This will be my lucky thirteenth year keeping track of all the books that I read, with a quickly jotted down mini-review or summary of my thoughts on the book, and last year, I also started to post these on Instagram! (#BookCoversForTheWin) The previous years all live forever in this bloggy space as well as on Goodreads, starting way back in 2008, and going through 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.
As I write this intro on January 2nd, I'm a little bit giddy thinking about the fact that there are dozens of books waiting for me to pick them up in the next 12 months. What will this year bring??
41. 12/31/20
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
What an absolutely perfect book to be my final read of 2020. I read 90% of this aloud with my youngest, and forged ahead on the final couple chapters on my own. Jason Reynolds is whatever word means more than brilliant. He has masterfully created the best 'not history' book for YA readers in his remix of Ibram X. Kendi's original work. (STAMPED FROM THE BEGINNING is my goal for 2021-- to read and truly understand.) This needs to be available in every middle school and high school classroom for every kid everywhere. I should be embarrassed by the amount that I learned from a book meant for kids, but I'm taking this as an opportunity to face my lack of education and use resources to educate myself. Get this for your kids, and then read it yourself, too.
40. 12/28/20
The Moon Within by Aida Salazar
This middle grade novel in verse is simply beautiful. A young girl, Celi, is reaching puberty, and the arrival of her first period will be honored by a moon ceremony by her mother's decree, even though Celi protests against the private-made-public feeling of it all. On top of that, Celi's first romantic feelings for a boy are complicated by his treatment of her best friend, who is trying to figure out their own gender identity. There's a lot in this slim book, and it's all written with respect to individuals and respect to ancient traditions and beliefs. It's just so absolutely lovely.
39. 12/27/20
Dear Justyce by Nic Stone
I read Nic Stone's DEAR MARTIN a couple years back and was excited to hear she had written a companion novel to it. I appreciate her motivation in writing this one, in response to young Black men asking her to write about someone whose experiences mirrored their own more than Justyce's. With the protagonist Quan, Stone represents young people who feel stuck on a path not of their own choosing, because they don't have a whole lot of choices. She realistically shows the aftermath of trauma, giving voice to the importance of attention to mental health. Quan gains a support team of Black mentors who help him while he's wrongfully incarcerated, which even Stone acknowledges in the Author's Note, is sadly not always likely in real life. This is the type of YA fiction that adults should read.
38. 12/26/20
A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green
Wow. Just wow. I read Hank Green's first book a couple years ago, and I remember being awed by it, even if I didn't quite understand it completely. This sequel technically filled in all the details and wrapped up the VERY complex story, but I'm not sure I would be able to retell it if I tried. I can say that it is incredibly smart and insightful, exploring ideas of humanity's strengths and weaknesses, especially how these connect with power, money, and technology. Oh, and there are all-knowing aliens, too. This two-book series is deeply unique and incredibly challenging, in a good way.
37. 12/23/20
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
If 2020 has you feeling sorry for yourself, pick up this novel and read along as every possible hardship hits one young woman for almost 300 pages. And through it all, she continues to be the most selfless human to ever walk the earth. Seriously, this was too much for me. Too much pain and suffering, for sure. I mean, I know it was likely a realistic depiction of living in poverty in the 1930s in eastern Kentucky, but it was stomach-turning to read at so many points. The author's style of descriptive writing was also too much for me-- every sentence doesn't need a multitude of adjectives. I imagine I won't contribute much to our book club's Zoom discussion on this one.
36. 12/15/20
Mother Daughter Widow Wife by Robin Wasserman
While I had difficulty initially getting into this novel, I'm going to attribute that to my own mental state rather than a reflection of the book. Once I did get into the groove, because there's a lot of jumping around in time and among different characters' perspectives, I was hooked. Exploration of self-identity and who one is in relation to others are themes here, along with the concept of memory, and all of it together was freaking fascinating. Highly recommend.
35. 11/30/20
Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan
This ironically titled novel didn't do much for me. A few times, I considered quitting, but I hate doing that unless I find the book truly awful, which is rare for me. This simply dragged on, almost catching on to a wave of character or plot development that would draw me in, and then receding just as slowly. One thing the protagonist did often in the midst of conflict in her two main relationships was to write text drafts and then delete them unsent. I feel like that was symbolic in a way for this novel.
