#Meg Medina

[bookaddict24-7]

New Young Adult Releases! (September 5th, 2023)

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Have I missed any new Young Adult releases? Have you added any of these books to your TBR? Let me know!

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New Standalones/First in a Series:

Into the Bright Open by Cherie Dimaline

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White

Everyone's Thinking It by Aleema Omotoni

Suddenly A Murder by Lauren Muñoz

There's No Way I'd Die First by Lisa Springer

Midnight At The Houdini by Delilah S. Dawson

Phoebe's Diary by Phoebe Wahl

All That Shines by Ellen Hagan

Yaqui Delgada Wants to kick Your Ass by Meg Medina & Mel Valentine Vargas (Illustrator)

Death is My BFF by Katarina E. Tonks

The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore

The Girl That Time Forgot by Victoria Lee

See You On Venus by Victoria Vinuesa

For Girls Who Walk Through Fire by Kim DeRose

House of Ash & Bone by Joel A. Sutherland

Eleanor Jones is Not A Murderer by Amy Doak

New Sequels:

Storm of Olympus (Daughter of Sparta #3) by Claire M. Andrews

The Celtic Deception (A Jump in Time #2) by Andrew Varga

The Fallout (Holo #2) by Kristy Acevedo

Every Star That Falls (Suicide Notes #2) by Michael Thomas Ford

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Happy reading!

[thereadingchallengechallenge]

JOMP BPC - April 22nd - Three Word Title

Burn Baby Burn by Meg Medina is a wonderful historical YA novel with a killer three-word title that deserves so much love 🔥❤️

[haveacupofjohanny]

#FridayFeature: 10 Lesser-Known Facts About Cuban-American Author Meg Medina

One of my favorite author and the one who made me beleive I could be a children's book author. Check out this post on ten lesser-known facts about Cuban-American author Meg Medina. You may be surprised as to what you find out. #fridayfeature

This week, we’re highlighting the incredibly inspiring Cuban-American author Meg Medina. I relate to her because I, too, mine my experiences to bring characters to life, infusing them with authenticity. Merci, in Medina’s book series, has a lazy eye, a condition we both share, and that has shaped my life and made me who I am. I learned of Meg Medina through this series and am so happy to have…

[books-to-add-to-your-tbr]

Title: Flying Lessons & Other Stories

Author: Ellen Oh, Jacqueline Woodson, Kwame Alexander, Walter Dean Myers, Meg Medina, Tim Tingle, Kelly J. Baptist, Soman Chainani, Matt de la Peña, Tim Federle, Grace Lin

Series or standalone: standalone

Publication year: 2017

Genres: fiction, anthology, contemporary, cultural

Blurb: Whether it’s basketball dreams, family fiascos, first crushes, or new neighbourhoods, this anthology celebrates the uniqueness and universality in all of us.

[lgbtqreads]

hi! i’m looking for some nonbinary/trans books. preferably middle grade, maybe younger YA. queer joy is a bonus!

You got it! There are all MG, with asterisks signifying books coming later in the year:

Trans Boys:

Obie is Man Enough by Schuyler Bailar

The Ship We Built by Lexie Bean

Dear Mothman by Robin Gow

The Other Boy by M.G. Hennessey

Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff

Trans Girls:

Zenobia July by Lisa Bunker

Joy, to the World by Lisa Bunker and Kai Shappley

Melissa by Alex Gino

Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky

The Deep & Dark Blue by Niki Smith (Graphic Novel)

The Ojja-Wojja by Magdalene Visaggio (text) and Jenn St-Onge (illustration) (Graphic Novel)

Nonbinary MCs:

*Deephaven by Ethan M. Aldridge

Moonflower by Kacen Callender

Alice Austen Lived Here by Alex Gino

*Green by Alex Gino

*The Lonely Book by Meg Grehan

Skating on Mars by Caroline Huntoon

*Elle Campbell Saves Their Saturday by Ben Kahn

Both Can Be True by Jules Machias (Genderfluid)

The One Who Loves You Most by medina – A

Rabbit Chase by Elizabeth LaPensée and K.C. Oster (Graphic Novel)

Tiger Honor by Yoon Ha Lee

Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston by Esme Symes-Smith

The Beautiful Something Else by Ash Van Otterloo

Spin With Me by Ami Polonsky

Jude Saves the World by Ronnie Riley

Ana on the Edge by A.J. Sass

Ellen Outside the Lines by AJ Sass

Camp QUILTBAG by Nicole Melleby and AJ Sass

The Fabulous Zeb Watson! by Kevin Sylvester and Basil Sylvester

The Best Liars in Riverview by Lin Thompson

The House that Whispers by Lin Thompson (Amz)

*The Otherwoods by Justine Pucella Winans

There is also very significant nonbinary representation in Different Kinds of Fruit by Kyle Lukoff, Twelfth by Janet Key, and A Touch of Ruckus by Ash Van Otterloo.

