#michael l printz award

[meganwhalenturner]

2023 ALA Youth Media Awards

I was a little disappointed by the coverage of the Youth Media Awards. So few of the book jackets were featured in the articles I read. I'd like to say a special thank you to @the-dust-jacket for taking the time to put together the beautiful posts I have reblogged below.

The Newbery, the Caldecott, the Coretta Scott King, the Bel Pre etc etc-- the whole point of these awards is to drive sales. Because those sales motivate publishers to print more diverse books. The bigger the sales bump, the more important the prize; the more important the prize, the bigger the sales bump.

I think seeing the covers makes a huge impact and I hope @the-dust-jacket's posts gets lots of reblogs.

Congratulations to all those honored this year!

[meganwhalenturner]

@the-dust-jacket Thank you so much for making these beautiful posts of the ALA award winners.

Congratulations to this year’s Alex Awards honorees! 

[bookishandproud]

Bone Gap

Laura Ruby

Book Cover Picture

Genre or category

Michael L. Printz Award Winner

Target Age Group

7th to 12th grades

Summary

A girl named Roza mysteriously disappears in the small town of Bone Gap, and there is only one witness, Finn, who can attest to what happened. Guilty, but also frustrated with the townspeople for not caring to look for Roza, Finn tries to solve the mystery of where she went.

Justification

I chose this book because it is a Michael L. Printz Award Winner, among many other awards it was nominated for and won. It's a book that contains magical realism, adding a fantasy element to the way the author tackles hard topics. Using the magical realism element allows for making the hard topics more palatable and less intimidating for readers to consume and process, rather than presenting them outright. This can be exceptionally helpful in introducing readers to media that addresses serious topics.

Evaluation

For this review, I will be evaluating pacing, tension, and setting.

The course of the story flips back and forth between perspectives of Finn, Roza, Sean, and Petey. Their perspectives are all different, as they all have different experiences and feelings of what is happening within the story. Each chapter reveals layers of the characters’ inner lives, particularly Finn and Roza, whose perspectives add depth and complexity without pulling the story off course. Splitting the chapters up and offering different perspectives helps keep the pacing from being too fast. The mysterious reasons behind Roza's disappearance unfold over the course of the book, while Roza's point of view provides a bit of dramatic irony for the readers, keeping their interest as the story moves along. However, in listening to the audiobook, the entire thing was read by the same narrator. With this style of book it may be beneficial to have different narrators for each different character, offering an even more immersive experience for the reader.

Working in tandem with the pacing, the tension in the book is amplified by the story being drawn out through the different point of views for each chapter. Roza's experiences in the different world she has been kidnapped to add to the tension as the other characters deal with the repercussions of her disappearance and the strains it puts on their relationships. The magical realism element of the story also adds tension, as the reader never knows what to expect to happen next with the collision of the fantasy and real worlds. The story’s tension never overwhelms but enhances the story, adding weight to each revelation and making Bone Gap feel alive. This careful layering draws readers in, keeping them on edge while fully immersed in the haunting beauty of Ruby’s world. The narrator's even tone cements the tension to the reader, as there are times when readers may wish for the story to pick up and go faster as things are revealed but the narrator's tone remains even, adding to the tension of the story.

The small town of Bone Gap almost feels like a character on its own. Through interwoven details about the town and its people, and the perspective of the characters as they are frustrated that nobody seems to listen to or believe them about what has happened, adds to the way the town feels. Each location within the town holds its own weight, drawing readers into its quiet strangeness and hinting that something powerful lies beneath the surface. This richly layered setting is crucial to the novel’s impact, amplifying its themes of perception, identity, and the thin line between reality and the extraordinary. The narrator of the book is able to weave the story for the reader and guide them through the different settings as it flows through them, not unlike the magic that flows through the setting of the town.

Rating: ★★★★

References

Ruby, L. (2015). Bone gap. HarperCollins.

