THE SHORT VERSION I loved this and have no complaints about any of it! It’s well-written with a sHundreds more reviews like this one at MrsReaderPants.
THE SHORT VERSION I loved this and have no complaints about any of it! It’s well-written with a sympathetic protagonist and addresses an important problem that doesn’t get enough attention.
WHAT I LIKED I loved pretty much everything about this book! It’s a quick read that would be great for reluctant readers, particularly those who love football. Since ZJ’s dad has already stopped playing football at the beginning of the book, descriptions of football playing are slim. But CTE is an important and serious issue for our young people to be aware of, especially if they play football.
If I were teaching this book, I would have students look closely at a particular scene in the middle of the story. ZJ decides to walk off the football field after he gets a relatively minor lip injury. He vows not to play any more football, and he sticks with that for the remainder of the book. ZJ has never been hugely into football for himself, but he does enjoy playing with his dad and his friends. This moment shows that ZJ understands that his dad’s brain injury could be the result of his years as a football player. ZJ chooses himself and his health over football. For ZJ, it’s just not worth it.
Contrast ZJ’s decision not to play football with another friend’s desire to play pro-football. The older boy who tackled ZJ and caused the lip injury wants to play pro ball. He does apologize to ZJ for the incident and clearly feels remorseful about it. It was an accident.
But that accident is so important here. None of the contact sports players suffering CTE intended to get hurt. No one hurt them on purpose–it was just a game, and accidents happen.
Unlike ZJ, the other boy doesn’t understand the potential for serious injury here. It probably wouldn’t stop him from trying to go pro anyway. Football players in the USA are worshipped like gods (as we see with ZJ’s dad). Even with all we now know about CTE, there is still controversy about whether it is caused by head injuries in contact sports–American football in particular–and not something else (steroids, intense workouts, blah blah blah). There are multiple news reports that accuse the NFL of covering up the injuries or minimizing their severity. Even with all we know, we will still have young people who love football and don’t believe this could ever happen to them.
If I were still teaching seventh grade English, this book would absolutely be in my classroom library. I would booktalk it and encourage it as a choice for reading groups. It’s an easy, quick read that can promote so much discussion among students.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE Literally nothing. I am really trying to think of something I didn’t like, and I am coming up blank.
DIVERSITY ZJ and his family are African American, as are several family friends.
LIBRARIANS WILL WANT TO KNOW Themes: football, brain injuries, celebrities, heroes, friendship, overcoming adversity, friends helping friends through tough times, family, African Americans, fathers and sons
Would adults like this book? YES
Would I buy this for my high school library? I probably would, but I am concerned that the protagonist is only 12 years old. I do think this is great for reluctant readers looking for something easy and interesting. It would depend on whether I thought my HS students would be interested in a story told by a 12-year old. Many won’t be, but the football and CTE themes might overcome that for some readers.
Would I buy this for my middle school library? 1000% YES–This is a MUST for all middle school libraries.
Would I buy this for my elementary school library? YES–It’s great for Grades 4-5.
TRIGGER WARNINGS Language: none
Sexuality: none; romance is not present at all
Violence: mild; ZJ gets tackled and injured, but it’s an accident and the other boy apologizes; ZJ’s dad shouts without provocation (a result of his brain injuries)
Drugs/Alcohol: mild; medicinal drugs prescribed by a doctor and used properly to treat headaches
I liked this quite well for about the first half. Then, I just...didn't. It went on too long, and the timelines get confusing after bouncing back and I liked this quite well for about the first half. Then, I just...didn't. It went on too long, and the timelines get confusing after bouncing back and forth so much. Full review to come....more
I have been advised that I should have read this on audio. I didn't. I read the OverDrive version, which was difficult, TBH.
The format of the OverDriI have been advised that I should have read this on audio. I didn't. I read the OverDrive version, which was difficult, TBH.
The format of the OverDrive version was odd. Some text was cut off on the right side. It was only about 10 pages total, but it was annoying. Who knows what important information I missed on those pages!
The voice of the two girls blends together so much that I could not tell them apart.
Every chapter was titled Yahaira Camino, which led me to think they were BOTH named Yahaira Camino for like half of the book. They are Yahaira AND Camino, even though their voices sound almost exactly alike. I pulled up the e-book "Look Inside" on Amazon on my computer, and it turns out, a little airplane was pointing at which name was narrating the chapter. This was not apparent in my OverDrive copy. Such a weird choice to title the chapters that way.
I also wish some of the Spanish had been explained. I am actually working to learn Spanish right now, and I still had no idea what some of the words meant. I did my best and looked up what I didn't understand. This book already had formatting problems and sound-alike narrators; stopping to figure out Spanish words and phrases just slowed down the flow even more for me.
The story is good, definitely, but multiple formatting distractions and similar voices of the girls really made it difficult to read and enjoy the story. I know this is a hugely popular book with zillions of 5* reviews. I wish I had had a better experience....more
WHAT I LIKED Voice. After reading two books in a row where I complained about indistinct characte Hundreds more reviews like this one at MrsReaderPants.
WHAT I LIKED Voice. After reading two books in a row where I complained about indistinct character voices, this one was so refreshing. I noticed the voice from the first couple of pages. I could always tell who was writing–Charlie or Alex. The book is only partially-told in letters. The rest is Alex’s perspective, which really works since a major part of the story is Alex trying to find Charlie.
The book has three distinct parts. The first is a few years before Pearl Harbor, when Alex is in school and first starts writing to Charlie. This time is humorous at times, and it sets up Alex and Charlie’s lives before the war.