In younger YA, there's not a ton, but I'd definitely give a shout to the genderqueer paranormal Out of Salem by Hal Schrieve, and I think the trans girl graphic novel romance Cheer Up! could work too!

(If you want all these links on one page, and/or to track ones coming up even further in the future, here's the MG page: https://lgbtqreads.com/middle-grade/)

[talesfrommedinastation]

OC Sunday and the finishing of ‘Far Past the Ring’ means that I can post this! One of the post credit scenes, if you will :).

Tech, who is officially the Chief Systems Engineer of Medina Station and an officer within the Transport Union, poses with Omega, as well as his daughter, Meg Drummer, a minor but important OC in the story.

Yes, Meg has her own tooka toy, named ‘Maraudah’ and painted like her daddy’s old armor.

Tech’s tattoos are his Belter wedding ring, and the words ‘wanted’ and ‘needed’ on his thumb and index fingers. The Belter equivalent of the middle finger is the index and thumb meeting together.

He flings it at his SIL when she’s not looking ;).

[study-with-aura]

Friday, March 1, 2024

Welcome to March! It is almost spring here. How exciting!

I did not have as much work today as yesterday, thankfully. But I did have two tests, which I scored perfect marks on both. One was Lit vocab and the other was my ecology unit test. Vocab is simple enough, but Biology was a lot easier than I expected it to be. I also enjoyed the ecology unit, so I imagine that helped with the ease of answering the questions.

This is the last evening that my friends will be staying over for our cookie booth early on Saturday mornings. Tomorrow is our last one! Cookie season went by terribly quick, but our troop met our goal at least. Most of the money goes towards helping to pay for camp or other troop needs, though some of it usually gets donated.

I am excited either way to have them over again, and maybe we can continue to have sleepovers from time to time. We never had them often enough before. That being said, I may not post my tracker tonight since my friends will be here, and I don't want to be rude. I will post it tomorrow when I have the chance.

Have a good weekend!

Tasks Completed:

Geometry - Read about coordinate proofs with variables + wrote out coordinate proofs + honors work

Lit and Comp II - Unit 19 vocabulary test (100%) + read chapter 32 of Emma by Jane Austen + continued working on my poetry notebook project (due Tuesday)

Spanish 2 - Listening practice + answered questions in Spanish based off the listening practice

Bible I - Read Judges 1-2

World History - Watched a video on the Battle of Verdun

Biology with Lab - Ecology unit test (47/45 <- I love extra credit questions)

PE/Health I - Read a health article

Foundations - Read more on responsibility + creativity exercise + read more on propaganda with examples

Piano - Practiced for two hours in one hour split sessions

Khan Academy - Completed World History Unit 6: Lesson 3 (parts 2-7)

CLEP - None today

Duolingo - Studied for 15 minutes (Spanish, French, Chinese) + completed daily quests

Reading - Read pages 29-63 of Nigeria Jones by Ibi Zoboi

Chores - Dusted my bedroom, my bathroom, and the study + laundered my bedding

Activities of the Day:

Personal Bible Study (Romans 8)

Ballet

Pointe

Journal/Mindfulness

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What I’m Grateful for Today:

I am grateful for the gigantic nature park behind my house because it gives me beautiful and woodsy trails to walk through and the opportunity to learn from bird watchers in the area.

Quote of the Day:

Take care not to listen to anyone who tells you what you can and can’t be in life.

-The Girl Who Could Silence The Wind, Meg Medina

🎧Prelude, Op. 12 No. 7 - Sergei Prokofiev

[mattmurdocksthighs]

MEET MY OCs

CAMP GOLDFINCH FROM MISS PEREGRINE'S [OC MASTERLIST]

NAME: mrs goldfinch LOVE INTEREST: POWERS: avian shapeshifting, time manipulation SPECIES: ymbryne FACECLAIM: laura dern

NAME: meredith sawyer LOVE INTEREST: enoch o'connor PECULIARITY: healing through light FACECLAIM: meg donnelly

NAME: dean sinclair LOVE INTEREST: PECULIARITY: astral projection FACECLAIM: chosen jacobs

NAME: hanna jensen LOVE INTEREST: PECULIARITY: animal communication FACECLAIM: isabella sermon

NAME: james nelson LOVE INTEREST: carlos medina (oc) PECULIARITY: part lycanthrope FACECLAIM: curran walters

NAME: amara ali LOVE INTEREST: PECULIARITY: angel wings FACECLAIM: iman vellani

NAME: carlos medina LOVE INTEREST: james nelson (oc) PECULIARITY: death prediction FACECLAIM: diego tinoco

NAME: oliver sutton LOVE INTEREST: PECULIARITY: water manipulation FACECLAIM: matt lintz

[josh0555]

This is the Summer Station ID of ABS-CBN in 2007. The Summer Station ID was themed “Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas”.

