Cybils' Five-12-22-17
**This week started with me spraining my toe and then getting a cold. I couldn't go to yoga or run, but I was able to read more Cybils' nominated books!
Here's this week's round-up:
1. PIECING ME TOGETHER by Renee Watson:
Moving tale of Jade who feels the way out of her poor neighborhood is to do well in school. Then an opportunity comes her way-Woman to Woman, a mentorship program that promises a scholarship if she joins. This story shows a strong community and a protagonist who breaks the usual trite stereotypes. Explores themes of police brutality; race, privilege, and also friendship.
2. AMERICAN STREET by Ibi Zoboi
This one shows us a Haitian teen's experience in the United States after her mother is detained and threatened to be send back. Fabiola ends up living with her cousins and her aunt. There's magical realism throughout this story, but mostly one of the power of family.
3. LITTLE & LION by Brandy Colbert
Kuddos on this author NAILING what's it like to be a sibling of someone who deals with bipolar disorder. I grew up around a bipolar father, uncle, and half-brother. I've seen first hand what happens when a loved one refuses meds and the shame from 'family secrets'. This story also deals with a character not sure about her sexuality in a frank and honest way.
4. GEM & DIXIE by Sara Zarr
I'm a huge fan of Zarr's and this story shows us two sisters growing up with a neglectful mother. Gem is the oldest and the one responsible for not only her younger sister Dixie, but her mother as well. When their long lost father just shows up and forgets a backpack in their apartment, the girls take off. During this time, Gem finds that she might have to make the toughest decision of all.
5. SPEAK EASY, SPEAK LOVE by McKelle George
This story is a twist on Ado About Nothing only set in 1920s Prohibition time. Witty dialogue set around a Speakeasy, chemistry ignites once the two main characters first meet!
Here's this week's round-up:
1. PIECING ME TOGETHER by Renee Watson:
Moving tale of Jade who feels the way out of her poor neighborhood is to do well in school. Then an opportunity comes her way-Woman to Woman, a mentorship program that promises a scholarship if she joins. This story shows a strong community and a protagonist who breaks the usual trite stereotypes. Explores themes of police brutality; race, privilege, and also friendship.
2. AMERICAN STREET by Ibi Zoboi
This one shows us a Haitian teen's experience in the United States after her mother is detained and threatened to be send back. Fabiola ends up living with her cousins and her aunt. There's magical realism throughout this story, but mostly one of the power of family.
3. LITTLE & LION by Brandy Colbert
Kuddos on this author NAILING what's it like to be a sibling of someone who deals with bipolar disorder. I grew up around a bipolar father, uncle, and half-brother. I've seen first hand what happens when a loved one refuses meds and the shame from 'family secrets'. This story also deals with a character not sure about her sexuality in a frank and honest way.
4. GEM & DIXIE by Sara Zarr
I'm a huge fan of Zarr's and this story shows us two sisters growing up with a neglectful mother. Gem is the oldest and the one responsible for not only her younger sister Dixie, but her mother as well. When their long lost father just shows up and forgets a backpack in their apartment, the girls take off. During this time, Gem finds that she might have to make the toughest decision of all.
5. SPEAK EASY, SPEAK LOVE by McKelle George
This story is a twist on Ado About Nothing only set in 1920s Prohibition time. Witty dialogue set around a Speakeasy, chemistry ignites once the two main characters first meet!
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