I could have sworn I had posted in December, but alas, I did not. Nor February or March. I wanted to. Unfortunately, there was too much going on and some things end up taking a back seat. My mother-in-law passed away in January, and that's been a lot to deal with on many levels. Then my husband got laid off. So, I've taken the liberty of calling this year, the year of big life events. Lots of changes, processing and adjusting. But I'm so happy I'm back to reading. I couldn't read anything close to real life. Luckily, my very good friend, Lynn Becker (her book comes out soon!!!) sent me a fantasy middle grade to help me get back on track. And it worked!
Kelcie
Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts by Erika Lewis
This
book was a fun read. Not knowing anything about Celtic mythology, it’s a pretty
cool introduction to it.
From
the publisher, Starscape: available March 1, 2022
Brimming
with Celtic mythology, action, and danger, Erika Lewis's Kelcie Murphy and The
Academy for the Unbreakable Arts introduces readers to a new kind of magical
school and a warrior who must choose with which side of an epic battle her
destiny will lie.
The
Otherworld is at war. The Academy for the Unbreakable Arts trains warriors. And
Kelcie Murphy―a foster child raised in the human world―is dying to attend.
A
place at AUA means meeting Scáthach, the legendary trainer of Celtic heroes. It
means learning to fight with a sword. It means harnessing her hidden powers
and―most importantly―finding out who her parents are, and why they abandoned
her in Boston Harbor eight years ago.
When
Kelcie tests into the school, she learns that she’s a Saiga, one of the most
ancient beings in the Otherworld. Secretive, shunned, and possessed of imposing
elemental powers, the Saiga are also kin to the Otherworld's most infamous
traitor.
But
Kelcie is a survivor, and she’ll do whatever it takes to find her parents and
her place in their world. Even if that means making a few enemies.
All the characters are unique with different gifts/powers. They have their own fiannas, which is like being sorted into a house in school. All the regular high school drama is there along with Kelcie figuring out how to control her newfound powers. Themes of family, friends and belonging are strong throughout. There is a very nice full circle moment as well.
The
definitions at the back of the book gives the definitions of all the terms and pronunciations
for some, which is super helpful.
Miss
Quinces by Kat Fajardo
Graphic
Novels are always a quick read, and I really enjoyed this one a lot.
From
the publisher, Scholastic Graphix: available April 5, 2022
Rising
star Kat Fajardo's debut middle-grade graphic novel about a girl who would
rather do anything other than celebrate her quinceañera! A funny and heartfelt
coming-of-age story about navigating the expectations of family and cultural
tradition.
Sue
just wants to spend the summer reading and making comics at sleepaway camp with
her friends, but instead she gets stuck going to Honduras to visit relatives with
her parents and two sisters. They live way out in the country, which means no
texting, no cable, and no Internet! The trip takes a turn for the worse when
Sue's mother announces that they'll be having a surprise quinceañera for Sue,
which is the last thing she wants. She can't imagine wearing a big, floofy,
colorful dress! What is Sue going to do? And how will she survive all this
"quality" time with her rambunctious family?
Miss
Quinces is the first graphic novel published by Scholastic/Graphix to be simultaneously
released in English and Spanish editions.
I loved the characters and the settings. The cast is diverse and well developed. The story is a great twist on the quinceañera tradition. There are great family moments included and Kat Fajardo nailed the teen tug of war between spending time with family or friends. Fajardo show the compromise possible and the positive outcome that can be reached.
I
also learned so much about quinces and the words and symbolism. Well done!