34. 11/27/20
Finish the Fight: The Brave and Revolutionary Women Who Fought for the Right to Vote by Veronica Chambers
YA nonfiction should be read regularly by adults. There, I said it. This was filled with a ton of history I never learned in school, and it was gorgeously presented. Upper elementary, middle school, and high school classrooms should all have this book as available and encouraged reading.
33. 10/30/20
My Favorite Girlfriend Was a French Bulldog by Legna Rodríguez Iglesias and Megan McDowell
Okay, I can confidently say that I am not smart enough for this book. I truly do not understand how all the short stories connected, and often, I didn't even understand who the narrator was in a story. I could, however, appreciate the beauty of the author's writing. There were passages that made me catch my breath, for even if I didn't understand who was talking or what their deal was, I was still taken with a phrasing or understood the weight of a sentence. This all made for a wholly strange reading experience.
31. 10/20/20
All Adults Here by Emma Straub
Emma Straub writes about contemporary life the way I wish I could, and I've absolutely loved everything I've ever read of her work. This novel was a deliciously slow telling of a family's story-- together and separately, and the weight and meaning of those intersections. Getting inside the heads of characters ranging from young adolescents to senior adults, Straub paints everyone in their full humanity, and those more negative aspects-- uncertainty, self-doubt, and anger high among them-- were so relatable, especially as they fit into parenting, I was moved to tears again and again.
30. 10/8/20
Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi
Well, this one wasn't as big a hit for me than the first in the series, and I'm not sure why I had such trouble following along with the action. I struggled with the characters' often-changing alliances and perspectives with and on each other. I found this one to be even more action-driven than the first, and the result for me was a less clear understanding of the characters' mindsets. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed it, but not nearly as much as the first book.
29. 10/1/20
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
W O A H.
This book is all-consuming, all I could think about when I was doing anything that wasn't reading this book. My heart pounded as I devoured it- - its intensity, its violence, its rich storytelling. I read late into the nights fighting any urge to sleep just so I could stay in this magical world a little longer. Adeyemi has created a masterpiece of YA fantasy fiction here, with deep connections to real world issues of racism and injustice. Onto book two as soon as possible!
28. 9/20/20
Beach Read by Emily Henry
I picked this book up from the library's display table in hopes that its light and breezy cover would take me away from the world for a little bit, distract me from the doom and gloom of reality right now. It sat for weeks and weeks, unread, while I struggled to connect with any book at all. Then I voraciously consumed my last read, heavy and hard, and a few days later thought it might finally be time for this one. It started as light and breezy as expected, and for just about the entire book, it followed the arc I expected when I first read the back cover summary. But like most of the "women's fiction" I've read over the years, there was a depth of realness beyond the light and breezy, and while I saw the path clearly from the beginning, I didn't necessarily realize how thorny it was going to get. This book provided both the distraction that I needed and a sincere and meaningful emotional outlet I've been avoiding.
27. 9/13/20
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
This is the first book that I ravenously consumed in a very, very long time, maybe all year. I was entranced by the beauty of the tale, so eloquently narrated by a fascinating protagonist. The theme of oppression shamefully relates directly to current day, yet the modern-day perspective of author Ta-Nehisi Coates fits perfectly in this period piece, for the truth is that so much remains unchanged. I especially appreciated the protagonist's awakening to the perspective of the woman he came to love, one significant incorporation of intersectionality among others. Coates has created immense beauty from inexcusable horror.
26. 9/12/20
March: Book Three by John Lewis, Andrey Aydin, and Nate Powell
The final graphic novel in the trilogy brings readers to the 1965 March from Selma to Montgomery. There's such horror and terror depicted here that has always been a part of our nation-- from its founding to today. This novel is painful and important, and it's as timely as ever. If you have children, get this series for them, and read them yourself, too. If you don't have children, get this series for yourself.
25. 9/7/20
The Stranger by Albert Camus, translated by Matthew Ward
Was that soul-suckingly depressing or is there something about absurdism to be embraced in the mess that is 2020? Philosophy is not a subject on which I'm incredibly educated, but the little that I do know makes me think that I simultaneously have a natural inclination towards Camus' philosophical intentions with this novel, but I actually don't want to think like this. Either way, I can finally say that I've read this classic novel by Albert Camus, and it was an experience, if nothing else.
