One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome

 

Yesterday, I finished reading One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome. This historical fiction novel in verse is about three women, Lettie Grier, her mother Sylvia, and young teacher Philomena Pratt, who travel on a dangerous wagon journey westward in 1879. Their journey begins in April when Lettie's father, Thomas, decides that they're going to leave their home in Natchez, Mississippi, for an opportunity to own their own plot of land in Nebraska, even though they're free from slavery. Despite Sylvia's doubts, by May, the family of five is packing up their things and joining a company of other Black families who are also heading to Nebraska. When they reach Independence, Missouri, they pick up Philomena who will be starting a new teaching position in North Platte, Nebraska. Over the next several months, they face many hardships, including few supplies and little money due to poverty, treacherous river crossings, changing weather, and bandits.

I was so excited to read this book because I loved the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder as a kid, and it did not disappoint. Throughout the story, I enjoyed the different perspectives of all three narrators, Lettie, Sylvia, and Philomena. I especially loved Lettie's relationships with her two younger brothers, Elijah and Silas, and how she bonded with Philomena and Sutter, the dog of Mr. Portee, one of the men with whom they were traveling. What I thought was interesting as I was reading is how frustrating traveling with men could be for women. Some of them, even Thomas, had the tendency to be controlling and think that they always knows what's best or right. This sexism is why I really appreciated how the story demonstrated the strength of Black women. Lettie, Sylvia, and Philomena were just as capable as the men and could make decisions without their influence, and I admire them so much for their resilience. Additionally, the story has moments of triumph and tragedy. I definitely felt devastated when the families experienced loss on their journey and it had me wondering if they would make it at times, so I felt a deep sigh of relief when the worst was over. I think the ending is perfect, though. Finally, I have to mention just how enlightening this book is. As the author's note at the end explains, this story is based on the history of the Black homesteader movement, something I previously didn't know anything about, and there's a list of books the author used in the acknowledgements. One Big Open Sky is a beautiful story, and it's a wonderful choice for girls interested in historical fiction and survival stories.

Kwame Crashes the Underworld by Craig Kofi Farmer

 

On Sunday, I finished reading Kwame Crashes the Underworld by Craig Kofi Farmer. This fantasy novel is about Kwame Powell, a twelve-year-old boy who is going to Ghana for a celebration of his grandmother's life after she recently passed away. Before leaving, he is at a sleepover with his best friend, Autumn Choi, when an aboatia that he names Woo steals his dashiki, a late birthday gift from his grandmother. Kwame and Autumn then chase Woo to Cape Fear Pier where they jump from a dock into a magical whirlpool leading them to Asamando, the Ghanaian underworld, to get Kwame's dashiki back. Once there, they meet Kwame's grandmother who somehow looks like a kid again. With her help, they face challenges, including angry nature gods, in the different levels of Asamando in order to stop the underworld from destroying Earth.

Oh my goodness, this book was an amazing adventure. I absolutely loved the world-building and rooting for Kwame, Autumn, Woo, and Ama, Kwame's grandmother, against their foes. From the beginning Kwame was a character I could relate to. When I wasn't much younger than him, I lost my grandfather, and it can be definitely be hard facing your grief and saying goodbye, which was one of the main themes in this story. I also enjoyed the fight scenes and learning more about Ghanaian culture. The akrefena (an Akan sword) that Kwame used was so cool because it could take his commands and get the job done. Not to mention, I really liked how Ama, as a Queen Mother, could use the power of Asase, an Akan goddess, by using a stylus to draw Adinkra symbols for spells, like a protective shield. Although this book is action-packed and exhilarating, it's also very emotional. Because only living souls can leave Asamando, it was devastating knowing that Kwame would eventually have to leave Ama behind. The end was bittersweet, but I did enjoy the final face-off with Nansi, which I was highly anticipating throughout the story. Additionally, I adored Autumn because she showed that even if you have a disability like being hard of hearing, you are still capable. I thought it was wonderful that she and Kwame could so easily switch between American Sign Language and speaking. I can't say enough nice things about Kwame Crashes the Underworld and anyone who loves fantasy and adventure should read it.

The Wrong Way Home by Kate O'Shaughnessy

 

Last night, I finished reading The Wrong Way Home by Kate O'Shaughnessy. This realistic fiction novel is about Fern Silvana, a twelve-year-old girl who has lived with her mom at the Ranch, an off-the-grid sustainable futurist community in upstate New York, since she was six. After their leader, Dr. Ben, convinces Fern that she is ready for her rite of passage that will take place on the coming spring equinox despite the fact that she won't be fifteen, her mom sneaks them away in the middle of the night, saying that Dr. Ben is dangerous. Even though Fern wants nothing more than to return to the Ranch, they go all the way to Driftaway Beach in California. She hates it at first and is determined to send a letter to Dr. Ben, but as she adjusts to her new life and makes new friends, she begins to realise that some of the things she learned from Dr. Ben just aren't true and wonders if she should really trust him.

