Throwback Review - Let Me Hear a Rhyme

  Throwback Book Review

Miss. Amanda still thinks you should read this!

📖Recommend for Grades 8 and up📖

Let Me Hear a Rhyme

by Tiffany Jackson

            Steph is gone. Killed before he could have the music career he dreamed of, that his two best friends and sister feel he should have had. But who says the world can’t hear Steph’s music? Using tracks Steph recorded before his death, Quadir and Jarrell hatch a plan to share and promote the songs under the alias The Architect. They enlist Steph’s sister Jasmine to help and before they know it Steph’s music is circling the neighborhood. As time goes on, the three realize that keeping their secret may not be so easy.

            Set in the ’90s not long after the death of Tupac and Biggie Smalls, this book is a love letter to Brooklyn and Rap Music. The story alternates between Quadir, Jarrell, and Jasmine’s narration as well as insights from Steph’s perspective prior to his death. Readers won’t know where the story is going and what will happen with the secret our main trio is keeping. This book is a must-read for many.

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Throwback Book Review - Dear Martin

Throwback Book Review

Miss. Amanda still thinks you should read this!

 📖Recommended for Grades 9 and up📖

Dear Martin

by Nic Stone
The cop didn’t care that Justyce was a good kid and Ivy League bound. All he saw was the color of his skin, landing Justyce in handcuffs.  In order to deal with his struggles of race inequality today, Justyce turns to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., writing letters to the late activist to look for answers and explain how the events happening in the world today, are shaping him.
Wonderful and relevant, this is a book not to be missed. Justyce is a character all readers will love, admire and feel for. The supporting characters are an intriguing bunch filled with both likable and unlikable characters. The unlikable characters are supposed to be such though, and an important aspect of this story. 

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Book Review - Rise to the Sun

  📖Recommend for Grades 10 and up📖

Rise to the Sun

by Leah Johnson

It's the weekend of the Farmland Music and Arts Festival. Olivia and Toni both have their reasons for attending this year's festival. Olivia's last break-up left her an outcast back home, and she could use a weekend of fun with her best (and only) friend Imani. Toni has been attending the music festival since she was a kid, and this year hopes to get her big break in the talent competition, just like her dad once did. When these two girls meet by chance, they discover they may need the other's help to get what they want. As the two spend time together, sparks also start to fly.

The story takes place throughout a single weekend and is broken down into three sections, one for each day. Olivia and Toni alternate as narrators allowing for insight into both of them individually and as a pair. Readers are likely to find themselves alternating between liking and not liking each of them as well. While a Queer Romance, this book is also about self-discovery and growth. Even

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Book Review - Ghost

📖Recommend for Grades 6 and up📖

Ghost

by Jason Reynolds
Castle Cranshaw, also known as Ghost, is no stranger when it comes to running. He’s never run for a track team, though. One day he stumbles upon a track team practice and challenges one of the runners to a race. Seeing his natural talent, the coach allows him to join the team. Ghost has more than a natural talent for running, though. He also has a lot of anger inside, and he doesn’t know how to deal with it.
A mix of humor and some serious stuff, Ghost is a must-read. The character Ghost is flawed but likable, and readers will be rooting for him despite his faults. This book is the first in Jason’s Reynolds’ Track series, and readers will follow the runners they meet in the three books that follow.

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Book Review - Happily Ever Afters

 📖Recommend for Grades 9 and up📖

Happily Ever Afters

by Elise Bryant

Tessa Johnson has only ever seen herself as the leading lady in the stories she writes. Stories she only shares with her best friend, Caroline. After moving to a new town, Tess is accepted into a prestigious Creative Art School. She is finally ready to share her stories with others, except Tessa has been met with major writer’s block. Luckily Caroline has a plan, get Tessa’s crush Nico, who also happens to look like the love interest in Tessa’s story, to fall in love with her for inspiration. As the plan goes on, and it looks like Tessa may be getting what she wants. She also finds that she may be losing things, such as her sweet new neighbor Sam.

Tessa’s story is a sweet and fun read. Readers will have fun choosing sides if they want Tessa to end up with Nico or Sam. This book may be a love story, but it also deals with many other factors, including family and friendship. Tessa’s older brother Miles has disabilities, which is a significant aspect of her life, and affects her relationship with her parents. A wonderful part of this book is that it features a diverse cast of characters. Racism and Ableism do exist in this book, but they do not control the narrative. Oh, and just a side warning, Sam is a baker, so be prepared to be craving the yummy treats he makes throughout the book.

