Cybils Five--December 8, 2017

This week's Cybils theme has to be diversity:

I've always been a big proponent for having books that mirror us. When I was a bilingual teacher back in the 90s and early 00s, there wasn't much out there for those who shared my students and my own Mexican heritage.

Which is why I'm so HAPPY that more books are now coming out that showcase different cultures/heritages.



1.  YOU BRING THE DISTANT NEAR by Mitali Perkins

There is so much to love about this multi-generational tale of five women. It deals with immigration and shows how hard it is to acclimate into a different country and the prejudices/ racism that follows. I really loved this book something fierce. I especially loved the story of the sisters, Sarah and Tara. 

2. THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR by Nicola Yoon




This story deals with two very different teens who just happen to run into each other on a busy New York City street. Natasha and her family are to be deported back to Jamaica after her father is arrested for a DUI. She believes in science and not love per say. Daniel is the second generation son of Korean parents, who always has tried to be the 'good' son and is a hopeless romantic and closet poet. When these two teens collide, sparks ignite.



3. SAINTS AND MISFITS by S.K. Ali




I really love this story of Janna Yusuf, a Muslim hijab wearing teen. Think My So-Called Life meets a Muslim teen. Readers get a glimpse into Janna's life, which includes her Muslim faith, struggle with boys, dealing with her divorced father's new family, and also trying to avoid the 'monster', a so-called devout Muslim teen who tried to grope her.

4. DREAMLAND BURNING by Jennifer Latham



This story is based on the true story of the Tulsa 1921 race riot. It's told in present day and in 1921. What I loved about this story is how readers see not much has really changed with the racism against blacks. When a skeleton is found on seventeen-year-old Rowan's property, she's curious on who the person might be. In 1921 readers meet Will, who witnesses how one misunderstanding ignites a racist firestorm.

5. THE INEXPLICABLE LOGIC OF MY LIFE by Benjamin Alire Saenz



I really loved this book of an adoptive teen and his gay father and Mexican American family. A novel filled with hope, pain, sadness, and love. Coming of age tale that shows the power of love and how the definition of family is so much more than biology. 


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