The Summer Station ID theme song was performed by Filipina OPM singer and songwriter Regine Velasquez featuring Filipino singer, songwriter, rapper, dancer, television host, actor and comedian Ogie Alcasid who is Regine Velasquez's husband when they got married in December 24, 2005. Also starting in June 1, 2007, The theme “Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas” can be heard on DZMM Radyo 630 and various radio stations nationwide.

The Summer Station ID features The Summer Station ID features Ritz Azul, Alice Dixson, Arcee Muñoz, Eula Caballero, Tuesday Vargas, AiAi de las Alas, Cherry Pie Picache, Carmina Villaroel, Eugene Domingo, Nora Aunor, Lucho Ayala, Gil Cuerva, Rainier Castillo, Arjo Atayde, Kit Thompson, JC de Vera, Sef Cadayona, Dion Ignacio, Gerald Anderson, Joseph Bitangcol, Cherie Mercado, Kara David, The Tulfo Brothers, Bernadette Sembrano, Mariz Umali, Kim Atienza, Jiggy Manicad, Ted Failon, Arnold Clavio, Marc Logan, “Kabayan” Noli de Castro, Vicky Morales, DingDong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Andi Eigenmann, Dominic Roco, Felix Roco, Bong Revilla, Jayson Gainza, Zanjoe Marudo, RJ Padilla, Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, Mariel Rodriguez, Toni Gonzaga, Camille Prats, Bayani Agbayani, Luis Manzano, Matteo Guidicelli, Patrick Garcia, AJ Perez, Ryan Agoncillo, Raymond Bagatsing, Maine Mendoza, Catherine Bernardo, Edu Manzano, Jericho Rosales, Gardo Versoza, Vhong Navarro, Billy Crawford, Teddy Corpuz, Arra San Agustin, Rufa Mae Quinto, Jennylyn Mercado, Roxanne Guinoo, Valerie Concepcion, RR Enriquez, Princess Ryan, Dianne Medina, Coleen Garcia, Bianca Umali, Carla Abellana, Aga Muhlach, John Lloyd Cruz, Onemig Bondoc, EJ Falcon, RK Bagatsing, John Prats, Joem Bascon, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Daniel Padilla, Alwyn Uytingco, Rocco Nacino, Enchong Dee, Hero Angeles, Enzo Pineda, Dennis Trillo, CJ Muere, Carl Cervantes, Terence Baylon, Rico Barrero, Tom Rodriguez, Paolo Serrano, Coco Martin, Edgar Allan Guzman, Marco Gumabao, Heart Evangelista, Dimples Romana, Bea Alonzo, Kristine Hermosa, Meg Imperial, Robin Padilla, including Regine Velasquez and her husband Ogie Alcasid. The Summer Station ID features the Sexbomb Girls, supergroup Bravo All-Stars, special guests Mark Anthony Fernandez, German Moreno, Carmelito “Shalala” Reyes, Romy “Dagul” Pastrana, Chuckie Dreyfus, Zoren Legaspi, Aga Muhlach, Ina Raymundo, Gretchen Barretto, Ahron Villena, and child actors Angelica Panganiban, Alex Gonzaga, Cristine Reyes, Nash Aguas, Valeen Montenegro and the Goin Bulilit original cast members from TV5. The Summer Station ID also features British boy band One Direction in their pre-debut and Australian born American actor, producer and comedian Will Smith who portrayed Jack Frost in the 2002 movie Frozen as a special guest. Red, Green, Blue and Black Balloons will also be scattered around the world to literally bring forth the summer fun.

The Summer Station ID was filmed in Hollywood, Quezon City, London, Italy, France, Australia, Kenya, Baguio, Boracay and New York in June 2006 whenever the ABS-CBN, GMA and TV5 crew members are having a hot summer day into a big summer party.

The Summer Station ID clips will be re-used in the I Gotta Feeling music video from the future movie Ready Player One which will be releasing in March 21, 2013 from Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios. But somehow, This is the only Summer Station ID to feature actors from ABS-CBN, GMA and TV5.

[bookcub]

do you have a goodreads or storygraph account? and do you mind sharing it if you do?