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Book Review - Concrete Rose

  📖Recommend for Grades 10 and up📖

Concrete Rose

by Angie Thomas

Seventeen-year-old Maverick Carter is the son of the former gang leader for the Kings Lords in Garden Heights. He himself joined them for protection and used the gang's connections to help take care of his mom while his dad is in prison. His life isn't perfect, but it works, and it helps to have a fly girlfriend. Maverick's world is turned upside down when he finds out that the three-month-old baby he thought was his buddy King's son is actually his. With his son's mother leaving the baby in his care, now Maverick finds himself with a kid to take care of on top of everything else. Can Maverick juggle taking care of his family, school, work, and his friends? Can he also handle the other curve balls life is going to throw his way?

Concrete Rose is a can't miss prequel to Angie Thomas' award-winning novel The Hate U Give. While The Hate U Give is about Starr Carter, Concrete Rose goes back to when her dad Maverick learns that Seven is his son. The books can be read in either order as the prequel won't really spoil the original story. Those who read the first book will love returning to Garden Heights and seeing familiar characters when they were younger. The characters, both familiar and not, are all great and well developed. Maverick needs to tackle a lot throughout this story. Readers will enjoy following his journey and seeing what choices he makes. Teens should be aware book handles many heavy topics. These topics include violence, death, gangs, drug dealing, parents in prison, sex, and teen pregnancy and parenting. 

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Book Review - Raybearer

  📖Recommend for Grades 8 and up📖

Raybearer

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.

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Book Review - From the Desk of Zoe Washington

   📖Recommend for Grades 6 and up📖

From the Desk of Zoe Washington

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.

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Book Review - Class Act

   📖Recommend for Grades 6 and up📖

Class Act

by Jerry Craft

Drew is in the minority at his prestigious school, both racially and economically. It doesn't help his good friend Liam is one of those privileged kids and realizing it causes Drew to start to feel weird around him. The boy's mutual friend Jordan hopes to keep the friends together, but he just isn't sure how. Can Drew learn to accept his friends and himself?

If you loved New Kid, you need to read Class Act. If you haven't read New Kid, read that then Class Act. This book isn't a sequel per se. Still, it is a companion novel, and readers will better appreciate the story having read the first book. The story is superb, and the illustrations are beautiful. Readers are likely to either empathize or sympathize with Drew and his story. This book does tackle race and racial injustice but does so in a way suitable for the age group.

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Book Review - A Song Below Water

  📖Recommend for Grades 8 and up📖

A Song Below Water

by Bethany C. Morrow

Tavia and Effie are like sisters, and each has secrets and challenges they must face. Tavia is a siren, but she has to keep her powers a secret as most people do not like sirens. Effie faces demons from her past and isn't sure what she is, just that she might not be merely human. When a siren is murdered, and the trial rocks the nation, their world begins to unravel.

 In Tavia and Effie's alternate narratives, this story takes on real-world discrimination but as fantastical elements in an interesting way. There are different mythical creatures in this book. Some are basically celebrated, some tolerated, and others discriminated against, such as sirens, which are exclusively Black females. Warning, though, these groups may be a little hard to keep track of while reading. Readers will enjoy figuring out what happened too Effie in the past and what her story is. As for Tavia, readers will be intrigued by her story as well.

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Book Review - Punching the Air

  📖Recommend for Grades 8 and up📖

Punching the Air

by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam

Sixteen-year-old Amal is an artist and poet. One day, he is found guilty of a crime he didn’t commit because of a biased system. Now he’s another Black teen in prison, and he’s angry. Thankfully he has his words and art to turn to for help.

Written in-verse by the talented Ibi Zoboi and Exonerated Five member Yusef Salaam this book is an absolute must-read. This book is timely, controversial, power, and will make you think and feel. It is not Yusef’s story, but the character of Amal is inspired by him. Yusef is also an artist and poet, and some of the poetry he wrote while incarcerated can be found in this book. 

Oh, and fun fact, the narrator of the audiobook is Ethan Herisse. He is also the actor who played Yusef Salaam in the movie When They See Us, which tells the story of The Central Park Five—now known as the Exonerated Five.

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Book Review - The Voting Booth

📖Recommend for Grades 8 and up📖

The Voting Booth

by Brandy Colbert

Having always been driven to change the world, Marva Sheridan is thrilled to vote in her first election. Duke Crenshaw knows that voting is essential, but he just wants to get it over with in order to get ready for his band’s gig that night. When Duke discovers he actually isn’t registered to vote as he thought, and Marva overhears, she makes it her mission to get his vote counted. After all, she didn’t spend months getting people registered only to watch somebody get turned away. The two now find themselves on a road-block-filled adventure for Duke to exercise his right to vote. And while they may start off as strangers, they also may have found something more.

