Uni High Reads

A book review blog of the Uni High Library

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Discover the Works of Indigenous Authors!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October is Native American Heritage Month in the US, so the Uni High Library has curated a collection of some of the books written by and about indigenous folks (primarily focused on communities from what is commonly known as the United States and Canada). All of these books are available in our collection, and their call numbers are noted!

 

Fiction 

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
Call Number: Fiction D591m

In a futuristic world ravaged by global warming, people have lost the ability to dream, and the dreamlessness has led to widespread madness. The only people still able to dream are North America’s Indigenous people, and it is their marrow that holds the cure for the rest of the world. But getting the marrow, and dreams, means death for the unwilling donors. Driven to flight, a fifteen-year-old and his companions struggle for survival, attempt to reunite with loved ones and take refuge from the “recruiters” who seek them out to bring them to the marrow-stealing “factories.”

 

 

 

 

 

The Round House by Louise Erdrich
Call Number: Fiction Er29r

One Sunday in the spring of 1988, a woman living on a reservation in North Dakota is attacked. The details of the crime are slow to surface because Geraldine Coutts is traumatized and reluctant to relive or reveal what happened, either to the police or to her husband, Bazil, and thirteen-year-old son, Joe. In one day, Joe’s life is irrevocably transformed. He tries to heal his mother, but she will not leave her bed and slips into an abyss of solitude. Increasingly alone, Joe finds himself thrust prematurely into an adult world for which he is ill prepared. While his father, a tribal judge, endeavors to wrest justice from a situation that defies his efforts, Joe becomes frustrated with the official investigation and sets out with his trusted friends, Cappy, Zack, and Angus, to get some answers of his own. Their quest takes them first to the Round House, a sacred space and place of worship for the Ojibwe. And this is only the beginning.

 

 

If I Ever Get Out of Here: A Novel with Paintings by Eric Gansworth
Call Number: Fiction G157i

Lewis “Shoe” Blake is used to the joys and difficulties of life on the Tuscarora Indian reservation in 1975: the joking, the Fireball games, the snow blowing through his roof. What he’s not used to is white people being nice to him — people like George Haddonfield, whose family recently moved to town with the Air Force. As the boys connect through their mutual passion for music, especially the Beatles, Lewis has to lie more and more to hide the reality of his family’s poverty from George. He also has to deal with the vicious Evan Reininger, who makes Lewis the special target of his wrath. But when everyone else is on Evan’s side, how can he be defeated? And if George finds out the truth about Lewis’s home — will he still be his friend?

 

 

 

 

In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse by Joseph Marshall
Call Number: Fiction M3568i

Jimmy McClean is a Lakota boy—though you would not guess it by his name: his father is a white man and his mother is Lakota. When he embarks on a journey with his grandfather, Nyles High Eagle, he learns more and more about his Lakota heritage—in particular, the story of Crazy Horse, one of the most important figures in Lakota history. Drawing inspiration from the oral stories of the Lakota tradition and the Lakota cultural mechanism of the “hero story,” Joseph Marshall provides readers with an insider’s perspective on the life of Tasunke Witko, better known as Crazy Horse. Through his grandfather’s tales about the famous warrior, Jimmy learns more about his Lakota heritage and, ultimately, himself.

 

 

 

 

There There by Tommy Orange
Call Number: Fiction Or152th

Tommy Orange’s wondrous and shattering novel follows twelve characters from Native communities: all traveling to the Big Oakland Powwow, all connected to one another in ways they may not yet realize. Among them is Jacquie Red Feather, newly sober and trying to make it back to the family she left behind. Dene Oxendene, pulling his life together after his uncle’s death and working at the powwow to honor his memory. Fourteen-year-old Orvil, coming to perform traditional dance for the very first time. Together, this chorus of voices tells of the plight of the urban Native American–grappling with a complex and painful history, with an inheritance of beauty and spirituality, with communion and sacrifice and heroism. Hailed as an instant classic, There There is at once poignant and unflinching, utterly contemporary, and truly unforgettable

 

 

 

Man Made Monsters by Andrea L. Rogers; illustrated by Jeff Edwards
Call Number: Fiction R6311ma

Making her YA debut, Cherokee writer Andrea L. Rogers takes her place as one of the most striking voices of the horror renaissance that has swept the last decade.

Horror fans will get their thrills in this collection – from werewolves to vampires to zombies – all the time-worn horror baddies are there. But so are predators of a distinctly American variety – the horrors of empire, of intimate partner violence, of dispossession. And so too the monsters of Rogers’ imagination, that draw upon long-told Cherokee stories – of Deer Woman, fantastical sea creatures, and more.

Following one extended Cherokee family across the centuries, from the tribe’s homelands in Georgia in the 1830s to World War I, the Vietnam War, our own present, and well into the future, each story delivers a slice of a particular time period that will leave readers longing for more.

Alongside each story, Cherokee artist and language technologist Jeff Edwards delivers haunting illustrations that incorporate Cherokee syllabary.

 

 

Graphic Novels

Borders by Thomas King
Call Number: GN K587bo

On a trip to visit his older sister, who has moved away from the family home on the reserve to Salt Lake City, a young boy and his mother are posed a simple question with a not-so-simple answer. Are you Canadian, the border guards ask, or American?

“Blackfoot.”

And when border guards will not accept their citizenship, mother and son wind up trapped in an all-too-real limbo between nations that do not recognize who they are.

A powerful graphic-novel adaptation of one of Thomas King’s most celebrated short stories, Borders explores themes of identity and belonging, and is a poignant depiction of the significance of a nation’s physical borders from an Indigenous perspective. This timeless story is brought to vibrant, piercing life by the singular vision of artist Natasha Donovan.

 

 

Trickster edited by Matt Dembicki
Call Number: GN T731

Meet the Trickster, a crafty creature or being who disrupts the order of things, often humiliating others and sometimes himself in the process. Whether a coyote or rabbit, raccoon or raven, Tricksters use cunning to get food, steal precious possessions, or simply cause mischief. In Trickster, the first graphic anthology of Native American trickster tales, more than twenty Native American tales are cleverly adapted into comic form. An inspired collaboration between Native writers and accomplished artists, these tales bring the Trickster back into popular culture in vivid form. From an ego-driven social misstep in “Coyote and the Pebbles” to the hijinks of “How Wildcat Caught a Turkey” and the hilarity of “Rabbit’s Choctaw Tail Tale,” Trickster bring together Native American folklore and the world of graphic novels for the first time.

 

 

A Girl Called Echo: Pemmican Wars (Vol. 1) by Katherena Vermette; illustrated by Scott B. Henderson; colored by Donovan Yaciuk
Call Number: GN V591gi v.1

Echo Desjardins, a 13-year-old Métis girl adjusting to a new home and school, is struggling with loneliness while separated from her mother. Then, an ordinary day in Mr. Bee’s history class turns extraordinary, and Echo’s life will never be the same. During Mr. Bee’s lecture, Echo finds herself transported to another time and place – a bison hunt on the Saskatchewan prairie – and back again to the present. In the following weeks, Echo slips back and forth in time. She visits a Métis camp, travels the old fur-trade routes, and experiences the perilous and bygone era of the Pemmican Wars.

 

 

 

 

 

A Girl Called Echo: Red River Resistance (Vol. 2) by Katherena Vermette; illustrated by Scott B. Henderson; colored by Donovan Yaciuk
Call Number: GN V591gi v. 2

Picking up where Pemmican Wars left off, Red River Resistance see Echo Desjardins adjusting to her new home, making new friends, and learning about Métis history. One ordinary afternoon in class, Echo finds herself transported through time to the banks of the Red River in the summer of 1869. All is not well in the territory, as Canadian surveyors have arrived, and Métis families, who have lived there for generations, are losing access to their land. As the Resistance takes hold, Echo fears for her friends and the future of her people in the Red River Valley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-fiction 

An Indigenous People’s History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
Call Number: 970.004 D911in

The first history of the United States told from the perspective of indigenous peoples

Today in the United States, there are more than five hundred federally recognized Indigenous nations comprising nearly three million people, descendants of the fifteen million Native people who once inhabited this land. The centuries-long genocidal program of the US settler-colonial regimen has largely been omitted from history. Now, for the first time, acclaimed historian and activist Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz offers a history of the United States told from the perspective of Indigenous peoples and reveals how Native Americans, for centuries, actively resisted expansion of the US empire.

With growing support for movements such as the campaign to abolish Columbus Day and replace it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day and the Dakota Access Pipeline protest led by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States is an essential resource providing historical threads that are crucial for understanding the present. In An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States, Dunbar-Ortiz adroitly challenges the founding myth of the United States and shows how policy against the Indigenous peoples was colonialist and designed to seize the territories of the original inhabitants, displacing or eliminating them. And as Dunbar-Ortiz reveals, this policy was praised in popular culture, through writers like James Fenimore Cooper and Walt Whitman, and in the highest offices of government and the military. Shockingly, as the genocidal policy reached its zenith under President Andrew Jackson, its ruthlessness was best articulated by US Army general Thomas S. Jesup, who, in 1836, wrote of the Seminoles: “The country can be rid of them only by exterminating them.”