[haveacupofjohanny]

Friday Feature: Celebrating Angeline Boulley - A Voice for Native American Stories

New on the blog for #fridayfeature: Discover Angeline Boulley, the celebrated author of "Firekeeper's Daughter." Learn about her heritage, advocacy, and the impact of her debut novel on Native American representation in YA literature. Visit Have a Cup of

This week’s #Fridayfeature shines a spotlight on Angeline Boulley, a celebrated author best known for her debut young adult novel, “Firekeeper’s Daughter.” This was my introduction to the author, and it’s one I will never forget. While her work has garnered significant attention, several lesser-known aspects of her life and career deserve recognition. Background and Heritage Sault Ste. Marie…

[gangseysallhere]

WE'RE GETTING SHIVER!

EXCLUSIVE: Andy Fickman (One True Loves) is set to direct Shiver, a feature adaptation of the same-name novel by New York Times bestseller Maggie Stiefvater.

Producer Addam Bramich (Russell Crowe’s Poker Face) optioned the book, published by Scholastic in 2009, which is the first in Stiefvater’s globally bestselling series The Wolves of Mercy Falls and spent more than 40 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list. The film will follow Grace, who for years has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf — her wolf — has a chilling presence she can’t seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human… until the cold makes him shift back again. Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It’s her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human — or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

A writer for the film has not yet been attached. But Bramich will produce alongside Fickman and Betsy Sullenger (You Again, Scout’s Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse) through their Oops Doughnut Productions, with Stiefvater consulting.

“From the first page of Maggie Stiefvater’s novel, I was transported to a vivid, magical and romantic world that I immediately wanted to bring to life,” said Fickman. “These multidimensional characters are grounded in the daily joys and terrors of high school, live in an elevated arena between fantasy and reality, and love across those boundaries and without limits. I’m thrilled to bring this stunning tale of forbidden romance to the screen along with a fresh coat of Minnesota snow.”

“We could not be more thrilled to embark on this journey with the incredibly talented director Andy Fickman, as we bring the adventurous and thrilling world within this story to the big screen,” added Bramich. “With this unique story, and the help of the brilliant author Maggie Stiefvater, it is with great enthusiasm that we begin this exciting collaboration.”

Fickman is an award-winning writer, director and producer whose romantic dramedy One True Loves hits theaters on April 7th. Simu Liu, Phillipa Soo and Luke Bracey star in that pic based on Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestseller. In conjunction with Village Roadshow, he also recently directed and produced the stage capture of his award-winning show Heathers the Musical, which debuted to acclaim on Roku last September. The stage show is currently selling out at The Other Palace Theatre in London, where it has received several West End noms and other accolades.

Other notable titles helmed by Fickman include Fox’s family comedy Parental Guidance starring Billy Crystal and Bette Midler, DreamWorks’ teen sports rom-com She’s the Man, Paramount’s Playing with Fire starring John Cena, Keegan-Michael Key and John Leguizamo, Disney’s hit films The Game Plan and Race to Witch Mountain, both starring Dwayne Johnson, as well as Disney/Touchstone’s comedy You Again starring Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver, Betty White and more.

On the television side, Fickman most recently directed and exec produced Netflix’s NASCAR comedy The Crew, starring Kevin James, Freddie Stroma and Sarah Stiles. He previously collaborated with James as director and EP of his Netflix stand-up special Kevin James: Never Don’t Give Up, also directing on Nickelodeon’s No Good Nick, starring Melissa Joan Hart and Sean Astin.

An author of books for all ages, as well as a musician and artist, Stiefvater’s book series The Wolves of Mercy Falls and The Raven Cycle were both #1 New York Times bestsellers. She also previously penned The Scorpio Races, which was named a Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book in 2012.

Fickman is repped by WME, Entertainment 360 and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller; Stiefvater by Angela Cheng Caplan of Cheng Caplan Company, Richard Pine of InkWell Management and VanderKloot Law.