24. 8/22/20
We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom by Bettina L. Love
While this is not a long book, it took me weeks to read it, as I probably read 80% of the sections at least twice in an attempt to truly take in every word and meaning. I borrowed it from the library, but purchased a online copy today (from Harriet's Bookshop in Philly!) so that I can revisit. Bettina Love writes this in a way that is almost conversational, sharing personal experiences and perspectives to make connections to the concepts discussed. I'm encouraged to do further reading and learning about Critical Race Theory (and the various subsets of CRT). Highly recommend this to educator friends.
While this is not a long book, it took me weeks to read it, as I probably read 80% of the sections at least twice in an attempt to truly take in every word and meaning. I borrowed it from the library, but purchased a online copy today (from Harriet's Bookshop in Philly!) so that I can revisit. Bettina Love writes this in a way that is almost conversational, sharing personal experiences and perspectives to make connections to the concepts discussed. I'm encouraged to do further reading and learning about Critical Race Theory (and the various subsets of CRT). Highly recommend this to educator friends.
23. 8/1/2020
March: Book Two by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell
I continue to learn from these graphic novels-- the firsthand perspective from John Lewis is invaluable. There's so much of our country's history, especially surrounding the Civil Rights Movement, that I don't know. I appreciate how this series presents the nuances of the various organizations and their leaders' positions and commitments. The 1963 March on Washington is portrayed near the end of this book, and I encourage readers to watch filmed footage of John Lewis's speech to accompany their reading. The original draft of his speech is also provided at the end of the book, and it's interesting to see the parts that he was told to change by various forces in the movement.
I bought this book for my oldest child when it came out seven years ago, because I wanted him, and my other kids as they grew, to know John Lewis's story in his own telling, and I thought this presentation format would work well. I didn't read it myself, sadly, until today, and this presentation format worked beautifully for me, as well. John Lewis was a remarkable human being whose fortitude is beyond me. I appreciated the perspectives shared by this graphic novel, and I'll be moving on to book 2 tomorrow.
21. 6/28/20
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
Elizabeth Acevedo's genius is so apparent here, and I was absolutely blown away. There is so much heart in this novel in verse, it's literally breathtaking. Flipping between two protagonists' narratives gives readers the opportunity to come to know each of them gradually through their shared trauma, and Acevedo skillfully crafts their characters so realistically and tenderly. Honestly, regardless of your age or gender, this is a transformative read.
20. 6/7/10
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center
I do enjoy Center's writing style, because it is immediately familiar and friendly, balancing humor and seriousness, but I found the plot of her latest novel as predictable as some of her previous work. Although I knew what major plot points to expect as I was going along with this one, I still quite enjoyed the ride and finished the book in a day. It was a lovely escape from the heavier parts of life for a bit.
19. 6/4/20
Counting Descent by Clint Smith
I often tell myself that I don't get poetry, and then I lose myself in a novel in verse or a collection of poems like this one. This collection touched me and made me think and feel deeply. Smith's vulnerability is powerful here-- strength in showing fear and admitting uncertainty. Snapshots of his life and lived experiences run the gamut of emotions. I want people in my life to read this and share in its beauty.
17. 5/31/20
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Well, that was something. No spoilers, don't worry, but I can say that this was a roller coaster of emotions, including compassion, even when it felt disgusting to be moved like that. It's hard to say much without saying too much, but if you are a fan of the trilogy, this one definitely should be on your TBR list. My copy is filled with dog-eared pages which make side references to words or phrases that we know well from the trilogy, and it was a treat to learn how some things originated.
16. 5/24/20
Dear Evan Hansen
I'm not familiar with the play other than its most well-known song, and I knew nothing beyond a very basic understanding of the plot before I picked this up. But, the 14-year-old had read it last year and loved it, so I took her recommendation. I'm kinda torn on it, honestly, and I'm predicting that it works much better on stage than on the page. I was troubled by how far the title character took the conflict, and for much of the time, I was cringing so hard, I wasn't entirely enjoying the read. I was more than a bit shocked by the resolution, even though I empathized with EH on the anxiety front and was glad for him in the end. I'm definitely curious about the show now and will be searching for video clips.
