Review: Orange for the Sunsets

 

Twelve-year-old Asha and her best friend, Yesofu, never cared about the differences between them: Indian. African. Girl. Boy. Short. Tall. But when Ugandan President Idi Amin announces that Indians have ninety days to leave the country, suddenly those differences are the only things that people in Entebbe can see—not the shared after-school samosas or Asha cheering for Yesofu at every cricket game.

Determined for her life to stay the same, Asha clings to her world tighter than ever before. But Yesofu is torn, pulled between his friends, his family, and a promise that could bring his dreams of university within reach. Now, as neighbors leave and soldiers line the streets, the two friends find that nothing seems sure—not even their friendship. And with only days before the deadline, Asha and Yesofu must decide if the bravest thing of all might be to let each other go. (Summary from the publisher).

My Thoughts: I really liked this book about friendship, changes, differences,  survival, and doing the right thing. I felt really bad for Asha and Yseofu and how their friendship was torn apart by forces outside their control. I wanted to give them both a giant hug. This was a hard story to read, but a great story. It's great for starting discussions about so many topics. 

Cover Thoughts: I love the sky and the details in the lettering

Source: Won from a blog contest

Library Recommendations: A great book for your school and public library - highly recommended. Also a great book for discussion. 

If you like:

Review: Yes, No, Maybe So

Maya's having a rough time lately. Her best friend is leaving for college soon and is too busy to spend time with her. Her summer vacation was just canceled. Her parents are testing the waters with a trial separation. Ramadan just isn't the same this year. Maya gets roped into canvasing for a senator with a boy she barely remembers from her childhood.

Jamie's not thrilled about canvasing; he hates public speaking. He'd rather be doing something behind the scenes. But being partnered with Maya isn't so bad.

As they start to work together more often, they start caring more about the campaign and each other. As they reconnect, their conversations deepen. Could their friendship turn into something more?

My Thoughts: This is a long book - but I didn't want it to end. I loved reading about Maya and Jamie. I loved learning more about canvasing and the issues Maya and Jamie faced. I loved how their conversations became deeper the longer they hung out together. I loved how they became invested in the campaign (and each other). I loved Jamie's grandmother and her social media account. The dual perspectives made this book. I found the ending hopeful and inspiring. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it.
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A great political book for your romance collection that touches on racism, religion, and friendship. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.

Book Pairings (1)

Welcome to a new posting. In the library world, we talk about Book Pairings all the time. There are libraries that bundle fiction and nonfiction books on the same subject together for check-out.

In this case, these are two recent nonfiction books that I read:

I read Give Us the Vote first, which really helped me when I read Stamped a few days later.

I knew what Jason Reynolds was referring to in terms of voter suppression and more because I had just finished this book. I was happy I had the extra knowledge that was fleshed out a little bit more. 

These two books both deal with race and anti-racism. They are both excellent reads.

Hopefully, I'll be sharing more Book Pairings in the near future...

Review: Front Desk

Mia's parents work really hard, but they can't even seem to get ahead. Mia tries to help out as best she can, but after she gets fired from waitressing, her parents are at a loss. Then they hear about an opening in a motel. The could manage the hotel and live rent free. It seems too good to be true. 

And it is.

The owner of the hotel isn't nice. He goes back on his word. Mia watches the front desk while her parents spend their time cleaning the rooms. 

Mia hopes for a better life - one that doesn't rely on terrible bosses. One that allows her family to buy items that most kids have. She's struggling to fit in at school, but the weekly renters at the hotel adore her. 

Can she help her parents create a better life for their family?

My Thoughts: I loved this book - it tugged at my heartstrings. Mia and her family moved from China for a better life, but life isn't always better in America - or easy. She deals with racism, poverty, bullies, and a belief that she won't be able to make something of herself. She wants the American dream - for herself and her parents. I love how her parents helped those less fortunate - even when they didn't have much themselves. I love how Mia grew a relationship with the weekly renters. I love how she had ideas on how to make the hotel better. I loved her friendship with her new best friend. A wonderful book to share with readers to talk about injustices, equality, and living the American Dream. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for both school and public libraries.

Review: Parker Inheritance

Candice isn't thrilled that she and her mom moved for the summer. Things change when she finds a letter to her from her grandmother hidden in the attic - in an old puzzle book.  The letter talks about a treasure hidden in town and it's part of the reason her grandmother was fired and moved away in disgrace.

With the help of her new friend, Candice starts investigating the town, it's people, and the link to the treasure. Could she be the one to uncover the treasure? Is there really a treasure?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved Candice and Brandon's friendship - how easy it came to them and then how they worked at it. I loved the scavenger hunt about the town. I liked learning about the town's history - even though it was heart-wrenching from discrimination to police behaving badly to horrific events. I really liked Siobhan's story; I wanted to read more about her. I loved how the two kids dug into research from family and town history, local museums, and the library. While at the core of this book lies a treasure hunt, it's about SO much more. This book spoke volumes about race relationships, bullying, kindness, family, and friendship. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute, I love the two halves of the cover, it really reflects the book's two stories.
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for school and public libraries.