The second part is when Alex and his family go to the internment camp. It is here that Charlie’s letters stop coming. We also get to see what life was like for Alex in the camp, plus division between Alex and his older brother over the best way to deal with the discrimination. The tone of this section is one of unfairness and anger at the treatment of innocent Japanese Americans.
In the third part, Alex joins the US Army’s 442nd Infantry Regiment. The tone here is heart-wrenching survival of impossible situations. Alex is sent to the warfront in Europe. He befriends other soldiers, both Japanese and Hawaiian. Alex survives many battles, but not without considerable emotional and physical injuries. Underscoring this whole section is Alex’s compulsion to find Charlie.
The way the book was structured around these three periods in Alex’s life works well for the story. Each has a different tone, and readers will feel Alex’s frustration, anger, and desperation to find Charlie.
It’s brilliantly-written, and as I mentioned, it will stick with me for a long time.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE I really liked this book, but I will say that there is a magical realism element that comes in suddenly while Alex is at the internment camp. It’s not that this was bad; it’s that it seems to come out of nowhere. I think the story could have been just as strong without it. I almost wonder if this were a bigger part of the story but was trimmed in the editing process. It only comes up a few times and isn’t really that necessary to the story.
DIVERSITY Alex is Japanese American. Charlie is French and Jewish. Most characters are Japanese Americans or Hawaiians (Hawaii did not become a US state until 1959).
LIBRARIANS WILL WANT TO KNOW Themes: WWII, Japanese internment camps, discrimination, prejudice, Holocaust, concentration camps, pen pals, war, Pearl Harbor
Would adults like this book? YES!
Would I buy this for my high school library? YES! I recommend this to mature readers who are patient with a slower pace. The war scenes are gritty, so be careful recommending this to readers sensitive to blood and gore.
Would I buy this for my middle school library?: NO. This just feels too mature for most middle schoolers.
TRIGGER WARNINGS Language: It’s been a bit since I read this, but I don’t remember major profanity. I can’t guarantee there is nothing though, especially once Alex goes off to war.
Sexuality: mild; Alex has a crush on a girl from school.
Violence: high; the war scenes are realistic. Gun violence, blood, guts, gore, foot rot…it’s not pretty.
Drugs/Alcohol: mild; the teenage soldiers smoke cigarettes.
I read this a few years ago, but I guess I forgot to review it. I loved it! Highly-engaging, a fun romance, and lots of Alaska survival. What's not toI read this a few years ago, but I guess I forgot to review it. I loved it! Highly-engaging, a fun romance, and lots of Alaska survival. What's not to love?...more
Awww...this was super-cute! I read the first Shopaholic book many years ago, and this is only my second one. It's been about 15 years since I read thaAwww...this was super-cute! I read the first Shopaholic book many years ago, and this is only my second one. It's been about 15 years since I read that one, and at first I though maybe I had outgrown Becky Bloomwood's antics.
Nope! Turns out, I still laugh out loud at the situations Becky finds herself in. I found it helped to think of Becky as the adult fiction version of Amelia Bedelia. Yes, she's ridiculous. But I still laughed out loud.
I loved the ending, especially the unique gift everyone gets from Jess (Becky's half-sister). If you have started reading and are thinking about abandoning...hang in there. I'm really glad I did....more
I read this a long time ago, but I remember it quite well. The scenes in the meat-packing plant have stuck with me for years. The frozen blood on the I read this a long time ago, but I remember it quite well. The scenes in the meat-packing plant have stuck with me for years. The frozen blood on the floor, the cows on a conveyer belt, the incredible number of hours and amount of really hard work...a must-read!...more
I did enjoy this book, but Sophie's naivite and constant need to be rescued got old quickly. Full review to come.I did enjoy this book, but Sophie's naivite and constant need to be rescued got old quickly. Full review to come....more
I'm not sure if I'll formally review this because I don't really have a lot to say about it. I loved seeing what modern-day Iran looks like. I loved tI'm not sure if I'll formally review this because I don't really have a lot to say about it. I loved seeing what modern-day Iran looks like. I loved the sensitive portrayal of depression, not only in Darius but also his father. I laughed out loud a couple of times, especially at the dancing fan.
I didn't love the slow pacing and the lack of action. This is a pensive novel, more like a slice of life. Darius gets bullied, goes to Iran, makes a new friend, deals with depression and his father's perceived disappointment...then he comes home and makes a new friend.
Highly-recommended for high school libraries. The Iran setting and portrayal of father-son depression alone make it quite a unique addition to the YA market....more
While I read this in just two days, it is so typical of adult bestsellers. The writing is choppy and simplistic. It tells me the story instead of showWhile I read this in just two days, it is so typical of adult bestsellers. The writing is choppy and simplistic. It tells me the story instead of showing me. Characters are one-dimensional. There are some twists, but they are explained so quickly, I hardly had time to mull them over.
One thing that drove me nuts: why did they repeatedly call Karen a "housewife" when she clearly had a job as a bookkeeper? Nothing about her work was ever described, but we did hear a lot about her chopping tomatoes. What happened with her job? Did they fire her because she was in jail? Tons of mention of Tom's boring job, but nothing of Karen's.
I'm am a school librarian who reads a lot of rich literature for children and teens. I don't read many adult books, but I'm trying to add more. Unfortunately, this one was a dud for me....more
I'm not going to gush over this book, and I know my review will make some of you upset. PracticaHundreds more reviews like this one at MrsReaderPants.
I'm not going to gush over this book, and I know my review will make some of you upset. Practically every review I've seen about this title just raves about it. It even received FIVE starred professional library journal reviews. I won't be surprised to see it as a Newbery contender.
Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy this "Little House alternative" by middle grade fiction legend Linda Sue Park. My review may sound negative, but I really did enjoy the book. But someone needs to keep some perspective about it. It's a good book, yes, but I think the hype is just a tad overblown.
WHAT I LIKED
This book is hailed as an alternative to the Little House books, and I totally agree with that assessment. There are many laws restricting the movements of Native Americans, and the townspeople clearly fear the local natives. Hanna, however, treats her Indigenous neighbors respectfully. She understands the injustice of forcing them to stay on the reservation, like prisoners. Hanna knows exactly what it's like to be hated and feared simply for her heritage.
Don't miss the Author's Note at the end! She talks about why she wrote this book and how she drew inspiration from her childhood love for Laura Ingalls Wilder's books.
Despite the narrow minds of the townspeople, I love the setting and want to live on the prairie, too! I love the simplicity of the one-room school house and no cars honking horns everywhere. I would definitely miss my electricity and indoor plumbing though!
This would make a great read-aloud for middle graders. There is an assault later in the story, which makes it more appropriate for at least Grade 5, I would say.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
Hanna is a Mary Sue. It works for her character, I guess, but did she do one thing in the book that was not perfect? She's an absolute saint who is more than a century ahead of her time. She's kind, observant, intelligent, resilient, respectful, dutiful, shows incredible restraint in the face of horrible racist statements and behaviors...sorry, but I just don't find that realistic or interesting. I would have loved to see her get into a fight at school or at least put a frog in the backpack of one of those mean kids after they soiled her lunch.
The action is pretty quiet. Not much happens until closer to the end. Hanna experiences maltreatment, but you never really fear for her until this one scene late in the story. Again, if she had fought back more, there could have been some tension in the plot. She would have gotten in trouble, caught the ire of the town. It's more a "slice of life" than a story with much action.
Why did Hanna's dad take her away from Chinatown again? I did not get that at all. Sure, her mom was injured badly in race riots. But couldn't race riots happen anywhere they went? Clearly, Hanna's not that safe in DeSmet, either. Is it really a good idea to take Hanna away from her home and her Chinese heritage and culture?
DIVERSITY
Hanna and her mother are biracial (Chinese and White). Hanna befriends an Indigenous woman and her family on the prairie.
LIBRARIANS WILL WANT TO KNOW
Themes: westward expansion, life on the frontier, grief, death of a parent (mother), maltreatment of Indigenous peoples, prejudice, racism, sewing, fashion design, Asian Americans, female education, bullying
Would adults like this book? yes
Would I buy this for my high school library? no--it's too young
Would I buy this for my middle school library? YES! It's perfect for middle school.
Would I buy this for my elementary library? I personally would, but I advise librarians to read the assault scene first. I think it's fine for 5th grade and mature 4th graders. The assault scene is in Chapter 23.
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Language: none
Sexuality: none; Hanna has a slight crush on a boy in her class, but it is a very minor part of the story.
Violence: medium; spoilers here--highlight to see--> Hanna's mother was injured badly by a fire in the California Race Riots. Her injuries ultimately killed her, which makes it a murder. Additionally, Hanna is assaulted by the town drunk, threatened with rape, then blamed for the encounter.
Read hundreds more "Librarian's Perspective" reviews on MrsReaderPants.
THE SHORT VERSION This was not what I expected. I didn’t really like it, to be hRead hundreds more "Librarian's Perspective" reviews on MrsReaderPants.
THE SHORT VERSION This was not what I expected. I didn’t really like it, to be honest.
WHAT I LIKED The writing. This is my first book by Nina LaCour, and though I didn’t love this one, I would read this author again. Descriptions of the Pacific Northwest coast, the ocean, and the fog really had me picturing the area, even though I’ve never been there before.
The sensitive portrayal of grief and remorse. Mila’s grief is palpable. She holds a huge secret, which was actually not what I thought it was going to be. Well done.
There’s no romance. YA books almost always have some sort of romance, so it’s refreshing to see one that does not. I love romance in the books I read, but I didn’t miss it in this one. Mila (and all the others at the farm) have a lot of personal trauma to work through; romance isn't as important as healing. There are only two other adult teens at the farm, and they appear to be a couple. They have a sexual relationship that isn't described as dating. Mila is the odd-woman out, and it really works for the plot and Mila’s character.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE I expected something completely different. From the summary, I thought the farm was going to be a cult that Mila got tangled up with and needed to escape. They even mention that the intern before Mila left the farm unexpectedly and never returned. All but two of the people at the farm (Mila and her student Lee) wear gold bracelets, eluding to some sort of initiation. I thought the ghosts were going to be a device to scare the cult members and keep them in-line.
Yeah, that is NOT what this book was about.
Admittedly, I can’t fault the book for my own incorrect expectations, but seriously, read the publisher’s summary and tell me that doesn’t sound like a cult.
It’s boring. Like, nothing happens. While I did enjoy the flashbacks of Mila’s previous life, a whole lot of the story is inside Mila’s head. The actions that happen: Mila learns to make butter. Mila goes to the market to sell flowers. Mila gardens. Mila cleans out the schoolroom. Mila talks to people. Mila sleeps. Mila takes a bath. And on and on.
Don't even get me started on Mila's mom. What a weak, pathetic excuse for a mother. I have zero sympathy for this woman. She had a job and her parents' house; she never once had to stay with loser Blake.
DIVERSITY Everyone seems to be white except Terry, who I think is African American. I don’t remember any other mention of religion, culture, or race.
ARTWORK/ILLUSTRATIONS No illustrations in the book. The cover is gorgeous, but I don’t see what on earth it has to do with this story. It looks more historical fiction, like maybe French Revolution period, than a modern-day story of overcoming trauma. Again, I had false expectations.
