The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera

Last night, I finished reading The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera. This science fiction novel is about Petra Peña, a girl whose family is chosen to go to another planet, Sagan, after a comet destroys Earth. Hundreds of years later when their ship arrives at Sagan, Petra is woken up and learns that she is the only one who remembers Earth. The Monitors who were supposed to watch over the scientists and their children as they slept during the journey have now been taken over by the Collective. The Collective is determined to erase the sins of humanity's past and start completely anew on Sagan, or another planet if necessary. Petra tries to find her parents and her brother, Javier, but discovers that their pods are empty and that she's likely the only one of her family left. Devastated and lonely, Petra begins telling cuentos, or tall tales, to the other children in her unit, called the Zetas, and decides that they need to escape from the Collective for there to be any hope for humanity.

Science fiction is one of my favorite genres, so I totally enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It was so tragic that Petra had to leave her grandmother, Lita, behind on Earth, but I loved seeing the significance of their relationship throughout the book because it's clear that they were really close. Petra was inspired to become a storyteller like Lita, and I thought that was beautiful. I wish they had had more time together, but unfortunately Halley's Comet was coming quickly towards Earth and Lita couldn't come on the journey. I definitely related to Petra's relationship with Javier because I myself have a younger brother and could understand how Petra felt responsible for looking out for hers. It broke my heart that she couldn't protect him from the Collective. Fortunately, it brought me joy as Petra bonded with three other children, Feathers, Rubio, and Suma, who were in the Zeta unit with her. Their excitement whenever Petra would tell them a cuento was one of my favorite parts of the book, and it was wonderful that Petra could pass down Lita's cuentos to the next generation. I was also surprised by the plot twists throughout the story, which built up suspense leading to the climax. As the 2022 Newbery Medal winner, The Last Cuentista shows the importance of remembering and learning from our past and it's a superb choice for anyone who enjoys adventure.

Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo

 

Yesterday, I finished reading Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo. This magical realistic novel in verse is about a Black Muslim girl, Nima, who feels like she doesn't belong and wonders what her life would have been like if her parents named her Yasmeen as they originally planned before her dad was murdered. After her best friend, Haitham, is attacked by an Islamophobic group of men, Nima is pulled into an old photograph of her parents by Yasmeen, the version of herself she imagines. Everything is not all that it seems in the past, though, and Nima must decided if her life is worth fighting for before it's too late.

This novel in verse was different than anything else I've read over the past school year. I was expecting a realistic story, so I was quite surprised with the magical elements. The writing was exquisite and the pictures that Elhillo painted in my head made me want to visit Nima's home country and celebrate with her family. At the same time, this book is about Nima's loneliness and pain. My heart broke for her when she felt unloved by her mother and found out that Haitham was in the hospital with life-threatening injuries. I could also relate to her struggle of thinking that her mom would be happier if she was born differently. I was most fascinated by the appearance of Yasmeen, though. It was very surreal, and I had no idea what was going on, if she was a phantom or a delusion created by Nima, until she pulled Nima into the past. It was really interesting how Nima learned what led her mom to move to America and could cause small changes to the past leading to slightly different present. Overall, Home Is Not a Country is an incredible exploration of identity, heritage, self-love, and family and anyone who has ever wondered "what if?" should read it.

The Light in Hidden Places by Sharon Cameron

 

Last night, I finished reading The Light in Hidden Places by Sharon Cameron. This historical fiction novel is based on the true story of a Polish teenager, Stefania Podgorska, who hid thirteen Jews in her attic during World War II. At twelve years old, she leaves her family's farm to move to Przemyśl and begins working at the grocery store owned by the Diamants, a Jewish family. By the time she turns sixteen four years later, she is friends with the three youngest sons, Max, Izio, and Henek. She even has a secret romance with Izio. After the Germans invade the city, defeating the Russians, the Jews are forced into a ghetto, including the Diamants. Stefania and Izio are determined for their relationship to beat the odds, but when Izio is taken to a nearby labor camp and their plan for her to rescue him goes devastatingly wrong, he is murdered and she is left alone. Distraught, she goes to visit her family's farm where she discovers that her younger sister, Helena, was abandoned when their mother and brother were taken to a labor camp. Left with no other options, Stefania brings Helena back to her apartment in Przemyśl to take care of her. One night in November 1942, Stefania finds Max knocking at her door and later makes the decision to hide him and twelve other Jews after she moves into a cottage. It is difficult feeding everyone and making sure they are quiet so the neighbors don't hear, but Stefania faces her greatest challenge when the German army requisitions her house for two nurses, coping with the persistent fear of being caught while doing the right thing.