Spanning more than four hundred years, this classic bottom-up peoples’ history radically reframes US history and explodes the silences that have haunted our national narrative.

 

#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women edited by Mary Beth Leatherdale
Call Number: 971.00497 N849

Whether looking back to a troubled past or welcoming a hopeful future, the powerful voices of Indigenous women across North America resound in this book. In the same style as the best-selling Dreaming in Indian, #NotYourPrincesspresents an eclectic collection of poems, essays, interviews, and art that combine to express the experience of being a Native woman. Stories of abuse, humiliation, and stereotyping are countered by the voices of passionate women making themselves heard and demanding change. Sometimes angry, often reflective, but always strong, the women in this book will give teen readers insight into the lives of women who, for so long, have been virtually invisible.

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Kisses for Jet: A Coming-of-Gender Story by Joris Bas Backer

(Available from William Rainey Harper College through I-Share)

Book cover for Kisses for Jet.

Kisses for Jet is perfect for fans of Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, Fine: A Comic About Gender by Rhea Ewing, and Welcome to St. Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure by Lewis Hancox.

Kisses for Jet is a semi-autobiographical, coming-of-age graphic novel based in Holland. The bulk of the story takes place at the end of 1999 when Dutch teenager, Jet, is sent to live at a boardinghouse for students while their parents temporarily relocate to Brussels while Jet’s mom works on a Y2K bug fix. We watch as Jet struggles to make friends at the boardinghouse and stay connected to their oldest friend, Sasha, as they embark on a journey of self-discovery (partly accelerated by Sasha). Lots of second embarrassment is felt, and I definitely physically cringed a few times when making my way through the panels. Since Jet is growing up during the pre-internet days, they struggle with finding the words for what they feel, and most of their information is gathered from television documentaries. The story ends as Jet starts puberty blockers with the support of their parents and friends. The art is primarily drawn in black, white, and blue with small amounts of pink used to emphasis Jet’s emotions.

Compared to other graphic novels, the dialogue in Kisses for Jet is sparse, and the story felt, at times, disjointed due to the lack of dialogue and context. I found myself having to re-read certain pages to decide whether they were a continuation of the same situation or if the narrator had moved onto another topic entirely. There are a couple of lines that seem to indicate that Jet could potentially be intersex, but that isn’t explored or discussed past those initial couple of lines. I did appreciate that this book challenges the notion that all trans folks need to have “always known” they were in the wrong body. It is through exploration and self-reflection, like pasting their own picture on a magazine image of Kurt Cobain’s face, that Jet comes to realize their gender identity.

Kisses for Jet does a really good job at portraying the messiness of teenage development and identity formation. I just really wanted this graphic novel to be longer with more information packed in! I would have loved a deeper exploration into Jet potentially being intersex, as well as Jet’s relationship with their mom, who is noted to have been affected by post-partum depression after Jet’s birth. Kisses for Jet is worth the read as another perspective in the diversity of trans experiences, but I found it slightly underwhelming.

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Discover Narrative Non-Fiction with Darian!

Along the right side, "Narrative Nonfiction". On the left side, "I can't believe it not fiction. Learn about something new with some of the our favorite narrative non fiction titles."

All of these books are available in the Uni High Library!

 

The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives by Dashka Slater (364.15 Sl151fi)

One teenager in a skirt. One teenager with a lighter. One moment that changes both of their lives forever. If it weren’t for the 57 bus, Sasha and Richard never would have met. Both were high school students from Oakland, California, one of the most diverse cities in the country, but they inhabited different worlds. Sasha, a white teen, lived in the middle-class foothills and attended a small private school. Richard, a black teen, lived in the crime-plagued flatlands and attended a large public one. Each day, their paths overlapped for a mere eight minutes. But one afternoon on the bus ride home from school, a single reckless act left Sasha severely burned, and Richard charged with two hate crimes and facing life imprisonment. The case garnered international attention, thrusting both teenagers into the spotlight.

 

 

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson (345.73 St481ju)
Bryan Stevenson was a young lawyer when he founded the Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit law office in Montgomery, Alabama, dedicated to defending the poor, the incarcerated, and the wrongly condemned. Just Mercy tells the story of EJI, from the early days with a small staff facing the nation’s highest death sentencing and execution rates, through a successful campaign to challenge the cruel practice of sentencing children to die in prison, to revolutionary projects designed to confront Americans with our history of racial injustice. One of EJI’s first clients was Walter McMillian, a young Black man who was sentenced to die for the murder of a young white woman that he didn’t commit. The case exemplifies how the death penalty in America is a direct descendant of lynching — a system that treats the rich and guilty better than the poor and innocent.

 

 

Escape from Camp 14: One Man’s Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West by Blaine Harden (365 H217es)

North Korea is isolated and hungry, bankrupt and belligerent. It is also armed with nuclear weapons. Between 150,000 and 200,000 people are being held in its political prison camps, which have existed twice as long as Stalin’s Soviet gulags and twelve times as long as the Nazi concentration camps. Very few born and raised in these camps have escaped. But Shin Donghyuk did. In Escape from Camp 14, acclaimed journalist Blaine Harden tells the story of Shin Dong-hyuk and through the lens of Shin’s life unlocks the secrets of the world’s most repressive totalitarian state. Shin knew nothing of civilized existence-he saw his mother as a competitor for food, guards raised him to be a snitch, and he witnessed the execution of his own family. Through Harden’s harrowing narrative of Shin’s life and remarkable escape, he offers an unequaled inside account of one of the world’s darkest nations and a riveting tale of endurance, courage, and survival.

 

Hiroshima by John Hersey (940.5425 H439h2001)

On August 6, 1945, Hiroshima was destroyed by the first atom bomb ever dropped on a city. This book, John Hersey’s journalistic masterpiece, tells what happened on that day. Told through the memories of survivors, this timeless, powerful and compassionate document has become a classic “that stirs the conscience of humanity”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Best We Could Do: An Illustrated Memoir by Thi Bui (GN B8681be)

An intimate look at one family’s journey from their war-torn home in Vietnam to their new lives in America. Exploring the anguish of immigration and the lasting effects that displacement has on a child and her family, Bui documents the story of her family’s daring escape after the fall of South Vietnam in the 1970s and the difficulties they faced building new lives for themselves. At the heart of Bui’s story is a universal struggle: While adjusting to life as a first-time mother, she ultimately discovers what it means to be a parent — the endless sacrifices, the unnoticed gestures, and the depths of unspoken love. Despite how impossible it seems to take on the simultaneous roles of both parent and child, Bui pushes through. With haunting, poetic writing and breathtaking art, she examines the strength of family, the importance of identity, and the meaning of home.

 

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe (GN K791ge)

In 2014, Maia Kobabe, who uses e/em/eir pronouns, thought that a comic of reading statistics would be the last autobiographical comic e would ever write. At the time, it was the only thing e felt comfortable with strangers knowing about em. Now, Gender Queer is here. Maia’s intensely cathartic autobiography charts eir journey of self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to family and society, bonding with friends over erotic gay fanfiction, and facing the trauma of pap smears. Started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual, Gender Queer is more than a personal story: it is a useful and touching guide on gender identity—what it means and how to think about it—for advocates, friends, and humans everywhere.

 

 

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei (GN T1396t)

Long before George Takei braved new frontiers in Star Trek, he woke up as a four-year-old boy to find his own birth country at war with his father’s — and their entire family forced from their home into an uncertain future. In 1942, at the order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, every person of Japanese descent on the west coast was rounded up and shipped to one of ten “relocation centers,” hundreds or thousands of miles from home, where they would be held for years under armed guard. They Called Us Enemy is Takei’s firsthand account of those years behind barbed wire, the joys and terrors of growing up under legalized racism, his mother’s hard choices, his father’s faith in democracy, and the way those experiences planted the seeds for his astonishing future.

 

 

 

Banned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook (GN So62ba)

When Kim Hyun Sook started college in 1983, she was ready for her world to open up. After acing her exams and sort-of convincing her traditional mother that it was a good idea for a woman to go to college, she looked forward to soaking up the ideas of Western Literature far from the drudgery she was promised at her family’s restaurant. But literature class would prove to be just the start of a massive turning point, still focused on reading but with life-or-death stakes she never could have imagined. This was during South Korea’s Fifth Republic, a military regime that entrenched its power through censorship, torture, and the murder of protestors. In this charged political climate, with Molotov cocktails flying and fellow students disappearing for hours and returning with bruises, Hyun Sook sought refuge in the comfort of books. When the handsome young editor of the school newspaper invited her to his reading group, she expected to pop into the cafeteria to talk about Moby Dick, Hamlet, and The Scarlet Letter. Instead, she found herself hiding in a basement as the youngest member of an underground banned book club. And as Hyun Sook soon discovered, in a totalitarian regime, the delights of discovering great works of illicit literature are quickly overshadowed by fear and violence as the walls close in. In Banned Book Club, Hyun Sook shares a dramatic true story of political division, fear-mongering, anti-intellectualism, the death of democratic institutions, and the relentless rebellion of reading.