I have both actually!! I'm trying to fully convert to storygraph but I follow people there and wayyyy more people follow me there. I really think both are . . . .not great . . . but my compromise is using both. I will link both below!

Feel free to friend me, just let me know you are from tumblr!

[zeynepxturkmen]

leticia medina & rachel hargrove

"Bet your ass you won't be able to win against me in a game of laser tag. I've been brushing up on my skills and not to brag or anything, but my skills have definitely become brag-worthy." Hero's smile grew bright as they teased their sister figure. With the twins back from camp, it was only right to celebrate by grabbing Rachel and having them take Leia, Luke, and Meg out to Benny and Duke's for the evening. Play as many games as possible while indulging on some of the greasiest foods offered in Providence Peak. All Hero needed to do now was somehow convince Rachel to have the overly caffeinated children stay the night with her and everything will be golden. As the kids went up against each other in a game of skeeball, she looked over at Rach and nudge her shoulder. "Can you believe how much they've grown? I'm not ready for school to start and for them to only get older."

closed starter: benny & duke's, downtown ; june 30th || @rachelhargrove

[bookaddict24-7]

REVIEWS OF THE WEEK!

Books I’ve read so far in 2023!

Friend me on Goodreads here to follow my more up to date reading journey for the year!

This is going to be just ONE review because of the length.

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212. Wild Tongues Can't Be Tamed by Various--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My biggest regret with this collection of essays is that I didn't read it earlier (I have an ARC that the publisher kindly sent me back in 2021...oops). I listened to the audiobook, so I had the pleasure of hearing each author read out their essays or poem and it was ✨magical✨.

Before I start reviewing each essay (because they all offered their own message and importance), I want to say that very few audiobooks have held me as captive as this one. I remember sitting very still while listening to one of my favourites and just...living in it. It was so beautiful. As a Latina, so much resonated with me!

Long review up ahead. I ran out of characters LOL.

Essay breakdowns and reviews:

1. Eres Un Pocho by Mark Oshiro

I will admit that when I started listening to this I wasn't fully invested in the book yet. I didn't know how much I would relate, or be impacted by the essays. So, some of the beginning is lost in the ether for me, BUT Oshiro was also the one that really got me into this book with their commentary on the stereotypes that the Latine community may encounter (especially in North American countries and sometimes even in the countries that are meant to be our home countries.) Oshiro had to relearn their identity as a child and even into their adult years. This reminded me a lot of families who have immigrated with children and in order to "fully incorporate" into their new home, they sometimes let their kids forget a language or the culture they come from. I related to this a bit because I was almost one of those kids, but thankfully my parents walked back this notion that in order to belong, you had to erase your "otherness". The bullying, racism, and stereotypes of what a "proper" Latine or Hispanic person should look like, sound like, or act like can wreak havoc on a child whose identity isn't as clear as society would prefer.

2. The Price of Admission by Naima Coster

I didn't connect with this one as much, however, it does deal with a very real issue in today's world with immigrants: the devastating reality of families separated by Government laws and how the stereotype of "one of the good ones" can easily be applied to Latine & Hispanic people as well--especially when it comes to who has a fighting chance at not being deported, and who just doesn't seem to offer enough for the country to not deport them.

3. Caution Song by Natasha Diaz

This one was a poem (song?) and it was a powerful depiction of stereotypes, assumptions, and expectations. One of my favourite lines from it are at the very end: "Because if you call me spicy/you should expect me to bite your tongue". Bam.

4. The Mark of a Good Man by Meg Medina

This was one of the pieces I related to the most because it was a Cuban experience essay. It dealt with the struggle of getting your family out of a birth country that makes it very, very difficult to live. It's about chasing the dream of a better life in a world unknown and taking that risk because anything has to be better than the hell you might be experiencing in your birth country.

It tackles the difficult and often-times heartbreaking familial relationships that can shape us and how they can leave us less than put together when those people leave or die. It also explores the complex gender stereotypes and norms found in Cuban communities. One of the quotes is "If only we had our men, life would be easier" and it reminded me so much of the times where I was reprimanded as a teen for doing something a man should have done for me. Finally, one of the topics that isn't explored enough in books but is brought up here is that of how many men immigrate for or with their wives or girlfriends, only to turn around and either immigrate to another country with a different partner, or find themselves a new partner in the new country (in their misguided and asshole search of the better life/dream.) I've seen this so many times and it is also a warning for any woman who falls in love with a Cuban man. I'm not saying all Cuban men are like this, but I've seen my fair share of it happening that I think it's worth mentioning in books like this one.

