I'm so happy to be reading such great books. It's fun to post about them. I always appreciate a good recommendation. Yes, not all books are for everyone. That's the beauty of books, something for everyone. Same with films, art, music. It's awesome.
The Callers by Kiah Thomas
From
the publisher Chronicle Books: available April 5, 2022:
In the world of Elipsom, the ability to Call, or summon objects, is a coveted, crucial skill, revered among its people as both a powerful tool and an essential way to sustain life. But despite an elite family history, a phenom for an older sister, a best friend who is set to join the Council of Callers, and his mother's steely insistence that he learn to Call, Quin doesn't have the gift—an embarrassment made worse when his mother gets his sister to cheat for him on his Calling exam. But everything changes in a moment of frustration when Quin, instead of summoning an object, makes something disappear. And what's more, he quickly discovers that the objects Callers bring into their world aren't conjured at all but are whisked away from another world and a people who for years have had their lives slowly stolen from them. Now Quin must team up with Allie, a girl who's determined to stop this unfair practice, and decide whether he should remain loyal to his family or betray them—and save the world.
In a story that explores some of the most crucial topics of our time—our relationship to consumerism, the exploitation of natural resources, colonialism, and the consequences of wanting more than we need—magic is sought, and truth is found.
This was a fascinating read. How calling one thing takes it from another person/place. And the depletion of the earth/wares/crops. It’s a very satisfying circle how the story is intertwined. A great new perspective on resources and standing up for yourself when you feel you have no choice. The truth is what’s important.
Freestyle:
A Graphic Novel by Gale Galligan
This
book was a fun read. Not knowing anything about Celtic mythology, it’s a pretty
cool introduction to it.
From
the publisher, Scholastic: Graphix: available October 18, 2022
Cory's
dance crew is getting ready for a major competition. It's the last one before
they graduate eighth grade and go their separate ways to high schools all over
New York City, so they have to make it count! The group starts to have problems
as their crew captain gets increasingly intense about nailing the routine, and
things go from bad to worse when Cory's parents ground him for not taking his
grades seriously. He gets stuck with a new tutor, Sunna, who he dismisses as a
boring nerd… until he catches her secretly practicing cool yo-yo tricks. Cory
wants to learn the art of yo-yo, and as his friendship with Sunna grows, he
ends up missing practice and bailing on his crew -- and they are not happy
about it. With mounting pressure coming from all sides, how is Cory supposed to
balance the expectations of his parents, school, dance, and his new friend?
This has a very diverse and complex cast of characters. They all have a lot going on: friendship, dance competition, family expectations, school, yo-yo competition, not judging a book by its cover, standing up for yourself and what you really want. That might sound overwhelming but it’s not. It all fits perfectly in this graphic novel. The relatability factor is high – I could relate to all of them even if I haven’t been in that situation. The feelings were exactly right.
The
Tryout by Christina Soontornvat & Joanna Cacao
From
the publisher Scholastic Graphix: available September 6, 2022:
Trying
out for middle school cheerleader means: performing in the giant school gym,
with the whole school watching, and risking total humiliation. If Christina can
make it through this, she can make it through anything. As one of the
only Asian American kids in her small Texas town, Christina just wants to fit
in. Luckily, her best friend, Megan, who is Iranian American, can totally
relate. The two girls have always been inseparable and relish creating
elaborate fantasy worlds together.
But
middle school is a reality-check, and suddenly popularity is way more important
than playing pretend. When cheerleading tryouts are announced,
Christina and Megan literally jump at the chance to join the squad. But does
fitting in actually equal belonging? Will they survive the terrifying tryouts?
And most importantly, will their friendship withstand the pressures of heated
competition and rivalry?
Hilarious and heartfelt, The Tryout is Christina Soontornvat's personal story, sure to make you laugh, cry, and cheer!
This story is about friendship, racism, family generations, working hard and wanting something so badly, and what do you do if you don’t get it. How you deal with that – grieving it, figuring out what’s next. And just maybe, it turns out better than the original plan. It’s something we all go through, whether in a big or small way. That pain and hurt and coming to terms with what happens in life.