 

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates (305.800973 C632b)

In a profound work that pivots from the biggest questions about American history and ideals to the most intimate concerns of a father for his son, Ta-Nehisi Coates offers a powerful new framework for understanding our nation’s history and current crisis. Americans have built an empire on the idea of “race,” a falsehood that damages us all but falls most heavily on the bodies of black women and men—bodies exploited through slavery and segregation, and, today, threatened, locked up, and murdered out of all proportion. What is it like to inhabit a black body and find a way to live within it? And how can we all honestly reckon with this fraught history and free ourselves from its burden? Between the World and Me is Ta-Nehisi Coates’s attempt to answer these questions in a letter to his adolescent son. Coates shares with his son—and readers—the story of his awakening to the truth about his place in the world through a series of revelatory experiences, from Howard University to Civil War battlefields, from the South Side of Chicago to Paris, from his childhood home to the living rooms of mothers whose children’s lives were taken as American plunder. Beautifully woven from personal narrative, reimagined history, and fresh, emotionally charged reportage, Between the World and Me clearly illuminates the past, bracingly confronts our present, and offers a transcendent vision for a way forward.

 

Borders by Thomas King (GN K587bo)

On a trip to visit his older sister, who has moved away from the family home on the reserve to Salt Lake City, a young boy and his mother are posed a simple question with a not-so-simple answer. Are you Canadian, the border guards ask, or American? “Blackfoot.” And when border guards will not accept their citizenship, mother and son wind up trapped in an all-too-real limbo between nations that do not recognize who they are. Borders explores themes of identity and belonging, and is a poignant depiction of the significance of a nation’s physical borders from an Indigenous perspective.

 

 

 

 

Shout: A Poetry Memoir by Laurie Halse Anderson (811.6 An2394sh)

Bestselling author Laurie Halse Anderson is known for the unflinching way she writes about, and advocates for, survivors of sexual assault. Now, inspired by her fans and enraged by how little in our culture has changed since her groundbreaking novel Speakwas first published twenty years ago, she has written a poetry memoir that is as vulnerable as it is rallying, as timely as it is timeless. In free verse, Anderson shares reflections, rants, and calls to action woven between deeply personal stories from her life that she’s never written about before. Searing and soul-searching, this important memoir is a denouncement of our society’s failures and a love letter to all the people with the courage to say #metoo and #timesup, whether aloud, online, or only in their own hearts. SHOUT speaks truth to power in a loud, clear voice—and once you hear it, it is impossible to ignore.

 

 

All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto by George M. Johnson (306.7662 J6322al)

In 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. From the memories of getting his teeth kicked out by bullies at age five, to flea marketing with his loving grandmother, to his first sexual relationships, this young-adult memoir weaves together the trials and triumphs faced by Black queer boys. Both a primer for teens eager to be allies as well as a reassuring testimony for young queer men of color, All Boys Aren’t Blue covers topics such as gender identity, toxic masculinity, brotherhood, family, structural marginalization, consent, and Black joy. Johnson’s emotionally frank style of writing will appeal directly to young adults.

 

 

 

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi (GN Sa83p)

Satrapi tells the story of her life in Tehran from ages six to fourteen, years that saw the overthrow of the Shah’s regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and the devastating effects of war with Iraq. The intelligent and outspoken only child of committed Marxists and the great-granddaughter of one of Iran’s last emperors, Marjane bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country. Persepolis paints an unforgettable portrait of daily life in Iran and of the bewildering contradictions between home life and public life. Marjane’s child’s-eye view of dethroned emperors, state-sanctioned whippings, and heroes of the revolution allows us to learn as she does the history of this fascinating country and of her own extraordinary family. Intensely personal, profoundly political, and wholly original, Persepolis is at once a story of growing up and a reminder of the human cost of war and political repression. It shows how we carry on, with laughter and tears, in the face of absurdity. And, finally, it introduces us to an irresistible little girl with whom we cannot help but fall in love.

 

Boots on the Ground: America’s War in Vietnam by Elizabeth Partridge (959.704 P2588bo)

In March 1965 President Lyndon B. Johnson sent troops into Vietnam. 57,939 American soldiers would be killed and seventeen years would pass before this controversial chapter of American history concluded with the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1982. The history of this era is complex, the cultural impact extraordinary. But it’s the personal stories of eight people–six American soldiers, one American nurse, and one Vietnamese refugee — that form the heartbeat of Boots on the Ground. From dense jungles and terrifying firefights to chaotic medic rescues and evacuations, each individual’s story reveals a different facet of the war and moves readers forward in time. Alternating with these chapters are profiles of key American leaders and events, reminding readers what was happening at home, including Kent State, Woodstock, and Watergate.

 

#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women by Mary Beth Leatherdale and Lisa Charleyboy (971.00497 N849)

Whether looking back to a troubled past or welcoming a hopeful future, the powerful voices of Indigenous women across North America resound in this book. #NotYourPrincess presents an eclectic collection of poems, essays, interviews, and art that combine to express the experience of being a Native woman. Stories of abuse, humiliation, and stereotyping are countered by the voices of passionate women making themselves heard and demanding change. Sometimes angry, often reflective, but always strong, the women in this book will give teen readers insight into the lives of women who, for so long, have been virtually invisible.

 

 

 

Hey, Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction by Jarrett J. Krosoczka (GN K928he)

In kindergarten, Jarrett Krosoczka’s teacher asks him to draw his family, with a mommy and a daddy. But Jarrett’s family is much more complicated than that. His mom is an addict, in and out of rehab, and in and out of Jarrett’s life. His father is a mystery — Jarrett doesn’t know where to find him, or even what his name is. Jarrett lives with his grandparents — two very loud, very loving, very opinionated people who had thought they were through with raising children until Jarrett came along. Jarrett goes through his childhood trying to make his non-normal life as normal as possible, finding a way to express himself through drawing even as so little is being said to him about what’s going on. Only as a teenager can Jarrett begin to piece together the truth of his family, reckoning with his mother and tracking down his father. Hey, Kiddo is a profoundly important memoir about growing up in a family grappling with addiction, and finding the art that helps you survive.

 

Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman (759.9492 H3636v)

The deep and enduring friendship between Vincent and Theo Van Gogh shaped both brothers’ lives. Confidant, champion, sympathizer, friend, Theo supported Vincent as he struggled to find his path in life. They shared everything, swapping stories of lovers and friends, successes and disappointments, dreams and ambitions. Meticulously researched, drawing on the 658 letters Vincent wrote to Theo during his lifetime, Deborah Heiligman weaves a tale of two lives intertwined and the love of the Van Gogh brothers.

 

 

 

 

Be sure to checkout Darian’s recommendations for movies, music, and podcasts that also employ narrative non-fiction techniques!

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

September is Deaf Awareness Month

"September is Dear Awareness Month" Pictures of ASL spelling provided.

All of these books are available in the Uni High Library and are currently on display in front of the Circulation Desk!

 

A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard; Fiction B256qu

Steffi has been a selective mute for most of her life – she’s been silent for so long that she feels completely invisible. But Rhys, the new boy at school, sees her. He’s deaf, and her knowledge of basic sign language means that she’s assigned to look after him. To Rhys, it doesn’t matter that Steffi doesn’t talk, and as they find ways to communicate, Steffi finds that she does have a voice, and that she’s falling in love with the one person who makes her feel brave enough to use it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Silence Between Us by Gervais, Alison; Fiction G329si

Deaf teen Maya moves across the country and must attend a hearing school for the first time. As if that wasn’t hard enough, she also has to adjust to the hearing culture, which she finds frustrating—and also surprising when some classmates, including Beau Watson, take time to learn ASL. As Maya looks past graduation and focuses on her future dreams, nothing, not even an unexpected romance, will derail her pursuits. But when people in her life—deaf and hearing alike—ask her to question parts of her deaf identity, Maya stands proudly, never giving in to the idea that her deafness is a disadvantage.

 

 

 

 

Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly; Fiction K2959he

In one day, four lives weave together in unexpected ways. Virgil Salinas is shy and kindhearted and feels out of place in his loud and boisterous family. Valencia Somerset, who is deaf, is smart, brave, and secretly lonely, and loves everything about nature. Kaori Tanaka is a self-proclaimed psychic, whose little sister Gen is always following her around. And Chet Bullens wishes the weird kids would just act normal so that he can concentrate on basketball. They aren’t friends — at least not until Chet pulls a prank that traps Virgil and his pet guinea pig at the bottom of a well. This disaster leads Kaori, Gen, and Valencia on an epic quest to find the missing Virgil. Through luck, smarts, bravery, and a little help from the universe, a rescue is performed, a bully is put in his place, and friendship blooms.

