For MMGM and #IMWAYR, I am recommending Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros. I decided to read this book after seeing positive reviews of it by Sierra Dertinger on her blog, Books. Iced Lattes. Blessed, and by Shaye Miller on her blog, The Miller Memo. I am so glad I took their advice! Efrén Divided tells the story of middle-schooler Efrén Nava. Most of us (including myself) would probably pity Efrén from the very start of the story; his family is pretty poor, so he, his twin young siblings Max and Mía, and his Amá and Apá all live in a one-room apartment. But where we see a shabby apartment, Efrén sees the home of his loving family. Where we see a tiny kitchen, Efrén sees the place where his Amá bakes fresh sopes, flipping them with her bare hands (the root of his nickname for her, Soperwoman). Between his amazing parents, his best friend David, and his love of reading, Efrén knows he has what truly matters in life. So, of course, e...
In light of the death of George Floyd and the protests against police brutality toward Black people, I have a few things to mention. First, there is no question that people are woefully uninformed about the ways that racism affects Black people (and about the experiences of Black people in general). In order to help spread some knowledge in a way appropriate for this blog, I am holding the 2020 Books by Black Voices Giveaway , in which I will be giving away copies of Brown Girl Dreaming , New Kid , Genesis Begins Again , and The Hate U Give . Details and the entry form are at the bottom of this post. Second, I am recommending one of the books that I am giving away: Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams. The review is below. (This is my second MG book review in a row; I will have a YA review next week, followed by an MG review the next week to resume my alternating schedule.) Finally, I highly encourage you to donate to Black Lives Matter , Color of Change , Campaign Zero ...
I'm back (a week late—sorry!) with a review of the graphic novel Positively Izzy by Terri Libenson (a follow-up to Invisible Emmie , which I reviewed here ). With her single mother at work every day, Izzy (one of two main characters of the book) finds herself constantly doing chores and being bossed around by her older sister, Danielle, who essentially runs the house when her mother is gone. Izzy finds solace in making up/acting out stories with her slightly younger sister, Ashley, and this passion prepares her for the upcoming school talent show, in which she is excited to perform a skit. However, when Izzy learns that she won't be able to perform in the show (I won't spoil why), she has to figure out, with Ashley's help, if there is any chance to fulfill her dream and act onstage. The other main character of the book, Brianna (who readers will recognize as Emmie's best friend from Invisible ...
This was gorgeous! Thank you - i have never read this one!
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