[nealshustermanreal]

Save the date! Join me at @bienaldolivro on 02/09. We'll chat about my works, including the Scythe trilogy, acclaimed by the Michael L. Printz Award! Can't wait to meet you!

[telomeke]

ID text–

The letter written by John Green:

Hi, I'm John Green, resident of Indianapolis and author of The Fault in Our Stars, Turtles All the Way Down, and other novels for teenagers. A community member gave me your emails; I hope you won't mind my reaching out. Feel free to email me here or call me at XXXXXXXXXXXXX. I know that some of you are very business-focused, so here's some business: I've sold more than 40,000,000 books as a resident of Central Indiana, which has been good news for the tax revenue of this state and the local economy more generally. (We are, after all, home to the world's largest book warehousing operation.) The Fault in Our Stars is the best selling book ever to be set in Indiana, and has driven considerable tourism to our shared community. I'm also the cofounder and CEO of an e-commerce company and the educational media company Complexly, which between them employ over 115 people, several of whom live in Fishers or Noblesville. I am your neighbor. And I am absolutely horrified by the decision of some members of your board to override a huge body of expertise and deem hundreds of books--including mine-- inappropriate to be shelved as Young Adult Literature. One of the novels you've pulled off the shelves won the Michael L Printz Award as the best Young Adult novel according to the leading librarians in the U.S. Another was awarded the Corinne Book Prize, the highest award for young adult literature in Germany. Other books on the list, including Judy Blume's Forever and Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak, are widely viewed as classics of Young Adult literature. And more to the point, librarians and teachers in our community--the highly-trained experts Fishers and Noblesville pay with public money--agree that these books should be shelved as Young Adult literature, which is precisely why they were until your shameful intervention. It's political theater of the lowest and most embarrassing order, and it's an awful way to have Fishers and Noblesville make national news. As a business owner, I'm infuriated by your third-rate vice signalling that complicates efforts to bring business and talent here. As a parent, I'm disgusted by your disregard for the professionalism and expertise of teachers and librarians. As a Hoosier author, I am deeply offended by your inaccurate and hurtful portrayal of my work. And as a citizen, I am so disappointed that you would use public time and public resources to engage in work that actively harms the public through censorship, defacto and otherwise. I implore you to walk this awful policy back and allow the real experts to decide where to shelve my books and those of my colleagues. Thank you for your time, John Green

Here is my reply to the removal of my books, including The Fault in Our Stars and Looking for Alaska, from the Young Adult library shelves from the suburbs just north of my hometown of Indianapolis.

[pagebypagereviews]

