THIRST by Varsha Bajaj

 

Minni lives with her parents and her older brother in Mumbai. Life isn't easy. Her father works at his tea stand from early morning until late at night every day. Her mother takes care of the family and also works cleaning for one of the rich families living in the wealthy part of the city. Minni and her brother attend school with the hope of being successful later in life.

The biggest problem Minni's family and all the families in the city is having enough water. The rich folks have plenty of water that flows freely from their taps, but the poor people have to have hope each day that the public taps will have what they need. There is such a shortage that people are stealing water.

One evening Minni and her brother and his friend actually witness a group stealing water. They aren't sure if they were seen by the thieves so to be safe, her brother is sent to the country to work on a relative's farm. At the same time, Minni's mother falls ill and decides to leave the city, too. She goes to stay with her mother to rest and heal. That leaves Minni and her father to keep things together at home. Minni even takes on her mother's cleaning job, so she doesn't lose the job when she returns.

Author Varsha Bajaj grew up in Mumbai, India. She uses her personal experience and knowledge to create a realistic story about Minni and her family. THIRST is a perfect read-aloud with plenty of topics for discussion of a different way of life in another part of the world.

COVEN by Jennifer Dugan

 

Emsy knows she has special powers, but she doesn't know how far they really go until her parents tell her they are packing up and leaving California. How can she leave her friends and her love of surfing to return to a place she barely remembers?

When they arrive in upstate New York, Emsy learns the true extent of the place she was born. She and her family are part of a coven. The recent murders of several of the coven members has them standing by to protect their extended family. Emsy soon gets to know the others like herself and the powers each possesses. It isn't what she wanted, but she is quickly convinced she must help protect the group. 

Author Jennifer Dugan weaves an intense story sure to grab readers on page one. The artwork in this graphic novel is superb! Illustrator Kit Seaton uses detail and color that adds a special richness to the story. This is a graphic novel not to be missed. 

ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES by Amy Sarig King

 

This is the book the country needs right NOW! Author Amy Sarig King uses her latest novel to speak up and hopefully educate the folks intent on censoring/banning books for children. Believing that kids need to hear the truth and can actually think for themselves, King has created a group of young people out to question what adults think they should or shouldn't read.

Mac is not too sure about this lit circle reading idea Ms. Sett has started in his sixth-grade classroom, but he is interested in the book they've been assigned, THE DEVIL'S ARITHMETIC by Jane Yolen. The group is supposed to read, discuss, and answer questions about the book. Ms. Sett specifically instructed them to not read ahead, but Mac isn't much about following instructions. As he reads ahead, he makes a startling discovery. There are several spots in the book where thick black marks cover up the words.

When Mac points this out to his friends Denis and Marci, they find the same marks in their books. Curious about this strange censorship, the three visit a local used bookstore to locate a copy that might reveal the blacked-out words. When they discover what has been crossed out of their copies, they are stunned. It seems someone doesn't want them to read the word breasts or underdeveloped chest. 

Mac and his friends are determined to find out who made this reading decision and how they can get new books from the school. Finding out the culprit is fairly easy but convincing the administration that it is wrong to censor books is more difficult. What's next? Protests, school board meetings, a letter to the author, and the enlistment of some supportive adults. Mac and his pals learn what it's like to stand up and speak out about an unjust situation.

ATTACK OF THE BLACK RECTANGLES speaks to censorship in a strong, well-aimed argument that should have people questioning what some politicians and constituents are pushing across our country. A few overzealous individuals should not have the power to judge what is best for others. This is a book that needs to be shared far and wide. If readers have the funds to do so, they should purchase an extra copy and share it with a library, classroom, or friend.

ABUELA, DON'T FORGET ME by Rex Ogle

 

Having read Rex Ogle's FREE LUNCH and PUNCHING BAG, I was interested to read his latest, ABUELA, DON'T FORGET ME. It didn't disappoint.

Rex credits his grandmother - Abuela - for helping him be what he is today. His torturous childhood with an absent father, an abusive mother, plus an unkind stepfather was filled with pain and neglect. Being able to connect with his grandmother throughout most of it, saved him.

As his grandmother ages, Rex recalls not being sure how much she remembers and even if she recognizes him. After one visit he shares that he shed tears, and in an effort to find peace, he began writing thoughts that turned into poems. He uses this verse style to pay tribute to his memories of his Abuela.

Touching, heartfelt moments, funny recollections, and plenty of stories of his mother's terrible actions are revealed in straight-forward, nothing held back poems. Reading this memoir trilogy will open readers' hearts to not only Rex Ogle, but also to anyone who struggles through a difficult childhood to become a successful adult.

EVELYN HOOKER AND THE FAIRY PROJECT by Gayle E. Pitman

 

Many women are remembered for their roles in changing history, but few know about Evelyn Hooker. Evelyn began college in the 1920s. She excelled in her studies of psychiatry and mental health. The unusual nature of Evelyn's career is that despite society's disapproval, she spent her career focused on homosexuality.

Encouraged by a friend, Evelyn applied for and received a grant to study gay men. Her study focused on 30 homosexual men and 30 heterosexual men in a control group. What Evelyn aimed to prove was that homosexuality should not be considered a mental illness. Her goal was to have references to sexuality removed from mental health documentation. Evelyn achieved her goal, but it didn't happen until 30 years after her study was completed. 

Author Gayle E. Pitman's biography of Evelyn Hooker presents a fascinating story of a woman determined to make a difference in the lives of homosexual individuals. Her battle to change the thinking of society is still an on-going fight for many, but we have her to thank for providing important documentation in the fight.

THE ELEPHANT GIRL by James Patterson & Ellen Banda-Aaku with Sophia Krevoy

 

Jama loves elephants. Despite her mother's warnings, Jama sneaks off to the watering hole to watch them. When one of the elephants gives birth, Jama is thrilled and decides to call the baby Mbegu which translates to "seed."

It is known that poachers are in the area. The village is happy about the threat to the elephant population, but the poachers and the people they deal with are more powerful than the locals. One day Mbegu's herd is set upon by the poachers. The herd is spooked causing Jama's mother to be trampled to death. Jama is now alone, and Mbegu is badly injured.

A group that rescues injured elephants arrives and makes plans to transport Mbegu to a safe place. When they see the relationship between Jama and the young elephant, they offer to take Jama with them figuring she might be helpful.

Patterson, Banda-Aaku, and Krevoy have teamed up to create a heartwarming story about endangered elephants and the threats they face in their native lands. Perfect for middle grade readers and especially animal lovers.