GATHER by Kenneth M. Cadow

 

Dorian "Ian" is stumbling through life as best he can. He used to spend time with his grandfather learning about hunting, fishing, and fixing things. His grandmother held things together at the house even when his father left and his mother had trouble with drugs and alcohol. Now his grandfather is dead and his grandmother has moved. His mother returned from rehab and did pretty well for a while, but then everything fell apart.

When he's not in school, Ian wanders the woods and finds odd jobs repairing things for neighbors. He agrees to watch out for an elderly woman neighbor in exchange for enough money to get groceries and fuel oil. He also befriends a huge, stray dog he names Gather. 

Any security Ian enjoys is ripped away when his mother overdoses. He may have to leave the only place he's ever called home. When he finds out Gather will not be welcome where he's going, he decides his only recourse is to return home despite those who insist he can't

Author Kenneth M. Cadow beautifully captures the voice of a young teen struggling to protect his life and everything dear to him. Readers will connect with Ian on page one and root for him every page thereafter. 

DEAR MEDUSA by Olivia A. Cole

 

Alicia is sixteen. She is feeling alone, sad, and furious. She spends most of her time in ISAP (in-school suspension) because she falls asleep in class, uses inappropriate language, and skips art class. Her life is consumed with avoiding the Colonel. She thinks of him as the predator, the wolf, who took away her innocence and changed how she looks at the world.

It is clear from the beginning of Alicia's story that this teacher, beloved by many, crossed a line behind his closed door, and although she has told no one, the changes in her life have earned her nicknames like slut, hoe, and whore. When she isn't working at the fast-food restaurant Meat Palace, hiding out in her room, avoiding her mother and brother, she is meeting up with random boys/men and trying to feel normal.

When her best friend abandons her, Alicia wishes she could confide in someone, but her brother is distracted by his crappy friends and her mother is searching for the place she fits after her divorce. Alicia finds two new friends, Geneva who is the new girl, and Deja who spends just about as much time in ISAP as Alicia. It takes time, but eventually Alicia comes to trust these two and thinks she might have a chance to open up. She is also receiving mysterious notes in her locker that hint she is not the only victim of the Colonel. 

Can she rise above the trauma that has taken over her life? Will she learn to use her voice to speak up loud enough to be heard over those who condemn her?

Author Olivia A. Cole unique, direct, no-nonsense verse takes readers on a journey with Alicia that is both frightening and courageous. I highly recommend DEAR MEDUSA for teen girls and adults whose lives are sometimes too busy to listen to voices clamoring to be heard.

SPIN by Rebecca Caprara

 

SPIN is a retelling of Arachne's story. The story is told from her POV and promises to tell the story and let readers decide the identity of the true villain.

Arachne was born with many physical flaws, but she was deeply loved by her parents. Her mother was a talented weaver and set about teaching Arachne. It wasn't an easy task, but Arachne practiced long and hard to improve her skill. Her father was known for the beautiful purple dyes he created and the yarn he produced. Arachne hoped to please him with her skill so she could earn the privilege of weaving with his incredible yarn.

Sadness filled Arachne's life. Her beloved younger brother died in a tragic accident and then she lost her mother. It was then that Arachne and her dear childhood friend Celandine decided to leave their small town and seek adventure in the city.

Arachne impressed people with the amazing tapestries she created. Her pieces brought great prices in the marketplace. Unfortunately, Arachne's pride and outspoken personality often made her unpopular. When the goddess Athena heard of Arachne's bragging, she was not pleased with the young girl's hubris. 

Author Rebecca Caprara's novel in verse deftly tells this well-known story from mythology. It tells of art, talent, hope, and heartbreak.

MEXIKID: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martin

 

Pedro/Peter's parents were born in Mexico and so were his older siblings. Having a family with nine kids (some born in Mexico and some born in the U.S.) makes for some hectic times. When his parents announce they will be traveling 2,000 miles to Mexico to bring back their grandfather, Peter is excited. He knows traveling with that many people will have its ups and downs, but going to Mexico should be a real adventure.

Peter's dad gets a great deal on a used Winnebago motorhome. It will be a road trip with the convenience of having sleeping quarters, a bathroom, and plenty of room to spread out. Since the four older kids suggest they could drive separately in the family pickup, that means even more room for Peter and the younger kids.

Everyone piles in with their backpacks full of snacks and comic books. On the roof are boxes of hand-me-down toys to donate to the poor kids in Mexico. The trip begins.

The first problem happens when they are crossing the border into Mexico. The border guards are not impressed with all the extra stuff and make Peter's dad unload the boxes, and they confiscate the cool stuff from their backpacks. Fortunately, there are enough attractions along the way to keep everyone entertained as the long journey continues.

Once they arrive in the town where Peter's parents grew up, they meet up with tons of cousins and learn more about their mysterious grandfather. Filled with humor, heartbreak, and family history and secrets, MEXIKID is a graphic novel worth diving into. Knowing it contains true tidbits about author Pedro Martin makes it an adventure that easy to imagine.