15. 5/17/20
My Wife Said You May Want to Marry Me by Jason Rosenthal
Amy Krouse Rosenthal holds a special place in my heart. Her children's books have always delighted me and my kids, and her memoirs were like nothing I'd ever read before, made so special with her unique creative eye and heart. The kids and I were fortunate enough to have taken part in a few of her incredible projects, and we had the amazing opportunity to meet her and chat with her on two different occasions at the National Book Festival. I knew that reading this book by her husband Jason was going to hurt, but I also hoped it would be a joyful experience, too, to get an intimate look into her shared life with her partner and family. I wasn't disappointed, because Jason shares so much with us readers, and my appreciation and awe and amazement for AKR has only grown to greater heights. She was genuinely one-of-a-kind. She made this world better and continues to do so even now. This love letter to his wife is an emotionally raw depiction of grief, as well, and what comes afterward. Be sure to have a full box of tissues nearby.
14. 5/14/20
The Shakespeare Requirement by Julie Schumacher
I had read the previous book by Schumacher that also took place at Payne University late last year, after working at a university for a few months. I read this one during a pandemic that is only exacerbating our university's already extreme budget crisis. All of that is to say that its darkly humorous take on uni politics was again spot on, but was a bit more challenging to read for entertainment this time around.
13. 5/9/20
Our House is on Fire: Scenes of a Family and a Planet in Crisis by Greta Thunberg, Svante Thunberg, Malena Ernman, and Beata Ernman
The image of Greta Thunberg giving Donald Trump a fearless, intense staredown was epic, and that scene is more powerful than ever after learning about Greta's struggles and perseverance. This book is part family memoir, and part rallying cry with hard science facts at every turn. Those in positions of power must change the systems so as to even start to make a difference in the current climate crisis. Full stop. Greta is an incredible spokesperson and she is bearing an immense burden for humankind. We need to start sharing in it.
12. 4/26/20
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Woah, this book absolutely pulled me in, and I devoured it in a day. The protagonist's love and appreciation for the natural world, as the only constant and reliable presence in her life, came through so beautifully, making me feel like I was out on the marshlands with her. This character was fascinating and compelling, a study in trauma and human survival, and the psychological effects of both. After months of not wanting to read, I spent most of the day reading this novel, or longing to do so while begrudgingly doing other tasks. Highly recommend.
11. 4/25/20
Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
That was EXACTLY what I needed. Unlike the impression I got from the cover, this book turned out to be very much not a YA novel. In fact, there were some surprisingly steamy scenes! Altogether it was an incredibly sweet coming-of-age romance in an extreme situation. I loved feeling immersed in a story again, and I was sad to say goodbye to these delightful characters in the end. This is perfect distraction reading right now!
10. 4/22/20
Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language by Gretchen McCulloch
I quite enjoyed this linguist's take on the internet's contributions to the ongoing development of the English language. It was fun to see where I fit in on the timeline of internet people and to compare the differences between my place and my kids'. The chapters on the contributions of emoji and memes were probably my favorite parts in the way that they made me examine language in an altogether new way.
9. 4/19/20
Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice for Living Your Best Life by Ali Wong
Man, I wish I had enjoyed this one more. I was never compelled to sit and read this for more than 15 minutes or so at a time, and I'm not exactly sure why that was, but I just couldn't get into her personal narratives. I love her stand-up, but this was a big miss for me.
8. 4/12/20
Sharing the Blue Crayon: How to Integrate Social, Emotional, and Literacy Learning by Mary Anne Buckley
This was a highly enjoyable and thought-provoking read that I strongly recommend to ECE friends. Even though it's been years since I had my own classroom, I was reminded of so many former students as I read Buckley's anecdotes, and I think this book could have strengthened my teaching approaches back in the day.
7. 2/15/20
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga
I've been in a reading slump, not really wanting to pick up a book and not finding any to change my mind. When the ALA Youth Media awards were announced, I put several of the honorees on hold at the library for the kids, but this cover of a Newbery Honor drew me in. Categorized as a middle-grade novel, it contains so much more depth than I had expected. In simple and straightforward verse, Warga brings to life a young voice experiencing displacement, cultural loneliness, and family separation, in a way that is honest and affecting. I do hope my kids will take my recommendation on this one! (But, they're doing that less and less these days, so maybe your kid will??)
