Day two of Favorite Books Read in 2009 -Two A Day
10 Favorite Biographies
I and I Bob Marley by Tony Medina illus by Jesse Joshua Watson
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip M. Hoose
The Other Mozart: The Life of the Chevalier Saint-George by Hugh Brewster illus by Eric Velasquez
John Brown : His Fight For Freedom by John Hendrix
Shining Star : The Anna May Wong Story by Paula Yoo illus. by Lin Wang
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. Marshal by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson illus by R. Gregory Christie
Building on Nature: The Life of Antoni Gaudi by Rachel Victoria Rodriguez illus. by Julie Paschkis
Sky High: The True Story of Maggie Gee by Marissa Moss illus by Carl Angel
Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx / La juez que crecio en el Bronx by Jonah Winter illus. by Edel Rodriguez
Pele, King of Soccer/Pele, El rey del futbol by Monica Brown illus by Rudy Gutierrez
10 Favorite Non Fiction Titles
Sweethearts of Rhythm by Marilyn Nelson illus. by Jerry Pinkney
Marching For Freedom: Walk Together Children and Don't You Grow Weary by Elizabeth Partridge
Jim Thorpe, Original All-American by Joseph Bruchac
14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy illus by Thomas Gonzalez
Leaving Glorytown: One Boy's Struggle Under Castro by Eduardo F. Calcines
Our Children Can Soar: A Celebration of Rosa, Barack, and the Pioneers of Change by Michelle Cook illus. by various awarding and up and coming artist
The Real Spy's Guide to Becoming a Spy by Peter Earnest and Suzanne Harper
An Environmental Guide from A to Z by Tim Magner
We Troubled the Waters by Ntozake Shange illus by Rod Brown
Harlem Stomp!: A Cultural History Of The Harlem Renaissance by Laban Carrick Hill
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Last Night I Sang To The Monster Benjamin Alire Saenz
Last Night I Sang To The Monster by Benjamin Alire Saenz Zach is spending his senior year of High School in rehab. He almost died of alcohol poisoning, found on the side of the road one night. Zach can't remember what happened nor does he want to. In rehab Zach must admit he has a problem with alcohol and begin putting his life back together.
This novel was intense, beautiful, strong and believable. I finished this novel awhile back, Zach is still with me. I remember Zach worry about where his monster comes from (maybe his brother) or what God tattooed on his heart.
"I keep seeing a newspaper being toosed around in the wind. And then a strong gust comes along and the newspaper is thrown against a barbed wire fence and it gets ripped to shreds in an instant. That's how I feel. I think God is the wind. It's all like a game to him. Him. God. And it's all pretty much random. He takes out his pen and starts writing on our blank hearts. When it came to my turn, he wrote sad. I don't like God very much. Apparently he doesn't like me very much either. "
Zach becomes close friends with Rafael his roommate who is old enough to be his father. I can't even begin to try to find the words to describe how beautiful their friendship was.
"My lips were trembling and I couldn't make them stop. And there were salty tears running down my face and I couldn't see. I just closed my fists tight until I could feel my lips stop trembling. Then the tears stopped. And then I took a breath and then I unclenched my fists. I looked down at the floor. I could feel the words coming out of my mouth, could feel them, the words I didn't want to speak. "The last time - the last time I felt really alive was when Rafael sang to me."
The authors writing is beautiful and poetic. Zach is as three dimensional as they come. Last Night I Sang to the Monster is a wonderful and unforgettable realistic YA novel featuring a male protagonist.
Check out this wonderful interview with the author over at School Library Journal
This novel was intense, beautiful, strong and believable. I finished this novel awhile back, Zach is still with me. I remember Zach worry about where his monster comes from (maybe his brother) or what God tattooed on his heart.