John Green Biography John Green is a bestselling author, YouTube content creator, and philanthropist, renowned for his poignant young adult novels like "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Looking for Alaska." Biography John Green Information Table table width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; th, td border: 1px solid #dddddd; text-align: left; padding: 8px; th background-color: #f2f2f2; Field Details Full Name John Michael Green Date of Birth August 24, 1977 Nationality American Profession Author, YouTuber, Podcaster, Philanthropist Notable Works Looking for Alaska (2005) An Abundance of Katherines (2006) Paper Towns (2008) The Fault in Our Stars (2012) Turtles All the Way Down (2017) The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet (2021) Education Kenyon College (Double major in English and Religious Studies, 2000) Major Awards Michael L. Printz Award (2006) Notable Projects Vlogbrothers YouTube channel VidCon Crash Course Project for Awesome Philanthropy Trustee for Partners In Health (PIH) Advocacy Global health causes, maternal mortality reduction in Sierra Leone, tuberculosis fight Significant Honors Included in Time magazine's 2014 list of the 100 most influential people in the world Early Life Early Life of John Green John Green, a renowned author and YouTube content creator, was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He spent his formative years in Orlando, Florida, where he was raised. His early education included attending a boarding school located outside of Birmingham, Alabama. These diverse geographical experiences during his childhood and adolescence contributed to shaping his perspectives and literary voice, which would later resonate with millions of young readers around the world. Family John Green's Family Information table width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; th, td border: 1px solid #000; padding: 8px; text-align: left; th background-color: #f2f2f2; Relation Name Information Father Mike Green Mike Green is John Green's father. The family moved to Orlando, Florida three weeks after John was born. Mother Sydney Green Sydney Green is John Green's mother. She, along with her husband Mike, raised John in Orlando, Florida. Brother Hank Green Hank Green is John Green's younger brother. He is also a well-known author and YouTuber. Wife Sarah Urist Green Sarah Urist Green is John Green's wife. They met at Indian Springs School and have two children together. Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements John Green's Body Measurements table width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; th, td padding: 10px; text-align: left; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; th background-color: #f2f2f2; Attribute Measurement Height 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) Weight 172 lbs (78 kg) Chest Size Not Available Waist Size Not Available Hip Size Not Available Shoe Size Not Available Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend John Green's Relationship Information table width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; th, td border: 1px solid black; padding: 8px; text-align: left; th background-color: #f2f2f2; John Green is currently married to Sarah Urist Green. They met while attending the same preparatory school in Indian Springs, Alabama. They have two children together, a son named Henry and a daughter named Alice. Marriage Date: Not publicly disclosed. Sarah Urist Green is an art curator and the creator of the PBS Digital Studios series "The Art Assignment." She has a keen interest in contemporary art and has worked in various capacities within the art world. Information about John Green's previous relationships is limited. However, it is known that he dated E. Lockhart, a fellow author. List Of Previous Relationships

Name Relationship Type E. Lockhart Girlfriend John Green is a celebrated author known for his popular contemporary Young Adult books, including "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Looking for Alaska." He is also the co-creator of the educational YouTube channel "Crash Course," which he runs with his brother, Hank Green. John Green has been open about his struggles with OCD and has used his platform to raise awareness about mental health issues. Career, Achievements And Controversies John Green - Career, Achievements, and Controversies How He Became Famous John Green gained widespread fame with his novel The Fault in Our Stars, published in 2012. The book's success was propelled by its poignant storytelling and emotional depth, resonating with a broad audience. The novel was later adapted into a successful film, further cementing Green's status as a prominent author. How The Career Started John Green began his literary career as a publishing assistant and production editor at the Chicago-based book review magazine Booklist. It was during this period that he wrote his first novel, Looking for Alaska, which won the Michael L. Printz Award in 2006. This recognition marked the beginning of his successful career as a young adult author. Popular Works Looking for Alaska (2005) An Abundance of Katherines (2006) Paper Towns (2008) The Fault in Our Stars (2012) Turtles All the Way Down (2017) Awards Throughout his career, John Green has received numerous awards and accolades, including: Michael L. Printz Award for Looking for Alaska (2006) Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Novel for Paper Towns (2009) Corine Literature Prize for The Fault in Our Stars (2013) Impact John Green has made a significant impact on American culture, particularly in the realm of young adult literature. His works often deal with themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, resonating deeply with younger generations. Additionally, Green co-founded the educational YouTube channel Crash Course, which provides informative and engaging content on various subjects. Controversies Despite his success, John Green has not been without controversy. Some of the notable controversies include: Criticism regarding the portrayal of mental health issues in his novels, particularly in Turtles All the Way Down. Debates over the appropriateness of certain themes and language in his books for young readers. Discussions around the representation of minority characters and diversity in his works. Despite these controversies, Green continues to be a beloved author and public figure, known for his ability to connect with readers and address complex topics in an accessible manner. John Green's career has been marked by significant achievements and a lasting impact on young adult literature. While his works and public persona have not been without controversy, his contributions to literature and education remain highly influential. Faq FAQs about John Green body font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; background-color: #f4f4f4; margin: 0; padding: 0; .container width: 80%; margin: 0 auto; background: #fff; padding: 20px; box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); h1 text-align: center; color: #333; .faq margin: 20px 0; .faq h2 color: #007BFF; .faq p color: #555; John Green is an American author, vlogger, producer, and educator. He is best known for his young adult novels, including "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Looking for Alaska." He is also a co-creator of the popular YouTube channel, Vlogbrothers, along with his brother Hank Green. Some of John Green's most famous books include "The Fault in Our Stars," "Looking for Alaska," "Paper Towns," "An Abundance of Katherines," and "Turtles All the Way Down." His works have been widely acclaimed and have received numerous awards. Yes, several of John Green's books have been adapted into films.