I absolutely adored reading this novel because it was so hard to put down. I knew it would be quite suspenseful because it was obvious to me that the Ranch was a cult and Fern's mom wanted to get them as far away from it as possible, but I wasn't prepared for how hard it would be for Fern to start thinking for herself. As I got deeper into the story, though, I came to understand that the Ranch was all Fern knew for the past six years of her life. She was so young when she and her mom started living at the Ranch that it was becoming difficult for her to remember life before. I definitely felt bad for her because I wanted her to be happy and it was a struggle for her to restructure her thinking. On the other hand, I really enjoyed how she made new friends in Driftaway Beach. I like how Babs was like a second mom to her and she befriended Eddie as they worked on a science project together. I also loved that Fern wanted to do things that were good for the environment and developed a joy for reading. I thought it was cool when Alex Reyes, a young man who worked at the front desk of the motel she and her mom were living at, recommended a fantasy novel to her and then gave her a draft of the novel he was writing. As I got closer and closer to the end, I was scared of what would happen if Dr. Ben found Fern and her mom, but I was hopeful that Fern would make the right choices and I'm happy to say that the conclusion of the story ended up being totally satisfying. The Wrong Way Home is an excellent choice for anyone, but I particularly recommend it to those who wonder what living in and escaping from a cult is like for a kid.

The Enigma Girls by Candace Fleming

 

Over the weekend, I finished reading The Enigma Girls: How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets and Helped Win World War II by Candace Fleming. This narrative nonfiction book is about ten teenage girls from all over the British Isles who worked at Station X, the codename for Bletchley Park, during World War II. Although they didn't know who recommended them or why they were chosen, these girls could often do advanced math or speak a second language. Their tasks included running the bombe machines, making sense of wireless soundwaves, and sorting the decoded messages. While keeping this vital work a secret, the information from the Nasi missives they code-cracked could determine whether the Allies won or lost against the Nazi army.

This book was absolutely fascinating. I was intrigued about the subject matter of teenagers doing secret work during World War II from moment I read the subtitle on the cover. I especially enjoyed getting to know the different girls and learning how they each had a skill in which they specialized that was useful at Bletchley Park. What I also loved about this book is how there was a section called "Top Secret" after each part, dedicated to explaining the actual techniques that were used to encode and decode messages. It certainly brought to light the challenge of breaking codes in another language, which is something I never really thought of before. Additionally, the book was suspenseful and the reactions of the girls to the successes and failures of the Allies showed just how much their work mattered. Finally, I liked looking at the photos scattered throughout the chapters. The back matter includes an author's note, a bibliography, source notes, photograph and illustration credits, and an index. In conclusion, I recommend The Enigma Girls to anyone who has an interest in code-breaking, history, or real-life spy stories.

Like Never and Always by Ann Aguirre and Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston

 

Last Friday, I finished reading Like Never and Always by Ann Aguirre. This paranormal thriller is about Liv Burnham, a high school junior who is in a car accident after a party with her best friend Morgan Frost, her boyfriend Nathan Claymore, and his brother Clay, who just happens to be Morgan's boyfriend. In the hospital while recovering, Liv wakes up in Morgan's body. As she tries to adjust to her new life, she discovers that Morgan had some disturbing secrets, including an affair with an older married man, Creepy Jack, and begins to piece together the mystery of Morgan's mom's death. Although she misses her old life, especially her parents and Nathan, she genuinely falls for Clay while determining if she can trust him with Morgan's and her own secrets. As it becomes more clear that Creepy Jack is on to her, Liv must decide when to release the evidence she has against him.

This novel was such a compelling read. I had no idea what to expect at the beginning, but I was intrigued from the moment that Liv woke up in Morgan's body. At first, I thought it was for scientific reasons, like a brain transplant similar to a book I read (Airhead by Meg Cabot), but it became clear in the middle of the book that what happened to Liv was supernatural in nature. The mystery was suspenseful and I kept wondering what other secrets would be revealed about Morgan as the plot went on. Most of all, though, I enjoyed the romance between Liv and Clay. I have this thing where I tend to root for the older brother in love triangles, and I was not disappointed at all. I love how Liv had to let go of her preconceived notions of him as she got to know him better and the conflict of Clay falling for his brother's ex-girlfriend, who isn't really dead, was so interesting. The end of the story was dynamic and I was totally ecstatic with it. Like Never and Always is a great choice for anyone who loves mystery with some romance.