"I keep seeing a newspaper being toosed around in the wind. And then a strong gust comes along and the newspaper is thrown against a barbed wire fence and it gets ripped to shreds in an instant. That's how I feel. I think God is the wind. It's all like a game to him. Him. God. And it's all pretty much random. He takes out his pen and starts writing on our blank hearts. When it came to my turn, he wrote sad. I don't like God very much. Apparently he doesn't like me very much either. "
Zach becomes close friends with Rafael his roommate who is old enough to be his father. I can't even begin to try to find the words to describe how beautiful their friendship was.
"My lips were trembling and I couldn't make them stop. And there were salty tears running down my face and I couldn't see. I just closed my fists tight until I could feel my lips stop trembling. Then the tears stopped. And then I took a breath and then I unclenched my fists. I looked down at the floor. I could feel the words coming out of my mouth, could feel them, the words I didn't want to speak. "The last time - the last time I felt really alive was when Rafael sang to me."
The authors writing is beautiful and poetic. Zach is as three dimensional as they come. Last Night I Sang to the Monster is a wonderful and unforgettable realistic YA novel featuring a male protagonist.
Check out this wonderful interview with the author over at School Library Journal
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Favorite Books of 2009 - Two A Day
Today, I will start my Favorite Books Read in 2009 - two a day. Beginning Picture books and Early readers
10 Favorite Picture Books of 2009
Olu's Dream by Shane W. Evans
The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts illus by Noah Z. Jones
Two of a Kind by Jacqui Robbins illus by Matt Phelan
The Rain Stomper by Addie Boswell illus. by Eric Velasquez
The Hat That Wore Clara B. by Melanie Turner-Denstaedt illus by Frank Morrison
Mouse Was Mad by Linda Urban illus. by Henry Cole
Rose's Garden by Peter H. Reynolds
Me With You by Kristy Dempsey and Christopher Denise
10 Favorite Early Readers of 2009
Nikki and Deja: Birthday Blues by Karen English illus by Laura Freeman
Calvin Coconut: The Zippy Fix by Graham Salisbury
Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Ava Tree and the Wishes Three by Jeanne Betancout illus. by Angela Dominguez
Keena Ford and the Second-Grade Mix-Up by Melissa Thomson
Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom by Eric Wight
Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel by Nikki Grimes and R. Gregory Christie
Zac Power #1: Poison Island by H. I. Larry and Ash Oswald
Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, by Lenore Look illus by LeUyen Pham
Dinosaur Hunt (Max Spaniel) by David Catrow
10 Favorite Picture Books of 2009
Olu's Dream by Shane W. Evans
The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts illus by Noah Z. Jones
Two of a Kind by Jacqui Robbins illus by Matt Phelan
The Rain Stomper by Addie Boswell illus. by Eric Velasquez
The Hat That Wore Clara B. by Melanie Turner-Denstaedt illus by Frank Morrison
Mouse Was Mad by Linda Urban illus. by Henry Cole
Rose's Garden by Peter H. Reynolds
Me With You by Kristy Dempsey and Christopher Denise
10 Favorite Early Readers of 2009
Nikki and Deja: Birthday Blues by Karen English illus by Laura Freeman
Calvin Coconut: The Zippy Fix by Graham Salisbury
Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Ava Tree and the Wishes Three by Jeanne Betancout illus. by Angela Dominguez
Keena Ford and the Second-Grade Mix-Up by Melissa Thomson
Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom by Eric Wight
Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel by Nikki Grimes and R. Gregory Christie
Zac Power #1: Poison Island by H. I. Larry and Ash Oswald
Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, by Lenore Look illus by LeUyen Pham
Dinosaur Hunt (Max Spaniel) by David Catrow
Color: The New Reality
I usually don't know ahead of time what my non review post will be. This particular idea came to me while I was reading Amber Kizer's new YA novel Meridian. I've already finished and really enjoyed the book. ( review to come)
Here's a quick back story
In the novel, since Meridian was small animals have been dying around her. As she got older the animals got bigger. On her 16th birthday Meridian sent to live with an Aunt, who will explain Meridian powers. She is a Fenestra, a window, helping people move on to the afterlife. For her safety Meridan must the bus to her Aunt's in Colorado. While at the bus depot Meridan helps translate for an older women. When they get to Colorado the woman's daughter Dr. Portalso -Marquez thanks Meridian for help her mother. When I read that, I was like What! a Latina doctor. That is just one example of color in this novel. I don't think it was a concidence that this was the last novel I read in 2009.
