Book Talk or Short Book Trailer: Stopping climate change will require all of us working together. This collection of essays gives us the tools to make change—and the poetry to lift our spirits. 

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation: I’m not aware of any challenges, although the topic has sadly been politicized. I would argue that climate change is an important topic and that teens deserve to hear from a variety of voices about it. 

Reason for Inclusion: I love that this book covers an important topic for teens, includes teen writers, focuses on women, and best of all, includes poetry! The title itself is taken from an Adrienne Rich poem. 

Want more? Dr. Wilkinson’s TED talk on climate change and empowering women has two million views!

Dr. Johnson talks about the importance of the oceans in the fight to save the planet:

References

All We Can Save (n.d.). Team. Retrieved from https://www.allwecansave.earth/team.

Lallensack, R., Spring, J. and Wetzel, C. (November 27, 2020). Ten best science books of 2020. Retrieved from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/ten-best-science-books-2020-180976414/

Kirkus (June 30, 2020). All we can save [review]. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews//all-we-can-save/

 

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me

Author and illustrator: Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O’Connell

ISBN: 9781626722590

Publisher: First Second  

Copyright Date: 2019 

Genre: Romance

Format: Graphic novel

Awards or Honors: Harvey Award, Ignatz Award, Eisner Award, Printz honor book

Reading Level/Interest Level: 14+, though some heavy topics mean it may be best for older teens

Plot Summary: Freddy is in love with Laura Dean. But she keeps getting dumped by the effortlessly cool but narcissistic, emotionally manipulative teen. And every time she gets sucked back in to Laura’s orbit, Freddy ends up neglecting her friends, who don’t understand what the fuss is about. When her best friend really needs her, she can barely pay attention. She ends up writing to an advice columnist and visiting a psychic as she navigates some messy situations and learns about friendship, love, and herself.

Anyone who has ever been in a toxic relationship (or known someone in one) will be rooting for Freddy to stand up for herself, and may learn about the importance of friendship along the way. 

Author Background: Writer Marika Tamaki grew up in Toronto, and has worked as a writer and performance artist. She has written numerous superhero comics for Marvel as well as many of her own graphic novels, some in collaboration with her cousin, Jillian Tamaki. She now lives in Oakland, Calif. Illustrator Rosemary Valero-O’Connell was born in Minneapolis but raised in Zaragoza, Spain, returning to the U.S. for a BFA in comic arts at the Minneapolis college of art and design. She has received many awards for her work.

Critical Evaluation for Books and Non-Print Items: This is a beautiful pairing of words and images; Valero-O’Connell’s swoony, realistic images are the perfect backdrop for Tamaki’s punchy, honest dialogue. Over the course of the book, readers grapple with some very real issues, and see Freddy grow as a friend and a person. The diverse cast of characters, of different races, ages, shapes, sexual orientation, and gender identities doesn’t feel performative; it’s a reflection of real life, complex communities. While there is quite a bit of cursing and adult situations depicted, this is a sensitive, thoughtful story that will resonate with anyone who has ever been hurt in love.

Creative Use for a Library Program: Hold a writing workshop for teens where they write to an advice columnist about an issue in their lives. If they’re feeling brave enough, they can share with the other participants and give each other advice. Perhaps a local advice columnist would be willing to come give a short talk/advice. A display in the library could post the anonymous questions afterwards, and there could be space for community members to write their advice as well. 

Speed-Round Book Talk or Short Book Trailer: What’s worse than getting dumped? Getting dumped again, and again… by the same person. Will Freddy figure out how to mend her broken heart without breaking it all over again?

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation: This book was challenged in Corpus Christi, Texas for being pornographic, though it was ultimately not banned (Tabler, 2022). As usual, the complaints are far more dramatic than the reality. The book does portray same sex relationships and the consequences of teen sex, but it is a serious exploration of issues many teens face. 

Reason for Inclusion: Romance is a hot topic for teens, and I love this exploration of its dark side. We’ve all been pulled in or besotted by someone and this book shows the consequences both for yourself and those around you. 

Want more? Here’s a Booklist interview with Mariko Tamaki:

 

References

Kirkus (April 1, 2019). Laura Dean keeps breaking up with me [review]. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/mariko-tamaki/laura-dean-keeps-breaking-up-with-me/

Tamaki, M. (n.d.). Mariko Tamaki. Retrieved from marikotamaki.com.

Nojadera, A. (n.d.). Laura Dean keeps breaking up with me [review]. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/laura-dean-keeps-breaking-up-with-me

Tabler, B. (January 17, 2022). 4 books the Texas House Committee doesn’t want you to read. Retrieved from https://beforewegoblog.com/texas-house-committee/

Wikipedia (n.d.). Mariko Tamaki. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariko_Tamaki#cite_note-4