5. #Julian4spiderman by Julian Randall

My absolute favourite essay from the collection. It had me completely hooked and I couldn't pull myself away. The approach of using Miles Morales as a sort of template for this essay was genius. He's always been my favourite Spidey, so it was a nice surprise! It was such a powerful essay and I think it'll resonate with a lot of young Black Latine readers.

From the mention of having to correct others on how to pronounce a name (very relatable), to the fact that a teacher had Randall argue in favour of Slavery (which is fucked up), this essay had so much meaning and heart. It also had a lot of punching quotes, like "[A]merica taught us we were invisible, and the only way for the invisible to punish those who refuse to see us is to first punish ourselves", or "Afro-Latinx life is this in so many ways, to be taught that you are dangerous, and shameful and difficult to imagine." We read about the love of a father for their child, like Miles Morales's own father, and what it means to be a mixed-race Latine person whose identity is constantly questioned, despite the fact that characters like Miles never question who they are, even though if he were real, he sure as hell would be. It was a powerful essay and it left me thinking long after it was over. It was also the essay that made me want to digest the rest of the book even more.

6. Half In, Half Out: Orbiting a World Full of People of Color by Saraciea J. Fennell

I'm always intrigued when I hear stories of a Latine Indigenous person, mainly because as a Cuban, we don't have many of those stories. As my mom tells it, many if not all of Cuba's indigenous citizens were murdered during the creation of Cuba as a country. So, seeing these stories is always eye-opening and makes me wish we still had that in my country. Fennell speaks of her experience as a child taken into the foster system and put into a home with a white couple, as a result she and her sister were out in a school full of white children. Being able to see the difference between yourself and the rest of your classmates is an interesting sort of hell--you love your culture and the way that you look, but you also question it because you know it makes you different from the rest of them.

Fennell dealt with familial abandonment, finding solace in a friendship with one of the other Black girls in her classroom, and (relatable) the reality of being confused for her friends because they shared a skin colour. The amount of times I've had to tell people that I know I look like someone they know, but as Fennell writes "[N]ow that I'm older, I know that it was just white people confusing us." The final topic I'll touch on from this essay was how Fennell explores the racism that causes such a disconnection for a person from their identity. If a child looks "too white" or "too Black", they might not fit a white person's perception of what their ethnicity "should" be. I'll end with this particular quote: "The way Western culture, and, especially, American culture, shames us for being non-white is heartbreaking" and this quote is relating to the things non-white people do to make their appearance more palatable for white people (i.e. the styling of hair).

7. Haitian Sensation by Ibi Zoboi

One of the definite themes explored in this collection is that of stereotypes and how damaging they can be. Zoboi's essay is the embodiment of that and the dangers of how the proximity to whiteness can affect the way one views themselves, or others around them. I will admit, I'm not the biggest fan of Zoboi--her fictional writing doesn't resonate as much with me. BUT this isn't to say that her essay isn't powerful.

When speaking on how American culture can sometimes override a person's identity, she comments that "[It] didn't last, of course, because identity has a way of calling you back to your true self," and honestly, I found this to be incredibly important, especially for any reader who might be torn between the identity offered to them in their society and the one they have forged from family, culture, and language. There is, of course more important quotes found sprinkled in her essay, especially ones touching on the topic of being Afro-Latine (which I have seen people actively deny this identity on celebrities that are both Black and Latine--they argue this term like they're on a political grand stage, finding fun in debating someone's identity so it fits their idea of what a group(s) of people should look like) but I will end my review of her essay with this quote I loved: "I am proud to be a part of a movement that recognizes and honors the part of ourselves that colonialism tried so hard to eradicate."

8. The Land, The Ghosts, and Me by Cristina Arreola

This one had a theme worthy of the Halloween season. While Arreola explores the topic of literal ghosts and the power of lore and mysticism in Latine cultures, she also speaks on the loss of identity in a world obsessed with labelling humans in a certain way. As she states, "I wanted this ghost gone, yet I feared the void. Who was I without ghosts? They were an essential part of my being. They were the thing that made me feel whole and real and connected in some small way to the place that birthed me and made me who I am." An absolutely stunning quote and metaphoric exploration of identity and what it means to feel that ever-present threat of losing the thing that haunts those who don't fit certain societal expectations--especially when you carry a culture with you that is always under threat of being erased or forgotten.

Her final quote that I highlighted captured this notion wholly and while the essay is scary and probably the most metaphoric of all the essays in the collection, it holds a haunting power of its own: "My whole life, I've been trying on different versions of myself, haunted by the weight of the expectations of who I'm meant to be. How strange and wonderful it is, I think now, that the ghosts don't know who they are either. The ghosts are haunted, too." Simply gorgeous.