 

 

There Will be Lies by Nick Lake; Fiction L148t

In four hours, Shelby Jane Cooper will be struck by a car. Shortly after, she and her mother will leave the hospital and set out on a winding journey toward the Grand Canyon. All Shelby knows is that they’re running from dangers only her mother understands. And the further they travel, the more Shelby questions everything about her past—and her current reality. Forced to take advantage of the kindness of unsuspecting travelers, Shelby grapples with what’s real, what isn’t, and who she can trust . . . if anybody.

 

 

 

 

 

A Silent Voice by Ōima, Yoshitoki; GN Oi5si

Shoya is a bully. When Shoko, a girl who can’t hear, enters his elementary school class, she becomes their favorite target, and Shoya and his friends goad each other into devising new tortures for her. But the children’s cruelty goes too far. Shoko is forced to leave the school, and Shoya ends up shouldering all the blame. Six years later, the two meet again. Can Shoya make up for his past mistakes, or is it too late?

 

 

 

 

 

 

I Hear the Sunspot by Yuki Fumino; GN F961he

Because of a hearing disability, Kohei is often misunderstood and has trouble integrating into life on campus, so he learns to keep his distance. That is until he meets the outspoken and cheerful Taichi. He tells Kohei that his hearing loss is not his fault. Taichi’s words cut through Kohei’s usual defense mechanisms and open his heart. More than friends, less than lovers, their relationship changes Kohei forever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signing: How to Speak with Your Hands by Elaine Costello and Lois A. Lehman; 419 C824S

American Sign Language is a wonderful silent language of hands, face, and body that is rich with nuance, emotion, and grace. Bantam is proud to present the newly revised Signing : How To Speak With Your Hands, a comprehensive and easy-to-use guide that has long been the invaluable and definitive guide for families, friends, and professionals who need to communicate effectively with deaf children and adults. Now this expanded edition, with redesigned interiors and updated material, includes even more signs; large, upper-torso illustrations clearly show formation and movement of the hands, and their relation to the face and body. All the beautifully illustrated signs are accompanied by precise, easy-to-follow instructions on how to form them. This complete guide includes chapters on common phrases, the alphabet, foods and eating, health, recreation, and the newest chapter covering technology, politics. education, and music.

 

The American Sign Language Handshape Dictionary by Richard A Tennant, Marianne Gluszak Broown; 419 T255a

An Introduction to Deaf Culture and ASL Structure. This unique reference can help users locate a sign whose meaning they have forgotten, or help them find the meaning of a new sign they have just seen for the first time. It organizes more than 1,900 ASL signs by 40 basic handshapes and includes detailed descriptions on how to form these signs to represent the different English words that they might mean. ASL students can begin to track down a sign by determining whether it is formed with one hand or two. Further distinctions of handshape, palm orientation, location, movement, and other nonmanual body signals help them pinpoint their search while also refining their grasp of ASL syntax and grammar. A complete English word index provides the option of referring to an alphabetical listing of English terms to locate an equivalent sign or choice of signs.

 

Deaf Republic: Poems by Ilya Kaminsky; 811 K1288de

Ilya Kaminsky’s astonishing parable in poems asks us, What is silence? Deaf Republic opens in an occupied country in a time of political unrest. When soldiers breaking up a protest kill a deaf boy, Petya, the gunshot becomes the last thing the citizens hear–they all have gone deaf, and their dissent becomes coordinated by sign language. The story follows the private lives of townspeople encircled by public violence: a newly married couple, Alfonso and Sonya, expecting a child; the brash Momma Galya, instigating the insurgency from her puppet theater; and Galya’s girls, heroically teaching signing by day and by night luring soldiers one by one to their deaths behind the curtain. At once a love story, an elegy, and an urgent plea, Ilya Kaminsky’s long-awaited Deaf Republic confronts our time’s vicious atrocities and our collective silence in the face of them.

 

Children of a Lesser God: A Play in Two Acts by Mark Medoff; 812 M4692c1980

Children of a Lesser God was written specifically for deaf actress Phyllis Frelich, and based in part on her real-life relationship with her husband. In the story, an idealistic teacher at a State School for the Deaf falls in love with a woman who has been deaf since birth. She was once a student there, but is now a maid, and would rather clean bathrooms in silence than learn to speak. But she falls in love with the teacher, and together they have to find a place of communication between the hearing and the deaf, between sign language and speech.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Hispanic Heritage Month Bookopoly Bulletin Board!

Bulletin Board that looks like a monopoly board

Here’s a list of the books featured on the Hispanic Heritage Month Bookopoly Bulletin Board!

YA Fiction:

  1. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz (Available in the Uni High Library! Fiction Sa166a)
    •  Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship — the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.
  2. Dealing in Dreams by Lilliam Rivera (Available at the Center for Children’s Books; non-circulating collection. S. R5235de and from multiple institutions through I-Share)
    • Nalah leads the fiercest all-girl crew in Mega City. That role brings with it violent throw downs and access to the hottest boydega clubs, but the sixteen-year-old grows weary of the life. Her dream is to get off the streets and make a home in the exclusive Mega Towers, in which only a chosen few get to live. To make it to the Mega towers, Nalah must prove her loyalty to the city’s benevolent founder and cross the border in a search for a mysterious gang the Ashé Ryders. Led by a reluctant guide, Nalah battles other crews and her own doubts, but the closer she gets to her goal, the more she loses sight of everything—and everyone— she cares about. Nalah must do the unspeakable to get what she wants—a place to call home. But is a home just where you live? Or who you choose to protect?
  3. The Lesbian’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes (Not available through I-Share yet)
    • Sixteen-year-old Yamilet Flores prefers to be known for her killer eyeliner, not for being one of the only Mexican kids at her new, mostly white, very rich Catholic school. But at least here no one knows she’s gay, and Yami intends to keep it that way. After being outed by her crush and ex-best friend before transferring to Slayton Catholic, Yami has new priorities: keep her brother out of trouble, make her mom proud, and, most importantly, don’t fall in love. Granted, she’s never been great at any of those things, but that’s a problem for Future Yami. The thing is, it’s hard to fake being straight when Bo, the only openly queer girl at school, is so annoyingly perfect. And smart. And talented. And cute. So cute. Either way, Yami isn’t going to make the same mistake again. If word got back to her mom, she could face a lot worse than rejection. So she’ll have to start asking, WWSGD: What would a straight girl do?

YA SF/F:

  1. Each of Us a Desert by Mark Oshiro (Available from SSHEL! S. Os46ea)
    • Xochital is destined to wander the desert alone, speaking her troubled village’s stories into its arid winds. Her only companions are the blessed stars above and enimagic lines of poetry magically strewn across dusty dunes. Her one desire: to share her heart with a kindred spirit. One night, Xo’s wish is granted—in the form of Emilia, the cold and beautiful daughter of the town’s murderous mayor. But when the two set out on a magical journey across the desert, they find their hearts could be a match… if only they can survive the nightmare-like terrors that arise when the sun goes down.
  2. Never Look Back by Lilliam Rivera (Available from SSHEL! S. R5235ne)
    • Eury comes to the Bronx as a girl haunted. Haunted by losing everything in Hurricane Maria–and by an evil spirit, Ato. She fully expects the tragedy that befell her and her family in Puerto Rico to catch up with her in New York. Yet, for a time, she can almost set this fear aside, because there’s this boy . . .Pheus is a golden-voiced, bachata-singing charmer, ready to spend the summer on the beach with his friends, serenading his on-again, off-again flame. That changes when he meets Eury. All he wants is to put a smile on her face and fight off her demons. But some dangers are too powerful for even the strongest love, and as the world threatens to tear them apart, Eury and Pheus must fight for each other and their lives.
  3. Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez (Available from the Ikenberry Commons Residence Hall Library! Science Fiction – Fantasy ; IBANEZ, ISABEL)
    • Ximena is the decoy Condesa, a stand-in for the last remaining Illustrian royal. Her people lost everything when the usurper, Atoc, used an ancient relic to summon ghosts and drive the Illustrians from La Ciudad. Now Ximena’s motivated by her insatiable thirst for revenge, and her rare ability to spin thread from moonlight. When Atoc demands the real Condesa’s hand in marriage, it’s Ximena’s duty to go in her stead. She relishes the chance, as Illustrian spies have reported that Atoc’s no longer carrying his deadly relic. If Ximena can find it, she can return the true aristócrata to their rightful place. She hunts for the relic, using her weaving ability to hide messages in tapestries for the resistance. But when a masked vigilante, a warm-hearted princess, and a thoughtful healer challenge Ximena, her mission becomes more complicated. There could be a way to overthrow the usurper without starting another war, but only if Ximena turns her back on revenge—and her Condesa.