I think its fitting that I would end the year reading a book with a protagonist that does not exist in a color free world. It made me think of all the other books that I've read like that this year that have embraced diversity.
Luv YA Bunches by Lauren Myracle - This is a great book. How often do you see a MG book with a Muslim girl that's not historical fiction. How often do you see an MG book where one of the main characters has two moms. Myracle has all of this diversity, like its the most natural thing in the world.
NERDS: by Michael Buckley This book is so much fun. Not only is the cast diverse, just like Luv YA Bunches so is the cover. Thank you Abrams books. This is book one in the series. Each character will get a chance to be in the spotlight. I have no problems with the author starting with the White male protagonist. Its always easier to start with the familar. Though I have my fingers crossed that the next character the author decides to show case is a character of color.
Ruined by Paula Morris - This is one of my favorite novels on the year. The Haitian ghost was unexpected and loved. The author gives alot of New Orleans history along with the history of Haitian in the city. My review If you get a chance watch the book trailer, it's great.
Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda - I thought this novel was great. I discovered it thanks to a wonderful interview with the author over at Finding Wonderland. Chadda said many things that made me want to pick up his first YA novel
Including
What's interesting is the feedback I've had from some schools regarding the religious and ethnic mix of the characters. Again it was just how I see the world, so that's what I wrote.
Here's a quick back story
In the novel, since Meridian was small animals have been dying around her. As she got older the animals got bigger. On her 16th birthday Meridian sent to live with an Aunt, who will explain Meridian powers. She is a Fenestra, a window, helping people move on to the afterlife. For her safety Meridan must the bus to her Aunt's in Colorado. While at the bus depot Meridan helps translate for an older women. When they get to Colorado the woman's daughter Dr. Portalso -Marquez thanks Meridian for help her mother. When I read that, I was like What! a Latina doctor. That is just one example of color in this novel. I don't think it was a concidence that this was the last novel I read in 2009.
I think its fitting that I would end the year reading a book with a protagonist that does not exist in a color free world. It made me think of all the other books that I've read like that this year that have embraced diversity.
Luv YA Bunches by Lauren Myracle - This is a great book. How often do you see a MG book with a Muslim girl that's not historical fiction. How often do you see an MG book where one of the main characters has two moms. Myracle has all of this diversity, like its the most natural thing in the world.
NERDS: by Michael Buckley This book is so much fun. Not only is the cast diverse, just like Luv YA Bunches so is the cover. Thank you Abrams books. This is book one in the series. Each character will get a chance to be in the spotlight. I have no problems with the author starting with the White male protagonist. Its always easier to start with the familar. Though I have my fingers crossed that the next character the author decides to show case is a character of color.
Ruined by Paula Morris - This is one of my favorite novels on the year. The Haitian ghost was unexpected and loved. The author gives alot of New Orleans history along with the history of Haitian in the city. My review If you get a chance watch the book trailer, it's great.
Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda - I thought this novel was great. I discovered it thanks to a wonderful interview with the author over at Finding Wonderland. Chadda said many things that made me want to pick up his first YA novel
Including
What's interesting is the feedback I've had from some schools regarding the religious and ethnic mix of the characters. Again it was just how I see the world, so that's what I wrote.
Skunk Girl by Sheba Karim - I loved the main character Nina Khan. Some of my favorite scenes of this book were of Nina eating lunch with her friends and their boyfriends. The divesity with seamless and natural. It just was and it didn't hurt that the scenes were well written and funny.