9. Paraiso Negro by Kahlil Haywood

Haywood starts his essay with an already powerful quote: "When people think about a Spanish speaker they don't necessarily rush to think about someone who looks like me." What follows is a recounting of something I myself experienced growing up--going back to my family's birth country (and my own), where I spent summers with my cousin and friends, both learning more about my culture, my family, and my first language. The misadventures, the way things change over time, and the unforgettable memories of a childhood spent somewhere other than Canada and the US was like a projector in my mind, showcasing images of a childhood never to be forgotten. As Haywood says about getting to have these experiences without realizing how we were privy to moments in history and lives forever changed, "It's something that you could easily take for granted as a kid."

Of all the stories, this one held the most nostalgia. This essay also spoke on the important topic of how diverse Latine cultures can be. I think, as the daughter of an interracial couple who had to argue that me being a mixed Latina IS an actual thing to another Latine person, that this topic is incredibly important. At one point, Haywood even mentions a situation he's been in when he's been forced to ask himself "How Latino am I? How Black am I?" This is something most Afro-Latine people may be asking themselves, especially when they live in a world that barely recognizes the term.

10. Cuban Impostor Syndrome by Zakiya N. Jamal

I found this essay interesting and such a great commentary on how Americans and Canadians handle the topic of being Latine and race. Being someone who has been back to Cuba many times since we immigrated to Canada when I was seven, I've been privy to seeing how Cubans treat diverse people. There is definitely racism--Cuba is an incredibly diverse country--but it reminds me of when I made a comment about what mixed people like me were called in Cuba to a Black American once and how offended she was. It is definitely a case of different cultures/countries=different perceptions of race.

With that being said, Jamal's experience as the Black granddaughter of a Cuban who didn't teach her children Spanish (a big part of Latine identity because not having the language might feel like you're missing a piece of yourself) is both heartbreaking and eye-opening. Her starting her essay by sharing an experience where one Cuban didn't fully internalize that she was saying she's Cuban sets the tone for the rest of her essay. She does not meet an expectation and it is devastating. Another example of the consequences of denying the identity a child seeks during their formative years is that her mom didn't even ask her if she wanted a quinceañera, which must have further thrown her off when she saw her Latine friends having their own fifteenth birthdays being celebrated.

But I think that while it is important to note that though "[f]rom a young age, my mom made sure I knew that Black was beautiful and that our culture and history were meant to be celebrated, always" it shows, yet again, the dichotomy of celebrating one aspect of a person over another, rather than letting them co-habit to form an identity. This is, along the stereotypes explored, one of the most consistent topics explored in this collection--that internal and societal power struggle between two warring identities. And this, of course, is the beautiful body of the "Cuban Impostor Syndrome" essay.

11. More than Nervios by Lilliam Rivera

Telling my Latina mother I have anxiety, or that she herself has anxious thoughts is like nails on a chalkboard. "Solamente estoy nerviosa!" Rivera's essay hits home with how much mental health is downplayed in Latine communities. As she says, "Depression is a word never uttered in my family. It simply doesn't exist." This is so incredibly dangerous, especially as the world changes and awareness grows.

Another quote, "America is built on the belief if you are a modern woman and you work hard enough, you can have it all," serves to show how much further North America pushes this narrative that if you have everything, there's no way you can be depressed. Not only is your mental health non-existent in many Latine families, the portrayal of hard work and achieving certain life "goals" is further proof that silly you, there's no way you're depressed.

This essay could be super triggering, so be ready for a very frank conversation about Rivera's mental health. But I think it's incredibly important, especially if you can relate to her and her familial experience. Her quote, "the cycle to present pain as weakness ends with me" when referencing her daughters and how open she will be with them about mental health, is something I hope comes to fruition. Rivera is presenting the breaking of a cycle that I'm hopeful future generations will adopt.

12. Alaiyo by Jasmine Mendez

Probably the most creative essay of all, Mendez's essay speaks of taking back the power in spaces that refuse to open up for Black, Indigenous, and Latine people. But throughout the essay, we see the reoccurring theme of others dictating the kind of space one can take up. One of the biggest and toughest pills to swallow is when you can read the racist levels in a comment, like in this quote: "'You don't fit the part' is just theatre teacher code for "you are not the right skin color." When I tell you that I've had a similar conversation like this back when I was in high school, and I'm sure as hell that we're not the only ones who've experienced this--whether it's as a child, or as an adult.