LIBRARIANS WILL WANT TO KNOW Themes: flashbacks, farms, grief, remorse, trauma, foster children, foster parents, loneliness, belonging, family, California, rural life, abuse, life after high school, single mothers, weak mothers
Would adults like this book? I think many adults would like this book. It’s deep and sensitive.
Would I buy this for my high school library? YES
Would I buy this for my middle school library?: Probably not. I just think this one is a bit “deep” for many middle schoolers. The main characters are 18+. For me the “trigger warnings” aren’t the problem for MS; the themes just feel too mature for middle school.
TRIGGER WARNINGS Language: medium–There is some profanity, including a few F-bombs. It’s not gratuitous.
Sexuality: mild–There is a scene where Mila and her friend are in the bathtub, naked, together, but it isn’t at all sexual. It’s about comfort and friendship during a time of emotional need. There's a masturbation scene. There are also a couple of mentions of Mila’s mother having sex with her boyfriend, but again, nothing graphic or gratuitous.
Violence: mild–Mila’s mom’s boyfriend is mentally abusive and controlling of both Mila and her mother. The only physical abuse is that the boyfriend pierces Mila's ears without her permission. No sexual abuse.
Drugs/Alcohol: very mild–Mila’s mother’s boyfriend and his friends are described as drunk. Some mention of medicinal drugs prescribed by a doctor and not abused.
Other: There are ghosts, but they are not at all scary....more
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I saw a list on Facebook recently. You know, those lists from sites like Buzzfe Find hundreds more "Librarian's Perspective" Reviews at MrsReaderPants.
I saw a list on Facebook recently. You know, those lists from sites like Buzzfeed or Cracked or whatever. I don’t remember which one it was from, but it was about famous men who dated underage girls. Some of the men were in their 50s, dating girls who were 15 or 16 at that time. I am familiar with most of the men and women in the list–almost all of them are famous people–but I’ve never heard anything about any of the men getting into legal trouble over their problematic “relationships.”
This book is so needed right now.
Though I didn’t quite “buy” the murder scene and how it really went down, I still loved this book and its message about abusive men who prey on women and teens. It explores how women are often not believed or are blamed for their situations, as well as how society and certain industries protect men who do bad things.
WHAT I LIKED Enchanted and her family are fantastic. I always love seeing a strong family in YA fiction, but sadly, it seems to be the exception rather than the rule. A strong black family makes it even better. Enchanted is often “in charge” of her four younger siblings, and while she loves them, there is also a bit of resentment there. Many young people will identify.
I love the connection with the #metoo movement and how women–especially Black women–are often not believed when they report a crime. Victim blaming and shaming is also addressed beautifully in this book.
Author Tiffany Jackson based this story on pop artist R. Kelly’s multiple accusations of abuse and sexual misconduct with women and teens. I love that this was pulled from the headlines–it makes Enchanted’s story feel even more real. With the #metoo movement gaining both increased support and fervent denial, this book could not have come at a better time. Today’s news is full of stories of famous people (men, mostly) taking advantage of impressionable underage women. Too often, it’s seen as the teen girl’s fault, that she brought the situation on herself. Seriously, what kind of 28-year old man thinks it’s appropriate to be with a 17-year old high school girl?
I especially love that Enchanted isn’t perfect. She doesn’t do everything right because she’s a teen girl in love and a human being. Korey–a 28-year old man–is majorly in the wrong, yet his record label and employees protect him with all they’ve got. They see Korey’s manipulations and abuse, but if Korey goes down, they go down with him. They have everything to lose with Korey’s bad publicity, court settlements, and possible jail time, so they choose instead to look the other way.
Pacing is excellent. I was never bored with the story and read the whole book in two sittings.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE The entire story revolves around Korey’s murder, which looks pretty incriminating for Enchanted. She was in his hotel room at the time of the murder. She’s covered in his blood. She doesn’t remember what happened.
The mystery, of course, is whether Enchanted killed Korey and if she will be found not guilty due to his abuse. Several people have a motive to kill Korey, and police say early on that there was a third person in the room when Korey was murdered.
Once the events of the murder are revealed, I felt a bit let down. The two most important clues felt too contrived and convenient. I liked the way the story ended, but it didn’t feel strong enough. I wasn’t convinced, like the explanation went too fast and left out too many details. I still had questions.
DIVERSITY Enchanted, her family, friends in Will and Willow, and Korey Fields are Black. Enchanted’s best friend Gabi is Hispanic.
COVER/ARTWORK/ILLUSTRATIONS LOVE that cover! Gorgeous with the yellow and Enchanted’s bald head and her gold hoop earrings. Eye-catching and totally fierce.
LIBRARIANS WILL WANT TO KNOW Themes: abuse, victim blaming, rape, lying, secret relationships, family, pop stars, musicians, singers, siblings, #metoo, rape culture, misogyny, murder
Would adults like this book? YES! I loved it–Tiffany Jackson is one of my favorite authors.
Would I buy this for my high school library? YES–This is an easy booktalk, and the author is popular.
Would I buy this for my middle school library? NO–I think it’s too mature for MS. It could work for mature 8th grade readers, so I might have it available for those students in a special collection.
TRIGGER WARNINGS Language: I lost access to this during a long internet outage after a hurricane. I don’t remember a lot of profanity, but I’m sure there was at least some.