This novel was absolutely amazing, maybe even the best historical fiction novel I've ever read because of the combination of suspense with a dash of slow-burn romance. I've been familiar with Anne Frank's story a long time and knew that many people were caught hiding Jews, but it warmed my heart reading a story of hope that happened during the Holocaust even if some elements were fictionalized. I did some research into Stefania Podgorska while reading the book because I didn't think I could deal with any more heartbreak after she lost Izio, so the ending didn't really come as a surprise to me. I also thought there was some extremely subtle foreshadowing at the beginning of the book, but I wasn't convinced I was right until my research. I love all three of the main characters, Stefania, Helena, and Max, so much. Stefania was so brave doing everything that she did and I really admire her. I wish I had known her story sooner. Helena was the cleverest, though, with her ability to lie and come up with a plan to get notes into the ghetto. I truly enjoyed the relationship between the two sisters and how they worked together to hide their group of Jews. As for Max, I was astounded by his tendency to risk it all in order to survive. I thought he was crazy upon learning that he jumped out of a moving train to avoid dying in one of the camps. Of course, I'm glad that he did it because he made a great leader keeping the group of thirteen organized when it must have been really challenging being in such close quarters with people who didn't always get along. Still, my favorite part has to be the relationship that gradually blossomed between Stefania and Max because of their shared experiences and loss. I would recommend The Light in Hidden Places to anyone who wants to read an incredible story of courage, survival, love, and hope.

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Floyd Cooper

 

Happy Black History Month! Last week, I read Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Floyd Cooper. This nonfiction picture book first describes the community of Black people who lived in Tulsa's Greenwood district leading up to the massacre. The story then reaches the turning point when a 17-year-old white elevator operator accused a 19-year-old Black shoeshine man of assault. After a confrontation outside the jail between thirty armed Black men and two thousand armed white men left twelve dead, the white mob attacked the Greenwood community, destroying homes and businesses, murdering up to three hundred Black people, and injuring hundreds more. Some Black Tulsans left, while others stayed to rebuild the community, but the massacre wasn't spoken about for decades afterwards and it took seventy-five years for there to be an investigation into the violence and destruction.

This picture book was very enlightening. I had heard about the Tulsa Race Massacre before, but it was never an event I studied in great detail in school. It made me sad and angry learning what happened to such a thriving Black community. It was also disturbing how quickly the violence escalated after the man accused of assault was put in jail, especially when the white mob decided to spread rumors about the Black community attacking. Unspeakable definitely made it evident that the some of the white people in Tulsa hated the success of Black people in Greenwood, but the violence was so unbelievably senseless. I thought the illustrations were beautiful, though, and my favorite was at the end, seeing a group of people at Tulsa's Reconciliation Park. It added a spark of hope after reading about such a horrific event. I enjoyed the poetic nature of the Weatherford's storytelling, too. I think everyone should read Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre because this tragedy is one of the worst incidents of racial violence in US history.

Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams

 

On Saturday, I finished reading Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams. This realistic fiction novel is about a thirteen-year-old girl, Genesis Anderson, whose family is evicted from their home in Detroit. Although her dad has drinking and gambling problems, he is able to find them a new place in Farmington Hills, claiming that he will be receiving a promotion at work. Along with these problems at home, Genesis's classmates at her previous schools teased and bullied her about her skin color and she has been adding to a list of reasons why she hates herself for years. Initially, she is not looking forward to starting at a new school again, but she makes a couple of friends when she runs with another girl, Sophia, during gym class and receives math tutoring from a boy, Troy, during lunch a few times a week. Her chorus teacher even encourages her to audition for the school talent show. Unfortunately, Genesis still struggles to accept herself because of her dark skin and even harms herself in her attempts to lighten it. Despite her dad telling her that she has her mom's smile and her mom mentioning she is funny like her dad, it isn't long before she discovers her dad's lies and blames herself for why he drinks. As she learns more about her family's past, she begins to understand the consequences of colorism in her life.

This book was so intense that I found it riveting. Genesis really struggled with who she is, and I definitely empathized with her. It's not easy being in middle school when you're not comfortable in your own skin, and it's even harder when you have problems at home and not many real friends at school. It was concerning, though, when Genesis tried harmful methods of lightening her skin and lied to her parents and friends about it. Reading some of the scenes with her dad, Emory, made me sad, too, because I didn't think he realized just how much he was hurting Genesis and her mom with his addictions and lies. I was nervous that something bad would happen when Emory would leave for days at a time and saw how it's difficult to help someone who doesn't want to help himself. At the same time, I understood it would be a really big decision for Genesis's mom to leave Emory because she loved him very much. Additionally, I was so mad at and frustrated with Genesis's grandma because of how her colorist ideals had an effect on the family. On a lighter note, it made me happy that Genesis was having a better experience at her new school. At the beginning of the book, it really sucked when a group of girls from Genesis's old school agreed to hang out at her house on the same day Genesis's family was evicted and were downright mean about seeing all the furniture in the yard. In contrast, Sophia and Troy were nice, genuine, and cared about Genesis, even when they had disagreements. I loved that they hung out in the library together. Not to mention, the chorus teacher, Mrs. Hill, was awesome. I really enjoyed how she shared music with Genesis and thought she should give trying out for the school talent show a chance. Everyone should have a teacher like Mrs. Hill in their lives. While the ending wasn't tied up neatly, it was hopeful. Anyone who has ever felt insecure or self-conscious about themselves should read Genesis Begins Again.