Her quote: "My Black friends always said I wasn't Black or at least not 'Black enough,'" is incredibly relatable to me because as someone who is mixed and always struggled with whether I felt too Black to be white, or too white to be Black, or having been raised as a Latina, rather than a mixed Black and white person, I couldn't relate to the experience of Black Canadians. This is a constant internal battle--even one I had to battle with some of my old friends back before I had a better grasp on my identity. A lot of people who don't struggle with a sense of dual identity can't truly understand how disorientating it can be to simply exist in a world that is constantly trying to pull you in one direction or another.

There's also a creepy instance where a white teacher hella acts inappropriate with her and it gave me the biggest ick.

13. Invisible by Ingrid Rojas Contreras

While I didn't highlight as much in this essay, I found it to be the most timely. Across the world, people are arguing and discussing political beliefs, human rights, and the treatment of others. Contreras is a very (rightfully so) angry woman who refuses to be kept quiet by her in-laws. This is a classic story of policing one's anger and the incredible power of ignorance.

"The United States of America was then and is now living through a time that makes whiteness visible, even to those who lived their whole lies willingly ignoring what it entails." Although this essay collection came out a couple of years ago, the disparity between how white people are treated in comparison to people of other races grows. We see it in the media, in the justice system, in history, and in politics. And the policing of those who refuse to accept the status quo is very, very real. At one point, even Contreras's husband comments that she is "fucking scary when [she's] mad. [...] [Does she] think [his] parents are going to want to talk to [her]?" Just, ugh.

I'll finish my commentary on this essay with this powerful quote: "Violence begins with language or lack of it. If you insist that something doesn't exist, it is in that darkness that calamity slips in."

14. Abuela's Greatest Gift by Janel Martinez

While Martinez's essay brings up the importance of family and tradition, it brings further attention to Blackness and how "There's no room for Blackness within Hispanidad or Latinidad." This was an important essay and exploration of identity, but I am running out of characters.

15. A Mi Orden: A Meditation of Dichos by Elizabeth Acevedo

This essay explores the expectations of purity, family, & the sexism of parenting boys vs. girls in Latine cultures (as lived by your's truly, as well). Also important, but no more characters. Welp.

I super recommend this book!

___

Have you read this collection? Would you recommend it?

___

Happy reading!

[artbdt]

Tracks Heard On DI.FM On Saturday, September 23rd, 2023

My first post on this new blog :)

New di.fm tracklist update for 2023.09.23.SAT:

Wet Fingers - Like This (Burn Original Remix)

Zedd Feat Matthew Koma & Miriam Bryant - Find You (Syn Cole Remix)

Dominatorz Bassmonkeys Feat Amanda Wilson - Don't Throw It Away (Dominatorz Extended Club Mix)

Tiesto Pres Allure Feat Christian Burns - On The Wire (Original Mix)

Ava Max - My Head And My Heart (Jonas Blue Extended Mix)

Ben Neeson - Is This Right (Radio Edit)

Martin Tungevaag - Vidorra (Extended Mix)

Alan Morris & Sarah Lynn - Take Me On A Journey (Extended Mix)

Medina - Lonely (Svenstrup & Vendelboe Remix)

Morgan Page - I've Had Friends (Jean Elan Extended Remix)

Rihanna - Only Girl (In The World) (Rosabel's Only Club In The World Mix)

Kenny Dope, Alok, Ella Eyre, Never Dull - Deep Down feat. Never Dull (Extended Mix)

Desperado Feat Play And Win - Inside I Want You (Da Brozz Remix)

Ariana Grande & The Weeknd - Love Me Harder (Noodles Remix)

Quentin Mosimann Vs Tara Mc Donald - All Alone (Extended)

ONEDUO & TwoWorldsApart - It's Not You

Steve Aoki - Lie To Me feat. Ina Wroldsen (Blue Brains Steve Aoki Remix)

Antoine Clamaran - This Is My Goodbye (Extended Mix)

Mohombi - In Your Head (High Level Club Mix)

Matisse And Sadko Feat Ollie James - We're Not Alone (Hi Scandinavia) (Original Mix)

Lange feat. Stine Grove - Crossroads (Estiva Remix)

Patrick Hagenaar - Another Chance (Original Mix)

Lost Frequencies & Zonderling - Crazy (Dash Berlin Remix)

Sahara feat Mario Winans - Mine (Scotty Remix)

Borgeous feat. M.BRONX - Souls (Extended Mix)

Showtek - How We Do

Dj MEG Feat Bk - Make Your Move (Original Mix)

Alok & Daniel Blume - Rapture (Extended Mix)

Ferry Corsten - Check It Out (Original Extended)

Cosmic Gate & Jes - If Not Now (Extended Club Mix)

Super8 & Tab feat Jan Burton - Mercy (Club Mix)

