Saturday, February 27, 2021
Friday, February 26, 2021
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Book Review - Raybearer
📖Recommend for Grades 8 and up📖
by Jordan Ifueko
Half-human and half-ehru, Tarisai has always longed for a family. Her mother, known as The Lady, is often absent from her life and shelters Tarisai in an estate with only tutors and servants. One day, The Lady shows up and tells Tarisai she will be going to the capital to try her shot at becoming one of the eleven on the prince's council. Except she doesn't exactly tell her like that; instead, she tells her when the boy in the portrait selects her to be by his side, she must kill him. Due to a wish made before Tarisai's birth, she is compelled to do what her mother ordered. Upon arriving at the palace and learning the truth, Tarasi finds herself in a world of complication.
This is an intriguing and incredible high fantasy story in the first of a planned series or duology. While there isn't a ton of action, the story isn't dull, and the world created is one readers will enjoy. There are numerous characters in the book, and the minor ones will be hard to keep track of, but the important ones shouldn't be too complicated to remember. The book's back contains a guide to help readers with the pronunciation of all the character names. Though there will be at least one other book following this one, the ending is relatively conclusive enough to leave readers satisfied if they don't wish to continue.
Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio
Friday, February 19, 2021
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Book Review - From the Desk of Zoe Washington
📖Recommend for Grades 6 and up📖
by Janae Marks
On her twelfth birthday, Zoe Washington receives a letter from her estranged father, Marcus. Without her mother's permission, Zoe responds to Marcus, but what do you say to a man who has been in prison your whole life for murder? As the two correspond, Marcus shares with Zoe that he is innocent. With her friend and neighbor Trevor's help, she sets out to prove her father's innocence. Trying to help Marcus means putting a lot of the line. This includes jeopardizing the possibility of her mom and step-dad, allowing her to audition for a baking show.
This book is a fantastic read with an equally excellent main character. Zoe is Black and does face some microaggressions. Readers get an age-appropriate look at wondering if Marcus would have been treated differently if white. This book is a beautiful story encompassing racism, family, friendship, and a love of baking. A fun element of this book is that in each letter, Zoe's father includes a song for her to listen to, so readers will have a playlist of songs themselves by the end of the book. As previously mentioned, Zoe is a huge fan of baking, and the book involves a lot of cupcake talk, so be prepared to be craving them.
Saturday, February 13, 2021
Friday, February 12, 2021
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Book Review - Not So Pure and Simple
📖Recommend for Grades 9 and up📖
by Lamar Giles
When his finally available longtime crush Kiera volunteers for a church group, Del is right behind her. That's how he accidentally finds himself in the purity pledge group. Not wanting to lose his shot at Kiera, Del sticks with it. Lucky for him, there's Jameer, a fellow pledger and Kiera's best friend. The two make a deal; Jameer helps Del with Kiera, and Del gets answers from his Healthy living class that Jameer isn't allowed to take for him.
Honestly, besides being a little longer than it probably needed to, this is an enjoyable book. The characters are realistic and relatable, as well as entertaining. This story covers many hot topics. These include the debate of the type of sexual education taught in school, the different ways teen mothers are treated versus teen fathers, and masculinity. If any of these topics aren't right for you, skip this read. If you're good with them, this is worth the read.
Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio
Monday, February 8, 2021
Friday, February 5, 2021
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Book Review - When They Call You a Terrorist
📖Recommend for Grades 7 and up📖
When They Call You a Terrorist
by Patrisse Khan-Cullors
One of the Black Lives Matter movement founders shares her personal story and experience as a member of the Black community in the United States. Patrice shares what the Black men in her life experienced, how BLM came to be, and how members of the Black Community are and have been viewed in this country.
When They Call You a Terrorist is an essential and informative memoir, readers will likely get something from it. Originally written for an older audience, this is the adaptation geared towards younger readers. The topics covered in this book can be sensitive for some readers. Please beware if you are triggered by certain topics such as death, police violence, and severe mental illness. Throughout the story are black and white photos of Patrice and her family and friends. This addition adds some faces to the story even though the photographs aren’t captioned.
Monday, February 1, 2021
Peer Reviews Wanted
We would love to include your reviews!
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