Sexuality: medium–kissing, sex tape (not explicit, just the idea of it), statutory rape, teen girls romantically involved with 28-year old man, oral sex (no details given, just a mention that it happened)
Violence: medium-high–controlling behavior, physical abuse, murder (knife), character at murder scene “covered in blood” and sees blood everywhere
Drugs/Alcohol: medium–“drunk” character; force-feeding a drugged drink; codeine addiction
Other: romance between multiple underage teen girls and a 28-year old man; record label protects and covers up illegal activity...more
I read Yes No Maybe So on audiobook, and I think it may be the first audiobook fiction I’ve everHundreds more reviews like this one at MrsReaderPants.
I read Yes No Maybe So on audiobook, and I think it may be the first audiobook fiction I’ve ever finished. I do great with nonfiction audio, but I tend to have a hard time focusing on fiction audio. I give major props to the two narrators. They captured the emotions and voices of Jamie and Maya perfectly!
WHAT I LIKED
The audiobook! As I mentioned, it is very difficult for me to focus on fiction audiobooks. So difficult, in fact, that I’m not sure I’ve ever actually finished a fiction audiobook. The best I’ve done is switch to the Kindle version in the middle of an audiobook.
The narrators for Jamie and Maya perfectly capture the characters’ emotions and voices. I could picture both Maya and Jamie, based on those two voices. They are 100% why I was able to complete this fiction audiobook entirely on audio.
The characters are well-defined. Maya is a bit…dramatic, but her reasons for getting upset are grounded in real frustrations that many teens feel. She doesn’t hold back when she doesn’t like something Jamie does, and I appreciate that she just comes out and says it. Too many teens and adults (myself included) just hold it in, but holding it in is not a healthy way to deal with frustration.
I liked that both Maya and Jamie have other friends outside each other. They become best friends over the course of the book, but they both spend time with others their age, too. Strong peer relationships outside the romance are not always a strong suit in YA romances.
Both families are strong and supportive, and the parents play a large role in their teens’ lives. Jamie and Maya don’t always agree with their parents, but the parents and teens show mutual respect and understanding. Another concept not often seen in YA romances.
I liked the relationship between Jamie and his 13-year old sister, Sophie. It’s realistic and sweet.
The book explores some tough issues including religious differences, discrimination, parental expectations, growing up, coming out, racism, and politics and elections. It’s very timely with a contentious presidential election coming up this year.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
I already mentioned my slight irritation with Maya’s dramatic moments.
Sophie’s friend Maddie is a real piece of work! Maddie will be quite a force when she gets into high school. She’s way too forward and aggressive in her crush on Jamie–a boy who is a whopping four years older than she is. That’s a huge age difference for a 13-year old! I felt they let Maddie’s behavior in a particular part of the story slide too easily. I know she’s only 13, but her thoughtless actions caused a whole lot of pain. She absolutely should have been called out on it.
Another thing that I can see being a problem is that the book leans left politically, quite hard actually. I don’t take any issue with that, but some might feel the book puts conservatives in a negative light. I had a 10th grade student a couple of years ago who really liked President Trump. She called me out once when I made a negative comment about Trump, telling me her teachers and the other students said things like that all the time. She seemed hurt by it, and she was right, of course–as teachers, we really should remain politically neutral. I was much more careful about that afterwards. She’s a smart girl, and I totally understand her stance on it (even if I disagree with her politically).
DIVERSITY
Very diverse! Jamie’s family is Jewish, and Maya’s family is Muslim (I want to say Pakistani?). Both families actively practice their faith, and religion is a huge part of Jamie’s and Maya’s characters. There are also three LGBT side characters.
LIBRARIANS WILL WANT TO KNOW
Themes: elections, political campaigns, religious freedom, discriminatory legislation, social media, Muslim, Jewish, wearing hijab, bat mitzvah, Ramadan, activism, racism, parental separation
Would adults like this book? yes; I’m in an Facebook book club for school librarians, and this book got lots of positive comments from the group.
Would I buy this for my high school library? yes
Would I buy this for my middle school library?no
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Language: I did the audiobook, which means I cannot search for specific language. I do remember a few F-bombs, but not very many.
Sexuality: mild; some kissing.
Violence: mild; one minor character is a horrible racist.
Drugs/Alcohol: none
Other: Lots of political discussion that leans left. More conservative students may take issue with it....more
This book was recommended to me by the Audible autobots. How does Audible know I haven't slept through the night in about seven years? I have no clue.This book was recommended to me by the Audible autobots. How does Audible know I haven't slept through the night in about seven years? I have no clue. But the title definitely got my attention.
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook, read by author Ava Calhoun. I especially liked the first chapter about how Gen-X kids (like me) were the first to experience divorce on a wide-scale and how we were often left to our own devices growing up. Latch key kids (again, like me) were common. I remember being afraid I would be kidnapped by a stranger with a sack. I had nightmares after watching The Challenger explode live on television at school. I remember movies like Working Girl and TV shows like Murphy Brown telling women that we can "have it all." The Mary Tyler Moore Show is not one I watch (I think it's a little before my time). What's ironic about these "women can have it all" programs and movies is that the women striving to have it all do not actually have kids.
Not all Gen-Xers experienced all these in the same way I did, but the author's experiences certainly rang true for me. I did notice the number of generalizations throughout the book, but I guess that's inevitable in a book about a generation of women's experiences....more
I buy graphic novels for my 13-year old son all the time, and sometimes, I read them myself, too. This was an enjoyable graphic novel mystery/superherI buy graphic novels for my 13-year old son all the time, and sometimes, I read them myself, too. This was an enjoyable graphic novel mystery/superhero origin story that gives me a peek in to the superhero world my boys love so much. I love that the protagonist, Barbara Gordon, is wheelchair-bound. My boys tell me she grows up to be a librarian superhero, so of course, I love that! ...more
Several years ago, I read Gym Candy by Carl Deuker. A book with a football player in full gear on the covMore reviews like this one at MrsReaderPants.
