Pandemic Reading - YA Edition

I was working from home March, April and part-time in May. During this time I could NOT read a lick. My brain and anxiety just would not let me. It's now September and I have settled into a "new normal" and have finally got back into reading these past couple of months. Here are some excellent reads I have come across. 

Punching the Air by Ibi Zobi and Yusef Saalam 

This novel in verse is extremely powerful. Ibi Zobi and Yusef Salaam work together to tell the story of a wrongly incarcerated teen. Some of Dr. Salaam's poems that he wrote while unjustly serving time were used for this story. I had to read this one in tiny chunks, I found myself holding my breath at times. I seldom buy new books for myself but I am very glad I decided to purchase a personal copy.

Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

I'm still thinking about this book. I thought about it during the read, after the read, in the shower, while driving, etc. It's a LOT, but in a very good way. Jam grows up believing there are no more "monsters" in here town of Lucille. "But when she meets Pet, a creature made of horns and colors and claws, who emerges from one of her mother's paintings and a drop of Jam's blood, she must reconsider what she's been told. Pet has come to hunt a monster." This book deals with a very heavy topic, abuse and the denial of that abuse by grownups that children are supposed to trust. 

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

A truly fantastic Memoir by George M. Johnson. "A series of personal essays, prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson explores his childhood, adolescence, and college years in New Jersey and Virginia. " Reading this it felt as though the author wrote literally let us look into their soul. It is beautiful, it is real, it is unflinching, it is necessary. 

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson

High School romcom for fans of Love Simon (Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda) and Dumplin! "Liz Lighty has a plan that will get her out of Campbell, Indiana, forever: attend the uber-elite Pennington College, play in their world-famous orchestra, and become a doctor. But when the financial aid she was counting on unexpectedly falls through, Liz's plans come crashing down . . . until she's reminded of her school's scholarship for prom king and queen." Liz has to refocus her sights on winning the crown and the scholarship. Throw in a romance with the new girl, her anxiety, and the fact that she is only "out" with her friends and you get some high school drama that leaves you rooting for Liz through every chapter! I can SO easily see this becoming a super cute movie!

Stamped: Racism, Anitracism and You by Dr. Ibram X Kendi and Jason Reynolds

Jason Reynolds knows how to speak to young people. It's just a fact. So it's a no brainer on why he was chosen to reimagine Dr. Kendi's Stamped from the Beginning for young people. "This remarkable reimagining of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning reveals the history of racist ideas in America, and inspires hope for an antiracist future. It takes you on a race journey from then to now, shows you why we feel how we feel, and why the poison of racism lingers." Make no mistake, just because it is written for young people doesn't mean that ONLY teens should read it. I learned a lot more about some key historical figures and the basic facts of racist ideas in this country. "The more things change, the more they stay the same" This phrase was one that kept swirling around in my head during my reading. This title would be a great addition to any antiracist classroom.  

It's been SO great to finally have the head space to jump back into reading. Now only if my holds would stop coming in all at the same time....