MAGNOLIA WU UNFOLDS IT ALL by Chanel Miller

 

Magnolia Wu's parents own and operate a laundry in NYC. They are extremely busy, so Magnolia is often lonely, at least until she meets Iris. Iris recently moved to NYC from California. She's not happy about the move because she thinks New York is too busy, noisy, and dirty.

The girls hit it off, and when someone comes into the laundry and makes fun of Magnolia's Lost Sock display, Iris makes a suggestion that turns them into a creative, adventurous team. They decide to become detectives and solve the mystery of each missing sock by reuniting them with their owners.

This turns out to be challenging but great fun. They also learn about the challenges of what it takes to be a good friend. 

This middle grade novel by Chanel Miller is a quick read filled with family, friends, and what it's like being new.

THE STORY OF MY ANGER by Jasminne Mendez

 

THE STORY OF MY ANGER by Jasminne Mendez is a very timely book. With today's political climate many people are angry and looking for ways to best express their anger and frustration. Mendez's novel written in verse/play shares the story of one teen, her friends, and in one case, her enemy. It highlights book banning and racism and reactions to both.

Yuli is a Black/Latino. She tries to earn good grades, follow the rules, and always make her mother proud. She is involved in her school's drama club and aspires to one day act professionally. Yuli is excited about the upcoming production of OUR TOWN. After her audition, she is certain she will be awarded the lead role. That would mean she is the first ever Black girl to have a lead in a play at her high school. Unfortunately, she is on the cast list as the understudy for the lead. Her frustration increases when she notices there are no students of color in the cast.

Yuli's anger blossoms when her favorite teacher is forced to remove all the books in his classroom library because they are deemed inappropriate for students. Many students feel that this teacher has always provided books that have spoken to them and in some cases changed their lives. 

With the encouragement of her activist brother, Yuli begins a campaign to educate people about the dangers of banning books. Forming a group called A.C.T. Now, Yuli and her friends hope to convince the administration to return the books to the classroom shelf. Being an activist gives Yuli a platform for her anger, but she also discovers that it isn't easy to make her voice heard.

This book needs to be in every classroom library and public library. Jasminne Mendez has an important message for teens and adults alike.

FIGHT LIKE A GIRL by Sheena Kamal

 

How I found this book: I was recently watching a Canadian produced/filmed show called FAMILY LAW. The two adolescent characters on the show were often seen reading, and the books were clearly displayed for viewers. This was one of the books the teenage girl was reading. 

In FIGHT LIKE A GIRL Trisha spends most of her time at the local gym training as a kickboxer. The activity provides a powerful release for her frustrations. She struggles with her Trinidadian roots. Women are supposed to be strong while at the same time know their place in the home. She observed this by watching her mother and her mostly absent father who commutes between his two families - one here in Canada and the other back in Trinidad.

Trisha has been plagued by emotional upheaval since the recent death of her father. She was driving the car the dark and rainy night when he was hit and killed. Everyone tells her it was an accident, but she harbors guilt that she doesn't understand.

When a new man enters her mother's life, Trisha is disturbed by the abuse he unleashes on her mother. Why does her mother put up with him? Didn't she learn from earlier experiences with Trisha's father?

Author Sheena Kamal hits hard with FIGHT LIKE A GIRL. Following Trisha's emotional journey will no doubt resonant with teen readers also trying to navigate their own coming of age journey.

SAFE HARBOR by Padma Venkatraman

 

Moving from India to the United States so her mother can follow her dream with a new job at a university, means Geetha is leaving everyone behind. It is difficult getting used to a new school, and her second-hand clothes and accent make her a target for the mean girls. 

Geetha is thrilled to have the beach so close to where they live. It is her favorite place especially when she meets a boy named Miquel. They rescue a harp seal pup and are welcomed at the marine sanctuary where they take the injured animal.

Working to rehabilitate the baby seal, Geetha recognizes that she can also make a difference by collecting trash along the beach. Her environmental efforts become a way to make friends as well as help protect nature.

Author Padma Venkatraman uses her unique verse-style storytelling to share Geetha's story. She brings together nature, music, and friendship to help Geetha find ways to become comfortable in her new surroundings.

ABBY, TRIED AND TRUE by Donna Gephart

 

I'm so glad I ran across this book. Author Donna Gephart writes with such hope and passion as she shares Abby's experiences. It grabbed my attention immediately, and I couldn't stop reading.

When Abby's best friend moves over 2500 miles away to Israel, she is sure that it is a worst thing ever. However, when her brother returns from summer camp to the news that he has testicular cancer, Abby realizes some things are even worse.

Cat was not only Abby's best friend but also her voice on many occasions. Abby knows finding new friends when school starts will be a challenge. Fortunately, she meets Conrad, the new neighbor who moves into Cat's house with his mom. They immediately hit it off. Walking to and from school with Conrad becomes the best part of Abby's day. He also understands Abby's fears about her brother and whether or not he will beat his cancer diagnosis.

ABBY, TRIED AND TRUE needs to be in every classroom library.