Several years ago, I read Gym Candy by Carl Deuker. A book with a football player in full gear on the cover, Gym Candy was certainly not the kind of YA book I normally gravitate toward. I read it simply because it was on the Texas LoneStar Reading List that year.
Surprisingly, I loved Gym Candy, a gritty look at a high school football player who falls into steroid drug use. The New David Espinoza reminds me of Gym Candy. I enjoyed David Espinoza's story and recommend it highly for all high school libraries.
THE SHORT VERSION
A super-important book for all high school libraries. I like the emphasis on body dysmorphia in males and the fact that in the beginning, David isn't even an athlete at all.
WHAT I LIKED
This book holds nothing back. Descriptions of steroid use and its effects on the human body aren't pretty. David is candid about his painful, steroid-induced back acne, the impact of roid rage on his relationships, and the effects on his sex drive and reproductive organs. Descriptions of injection and details of how steroids are actually used also appear throughout the story. No sugar-coating here.
Body and muscle dysmorphia in males is a major part of the story, and I loved how author Fred Aceves writes of his own experiences with steroids and compares it with anorexia and bulimia in the Author's Note.
David is surrounded by supportive friends and family. David's father is an excellent role model, and David is close to his eight-year old sister, Gaby. He also has several supportive friends and a nice girlfriend.
I also like the emphasis on toxic masculinity. Boys and teens are too-frequently told to "man up" and "stop crying." Our societal gender expectations aren't confined to only girls. This book will surely help readers (both male and female) become more aware of body dysmorphia and possibly recognize it in themselves or their friends. There aren't very many YA books about steroid use, and this is the only one I know of that addresses body dysmorphia in males.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
I know it's realistic that David's high school doesn't appear to address the bullying in any way, but oh, it just hurts my heart that David feels his only recourse is to get on steroids. If I were David's father (who knew about the viral YouTube video early on), I would have pressed charges against the bully and his family. I would have been at the school the very next day. This assault--YES, it's an assault--and video clearly happened on school property. Perhaps if the adults around David did a better job standing up for his right to a peaceful existence, David would never have gotten on steroids to begin with.
There is absolutely no way I would sit passively by (like David's dad did) and let my minor child deal with all that on his own. I would have had a restraining order issued against that Ricky kid, and the school would have had to deal with keeping the boys separated. There is no reason David should have had to just suck all that up (and ultimately enroll in another school).
I know that bullying isn't easy to deal with, but if that kind of beat-down happened to an adult, you better believe lawyers and police would be involved. Why should this snot-nosed kid get away with it just because he is in high school? How could the school be unaware of this? David's locker is vandalized, and the school's custodian just casually paints it over? Every school I've worked in had cameras in the hallways. If school admin cared at all, they should have known who painted profanity on David's locker. And do none of the teachers or admins have kids at this school who might have told them about the viral video? Are there really no students who brought this to the attention of a teacher or admin? I don't believe for one second that the school wasn't aware.
And who's to say Ricky isn't bullying other kids even worse than David? Bullies don't just stop; this kind of behavior is part of their personality.
DIVERSITY
David, his family, and one of his friends are Mexican-American. David's girlfriend Karina hails from a Puerto Rican family. David's family is not poor, but they do have to watch their money. David is saving up for a used car and works in his dad's garage business and later, in the gym where he works out.
LIBRARIANS WILL WANT TO KNOW
Themes: bullying, steroid use, mental health, body dysmorphia, muscle dysmorphia, death of a parent, grief, bodybuilding, weightlifting, toxic masculinity
Would adults like this book? Yes. I actually think high school teachers should read this book so they can better-recognize the signs of steroid use in their students.
Would I buy this for my high school library? YES! Students who read it will be able to recognize David in themselves or in their friends.
Would I buy this for my middle school library? No. The content is more appropriate for high school.
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Language: medium-high; plenty of profanity and slang references to male anatomy
Sexuality: medium; David and Karina have been sexually active in the past, but do not have sex during the book. Male masturbation, arousal, and impotence are also referenced several times.
Violence: low-medium; multiple incidents of bullying, cyber-bullying, and assault
Drugs/Alcohol: high; steroid use, administration, and side effects (both short- and long-term) are main plot points
Other: David frequently lies to his father and bribes his 8-year old sister with candy to cover for him...more
I listened to the audiobook version of Stamped, read by the author Jason Reynolds. I don't know Hundreds more reviews like this one at MrsReaderPants.
I listened to the audiobook version of Stamped, read by the author Jason Reynolds. I don't know if I could have gotten into this book as a regular printed book, but I loved the audiobook! Jason Reynolds' narration style is engaging and powerful. Emotional, disturbing, and absolutely heart-wrenching.
WHAT I LIKED
I am writing this review just days after an arrest was made in the Ahmoud Arbery shooting in Georgia back in February. Reading the comments on news articles, many people call out the shooting for what it was: a violent, racially-motivated, and completely unnecessary act. But there are other comments, too. Comments from people who support the father and son who killed Arbery. Who believe there is more to the story. Who think Arbery must have done something wrong and deserved to be shot.
People who think racism doesn't exist anymore are ignorant and blind. Books like Stamped aren't just about our history. They aren't just about slavery that happened over 150 years ago. This book is about our present, too. It starts out with ancient history and goes right up to the 1980s with Reagan's "War on Drugs" and into the 90s with the Rodney King beating. These are not events that happened in our distant past. The shooting of Ahmoud Arbery just happened in February.
Until our collective history acknowledges our ugly past, we will never be able to look forward to a future of racial equality.