"The Fault in Our Stars" was released as a film in 2014 and received critical acclaim. "Paper Towns" was adapted into a movie in 2015. Additionally, "Looking for Alaska" was adapted into a miniseries by Hulu in 2019. Vlogbrothers is a YouTube channel created by John Green and his brother Hank Green. The channel features a wide variety of content, including educational videos, personal vlogs, and discussions on various topics. It has a large following and has led to the creation of several other projects, including the annual charity event Project for Awesome. John Green has won numerous awards for his writing, including the Michael L. Printz Award for his debut novel "Looking for Alaska" and the Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Novel for "Paper Towns." His book "The Fault in Our Stars" has also received various accolades and was a #1 bestseller on the New York Times Best Seller list.

[culpaedasestrelas]

Biografia do autor, Jonh Green:

John Green nasceu em Indianápolis, no Estado de Indiana, Estados Unidos, no dia 24 de agosto de 1977. Criado em Orlando, na Flórida, frequentou a Lake Highland Preparatory School. Estudou também na Indian Springs School (local usado posteriormente para o cenário do livro "Quem é Você Alasca?"). John Green é um romancista e vlogger norte-americano, autor de "A Culpa é das Estrelas". Depois que graduou-se em língua inglesa e estudos religiosos, passou cinco meses trabalhando como capelão estagiário no Nationwide Children' s, em Ohio. Em seguida, mudou-se para Chicago onde trabalhou como assistente editorial do jornal Bookist. Seu irmão se chama Hank Green e seus pais são Mike Green e Sydney Green.

Iniciou na literatura como novelista, no seguimento Young adult - a literatura para adolescentes e jovens adultos, com o livro "Quem é Você Alasca?" Essa história é ambientada em um internato, que possui traços autobiográficos de sua passagem no Indian Springs School. Além do livro "A Culpa é das Estrelas" (2012) que é um romance em que um casal de adolescentes enfrenta uma realidade incontornável: o câncer terminal, também tem os livros Deixe a Neve Cair (2008), Cidades de papel (2009), Will e Will, Um Nome, Um Destino (2010) e Tartarugas Até Lá Embaixo (2017).

Ganhou os Prêmios Goodreads Choice Award de Melhor Ficção, Michael. L. Printz, Edgar: Melhor Livro Jovem Adulto, entre outros.

[the-dust-jacket]

Congratulations to the 2023 Printz Award winner and honorees! 

[youngreaderreviews]

Book Review: This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki

This One Summer

Written by Mariko Tamaki. Illustrated byJillian Tamaki.

Genre or Category

Printz Winner or Printz Honor Book

Target Age Group

7th-12th grade

Recommended for ages 12-18 years, grades 7-12th.

Format

Physical, print

Summary

Awago Beach is a refuge for the young Rose and Windy, who are friends and enjoy the festivities of summer there every year. This summer isn’t like every past year though, because tensions between Rose’s parents have grown. In the midst of family issues, Rose and Windy find themselves tied up in the drama with some local teens that are also at Awago Beach.