Fiction:

  1. Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine (Available from the Literatures and Languages Library! PS3606.A396 A6 2019 and the Ikenberry Commons Residence Hall Library! Circulating Collection ; FARJARDO-ANSTINE, KALI)
    • A haunting debut story collection on friendship, mothers and daughters, and the deep-rooted truths of our homelands, centered on Latinas of indigenous ancestry that shines a new light on the American West. Sabrina & Corina is a moving narrative of unrelenting feminine power and an exploration of the universal experiences of abandonment, heritage, and an eternal sense of home.
  2. Dominicana by Angie Cruz (Available from the Literatures and Languages Library! PS3603.R89 D66 2019 and the Ikenberry Commons Residence Hall Library! Circulating Collection ; CRUZ, ANGIE)
    • Fifteen-year-old Ana Cancion never dreamed of moving to America, the way the girls she grew up with in the Dominican countryside did. But when Juan Ruiz proposes and promises to take her to New York City, she has to say yes. It doesn’t matter that he is twice her age, that there is no love between them. Their marriage is an opportunity for her entire close-knit family to eventually immigrate. So on New Year’s Day, 1965, Ana leaves behind everything she knows and becomes Ana Ruiz, a wife confined to a cold six-floor walk-up in Washington Heights. Lonely and miserable, Ana hatches a reckless plan to escape. But at the bus terminal, she is stopped by Cesar, Juan’s free-spirited younger brother, who convinces her to stay. As the Dominican Republic slides into political turmoil, Juan returns to protect his family’s assets, leaving Cesar to take care of Ana. Suddenly, Ana is free to take English lessons at a local church, lie on the beach at Coney Island, see a movie at Radio City Music Hall, go dancing with Cesar, and imagine the possibility of a different kind of life in America. When Juan returns, Ana must decide once again between her heart and her duty to her family.
  3. Halsey Street by Naima Coster (Available from the Ikenberry Commons Residence Hall Library! Circulating Collection ; COSTER, NAIMA and the Main Stacks! PS3603.O86825 H35 2017)
    • Penelope Grand has scrapped her failed career as an artist in Pittsburgh and moved back to Brooklyn to keep an eye on her ailing father. She’s accepted that her future won’t be what she’d dreamed, but now, as gentrification has completely reshaped her old neighborhood, even her past is unrecognizable. Old haunts have been razed, and wealthy white strangers have replaced every familiar face in Bed-Stuy. Even her mother, Mirella, has abandoned the family to reclaim her roots in the Dominican Republic. That took courage. It’s also unforgivable.When Penelope moves into the attic apartment of the affluent Harpers, she thinks she’s found a semblance of family—and maybe even love. But her world is upended again when she receives a postcard from Mirella asking for reconciliation. As old wounds are reopened, and secrets revealed, a journey across an ocean of sacrifice and self-discovery begins.

SF/F:

  1. The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina by Zoraida Cordova (Available from The Illinois Street Resident Hall Library! Science Fiction – Fantasy; CORDOVA, ZORAIDA)
    • The Montoyas are used to a life without explanations. They know better than to ask why the pantry never seems to run low or empty, or why their matriarch won’t ever leave their home in Four Rivers—even for graduations, weddings, or baptisms. But when Orquídea Divina invites them to her funeral and to collect their inheritance, they hope to learn the secrets that she has held onto so tightly their whole lives. Instead, Orquídea is transformed, leaving them with more questions than answers. Seven years later, her gifts have manifested in different ways for Marimar, Rey, and Tatinelly’s daughter, Rhiannon, granting them unexpected blessings. But soon, a hidden figure begins to tear through their family tree, picking them off one by one as it seeks to destroy Orquídea’s line. Determined to save what’s left of their family and uncover the truth behind their inheritance, the four descendants travel to Ecuador—to the place where Orquídea buried her secrets and broken promises and never looked back.
  2. Prime Deceptions by Valerie Valdes (Not available through I-Share yet)
    • The lovably flawed crew of La Sirena Negra and their psychic cats return in this fast-paced and outrageously fun science-fiction novel, in which they confront past failures and face new threats in the far reaches of space from the author of the critically acclaimed Chilling Effect. Captain Eva Innocente and the crew of La Sirena Negra find themselves once again on the fringe of populated space—and at the center of a raging covert war. When Eva’s sister asks for help locating a missing scientist, promises of a big paycheck and a noble cause convince Eva to take the job despite lingering trust issues. With reluctant assistance from her estranged mother, Eva and her crew follow the missing scientist’s trail across the universe, from the costume-filled halls of a never-ending convention to a dangerous bot-fighting arena. They ultimately find themselves at the last place Eva wants to see again—Garilia—where she experienced her most shameful and haunting failure. To complete her mission and get paid, Eva must navigate a paradise embroiled in a rebellion, where massive forests and pristine beaches hide psychic creatures and pervasive surveillance technology. Can she find her quarry while avoiding the oppressive local regime, or will she be doomed to repeat past mistakes when her dark deeds come to light?
  3. Eartheater by Dolores Reyes (Available from Eastern Illinois University through I-Share)
    • Set in an unnamed slum in contemporary Argentina, Earth-eater is the story of a young woman who finds herself drawn to eating the earth—a compulsion that gives her visions of broken and lost lives. With her first taste of dirt, she learns the horrifying truth of her mother’s death. Disturbed by what she witnesses, the woman keeps her visions to herself. But when Earth-eater begins an unlikely relationship with a withdrawn police officer, word of her ability begins to spread, and soon desperate members of her community beg for her help, anxious to uncover the truth about their own loved ones.

Graphic Novels:

  1. Suncatcher by Jose Pimienta (Available from the Uni High Library! GN P649su)
    • Suncatcher tells the story of a young musician in Mexicali in the early 2000s. When she discovers her grandfather’s soul is trapped inside his old guitar, she takes it upon herself to find a way to save him. Meanwhile, she also aims to be in a unique local band with big dreams to be part of the current movement of bands across the country of Mexico.
  2. Tales from La Vida edited by Frederick Luis Aldama (Available from multiple institutions through I-Share!)
    • In the Latinx comics community, there is much to celebrate today, with more Latinx comic book artists than ever before. The resplendent visual-verbal storyworlds of these artists reach into and radically transform so many visual and storytelling genres. Tales from la Vida celebrates this space by bringing together more than eighty contributions by extraordinary Latinx creators. Their short visual-verbal narratives spring from autobiographical experience as situated within the language, culture, and history that inform Latinx identity and life. Tales from la Vida showcases the huge variety of styles and worldviews of today’s Latinx comic book and visual creators.
  3. La Voz de M.A.Y.O.: Tata Rambo, Vol. 1 by Henry Barajas (Available from Augustana College through I-Share)
    • Based on the oral history of Ramon Jaurigue, an orphan and WWII veteran who co-founded the Mexican, American, Yaqui, and Others (M.A.Y.O.) organization, which successfully lobbied the Tucson City Council to improve living and working conditions for members of the Pascua Yaqui tribe, paving the way to their federal recognition. Meanwhile, Ramon’s home life suffered as his focus was pulled from his family to the wider community, and from domesticity to the adrenaline of the campaign. 

Horror:

  1. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Available from the University of Illinois Library as an e-book and McKendree University through I-Share)
    • After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She’s not sure what she will find—her cousin’s husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemí knows little about the region. Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemí’s dreams with visions of blood and doom. Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family’s youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemí, but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family’s past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family’s once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemí digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness. And Noemí, mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind.
  2. Coyote Songs: A Barrio Noir by Gabino Iglesias (Available from William Rainey Harper College through I-Share)
    • Ghosts and old gods guide the hands of those caught up in a violent struggle to save the soul of the American southwest.
      A man tasked with shuttling children over the border believes the Virgin Mary is guiding him towards final justice. A woman offers colonizer blood to the Mother of Chaos. A boy joins corpse destroyers to seek vengeance for the death of his father. These stories intertwine with those of a vengeful spirit and a hungry creature to paint a timely, compelling, pulpy portrait of revenge, family, and hope.
  3. Tenth Girl by Sara Faring (Available at the Center for Children’s Books; non-circulating collection. S. F226te)
    • At the very southern tip of South America looms an isolated finishing school. Legend has it that the land will curse those who settle there. But for Mavi—a bold Buenos Aires native fleeing the military regime that took her mother—it offers an escape to a new life as a young teacher to Argentina’s elite girls. Mavi tries to embrace the strangeness of the imposing house—despite warnings not to roam at night, threats from an enigmatic young man, and rumors of mysterious Others. But one of Mavi’s ten students is missing, and when students and teachers alike begin to behave as if possessed, the forces haunting this unholy cliff will no longer be ignored. One of these spirits holds a secret that could unravel Mavi’s existence. In order to survive she must solve a cosmic mystery—and then fight for her life.

