Welcome back to school, everyone! Here is an update of the middle grade and YA books I read over summer break. Early in June, I finished reading Magic Has No Borders edited by Sona Charaipotra & Samira Ahmed. This story collection features a wide range of fantasy and science fiction tales that reimagine South Asian folklore, legends, and epics. Some of the stories take place in the past, while others take place in the present or the future. All of them are by bestselling, award-winning, and emerging writers who have roots in southern Asia. The stories in this collection were quite enjoyable and I especially like that each one had an illustration after its ending. I didn't expect that when I decided to read this book. I also feel like I learned more about South Asia culture although I had some background knowledge from taking an Asian mythology class in college. Anyone who enjoys fantasy and adventure should read this story collection. I can't recommend it enough. Some of my favorite stories were "Kiss Me Goodbye" by Tracey Baptiste, "Chudail" by Nikita Gill, "A Goddess of Fire and Blood" by Tanaz Bhathena, "Infinite Drift" by Olivia Chadha, "Dismantle the Sun" by Sangu Mandanna, "Shamsuddin-Jalal" by Tahir Abrar, "Poetry of Earth" by Swati Teerdhala, and "Mirch, Masala, and Magic" by Nafiza Azad.
In June, I also read Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger. Taking place decades after Sheine Lende, this paranormal fantasy is about Elatsoe "Ellie" Bride, a seventeen-year-old Lipan Apache girl who can raise the ghosts of dead animals, a skill that has been passed down through generations of her family. When her beloved cousin, Trevor, is mysteriously murdered in what appears to be a car accident, Ellie decides to investigate with her dog, Kirby, and her best friend, Jay. As they uncovered the truth about Dr. Abraham Allerton, the father of one of Trevor's students, and the seemingly perfect town of Willowbee where he lives, Ellie must also protect her family and friends. I was really excited to read this novel after I finished reading Sheine Lende back in May, and it did not disappoint. I especially enjoyed Ellie's determination to find out what really happened to Trevor, and Jay was great comic relief. Given the combination of fantasy and mystery elements, the story was quite tense, especially towards the end during the climax because Dr. Allerton wasn't the only antagonist after a plot twist that was heavily foreshadowed. If you like fantasy and mystery or have already read Sheine Lende, like I had, you should definitely check Elatsoe out!
Additionally, I started reading The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare this summer. This paranormal fantasy series is about Clary Fray, a soon-to-be sixteen-year-old girl who learns that the world is protected from demons by a group of warriors called the Shadowhunters. In the first book, City of Bones, she witnesses a murder at the Pandemonium Club in New York City. Because she shouldn't have been able to see the murder, Jace Wayland, a seventeen-year-old Shadowhunter she met that night, brings her into his world. After her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon, she has to figure out why they're being targeted because she always thought that they were normal. She also feels an undeniable attraction to Jace. Then, in City of Ashes, the second book, someone in New York City is murdering young vampires, werewolves, and faeries. The Inquisitor accuses Jace, so Clary must track down who is actually responsible for the killings. In the next book, City of Glass, Clary is still working towards saving her mom. To find the person who knows how, she travels to Alicante, the capital of Idris, where she learns more about her family's past and encounters Sebastian, a mysterious Shadowhunter who seems to be an ally.
I'm about halfway through this series and it has been thrilling and absolutely wonderful. I adore the world-building and the romance between Clary and Jace, even though it seems impossible for a while because of the reveal at the end of City of Bones. I have watched the movie and the TV series, so I wasn't completely unfamiliar with the story, but the movie only covers the first book and it's been a while since I saw the show. I was definitely getting impatient for Clary and Jace to realize that the villain lied to them. Anyways, the fight scenes are excellent and I like the growth of the characters so far, including Clary's best friend, Simon. I can't wait to finish the rest of the series. It's the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys paranormal fantasy and romance.
Because I enjoyed reading the Divergent series years ago, I was ecstatic to revisit the universe when I learned about the new duology and snagged an ARC in June at the ALA Annual Conference. So far, I think it's even better than the original series, although I'm still very anxious that it will end the same way. I'm not going to say too much because I don't want to spoil anything about either version of the series, but the progression of Tris and Four's relationship is a lot more satisfying in The Sixth Faction. I found Insurgent, the second book in the Divergent series, frustrating, even if the third book, Allegiant, was a huge improvement on that front. Also, I expected events to occur differently, but I was blown away by the huge twist at the end and desperately want to talk about it with someone. Anyone who liked the original series or is a fan of dystopian science fiction should read The Sixth Faction.
Last week, I read Worst-Case Collin by Rebecca Caprara. This realistic fiction novel in verse is about Collin, a twelve-year-old boy whose mother died in a tragic car accident. Because he's worried about another incident happening and wants to be better prepared, he keeps a worst-case scenario handbook. His best friends, Liam and Georgia, even nickname him Worst-Case Collin. Although his handbook covers many disasters, like avalanches, earthquakes, and riptides, and he uses swimming as a refuge, he still struggles with avoiding bullies, hiding his dad's hoarding habits from everyone, and telling Georgia he likes her more than a friend. As summer break approaches, Collin dreads having to spend more time at home where his dad just keeps accumulating more and more junk and the living conditions become increasingly unbearable. When another disaster strikes, Collin must find a way to be honest with his loved ones.
This novel was an emotional read in which family and friendship were major themes along with mental health and bullying. I like that it was in verse because the format let Collin's personality shine. The story itself dealt with hoarding, which is a mental health issue I've never encountered in fiction before, even though my maternal grandmother suffered from a form of it. I enjoyed Collin's friendship with Liam and Georgia and thought it was pretty cool that they were all on the swim team. On the other hand, the relationship between Collin and his father made me feel very sad. I know from experience that it can be hard when a parent has a mental health issue that he isn't acknowledging. Through the writing, the growing distance between the Collin and his dad was a tangible thing, even though I could tell that they still loved each other very much, especially when they went out to eat together. It was also interesting how they responded differently to the death of Collin's mom: Collin through his worst-case scenario handbook to cope with anxiety and his dad through hoarding stuff he doesn't need and letting the the disorganization of their house get out of control. Finally, I thought the climax was terrifying because it tied into one of my greatest fears, but it didn't surprise me because of how bad the situation had gotten in Collin's home. Overall, I definitely recommend Worst-Case Collin to any kid who has a parent who's struggling.