The audiobook is fantastic! I don't know any secondary school librarian right now who doesn't have at least a tiny crush on Jason Reynolds. He's an author-rockstar who many of us (myself included!) hope to meet in-person one day. Reynolds' narration style is enthusiastic and easy to follow. I found myself reluctant to turn off the audiobook because it was so interesting.
I love books that show different perspectives on the American history story we were taught in school. This book, and others like it, make me angry and ashamed on my ancestors and current white "leaders." I am thankful books like this one finally exist because knowing the truth is at least a start to righting so many wrongs.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
There was nothing I didn't like. The book was engaging, informative, and made me emotional. I can see why this received numerous starred reviews.
DIVERSITY
High. This book is about American history, particularly anti-black racism in America.
Would adults like this book? YES. This is the YA version, but it's based on a book for adults, Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi. Take your pick!
Would I buy this for my high school library? 1000% YES
Would I buy this for my middle school library? Yes! Booklist, Kirkus, and SLJ all recommend Grades 7-12.
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Language: I do not remember any profanity. I don't remember any use of the "N" word, either, though it may have been there. It's harder for me to notice potential language concerns when the audiobook is so engaging.
Sexuality: none
Violence: Racism, lynching, murders. None are gory or described in detail.
Drugs/Alcohol: none
Other: I have lived almost my entire life in the American South. I was a teacher and school librarian in Texas for 13 years before moving overseas. Depending on your location, some library patrons--particularly those in Southern US states--may find this book inflammatory. You should absolutely still get it for your library. It's an important book to have on all secondary school library shelves, but know that some school administrations and/or patrons may take issue with the content or deem it too "incendiary" for a public school. Know your audience and community, and be ready to defend the book if necessary....more
My 13-yo son recommended this to me, and he was right--I really liked it! The story goes along quickly--maybe a little too quickly--but I loved the ilMy 13-yo son recommended this to me, and he was right--I really liked it! The story goes along quickly--maybe a little too quickly--but I loved the illustrations and the idea that a boy experiences discrimination for having a talent for witchery instead of a shapeshifting. I plan to read the next book in the series....more
THE SHORT VERSION Teachers who read The Benefits of Being an Octopus will see their stude Hundreds more reviews like this one at Mrs. ReaderPants.
THE SHORT VERSION Teachers who read The Benefits of Being an Octopus will see their students in it. It's sad, it's real, and you probably can't do much to change it. I love this book and encourage all middle school librarians to have it on their shelves.
WHAT I LIKED The characters. Well, I didn't care for Zoey's mom there for awhile, but she *somewhat* redeems herself as the story goes on. Zoey is clever and resourceful. Her schoolwork does not show how hard she works, every single day, just to get by.
Like Zoey, her friend Fuschia has her own serious problems with her own mother's abusive boyfriend. Fuschia is well-drawn, and I'd love to read a book from her perspective. What else is going on in her life that we didn't get to read about in Benefits?
While I didn't read this one compulsively, I did read the last half in one sitting. There is a lot of day-to-day activity, especially as activities lead to letdowns, disappointments, struggles, and obstacles. Zoey rightly points out that the simplest activities for others are an enormous struggle for her family. For example, when Zoey reluctantly joins an after-school club, she has to do all kinds of schedule manipulations and ride-sharing.
The many flaws in American social services are clear in this book. The system fails Zoey, her family, and her friend Fuschia many times.
I liked how the author presents multiple sides of the gun control debate without taking any particular stance on the issue. In the Author's Note, Braden mentions that she met with various sides of the debate and also went target shooting with someone to research this issue. It's not easy to discuss such a hotly-debated issue in a story and remain neutral, but Braden pulls it off beautifully.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
Zoey steals small items a couple of times in the story. That's definitely realistic, but this may lead students to justify theft in their minds. Zoey didn't need any of the things she stole. It was small luxuries like treats for her siblings or a hair clip for her friend. Zoey didn't express remorse for the theft, she never tried to make amends, and she was never caught. The issue remained unresolved and unaddressed by the end.
DIVERSITY
Zoey and her family default to white, but Zoey's best friend Fuschia is African-American. Most students at Zoey's school seems to be white, but one girl who Zoey admires (Kyra) is African-American. Kyra brings up issues like police violence and affirmative action in their debate club.
ARTWORK/ILLUSTRATIONS This is not illustrated. Tiny octopus silhouettes separate sections of the chapters.
LIBRARIANS WILL WANT TO KNOW
Themes: abuse, controlling behavior, gun violence, single mothers who take up with abusive/controlling men for financial security, poverty, responsibility, siblings, telling a trusted adult when something is wrong, single mothers, debate team, gender roles, octopuses
Would adults like The Benefits of Being an Octopus? yes, but it will make adults who work with children sad
Would I buy this for my high school library? No; it's clearly middle grade.
Would I buy this for my middle school library?: YES! I'd booktalk it like crazy, too.
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Language: none
Sexuality: none
Violence: medium; Zoey's mother gets angry and slaps Zoey across the face. The mom's boyfriend is controlling and verbally abusive. The middle school goes on lockdown due to gunshots in the school parking lot (no injuries).
Drugs/Alcohol: very mild; one adult smokes cigarettes
Other: Zoey occasionally steals small treats from stores. She shows no remorse and is never caught....more
I reviewed Damsel last year, which is also written by Elana Arnold. I didn't love or hate that bHundreds more reviews like this one at MrsReaderPants.
I reviewed Damsel last year, which is also written by Elana Arnold. I didn't love or hate that book, but I did compare it to a bad car wreck. Damsel won a 2019 Printz Honor, which really surprised me because it felt very much like an adult book. Red Hood also feels more like an adult book than one for teens. It was a weird one for me--even weirder than Damsel was, as impossible as that seems.