6. 2/1/19
Boys & Sex: Young Men on Hookups, Love, Porn, Consent, and Navigating the New Masculinity by Peggy Orenstein
I know I say this about a lot of novels I read, because I want someone I know to share in the experience I had in reading a piece of fiction. But when I say that this one is a book that YOU MUST ABSOLUTELY READ, I'm not saying it lightly or for entertainment purposes. I'm saying it because I truly believe this book is imperative in helping adults to understand-- and hopefully, disrupt-- the current status of how boys learn to become men. This is a heavy, but very accessible read, and I cannot recommend it strongly enough.
5. 1/7/20
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa and Philip Gabriel
I read most of this delightfully tender novel with my always-attentive dog on my lap, which perfectly captured the loving feelings of this book. Though I was bawling by the end, my dog never left my side, just groaned a bit and snuggled in closer. This book is for anyone who read that description and smiled, for those of us who know what it is to connect with an animal and who treasure that love.
4. 1/5/20
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Holy hell, this is a powerful book. The verse format adds to the power, and it sounds like the internal monologue of a teenager in crisis. So much pain and sadness combined with the rules he feels he must follow make for a heart-wrenching story.
3. 1/4/20
Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?: Big Questions from Tiny Mortals About Death by Caitlin Doughty
I found Doughty's previous book FROM HERE TO ETERNITY fascinating-- unflinching accounts of how different cultures all over the world handle death. This one is more biology than sociology or anthropology. More than 30 questions-- asked by children no less!-- about what happens to bodies after death and more in that vein are answered by this mortician who is never shy about the realities of death but keeps a gently humorous tone to her writing to reassure readers that it's okay to talk about such things. I chuckled several times, and I actually learned a lot!
2. 1/4/20
Our Story Begins: Your Favorite Authors and Illustrators Share Fun, Inspiring, and Occasionally Ridiculous Things They Wrote and Drew as Kids by Elisa Brent Weissman
I happened upon this book at work when cleaning out a storage area, and realizing how many of the children's authors featured were among my favorites, I knew I had to read it. What a joy this 2017 book is for young people who dream of becoming writers and illustrators-- seeing their childhood creations can bring a feeling of connectedness. I have so many of the little books, poems, and humorous drawings I made as a kid in my memory boxes, so I loved this whole collection.
1. 1/1/20
Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks by Jason Reynolds
Jason Reynolds has created an entire community of middle schoolers with unique personalities and experiences in this notable middle grade/early YA book. More than a collection of short stories, each chapter connects with the others in subtle but meaningful ways, deepening understanding of the large cast of characters for the reader. I quite enjoyed the ways characters and scenarios were developed that made me rethink my biased first impressions, especially in relation to young people and teens of color. I only wish there were more chapters, because I could spend a lot more time with these kids.
Happy reading,
I continue to learn from these graphic novels-- the firsthand perspective from John Lewis is invaluable. There's so much of our country's history, especially surrounding the Civil Rights Movement, that I don't know. I appreciate how this series presents the nuances of the various organizations and their leaders' positions and commitments. The 1963 March on Washington is portrayed near the end of this book, and I encourage readers to watch filmed footage of John Lewis's speech to accompany their reading. The original draft of his speech is also provided at the end of the book, and it's interesting to see the parts that he was told to change by various forces in the movement.
22. 7/26/20
March: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate PowellI bought this book for my oldest child when it came out seven years ago, because I wanted him, and my other kids as they grew, to know John Lewis's story in his own telling, and I thought this presentation format would work well. I didn't read it myself, sadly, until today, and this presentation format worked beautifully for me, as well. John Lewis was a remarkable human being whose fortitude is beyond me. I appreciated the perspectives shared by this graphic novel, and I'll be moving on to book 2 tomorrow.
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
Elizabeth Acevedo's genius is so apparent here, and I was absolutely blown away. There is so much heart in this novel in verse, it's literally breathtaking. Flipping between two protagonists' narratives gives readers the opportunity to come to know each of them gradually through their shared trauma, and Acevedo skillfully crafts their characters so realistically and tenderly. Honestly, regardless of your age or gender, this is a transformative read.
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center
I do enjoy Center's writing style, because it is immediately familiar and friendly, balancing humor and seriousness, but I found the plot of her latest novel as predictable as some of her previous work. Although I knew what major plot points to expect as I was going along with this one, I still quite enjoyed the ride and finished the book in a day. It was a lovely escape from the heavier parts of life for a bit.