Memoirs:

  1. In the Country We Love: My Family Divided by Diane Guerrero (Available from the Ikenberry Commons Residence Hall Library! 791.4 G9376in)
    • Diane Guerrero, the television actress from the megahit Orange is the New Black and Jane the Virgin, was just fourteen years old on the day her parents and brother were arrested and deported while she was at school. Born in the U.S., Guerrero was able to remain in the country and continue her education, depending on the kindness of family friends who took her in and helped her build a life and a successful acting career for herself, without the support system of her family. In the Country We Love is a moving, heartbreaking story of one woman’s extraordinary resilience in the face of the nightmarish struggles of undocumented residents in this country. There are over 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the US, many of whom have citizen children, whose lives here are just as precarious, and whose stories haven’t been told. Written with Michelle Burford, this memoir is a tale of personal triumph that also casts a much-needed light on the fears that haunt the daily existence of families likes the author’s and on a system that fails them over and over.
  2. The Man Who Could Move Clouds: A Memoir by Ingrid Rojas Contreras (Available from multiple institutions through I-Share)
    • For Ingrid Rojas Contreras, magic runs in the family. Raised amid the political violence of 1980s and ’90s Colombia, in a house bustling with her mother’s fortune-telling clients, she was a hard child to surprise. Her maternal grandfather, Nono, was a renowned curandero, a community healer gifted with what the family called “the secrets” the power to talk to the dead, tell the future, treat the sick, and move the clouds. And as the first woman to inherit “the secrets,” Rojas Contreras’ mother was just as powerful. Mami delighted in her ability to appear in two places at once, and she could cast out even the most persistent spirits with nothing more than a glass of water.This legacy had always felt like it belonged to her mother and grandfather, until, while living in the U.S. in her twenties, Rojas Contreras suffered a head injury that left her with amnesia. As she regained partial memory, her family was excited to tell her that this had happened before: Decades ago Mami had taken a fall that left her with amnesia, too. And when she recovered, she had gained access to “the secrets.” In 2012, spurred by a shared dream among Mami and her sisters, and her own powerful urge to relearn her family history in the aftermath of her memory loss, Rojas Contreras joins her mother on a journey to Colombia to disinter Nono’s remains. With Mami as her unpredictable, stubborn, and often hilarious guide, Rojas Contreras traces her lineage back to her Indigenous and Spanish roots, uncovering the violent and rigid colonial narrative that would eventually break her mestizo family into two camps: those who believe “the secrets” are a gift, and those who are convinced they are a curse.
  3. My Broken Language: A Memoir by Quiara Alegría Hudes (Available from the Literatures and Languages Library! Stacks A; PS3608.U3234 Z46 2021)
    • Quiara Alegría Hudes was the sharp-eyed girl on the stairs while her family danced in her grandmother’s tight North Philly kitchen. She was awed by her aunts and uncles and cousins, but haunted by the secrets of the family and the unspoken, untold stories of the barrio–even as she tried to find her own voice in the sea of language around her, written and spoken, English and Spanish, bodies and books, Western art and sacred altars. Her family became her private pantheon, a gathering circle of powerful orisha-like women with tragic real-world wounds, and she vowed to tell their stories–but first she’d have to get off the stairs and join the dance. She’d have to find her language.

 Poetry:

  1. In Real Life: an English-Spanish Novel in Poems by Leticia Sala( Not available through I-Share yet)
    • Told in a poetic key, the fate of this couple, whose relationship begins with love at first like, offers a fractured mosaic of essential moments crowded with insecurities and urban neuroses, both contemporary and universal. The characters in the work of Leticia Sala seek light in the chaos churned out by modern culture and are always treated by the author with compassion, regard, and respect for their unfolding desires. In Real Life captures our infatuation with technology and finding new ways of relating to one another, our fascination with travel and language, and our age-old obsession with that right to love and feel loved.
  2. Tortillera: Poems by Caridad Moro-Gronlier (Not available through I-Share yet)
    • The word tortillera means lesbian in Español. The moniker is familiar to most Spanish speaking cultures, but especially particular to the Cuban experience. In most Cuban-American households to be called a tortillera (whether one is one or not) is the gravest of insults, the basest of adjectives, a cat call that whips through the air like a lash whose only intention is to wound, to scar. Many a first-generation, Cubanita (the ones who are into other girls, anyway) has suffered, denied, wailed over the loaded term, but in Caridad Moro-Gronlier’s debut collection, Tortillera, she not only applies the term to herself, she owns it, drapes it over her shoulders and heralds her truth through candid, unflinching poems that address the queer experience of coming out while Cuban.
  3. Peluda by Melissa Lozada-Oliva (Available from the Uni High Library! 811.6 L9591p)
    • Humorous and biting, personal and communal, self-deprecating and unapologetically self-loving, peluda (meaning “hairy” or “hairy beast”) is the poet at her best. The book explores the relationship between femininity and body hair as well as the intersections of family, class, the immigrant experience, Latina identity, and much more, all through Lozada-Oliva’s unique lens and striking voice. peluda is a powerful testimony on body image and the triumph over taboo.

History:

  1. Dreams From Many Rivers: a Hispanic History of the United States Told in Poems by Margarita Engle (Available at the Center for Children’s Books; non-circulating collection. 811 En35dr and multiple institutions through I-Share)
    • From Juana Briones and Juan Ponce de León, to eighteenth century slaves and modern-day sixth graders, the many and varied people depicted in this moving narrative speak to the experiences and contributions of Latinos throughout the history of the United States, from the earliest known stories up to present day. It’s a portrait of a great, enormously varied, and enduring heritage. A compelling treatment of an important topic.
  2. Our America: A Hispanic History of the United States by Felipe Fernández-Armesto (Available from the Main Stacks! E184.S75 F46 2014)
    • The United States is still typically conceived of as an offshoot of England, with our history unfolding east to west beginning with the first English settlers in Jamestown. This view overlooks the significance of America’s Hispanic past. With the profile of the United States increasingly Hispanic, the importance of recovering the Hispanic dimension to our national story has never been greater. This absorbing narrative begins with the explorers and conquistadores who planted Spain’s first colonies in Puerto Rico, Florida, and the Southwest. Missionaries and rancheros carry Spain’s expansive impulse into the late eighteenth century, settling California, mapping the American interior to the Rockies, and charting the Pacific coast. During the nineteenth century Anglo-America expands west under the banner of “Manifest Destiny” and consolidates control through war with Mexico. In the Hispanic resurgence that follows, it is the peoples of Latin America who overspread the continent, from the Hispanic heartland in the West to major cities such as Chicago, Miami, New York, and Boston. The United States clearly has a Hispanic present and future.
  3. Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in the America by Juan González (Available from the Main Stacks! 973.0468 G5895; E184.S75 G655 2000 and the Oak Street Library! E184.S75 G655 2000)
    • Spanning 500 years of Hispanic history, from the first New World colonies to the 19th century westward expansion in America, this narrative features family portraits of real-life immigrants along with sketches of the political events and social conditions that compelled them to leave their homeland.
  4. Latinx: The New Force in American Politics and Culture by Ed Morales (Available from The Illinois Street Resident Hall Library! Identity Studies; 973 M7925la)
    • “Latinx” (pronounced “La-teen-ex”) is the gender-neutral term that covers one of the largest and fastest growing minorities in the United States, accounting for 17 percent of the country. Over 58 million Americans belong to the category, including a sizable part of the country’s working class, both foreign and native-born. Their political empowerment is altering the balance of forces in a growing number of states. And yet Latinx barely figure in America’s ongoing conversation about race and ethnicity. Remarkably, the US census does not even have a racial category for “Latino.” In this groundbreaking discussion, Ed Morales explains how Latinx political identities are tied to a long Latin American history of mestizaje—“mixedness” or “hybridity”—and that this border thinking is both a key to understanding bilingual, bicultural Latin cultures and politics and a challenge to America’s infamously black–white racial regime.
Monday, September 19, 2022

Welcome to St. Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure by Lewis Hancox

Book cover for Welcome to St. Hell: My Trans Teen Misadventure by Lewis Hancox. Shows an adult male with pointing a teenage girl in a school uniform with a speech bubble that says, "That was me in high school".

Welcome to St. Hell (GN H19126we) is perfect for fans of Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, Fine: A Comic About Gender by Rhea Ewing, and Kisses for Jet: A Coming-of-Gender Story by Joris Bas Backer.

This graphic memoir caused all the feels! It starts with adult Lewis introducing his hometown of St. Helens, England (affectionately referred to as St. Hell throughout the book) and his pre-transition self, Lois. Quick note: Lewis introduces his pre-transition self as Lois and uses she/her pronouns to refer to himself during this pre-transition period. Lois spends the bulk of her high school career – age 11-16 – trying to be a “normal girl” to avoid bullying from her classmates. Once Lois enters college – ages 16-18 – she begins to explore her sexuality and gender: she publicly identifies first as a cis-lesbian and later as a straight, transman. During the recounting of his transition story, adult Lewis interjects with poignant interviews of his friends and family, which he mentioned he used as a tool of catharsis and healing.