I didn't really like it and probably would not buy it for my high school library. I had trouble with slow pacing, second-person narration, unanswered questions, and honestly, the whole premise. I'm shocked that it got three starred professional reviews.
WHAT I LIKED
Hmmm...this is a tough one. What did I like about this weird story? There were some parts that kept me turning the pages. These were more in the beginning and middle, where Bisou is trying to figure out what's happening to her. I found myself skimming more as the story went on.
I like Elana Arnold's writing style. Both of the books I've read by her have featured beautiful, descriptive writing. Both Damsel and Red Hood are unique stories that condemn toxic masculinity.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
I have many issues with this book, so I'm going to go rapid-fire here:
--I didn't feel like I knew or understood any of the characters. --Bisou's boyfriend is waaayyy too perfect. --Ugh, second-person narration. Why? --Lots of unanswered questions about the nature of the wolves (more on that coming up) --The climax felt very anti-climactic. A lot of long build-up about driving to the destination to confront the "big, bad wolf," then it's over quickly. --A lot of talk and descriptions of menstruation.
I'm going to focus this part of my review on the unanswered questions. It bothered me that so many things about the wolves went unexplained. Why do some boys become wolves and others do not? Is it supposed to be some sort of cosmic punishment for toxic masculinity? Is it inherited, like Bisou's wolf-hunting abilities?
The characters who became wolves--at least the ones we know about--are all guilty of some sort of bad male sexual behavior against females. Things like attempted rape, sexual harassment, and lying about having an STD. Are these boys even aware that they become wolves? Do they have any control over it? Do they enjoy it? Do they ever attack men? Since they are hunted and killed because they are wolves attacking women (only women are attacked in the story), this would be good information to know.
What would have been a really interesting twist is if Bisou's ridiculously-perfect boyfriend became a wolf. I kept hoping that would happen. Could Bisou kill her boyfriend? Or would she help the wolf-version of him live because he is so stinkin' special? Or maybe he would deserve to be guided to a safe location instead? He's not like all the rest, y'all!
My point is, the book treats the boy-wolves as though they do not deserve to live. I get that they are attacking and killing women. I get that the wolves' deaths are in self-defense or to save the life of another. But it seems the only boys who become wolves in the first place are those who are dangerous to women. The "toxic masculinity" crowd. The wolves are never the quiet, nerdy little guy in the corner. It's certainly never Bisou's Mr. Perfect boyfriend.
Is murder really the only answer here? How is Bisou qualified to be the judge, jury, and executioner of boys who may not even be aware of their wolf-y actions? Why is the only option on the table the hunting and murder of teen boys?
The book treats these boys as though they deserve to die because of their toxic masculinity. Our society absolutely has a problem with men who prey on women, but the answer isn't that these men automatically deserve to die. It's especially hard for me to forget that these are still teenage boys who may or may not be aware of what they are doing in their wolf-forms. Why is killing them the only possible answer?
My other issue with the toxic-boys-become-wolves thread is that boys are not the only ones who are toxic. What punishment does the universe bestow on girls who do bad stuff? Girls are horrible to each other, too. Do they become death machines when they treat other girls badly? Do they also deserve to die for a metamorphosis that they may not be able to control?
If the boys become wolves because of their toxic masculinity, what cosmic power decides that this boy will become a wolf and this boy will not? Who makes that call? And if this has been going on for centuries (as is implied), why does no one know about it? Why is it not discussed? Why is hunting and killing teen boys a better option than trapping them until they morph back into humans, then trying to help them "not become wolves," as Bisou puts it? Considering the number of domestic abuse, murder, and rape cases in our court system, why do we not have many, many more wolves running around and terrorizing women?
Anyway, this issue is the crux of the entire story, so it really needs to be better-explained. As readers, we are expected to just agree with the notion that Bisou's killing wolves (who she knows are teen boys) and hiding their bodies is inevitable and just. But without knowing if the boys choose to be wolves and can control their behavior as wolves, I just cannot get behind that idea. And I certainly do not support the conclusion that vigilante murder is the only answer to this problem.
DIVERSITY
Bisou's boyfriend is mixed race, and her new best friend is Black. There aren't many characters in the story, but the rest, including Bisou, her grandmother, and another friend, assume a white default.
ARTWORK/ILLUSTRATIONS
No artwork in the story, but I do like the cover art.
Would adults like this book? I'm not sure. Like Damsel, this one feels more adult to me. I don't know who I would recommend it to.
Would I buy this for my high school library? Only if students requested it.
Would I buy this for my middle school library? No. See Trigger Warnings below.
TRIGGER WARNINGS
Language: The book has been returned to the library, so I cannot check for specific language. It's been a couple of weeks since I finished it, but I don't remember gratuitous profanity. I often don't notice it though and rely on the e-book's Search features to find it.
Sexuality: high--oral sex, regular teen intercourse, sexting, creepy and unauthorized sharing of nude photos, stalking, STDs (herpes), threat of rape, lots of innuendo, a boyfriend cheats on his girlfriend, Bisou's dress comes down and exposes her breasts when she kills her first wolf
Violence: high--Bisou is tracking and killing boys that morph into wolves. Plenty of blood and descriptions of wolf-death. Blood--menstrual and human/wolf blood--is all over this story.
Drugs/Alcohol: teens get drunk at parties
Other: lots of talk of menstruation, descriptions of menstruation, Bisou's grandmother befriends Bisou's two new girlfriends and they all become great friends. The friendship and activities with the grandmother has a coven-feel to it. If Bisou's grandmother were a man, her behavior would feel wildly inappropriate.
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