DONS & Maurizio Inzaghi - Searching For Love (Original Club Mix)

Axwell & Ingrosso - Something New (Robin Schulz Club Mix)

Leon JD - Supersonic (2010 Radio Edit)

Maor Levi Feat. Angela Mccluskey - Pick Up The Pieces (Original Mix)

Calvin Crew - I Can't Get You (Out Of My Mind) (Extended Version)

Heart Of Space - Free to Love (Extended Mix)

Eric Chase - A Night Like This (Original Mix)

Andrew Rayel & JES - From This Day On (Ben Gold Extended Remix)

Mr Da-Nos Feat The Beatrockers - Dr Beat (Original Mix)

Carlos - Guitaro (Original Mix)

Armin van Buuren - Not Giving Up on Love (Dash Berlin 4AM Mix)

Justmylord & Patrick Moreno - Move It Like That (Original Mix)

Funkstar De Luxe - Do You Feel (Kill The Rocket Remix)

Above & Beyond - Blue Monday (Extended Mix)

Markus Schulz Feat Seri - Love Rain Down (Dabruck & Klein Remix)

Adam Ellis & Michele C - Don’t Disappear (Kismet 333 Extended Remix)

Armin van Buuren feat. BullySongs - Freefall (Extended Mix)

Jayceeoh & The Oddictions feat. Britt Daley - Alright (Kue Remix)

Remady - Do It On My Own (Mike Candys Remix)

Dua Lipa Feat. Dababy - Levitating (Don Diablo Extended Remix)

Christopher S - Star (Club Mix)

Zedd Feat. Selena Gomez - I Want You To Know (Marc Benjamin Remix)

Andy Moor & Michele C - We Can Be Free (Evan Pierce Remix)

Otto Knows - Million Voices (Extended Version)

Bosson - Guardian Angel (Bodybangers Remix Extended)

Sander van Doorn Feat Carol Lee - Love Is Darkness (Original Mix)

AXSHN feat. Sofia Reyes - Tell Me (Sak Noel Remix)

Amelia Lily - You Bring Me Joy (Steve Smart & Westfunk Club Remix)

Enlight & Komodo - I'm Feeling You (Movetown Remix)

NOTE: These track listings will eventually be reorganized into a master alphabetical list and put on my website at www.artbdt.com

[kingsbridgelibraryteens]

Are you ready for the new school year to start? Check out our latest WE RULE THE SCHOOL display, featuring:

S.T.A.G.S. by M.A. Bennett

The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky

First-Year Orientation edited by Lauren Gibaldi and Eric Smith

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson

The Wave by Todd Strasser

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina

[kattra]

What I’m Reading

BOOKS OF FEBRUARY The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden The Dangers of Smoking in Bed by Mariana Enríquez (SS) Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger ** The Night Parade by Kathryn Tanquary  Manhunt by Gretchen Felker-Martin  The Backwater Sermons by Jay Hulme (P)  Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock (SS)  Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop  Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid  Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina White Magic by Elissa Washuta (NF)  Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert 

Graphic Novels: Imagine Wanting Only This by Kristen Radtke  Dengeki Daisy Vol.9-12 by Kyousuke Motomi    Fence Vol.5 (Rise) by C.S. Pacat & Johanna the Mad  A Map to the Sun by Sloane Leong **

(32 books read / 125 books goal)

currently reading:  The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien  Postcolonial Love Poem by Natalie Diaz (P)  Still Life by Louise Penny God Isn’t Here Today by Francine Cunningham (SS)  I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy (NF) Trickster’s Choice by Tamora Pierce Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop 

* - re-read // ** - 4+ star-rating (recommended) GN - graphic novel // NF - non-fiction // P - poetry SS - short story collection // AB - audiobook 

TBR: Trickster’s Queen by Tamora Pierce  Lost in the Moment and Found by Seanan McGuire Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi  Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey  In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado (NF)  Seek You: A Journey Through American Loneliness by Kristen Radtke (GN)

WHAT ARE YOU READING? :D

Find me on: GOODREADS | THE STORYGRAPH

[literaticat]

MEG MEDINA - YESSSSS!!!! (obviously not a question but a place to shout excitement!)

Haha - YES, we are all VERY excited at ABLA!

For those who might have missed the news yesterday, wonderful agency client Meg Medina was named the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature by the Library of Congress.

This is an incredible honor, and couldn't happen to a lovelier person -- Meg is an amazing advocate for children and children's books! She's going to have a WHIRLWIND of a time for sure!

(I'm not her agent, btw, Jen Rofé is, but I'm still BURSTING with excitement for her!)

YESSSSS!!!!!!