Adult Lewis interjects himself into the recounting of his adolescent years to provide hindsight wisdom as well as some humor. As a child of the 90s, I appreciate the pop culture references from learning to code for the perfect Myspace page to the public’ collective obsession with Justin Timberlake. Lewis Hancox’s journey from adolescence to adulthood is portrayed with a brutally honest and refreshingly honest style, which made me tear up and laugh out loud. There is a portion of the book that covers Lois’ struggle with an eating disorder that folks should be aware of before picking up this book.

This is a must read for anyone who likes graphic memoirs and LGBTQIA+ stories!

Two black and white comic panels. The first panel shows Lewis Hancox an adult male with a speech bubble that says, "Whatever kinda hell you're goin' through, don't give up, okay? Coz in the end, it'll be reet! Copyright my dad". The second panel shows a drawing of a cityscape with the words, "And if it ain't reet, it ain't the end".

Monday, September 19, 2022

Call for Student Book Reviews

Have you read a book that you NEED to talk about because it was so good, bad, or it had a lot to process?!

 

Uncle Sam character pointing the reader with the words, "I Want You"

 

 

 

To write a book review for Dungeon Letters (the monthly Uni High Library newsletter) and the Uni High Reads Blog!

Email submissions to alexaep2@illinois.edu

 

 

 

 

 

What is requested for your review:

  • 200 – 300 words!
  • Two paragraphs
  • A few tags/keywords that describe your book (fantasy, romance, diverse, etc.)
  • Submit your review to Alexa (alexaep2@illinois.edu) (where it will be subject to editing)

Paragraph 1: Plot Description

  • Who, what, when, where
  • Characters – name only the ones you are going to analyze later (if you’re not going to talk about them later, avoid naming)
  • World – probably most important in fantasies but still necessary in realism
  • Pivotal points:
    • Darla makes a fatal mistake that puts everyone in danger
    • Perry the bear encounters a surprise upon his return to his hidey hole

Paragraph 2: Your Analysis

  • Opinion (NOT what you want): more like joy, anger, disgust, sad (my heart hurt)
  • Analysis (MORE what you want): sounds more objective; this will make up the bulk of and sometimes all of your review. Some questions to consider:
    • How well was the setting portrayed? Did the plot pace well or were there lulls? Were characters introduced and given nuance? Was the structure of the book helpful? Was the narration effective?
  • Concluding sentence on if people should read it!

Other Reviewing Tips

  • Consider your audience – you are writing for your peers, and you want to give them an honest opinion about what you’ve read
  • Be accurate – double check names, title, etc. consistently.
  • Be economical with sentences
  • Be professional (avoid sarcasm)
  • Avoid spoilers!
Tuesday, March 8, 2022

They Wish They Were Us by Jennifer Goodman

Are you looking for a murder mystery similar to The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder? How about a book with a group dynamic fraught with tensions and secrets like One of Us Is Lying? Look no further than Jessica Goodman’s They Wish They Were Us which just came in to Uni High Library ?

High school senior Jill Newman is part of Gold Coast Prep’s not-so-secret society, The Players, who rule over the student body and have access to everything they could ever want in life from test answers to favor with college admissions counselors. But when Jill was a Freshman, her charismatic best friend Shaila Arnold was murdered during a Player’s initiation ritual. Shaila’s boyfriend Graham confessed to the murder and the case was closed. UNTIL NOW! Just as Jill and the current senior Players are making plans to recruit the next group into the society, she starts receiving text messages telling her Graham is innocent, leading Jill to question everything she knows is true and has her confronting memories she has long-suppressed. Jill is desperate for the truth, but it’s definitely going to cost her. Her future? Her friendships? Her sanity? Quite possibly all three.

I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would. I’ve been trying to read a wider variety of books lately because often times I end up pleasantly surprised (a good lesson to all readers, I think!). The plot was a tad predictable, I’m not going to lie, but I loved the strong female characters enough that it kept me engaged all the way through. It’s also one of those books that’s really easy to devour, which can be a fun change of pace when you’ve been reading Six of Crows or The Name of the Wind (yes this is a shameless plug for the March Book Madness event you should definitely participate in at the library!)

It’s not a perfect read. Making one of the not-so-major characters gay did feel a little bit queer-baity, but on the whole I think this book did it exactly what it set out to do, just possibly with a few too many difficult topics and situations thrown in for the sake of “representation” rather than for actual plot furthering or serious discussion.

Friday, February 25, 2022

March Book Madness

(All book descriptions from Goodreads, except where noted!)

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo(#1)
35224992A story of love and duty set in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the Red Scare.

“That book. It was about two women, and they fell in love with each other.” And then Lily asked the question that had taken root in her, that was even now unfurling its leaves and demanding to be shown the sun: “Have you ever heard of such a thing?”

Seventeen-year-old Lily Hu can’t remember exactly when the question took root, but the answer was in full bloom the moment she and Kathleen Miller walked under the flashing neon sign of a lesbian bar called the Telegraph Club.

America in 1954 is not a safe place for two girls to fall in love, especially not in Chinatown. Red-Scare paranoia threatens everyone, including Chinese Americans like Lily. With deportation looming over her father—despite his hard-won citizenship—Lily and Kath risk everything to let their love see the light of day.

 

On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden (#2)
36952615

Throughout the deepest reaches of space, a crew rebuilds beautiful and broken-down structures, painstakingly putting the past together. As new member Mia gets to know her team, the story flashes back to her pivotal year in boarding school, where she fell in love with a mysterious new student. Soon, though, Mia reveals her true purpose for joining their ship—to track down her long-lost love.

An inventive world, a breathtaking love story, and stunning art come together in this new work by award-winning artist Tillie Walden.

 

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson(#3)
45874065

Pretty and popular high school senior Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then killed himself. It was all anyone could talk about. And five years later, Pip sees how the tragedy still haunts her town.

But she can’t shake the feeling that there was more to what happened that day. She knew Sal when she was a child, and he was always so kind to her. How could he possibly have been a killer?

Now a senior herself, Pip decides to reexamine the closed case for her final project, at first just to cast doubt on the original investigation. But soon she discovers a trail of dark secrets that might actually prove Sal innocent . . . and the line between past and present begins to blur. Someone in Fairview doesn’t want Pip digging around for answers, and now her own life might be in danger.

This is the story of an investigation turned obsession, full of twists and turns and with an ending you’ll never expect.

One of Us is Lying by Karen M McManus (#4)
32571395. sy475

One of Us Is Lying is the story of what happens when five strangers walk into detention and only four walk out alive. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has something to hide.

On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention.
Bronwyn, the brain, is Yale-bound and never breaks a rule.
Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess.
Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing.
Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher.
And Simon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High’s notorious gossip app.

Only, Simon never makes it out of that classroom. Before the end of detention, Simon’s dead. And according to investigators, his death wasn’t an accident. On Monday, he died. But on Tuesday, he’d planned to post juicy reveals about all four of his high-profile classmates, which makes all four of them suspects in his murder. Or are they the perfect patsies for a killer who’s still on the loose?
Everyone has secrets, right? What really matters is how far you would go to protect them.

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (#5)

186074

Told in Kvothe’s own voice, this is the tale of the magically gifted young man who grows to be the most notorious wizard his world has ever seen.

The intimate narrative of his childhood in a troupe of traveling players, his years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime-ridden city, his daringly brazen yet successful bid to enter a legendary school of magic, and his life as a fugitive after the murder of a king form a gripping coming-of-age story unrivaled in recent literature.

A high-action story written with a poet’s hand, The Name of the Wind is a masterpiece that will transport readers into the body and mind of a wizard.

Student review by William King (November newsletter):

The Name of the Wind was described to me by a friend as “the best book to ever exist.” Just a few pages in, I was convinced. A story told in the hero’s own voice, this fantasy adventure shows the growth of one of Temerant’s finest wizards and most notorious adventurers, Kvothe. Rothfuss’s captivating storytelling makes even the dullest chapters hard to look away from, and his detailed and layered  writing lets you find something new every reread.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (#6)

23437156. sx318

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone. . . .

A convict with a thirst for revenge
A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager
A runaway with a privileged past
A spy known as the Wraith
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes

Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don’t kill each other first.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz (#7)12000020

Dante can swim. Ari can’t. Dante is articulate and self-assured. Ari has a hard time with words and suffers from self-doubt. Dante gets lost in poetry and art. Ari gets lost in thoughts of his older brother who is in prison. Dante is fair skinned. Ari’s features are much darker. It seems that a boy like Dante, with his open and unique perspective on life, would be the last person to break down the walls that Ari has built around himself.

But against all odds, when Ari and Dante meet, they develop a special bond that will teach them the most important truths of their lives, and help define the people they want to be. But there are big hurdles in their way, and only by believing in each other―and the power of their friendship―can Ari and Dante emerge stronger on the other side.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (#8)32075671. sy475

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.

Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this is a powerful and gripping YA novel about one girl’s struggle for justice.

Late to the Party by Kelly Quindlen (#9)44581495

Seventeen is nothing like Codi Teller imagined.

She’s never crashed a party, never stayed out too late. She’s never even been kissed. And it’s not just because she’s gay. It’s because she and her two best friends, Maritza and JaKory, spend more time in her basement watching Netflix than engaging with the outside world.

So when Maritza and JaKory suggest crashing a party, Codi is highly skeptical. Those parties aren’t for kids like them. They’re for cool kids. Straight kids.

But then Codi stumbles upon one of those cool kids, Ricky, kissing another boy in the dark, and an unexpected friendship is formed. In return for never talking about that kiss, Ricky takes Codi under his wing and draws her into a wild summer filled with late nights, new experiences, and one really cute girl named Lydia.

The only problem? Codi never tells Maritza or JaKory about any of it.

The Foxhole Court by Nora Sakavic (#10) 17259690

Neil Josten is the newest addition to the Palmetto State University Exy team. He’s short, he’s fast, he’s got a ton of potential—and he’s the runaway son of the murderous crime lord known as The Butcher.

Signing a contract with the PSU Foxes is the last thing a guy like Neil should do. The team is high profile and he doesn’t need sports crews broadcasting pictures of his face around the nation. His lies will hold up only so long under this kind of scrutiny and the truth will get him killed.

But Neil’s not the only one with secrets on the team. One of Neil’s new teammates is a friend from his old life, and Neil can’t walk away from him a second time. Neil has survived the last eight years by running. Maybe he’s finally found someone and something worth fighting for.

Student review by Jacque Butts (March Newsletter)

The Foxhole Court is the first book in the All for the Game Trilogy. It follows Neil, an 18 year old about to graduate high school when he gets scouted by the Palmetto State Foxes to play exy  (a fictional twist on lacrosse). The thing is, Neil isn’t his actual name: he’s been through several identities while on the run from his mafia-involved father. He joins the Foxes, while still trying to stay out of the public eye. This is a really good series and it’s currently my top favorite. I recommend it to all of my friends, especially if they love books with  plot twists and secret identity. It does get pretty graphic at some parts, but is well worth your time!

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune (#11)53205888

When a reaper comes to collect Wallace Price from his own funeral, Wallace suspects he really might be dead.

Instead of leading him directly to the afterlife, the reaper takes him to a small village. On the outskirts, off the path through the woods, tucked between mountains, is a particular tea shop, run by a man named Hugo. Hugo is the tea shop’s owner to locals and the ferryman to souls who need to cross over.

But Wallace isn’t ready to abandon the life he barely lived. With Hugo’s help he finally starts to learn about all the things he missed in life.

When the Manager, a curious and powerful being, arrives at the tea shop and gives Wallace one week to cross over, Wallace sets about living a lifetime in seven days.

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera (#12)33385229. sy475

On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They’re going to die today.

Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There’s an app for that. It’s called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure—to live a lifetime in a single day.

Bleach by Tite Kubo (#13)2880

Ichigo Kurosaki never asked for the ability to see ghosts—he was born with the gift. When his family is attacked by a Hollow—a malevolent lost soul—Ichigo becomes a Soul Reaper, dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping the tortured spirits themselves find peace. Find out why Tite Kubo’s Bleach has become an international manga smash-hit!

Ichigo Kurosaki has always been able to see ghosts, but this ability doesn’t change his life nearly as much as his close encounter with Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper and member of the mysterious Soul Society. While fighting a Hollow, an evil spirit that preys on humans who display psychic energy, Rukia attempts to lend Ichigo some of her powers so that he can save his family; but much to her surprise, Ichigo absorbs every last drop of her energy. Now a full-fledged Soul Reaper himself, Ichigo quickly learns that the world he inhabits is one full of dangerous spirits and, along with Rukia–who is slowly regaining her powers–it’s Ichigo’s job to protect the innocent from Hollows and help the spirits themselves find peace.

Orange by Ichigo Takano(#14)25667474

On the day that Naho begins 11th grade, she receives a letter from herself ten years in the future. At first, she writes it off as a prank, but as the letter’s predictions come true one by one, Naho realizes that the letter might be the real deal. Her future self tells Naho that a new transfer student, a boy named Kakeru, will soon join her class. The letter begs Naho to watch over him, saying that only Naho can save Kakeru from a terrible future. Who is this mystery boy, and can Naho save him from his destiny? This is the heart-wrenching sci-fi romance that has over million copies in print in Japan!

Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth (#15) 55100346

Aideen has plenty of problems she can’t fix. Her best (and only) friend is pulling away. Her mother’s drinking problem is a constant concern. She’s even running out of outlandish diseases to fake so she can skip PE.

But when Aideen stumbles on her nemesis, overachiever Meabh Kowalski, in the midst of a full-blown meltdown, she sees a problem that—unlike her own disaster of a life—seems refreshingly easy to solve. Meabh is desperate to escape her crushing pile of extracurriculars. Aideen volunteers to help. By pushing Meabh down the stairs.

Problem? Solved. Meabh’s sprained ankle is the perfect excuse to ditch her overwhelming schedule. But when another student learns about their little scheme and brings Aideen another “client” who needs her “help,” it kicks off a semester of traded favors, ill-advised hijinks, and an unexpected chance at love. Fixing other people’s problems won’t fix her own, but it might be the push she needs to start.

Student review by Callie Standerfer (September Newsletter)

Not My Problem By Ciara Smyth is a hilarious queer YA book following main character Aideen who, as a distraction from her own problems, starts a business of helping fix people’s problems. There is never a dull plot moment since the main character always has an issue to solve. One aspect of the book I really liked was the main character’s dynamics. Very chaotic -good friend group energy! Be warned, this book does not stray away from hitting heavy topics like addictions and mental health. I recommend this to anyone looking for an eventful coming of age story.

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman (#16) 30653843. sy475

Frances has been a study machine with one goal. Nothing will stand in her way; not friends, not a guilty secret – not even the person she is on the inside. Then Frances meets Aled, and for the first time she’s unafraid to be herself.

So when the fragile trust between them is broken, Frances is caught between who she was and who she longs to be. Now Frances knows that she has to confront her past. To confess why Carys disappeared…

Frances is going to need every bit of courage she has.

Engaging with themes of identity, diversity and the freedom to choose, Radio Silence is a tour de force by the most exciting writer of her generation.

Student Review by Savindi Devmal (October Newsletter)

You’ve encountered yet another pointless romance between the lead female and male characters. Annoying, right? Then I recommend Radio Silence by Alice Oseman! The novel follows Frances Janvier as she discovers that her past best friend’s brother created her favorite podcast, starting an incredibly close friendship; its representation of close male-female friendships is commendable, and when there is romance, it includes gay and asexual representation. If you’re bored with many YA novels’ relationships, then Radio Silence will be a breath of fresh air!

Posted by Newman-Johnson Charlie at 9:12 pm

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Monday, February 21, 2022

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune

TJ Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea was the second book I read in 2021, and honestly everything else after it kind of paled in comparison. So you may be wondering why I decided that two months into 2022 was the perfect time to read his latest adult novel Under the Whispering Door? I could tell you it was because I’m a bit of a masochist and knew that Klunes’ book would more than likely leave me in tears, or that I was sick of avoiding book spoilers on the internet. But the truth is much simpler-I’ve been in a bit of bookish turmoil! I’ve been plowing through books, many of which are HIGHLY regarded in the literary community and they are just not landing for me. So I turned to an author that never lets me down and set out on the journey that is reading Under the Whispering Door.

In the book, Wallace Price is not what we would call a “good person”. In life, he was a lawyer whose only goal was to win cases and maintain order in his life. When he suddenly wakes up attending his own funeral, everything he thought he knew about himself, his existence, and the world gets completely shaken up. Mei is Wallace’s Reaper, meaning she is charged with getting Wallace from his funeral to Charon’s Crossing, a tea shop in the woods owned my the enigmatic and oh-so-charming Ferryman, Hugo. By day, Hugo runs Charon’s Crossing with Mei, providing tea and treats to travelers and regulars alike. But his real job as a Ferryman means he helps people cross over from this life into the next. And Wallace may just be his hardest case yet.

I adored this book, much like I’ve adored everything else by TJ Klune I’ve read. He has a way of speaking directly to my soul and telling it that everything is going to be okay! Also, it doesn’t hurt that all of his books are brimming with Queer identities and situations. Gotta love it!

This book is beautiful. From the cover design, to the delicately crafted sentences, to the equally parts heart-warming and heart-wrenching final pages. Packed with wonderfully real and emotionally complex characters as well as supernatural musings and mystical elements, this is not a book that you will soon forget about. Find Under the Whispering Door on Uni High’s shelves today! You won’t regret it!

CW: This book contains depictions and discussions of death, including death by suicide.