Readers may not be old enough to vote themselves, but they can still enjoy and benefit from this story. While Duke’s being not registered was an accident, their journey to get his vote includes experiencing and hearing about types of voter suppression that do exist in our country. There is also talk about while it is important to vote and how it is especially important for Black people like Marva and Duke too. This book also demonstrates how those who can’t yet vote can maybe help others who can. While this is also a love story that takes place in less than 24 hours, don’t let that stop you.

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Book Review - You Should See Me in a Crown

📖Recommend for Grades 9 and up📖

You Should See Me In A Crown

by Leah Johnson

Unable to pay for college, Liz decides to run for Prom Queen in hopes of winning more the scholarship that comes with winning than the actual crown. The problem is Liz isn’t your typical Prom Queen contender, being too awkward, poor, and Black. Liz isn’t thrilled about running, and the only thing that makes it less painful is the cute new girl Mack.

A truly amazing story about an equally amazingly inspiring teen. The book is broken down into each week of events leading up to and including Prom allowing readers to have the easy option of reading a week at a time. Readers will quickly find more than one character they love in this book. While there are some stereotypes found throughout the story, readers will also find characters and events that break them. Whether you read it now or wait till Prom season, this is a book worth the read.

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Book Review - I Wanna Be Where You

📖Recommend for Grades 7 and up📖

I Wanna Be Where You Are

by Kristina Forest

Chloe Pierce wants nothing more than to audition for a ballet conservatory. However, her mom won't allow her to while her mom is away on vacation, Chloe devices a plan to audition anyway, which involves hitting the road to D.C.  When her neighbor Eli asks for him and his dog Geezer to hitch a ride, Chloe hits the first of the speed bumps on her road to audition. With two unwanted guests, butterflies in her stomach, and other obstacles along the way, can Chloe make it to her audition?

Readers looking for a great road trip story can find one here. The story is told through Chloe's point of view, and readers will enjoy hearing her insight. Chloe and Eli are both intriguing and entertaining characters, and the relationship between them is engaging.

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Book Review - The Only Black Girls in Town

📖Recommend for Grades 6 and up📖

The Only Black Girls in Town

by Brandy Colbert

Alberta has been the only Black girl on her block, in her grade, and just one of the few in the Ewing Beach. Then Edie moves in across the street, and now suddenly she isn’ the only Black Girl around. When Edie discovers old journals written by somebody named Constance, the pair decide to read them and figure out who she is. Alberta loves having a new friend in Edie, but her presence complicates things with her best friend, Laramie.

A great tween read about self-discovery, friendship, and family. Alberta very much knows what it is like to be different, being one of the few Black people in her town and being raised by two dads. Her dealing with these differences shapes her throughout the book. Interwoven into Alberta’s story are Constance’s journal entries that she reads. While they play a role in Alberta’s story, the mystery of who Constance is is a mystery within the main story.

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Book Review - Jackpot

📖Recommend for Grades 8 and up📖

Jackpot 

by Nic Stone

When Rico learns that a winning lotto ticket was sold at the Gas' n' Go where she works, she realizes she must have sold the winning ticket. She thinks this means that her luck is finally changing; she has to track down the winner first. Her popular and wealthy classmate Zan gets involved in helping her on her mission. Now, as the world of the haves and have-nots collide, this investigation gets interesting.

A delightful read that even reluctant readers will enjoy. Rico and Zan are both intriguing characters, and the dynamic between them is entertaining. They are both also mixed race but come from different financial backgrounds. The story is told from Rico's point of view. Still, there are interruptions between specific chapters of the winning ticket's story. It may sound weird but makes sense in the content of the book. Romance does play a part in their story, but readers shouldn't let that prohibit them from picking this book up. 

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E-books - Black Tween Lives

• The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

• The Only Black Girls in Town by Brandy Colbert

• A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramée

• Clean Getaway by Nic Stone

• One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

E-books - Tackling Racial Conflict

• Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles

• All American Boys by Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely

• Anger Is a Gift by Mark Oshiro

• Dear Martin by Nic Stone

• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

• Stamped--Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning by Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi

E-Books - Black Teen Lives

• Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles
• Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson
• Also available on Hoopla
• Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
• Jackpot by Nic Stone
• On the Come Up by Angie Thomas

Peer Book Review - So Done

📖Recommend for Grades 6 and up📖

So Done
by Paula Chase

Reviewed by THMS 8th Grader Briana M.

The book So Done is very interesting. It has two points of view from best friends. This book involves secrets, life in middle school, and dance auditions. These best friends were separated during the summer, which ruined their friendship. 

So Done is perfect for kids like me. The book has many relating events; in fact, I relate with this book. Needless to say, but I believe that Paula Chase is a very creative author, and with this book, she connects with the reader. 

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Check me out an Audio-book on Hoopla