The Ring by Bobbie Pyron -I really enjoyed this one and I loved the MC, Mardie. If any of these novels could have easily had an all White cast it would be this book. The story of a White girl in Colorado who starts boxing to deal with her problems. Though not only are there Black and Latino secondary characters, the author takes the time to develop their story lines.
The Ring by Bobbie Pyron -I really enjoyed this one and I loved the MC, Mardie. If any of these novels could have easily had an all White cast it would be this book. The story of a White girl in Colorado who starts boxing to deal with her problems. Though not only are there Black and Latino secondary characters, the author takes the time to develop their story lines.
Liar by Justine Larbalestier - Micah is one of the most original protagonist I've read in awhile. Though if you think Liar made this list just because the MC is Black, you'd be wrong. Its here because Liar is set in current day NYC and some of Micah's teacher last names give hint at their ethnicity. (imagine that) and Zach the boy who is murdered is called a White Latino by his friends. (I did a double take when I read that, didn't realize White people knew there was a difference)
All of these authors found their own way to add color to their novels. I hate the fact that I am still surprised when I find color in MG and YA novels. I shouldn't want to tell everyone that there is a Black, Latina, Muslim, Indian, Asian character in such a such novel. Its 2010 Color should no longer be the exception it should be the norm. Novels should reflect reality.
I am over books with multiple White protagonists and no people of color . Now, I am not looking for forced diveristy. I hate that just as much as a colorless world. I don't expect or want every group of friends to be rainbow colored that is not reality.
Though there is no excuse for a color free book with 3 or more White protagonists. I expect these friends to interact and talk to other people besides each other. (I am so over the TV show Friends the World is all White fake reality. ) I don't need want or expect a character of color be a main character or even a secondary character all the time. What I do expect is that people of color are recognized and not forgotten.
It doesn't even have to be big. It can be something as small as an MC noticing that a store owner reads his national paper everyday.(insert the name of said paper, good to go)
The diversity bar is so low right now. Readers who want it , love it and seek it out are willing to accept almost anything. So make the effort.
Friday, January 1, 2010
My Take On The Cybils
I had another post planned to be my first post of the year but I am going to start with the Cybils finialists. At Susan's personal blog, she broke out Mama Lockdown for her take on the Cybils. You know its serious when you see Mama Lockdown because she don't play.
Here is part of what Susan said
I'm starting off the new year with a rant about an issue you're probably sick of hearing by now. Well, I'm sick of making it so somebody tell me why this continues to happen: 931 books read and of all the finalists by or about African Americans, the finalists are about slaves or civil rights.
I too have a problem with this. Though I believe there aren't enough books being published with Black characters that aren't historical fiction. For me the problem isn't with what didn't get chosen but what isn't being published to get nominated. One of the reason why I loved Debbie Rigaud's new YA novel Perfect Shot (my review) was because it was a light, fun, entertaining and well written contemporary romantic comedy featuring Black characters.
I am surprised and disappointed that Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco Stork wasn't a finalist in the YA fiction category. (it wasn't my pick) But its one of the best books YA or otherwise that I've read this year. I haven't read all of the YA finalist but (IMO) two of them can't touch the goodness that is Marcelo in the Real World. (not even close)
In the MG fiction category I wasn't too happy to see Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson make the finals. Its an historical fiction novel featuring a female African American protagonist. The writing in Chains is good. I just never connected or fully believed in the main character Isabel. There are other books that got nominated in the category that I believe would have made better choices. Even if I liked Isabel I would still feel the same way. Two MG books that nominated that stand out as better choices The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly and Petronella Saves Nearly Everyone: The Entomological Tales of Augustus T. Percival by Dene Low ( I didn't nominate either one)
I know the panelist had many many books to read and discuss. In the end the finalist come down to a group decision, which I am not questioning but I happen to disagree with in these situations enough to post about it. Also I know its easier to say something after the fact. I am kicking myself right now for not trying to become one of the panelists, when the call was put out. I believe any blogger who is questioning any of the finalist and didn't step up when the call was made for panelists and judges should be kicking themselves as well.