Counting Descent by Clint Smith
I often tell myself that I don't get poetry, and then I lose myself in a novel in verse or a collection of poems like this one. This collection touched me and made me think and feel deeply. Smith's vulnerability is powerful here-- strength in showing fear and admitting uncertainty. Snapshots of his life and lived experiences run the gamut of emotions. I want people in my life to read this and share in its beauty.
18. 6/3/20
Belinda Blinked 4;: An erotic story of sexual prowess, sexy characters and even bigger business deals whilst the darkness increases; by Rocky Flintstone
It had been a while, but I got back to listening to the podcast, and the only reason I list these ridiculous texts posing as actual books here is that the podcast is essentially an audiobook with lively commentary. Technically, it was a story, and actually, it had more plot than any of the previous books-- there was a mystery to be solved with twists of mayhem. And a whole lot of gross-ass "sex".
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Well, that was something. No spoilers, don't worry, but I can say that this was a roller coaster of emotions, including compassion, even when it felt disgusting to be moved like that. It's hard to say much without saying too much, but if you are a fan of the trilogy, this one definitely should be on your TBR list. My copy is filled with dog-eared pages which make side references to words or phrases that we know well from the trilogy, and it was a treat to learn how some things originated.
Dear Evan Hansen
I'm not familiar with the play other than its most well-known song, and I knew nothing beyond a very basic understanding of the plot before I picked this up. But, the 14-year-old had read it last year and loved it, so I took her recommendation. I'm kinda torn on it, honestly, and I'm predicting that it works much better on stage than on the page. I was troubled by how far the title character took the conflict, and for much of the time, I was cringing so hard, I wasn't entirely enjoying the read. I was more than a bit shocked by the resolution, even though I empathized with EH on the anxiety front and was glad for him in the end. I'm definitely curious about the show now and will be searching for video clips.
My Wife Said You May Want to Marry Me by Jason Rosenthal
Amy Krouse Rosenthal holds a special place in my heart. Her children's books have always delighted me and my kids, and her memoirs were like nothing I'd ever read before, made so special with her unique creative eye and heart. The kids and I were fortunate enough to have taken part in a few of her incredible projects, and we had the amazing opportunity to meet her and chat with her on two different occasions at the National Book Festival. I knew that reading this book by her husband Jason was going to hurt, but I also hoped it would be a joyful experience, too, to get an intimate look into her shared life with her partner and family. I wasn't disappointed, because Jason shares so much with us readers, and my appreciation and awe and amazement for AKR has only grown to greater heights. She was genuinely one-of-a-kind. She made this world better and continues to do so even now. This love letter to his wife is an emotionally raw depiction of grief, as well, and what comes afterward. Be sure to have a full box of tissues nearby.
The Shakespeare Requirement by Julie Schumacher
I had read the previous book by Schumacher that also took place at Payne University late last year, after working at a university for a few months. I read this one during a pandemic that is only exacerbating our university's already extreme budget crisis. All of that is to say that its darkly humorous take on uni politics was again spot on, but was a bit more challenging to read for entertainment this time around.
Our House is on Fire: Scenes of a Family and a Planet in Crisis by Greta Thunberg, Svante Thunberg, Malena Ernman, and Beata Ernman
The image of Greta Thunberg giving Donald Trump a fearless, intense staredown was epic, and that scene is more powerful than ever after learning about Greta's struggles and perseverance. This book is part family memoir, and part rallying cry with hard science facts at every turn. Those in positions of power must change the systems so as to even start to make a difference in the current climate crisis. Full stop. Greta is an incredible spokesperson and she is bearing an immense burden for humankind. We need to start sharing in it.
12. 4/26/20Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Woah, this book absolutely pulled me in, and I devoured it in a day. The protagonist's love and appreciation for the natural world, as the only constant and reliable presence in her life, came through so beautifully, making me feel like I was out on the marshlands with her. This character was fascinating and compelling, a study in trauma and human survival, and the psychological effects of both. After months of not wanting to read, I spent most of the day reading this novel, or longing to do so while begrudgingly doing other tasks. Highly recommend.
Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
That was EXACTLY what I needed. Unlike the impression I got from the cover, this book turned out to be very much not a YA novel. In fact, there were some surprisingly steamy scenes! Altogether it was an incredibly sweet coming-of-age romance in an extreme situation. I loved feeling immersed in a story again, and I was sad to say goodbye to these delightful characters in the end. This is perfect distraction reading right now!
Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language by Gretchen McCulloch
I quite enjoyed this linguist's take on the internet's contributions to the ongoing development of the English language. It was fun to see where I fit in on the timeline of internet people and to compare the differences between my place and my kids'. The chapters on the contributions of emoji and memes were probably my favorite parts in the way that they made me examine language in an altogether new way.
Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice for Living Your Best Life by Ali Wong
Man, I wish I had enjoyed this one more. I was never compelled to sit and read this for more than 15 minutes or so at a time, and I'm not exactly sure why that was, but I just couldn't get into her personal narratives. I love her stand-up, but this was a big miss for me.
8. 4/12/20Sharing the Blue Crayon: How to Integrate Social, Emotional, and Literacy Learning by Mary Anne Buckley
This was a highly enjoyable and thought-provoking read that I strongly recommend to ECE friends. Even though it's been years since I had my own classroom, I was reminded of so many former students as I read Buckley's anecdotes, and I think this book could have strengthened my teaching approaches back in the day.
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga
I've been in a reading slump, not really wanting to pick up a book and not finding any to change my mind. When the ALA Youth Media awards were announced, I put several of the honorees on hold at the library for the kids, but this cover of a Newbery Honor drew me in. Categorized as a middle-grade novel, it contains so much more depth than I had expected. In simple and straightforward verse, Warga brings to life a young voice experiencing displacement, cultural loneliness, and family separation, in a way that is honest and affecting. I do hope my kids will take my recommendation on this one! (But, they're doing that less and less these days, so maybe your kid will??)
6. 2/1/19Boys & Sex: Young Men on Hookups, Love, Porn, Consent, and Navigating the New Masculinity by Peggy Orenstein
I know I say this about a lot of novels I read, because I want someone I know to share in the experience I had in reading a piece of fiction. But when I say that this one is a book that YOU MUST ABSOLUTELY READ, I'm not saying it lightly or for entertainment purposes. I'm saying it because I truly believe this book is imperative in helping adults to understand-- and hopefully, disrupt-- the current status of how boys learn to become men. This is a heavy, but very accessible read, and I cannot recommend it strongly enough.
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa and Philip Gabriel
I read most of this delightfully tender novel with my always-attentive dog on my lap, which perfectly captured the loving feelings of this book. Though I was bawling by the end, my dog never left my side, just groaned a bit and snuggled in closer. This book is for anyone who read that description and smiled, for those of us who know what it is to connect with an animal and who treasure that love.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Holy hell, this is a powerful book. The verse format adds to the power, and it sounds like the internal monologue of a teenager in crisis. So much pain and sadness combined with the rules he feels he must follow make for a heart-wrenching story.
Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?: Big Questions from Tiny Mortals About Death by Caitlin Doughty
I found Doughty's previous book FROM HERE TO ETERNITY fascinating-- unflinching accounts of how different cultures all over the world handle death. This one is more biology than sociology or anthropology. More than 30 questions-- asked by children no less!-- about what happens to bodies after death and more in that vein are answered by this mortician who is never shy about the realities of death but keeps a gently humorous tone to her writing to reassure readers that it's okay to talk about such things. I chuckled several times, and I actually learned a lot!
Our Story Begins: Your Favorite Authors and Illustrators Share Fun, Inspiring, and Occasionally Ridiculous Things They Wrote and Drew as Kids by Elisa Brent Weissman
I happened upon this book at work when cleaning out a storage area, and realizing how many of the children's authors featured were among my favorites, I knew I had to read it. What a joy this 2017 book is for young people who dream of becoming writers and illustrators-- seeing their childhood creations can bring a feeling of connectedness. I have so many of the little books, poems, and humorous drawings I made as a kid in my memory boxes, so I loved this whole collection.
Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks by Jason Reynolds
Jason Reynolds has created an entire community of middle schoolers with unique personalities and experiences in this notable middle grade/early YA book. More than a collection of short stories, each chapter connects with the others in subtle but meaningful ways, deepening understanding of the large cast of characters for the reader. I quite enjoyed the ways characters and scenarios were developed that made me rethink my biased first impressions, especially in relation to young people and teens of color. I only wish there were more chapters, because I could spend a lot more time with these kids.
Happy reading,
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