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

 

Two days ago, I finished reading Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga. This realistic novel-in-verse is about a Syrian girl, Jude, whose father sends her and her mother to live with family in Cincinnati, Ohio when things become too dangerous in their hometown due to the increasing violence in nearby towns. Life in America is different and it takes some time for Jude to adjust, especially because she misses her older brother, Issa, and her best friend, Fatima, so much. Even bonding with her cousin, Sarah, is hard. Not to mention, starting at a new school brings its own challenges. Although Jude knows the answers to math problems, she doesn't know how to explain how she got to the answers in English, and she's also skeptical of her ESL class. Fortunately, her classmates in ESL are great, and she decides that she likes the class after her first day. As the months go by, she makes new friends and even decides to try out for the school musical, Beauty and the Beast, because she wants to be an actress someday. When Issa disappears back in Syria and a terrorist attack occurs in the West, Jude has to cope with her fear for her brother and faces racism in her new home. Through it all, Jude maintains her identity and remains hopeful.

This novel-in-verse was a joy to read because it was so beautifully written. I especially loved the line, "I am learning how to be sad and happy at the same time." I thought it was very powerful and profound. While the book was sad and a little scary at times, there was a sense of hope throughout. I really enjoyed the anticipation that built for Jude's new sister to be born and rooted for Jude to get a speaking role in Beauty and the Beast. The friendships that Jude made with Layla and Miles were very special, too. Jude and Layla connected over their shared heritage when Jude decided to visit a Muslim restaurant that Layla's parents happened to own, while Jude and Miles bonded over his dog, Sputnik, and his love for astronomy. It was also interesting to read how Jude's relationships with her mom and Sarah evolved over the course of the book. I was pleasantly surprised by the end. All in all, Other Words for Home was a very satisfying read, and it's perfect for those who are exploring their identity and/or sometimes don't feel like they belong.

Winter Break Reading

 

Happy New Year, everyone! Over winter break, I read A Young People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn, adapted by Rebecca Stefoff and Clean Getaway by Nic Stone. A Young People's History of the United States is a narrative nonfiction book that tells the story of the United States from Columbus through George W. Bush's presidency. Writing from an anti-war perspective, the book highlights the contributions of workers, enslaved people, immigrants, women, Native Americans, and others whose stories are not typically told in history books. In doing so, it takes a critical view of the U.S. government, while showing how the country's greatness comes from young people.

I found this book fascinating because it presented a version of U.S. history that I was compelled to know more about. While the civil rights movement was highlighted in my education several times, I feel like other eras were only glossed over, especially in recent history. I don't think I realized just how many strikes, rebellions, riots, and marches there have been throughout the country's history, but the book helped me understand the current events of the last five or so years and how the U.S. has gotten to where it is now. It was infuriating to read how the U.S. government tends to choose military spending over programs that would help the people. Additionally, the authors emphasized that the government often does just enough to prevent mass rebellion, which resonated with me. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about the relationship between the government, businesses, and people of the United States.

The second book I read, Clean Getaway, is an adventurous realistic fiction novel about an eleven-year-old boy, William "Scoob" Lamar, who goes on a road trip with his grandmother, G'ma, after he gets in trouble at school and his dad cancels his spring break trip. Although the trip starts innocently enough as they head from Georgia to Alabama, he begins to have questions about G'ma's past and who she is as a person after they stop at a jewelry store and it appears she stole a necklace. Scoob also wonders why she won't talk to his dad on the phone. G'ma does begin to open up as they visit different landmarks of the Civil Rights movement and Scoob learns more about the challenges of her relationship with his grandfather because they were a mixed race couple in the South during the 1960s. As their journey continues through Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas towards Mexico, Scoob becomes increasingly worried about G'ma and the secrets she is keeping from him.

For being fairly short, this novel was such a roller coaster ride, like the roller coasters Scoob and G'ma went on when they stopped at Six Flags over Texas, and the ending is definitely bittersweet. Scoob, G'ma, and the story were funny at times, so I never really expected the end to devastate me like it did. The whole book ended up being very moving, and I really enjoyed it. I loved reading a story about the relationship between a boy and his grandmother because I don't think many books have that type of relationship at its core, at least not the ones I've read. Scoob and G'ma seemed really close, especially when Scoob had a strained relationship with his father because of how he was getting in trouble at school over the the past few months. It was wonderful seeing the growth of Scoob and his father's relationship by the end of the book, though. I also thought the inclusion of a Green Book was important because I learned about them when I saw the movie Green Book a few years ago and knew that black people in the South used them to travel safely in the 1960s and before. Overall, Clean Getaway is an emotional and gripping story for anyone who likes reading about family.