On Saturday, I finished reading Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston. This realistic fiction novel is about Sharkita "Kita" Lloyd, a twelve-year-old seventh-grade girl who is just reunited with her younger brother, Lamar, and her younger sister, Lillieana, after being in foster care for over sixty days due to their mom Brittany's alcoholism and tendency to leave them alone. Kita wants nothing more than to keep her family together this time around and she is hopeful when their mom finds a job as a paralegal and promises that things are different. Although she often still has to help take care of her younger siblings, Kita tries out for the dance team and makes the cut, but as she grows closer to the coach, she worries more and more about keeping up appearances. When her mom begins slipping into old habits again, Kita wonders if her worst fear could be what's best for her and her siblings.

Although this book deals with some tough stuff as an exploration of the effects of parental neglect, I enjoyed reading it. I absolutely adored Kita's relationship with her younger siblings, Lilli and Lamar. It was so clear that she just wanted what was best for them by the end of the story, even if it meant being separated again. At the same time, I really felt for Kita because she had to act as a parental figure to Lilli and Lamar even though all of the pressure being placed on her was causing her to have sleep paralysis and panic attacks. Not to mention, she had to find ways of helping Lamar through his behavioral issues as a child with fetal alcohol syndrome. I wanted her to get the help she needed and was glad when she started opening up to the new school counselor, Dr. Charles. The new assistant principal and dance team coach, Dr. Sapperstein, was another good influence in Kita's life, and I liked her friends, as well. It was wonderful following Kita's journey in realizing that she's not alone and that she could stand up for herself and her well-being. As I learned about Kita's mom's past, it didn't surprise me that she wasn't able to keep her promise and the climax of the book was heartbreaking. The story did finish on a hopeful note, though, and I think it demonstrates the importance of kids being able to be just kids. Shark Teeth is a difficult story, but anyone should read it.

Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson with art by Ekua Holmes

 

Yesterday, I finished reading Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson with art by Ekua Holmes. This semi-biographical poetry collection is about Renée Watson's experiences growing up as a young Black girl. Through different poetry forms, she shares memories of her childhood in Portland, honors the Black women in her life, and calls for Black girls to step into their power. The poems also demonstrate the strength of celebration and sisterhood.

The very first thing I noticed about this book was Ekua Holmes's gorgeous mixed media art. I love it so much because I had never seen anything like it. Most importantly, though, I thought the poems were amazing. I enjoyed that there was a wide variety of poetry forms and I really felt like I got to know Renée Watson as a person through the experiences that shaped her. Some of my favorite poems in this collection are "Resurrection", "atlas", "Turning Seven", "Lessons on Being a Sky Walker", "Underbelly", "Sixteen Reasons to Smile", "King", "How to Survive Your Teen Years", "An Etheree for Moving On", Black Like Me", "Black with a Capital B", "A Tanka for Michelle Obama", "Love It All", and "Phenomenon". Overall, I highly recommend Black Girl You Are Atlas to all girls and young women.

Michael Vey: The Colony

 

Yesterday, I finished reading Michael Vey: The Colony by Richard Paul Evans. The tenth and final book in the series, this science fiction novel concludes Michael Vey's adventures. In the devastating aftermath of their fight against the Chasqui, Michael and the Electroclan are still trying to solve the mystery of Abigail's abduction. While they are mourning the loss of friends and allies, they return to the U.S. to regroup. After learning Cassy's heartbreaking diagnosis, they piece together what little evidence they have and figure out that Abigail is being held by Chispa, the leader of a group of other electrics in a place known at the colony. With Grace's help, they also learn the history of the colony and what powers the other electrics have. Upon making a plan, they go back to Peru to meet up with Alpha Team to rescue Abigail.

The conclusion of the Michael Vey series was absolutely spectacular. With incredibly high stakes, the story was so suspenseful. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Because they had never faced other electrics before and the dream Taylor had at the beginning was terrifyingly ominous, I wasn't sure if the Electroclan would succeed this time, but I knew they had to at least try. Even though they were the enemy, it was fascinating learning about the colony's past and why they would abduct Abigail out of all the members of the Electroclan. Although I came to understand the reasons for why the colony would do such a thing and their past was heartbreaking, it didn't excuse their actions and Chispa especially came across as insane as his true colors were revealed to Michael. The twist at the end was amazing. I loved it so much and I've rarely been so satisfied with an entire series. If you love science fiction and adventure, you can't miss this series.