Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
I'm departing from my regular review format today. These two books are linked thematically. It only seemed natural to draw comparisons between them. We have here two books on a timely and difficult topic: unarmed boys of color shot by law officers. There are, of course, differences. Tyler Johnson Was Here comes from the perspective of a victim's brother. It explores the nuanced nature of innocence, the right way to protest, and when violence and anger are justified. Coles' novel is more complex and aimed at a teen audience. Ghost Boys, a verse novel, is presented from the victim's perspective. It explores the history of violence against boys of color, how far we've come and just how far we have to go. Rhodes also touches on the emotional impact for the family of the shooter and the more subtle end of the racism spectrum.
While neither of these books are perfect, reading them with a group of kids is a great way to start a conversation about racism and violence in the modern world.
More information: Ghost Boys releases April 17.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
Personally, I'm not big on holiday decorations. I don't like spending money on something that will only be displayed for a few weeks at most. That being said, I am a fan of re-purposing items that still have use. In this case, I was given this Easter decoration that had seen better days.
While the paint was quite flaky, the underlying decoration was pretty cute. A quick once-over with a stiff brush and a fresh coat of paint has allowed it to shine again.
Science Comics: Robots & Drones by Mairghread Scott
I've had a mixed experience with the Science Comics series. This is a particularly good installment. The key is, Scott doesn't push too hard to give it a plot. This isn't a story, just a robot bird explaining the concepts, particularly the difference between a machine and a robot. We get history, basic details, a little bit about programming, and some speculation about the future, all with fairly simple but appealing illustrations. There is one fairly significant absence here: artificial intelligence doesn't even get a mention.
More information: Robots & Drones releases March 27.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
Title: The Tale of Angelino Brown
Author: David Almond
Genre: magical realism
Similar books: Matilda by Roald Dahl
Pablo and Birdy by Alison McGhee
Rating:
 |
| better than I expected |
Summary (provided by publisher): Do you believe in angels? Bert and Betty Brown do, because Bert discovered one in his shirt pocket the other day while he was driving his bus. All of a sudden they had a little boy of their very own to care for — how heavenly! Bert and Betty’s friends think Angelino is lovely. So do Nancy and Jack and Alice from school. But the Head Teacher, Mrs. Mole, is not so sure. Neither is Professor Smellie. And who is the mysterious Man in Black who claims to be a School Inspector? Or the big, lumbering Basher Malone? What could all these sneaky adults possibly have against such a perfect little angel?
My opinion: Generally speaking, I find Almond's writing too weird, representational, and generally dark. This one bucks that trend. Firstly, it skews a little younger, though it will land with older audiences as well. This story has messages about the state of modern schools and how perception affects behavior. Can be read and enjoyed several times.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.
I struggle with greeting cards. I don't like spending several dollars for a folded piece of paper with a generic sentiment on it. Making my own cards does mean that I'm less likely to give cards out but I feel like there's more meaning behind them this way.
This particular card has a watercolor background. The text was written in india ink with a dip pen.
Brazen by Penelope Bagieu
Brief overviews, as in this collection, are a great way to introduce readers to important figures. Bagieu introduces the reader to 28 women who challenged societal norms in some way. A few will be familiar but most will be entirely unfamiliar to the average reader. They innovated in music, art, science politics. We see elements of their early lives and how this influenced them later. And she doesn't whitewash - we get both the exemplary events and things we might find problematic. If even one of these tales inspires a young reader to learn more or to challenge the world, then Bagieu has achieved her end.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.
Title: The Altered History of Willow Sparks
Author: Tara O'Connor
Genre: graphic novel
Similar books: Who is AC? by Hope Larson
Teen Boat by Dave Roman and John Green
Rating:
 |
| a decent beginning |
Summary (provided by publisher): A nerdy teenage girl discovers a magical book that gives her the power to re-write her life, but magic always comes with a cost.
What happens when you can finally get everything you ever wanted?
Willow Sparks and her best friend Georgia Pratt are at the bottom of the social ladder at Twin Pines High School, just trying to get through each day relatively unscathed. But when Willow finds a mysterious book that allows her to literally change her life, it feels like her luck is finally turning. As she becomes more and more popular with each entry into the book, her old life, including her friendship with Georgia, seems miles away. Yet as Willow will discover, every action has a reaction, and the future has unusual—even dangerous—ways of protecting itself.
My opinion: I was pretty into this book for the first 3/4. The plot is clear and well supported by the illustrations. Not particularly complex, but not every book has to be a head scratcher. The problem is, the plot sort of falls apart in the final act. What had been centered on a clear progression falls into loose conjecture and a sudden ending.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.