Overall I am very exicted and happy that the Cybils awards exist. The people who run the Cybils make everyone feel welcome. If I had a question it was answered quickly. They also take the time to link to reviews ( by panelist) of nominated books. The site is very easy to browse. If you are ever looking for a good children's book check out some of the nominated books for
I was happy to see so many novels featuring people of color get nomniated. When a book is nominated it's really is a win (unlike the Oscars) since the panelists are all bloggers who love children's literature. A book may not have made the finals but it could've found its way to blogger who believes in the book as much as the person who nominated it.
One of my nods is a finalist. WHAT ! The Prince of Fenway Park by Julianna Baggott in the MG fantasy category. The MC is biracial (Black &White), I've said it many times before and I'll say it again. I love me some The Prince of Fenway Park.
Finally, I want to say thank you to all the bloggers who work so hard (For Free) on the Cybils. While still maintaining their personal blogs ( For Free) They don't have to do it but they do. The people who work on the Cybils are giving more than they are receiving and for that I say. Thanks again.
Here is part of what Susan said
I'm starting off the new year with a rant about an issue you're probably sick of hearing by now. Well, I'm sick of making it so somebody tell me why this continues to happen: 931 books read and of all the finalists by or about African Americans, the finalists are about slaves or civil rights.
I too have a problem with this. Though I believe there aren't enough books being published with Black characters that aren't historical fiction. For me the problem isn't with what didn't get chosen but what isn't being published to get nominated. One of the reason why I loved Debbie Rigaud's new YA novel Perfect Shot (my review) was because it was a light, fun, entertaining and well written contemporary romantic comedy featuring Black characters.
I am surprised and disappointed that Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco Stork wasn't a finalist in the YA fiction category. (it wasn't my pick) But its one of the best books YA or otherwise that I've read this year. I haven't read all of the YA finalist but (IMO) two of them can't touch the goodness that is Marcelo in the Real World. (not even close)
In the MG fiction category I wasn't too happy to see Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson make the finals. Its an historical fiction novel featuring a female African American protagonist. The writing in Chains is good. I just never connected or fully believed in the main character Isabel. There are other books that got nominated in the category that I believe would have made better choices. Even if I liked Isabel I would still feel the same way. Two MG books that nominated that stand out as better choices The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly and Petronella Saves Nearly Everyone: The Entomological Tales of Augustus T. Percival by Dene Low ( I didn't nominate either one)
I know the panelist had many many books to read and discuss. In the end the finalist come down to a group decision, which I am not questioning but I happen to disagree with in these situations enough to post about it. Also I know its easier to say something after the fact. I am kicking myself right now for not trying to become one of the panelists, when the call was put out. I believe any blogger who is questioning any of the finalist and didn't step up when the call was made for panelists and judges should be kicking themselves as well.
Overall I am very exicted and happy that the Cybils awards exist. The people who run the Cybils make everyone feel welcome. If I had a question it was answered quickly. They also take the time to link to reviews ( by panelist) of nominated books. The site is very easy to browse. If you are ever looking for a good children's book check out some of the nominated books for
I was happy to see so many novels featuring people of color get nomniated. When a book is nominated it's really is a win (unlike the Oscars) since the panelists are all bloggers who love children's literature. A book may not have made the finals but it could've found its way to blogger who believes in the book as much as the person who nominated it.
One of my nods is a finalist. WHAT ! The Prince of Fenway Park by Julianna Baggott in the MG fantasy category. The MC is biracial (Black &White), I've said it many times before and I'll say it again. I love me some The Prince of Fenway Park.
Finally, I want to say thank you to all the bloggers who work so hard (For Free) on the Cybils. While still maintaining their personal blogs ( For Free) They don't have to do it but they do. The people who work on the Cybils are giving more than they are receiving and for that I say. Thanks again.
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