Justification

This book was chosen because it fulfills the category “Printz Winner or Printz Honor Book.” In 2015 it received the honor of being listed as a Michael L. Printz Honor Book, which is an award that recognizes the best books written for teens, which is based entirely on literary merit. Additionally, it was also a Caldecott Honor Book in 2015, received an Eisner Award for Best New Graphic Novel in 2015, and an Ignatz Award for Outstanding Graphic Novel in 2014. Both Mariko and Jillian Tamaki have received highly esteemed awards for both their works in writing and illustration. Although this book has received many brilliant reviews, it has also been on the end of scrutiny with many attempts at censorship because of the mature themes included in the story. 

Evaluation

For this review, I will be evaluating illustrations, mood, and tension.

Illustrations

This One Summer is a graphic novel for young adults that features gorgeous illustrations that depict both lighthearted and emotionally heavy scenes. Although the character designs are fairly simple themselves, they have more detail in the linework used to create unique features, facial expressions and clothing, including the various textures used to emphasize those aspects. This is the same in regards to the scenery and settings used throughout the graphic novel - what appears simple is rather quite intricate. One key element that ties these illustrations together is the use of color, which is dominated by dark purple and purple blue in the linework. The remaining space is white. This use of a monochromatic design creates a sense of nostalgia, especially when characters are going through a sequence of memories. Additionally, these dark colors help to set different moods throughout the narrative. 

Mood

Graphic novels and other media intended for young adults often explore the complexities that come with growing up, and This One Summer is no exception. Mood in this graphic novel is established in one sentence of the synopsis of the story: “Rose’s mom and dad won’t stop fighting, and Rose and Windy have gotten tangled up in the tragedy-in-the-making in the small town of Awago Beach.” In this sentence, it has told the reader that this particular story is moody and that it will most likely be angsty and full of conflict. This is also highlighted in the dialogue between the characters and the illustrations, which feature soured facial expressions and intense weather.

Tension

Tension is present throughout This One Summer in many different interpersonal relationships. It’s seen between friends, lovers, and characters we wouldn’t think of having tension between them. Similar to the mood, tension is supported by the writing and illustrations present in the graphic novel. However, the more mature or sensitive themes in this story tend to create the most tension. For example, Rose’s mother, Alice, experiences a miscarriage which impacts her ability to connect with other people and enjoy the lake. As a result, this creates tension between her, her husband, and her daughter. The use of onomatopoeia is also helpful in creating tense scenes, such as doors slamming or heavy rain on the roof.

References

Tamaki, Mariko. (2014). This one summer (J. Tamaki, Illus.). First Second.

Tamaki, Mariko. (2014). This one summer [Cover illustration] (J. Tamaki, Illus.). First Second. https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781596437746/thisonesummer

[azbookblog2023]

The Poet X (Ebook)

The Poet X is a powerful novel in verse written by Elizabeth Acevedo. It is the 2019 Michael L. Printz award winner and is intended for young adults 13 and up.

This story follows Xiomara Batista, a sophomore who lives in Harlem with her family. She has a twin brother and strict Dominican parents who are very religious.This becomes problematic as her confirmation approaches because Xiomara begins to question the Catholic faith among other things. She is also becoming aware of her body and sexuality. Moreover, Xiomara’s character deals with sexism, exploring her identity, and hoping that her difficult family will accept her new interests. She uses poetry as a coping mechanism to express her frustrations, and is tempted to perform in poetry slams, but is afraid that her family will not approve.

I chose to review this book because it is culturally significant. Similar to Xiomara, I also grew up in a religious home with strict parents. I think that stories like this one are crucial for young Latina women who struggle with body discomfort as they become teenagers. Moreover, I think it’s important for all young adults to know that they are not alone if and when they begin to question the customs and beliefs their families impose on them. Xiomara's story is empowering and encourages self love. I think this is a great book for individuals who may be struggling with religion, self acceptance, and family. 

For this review, I will be evaluating Format, Pacing, and Character.

Format: I read this book on my Kindle as an ebook and had a good experience. I noticed that I went through it faster than when I read a physical book, but I’m not sure if it was because it was novel in verse or because of the format. After reading that the author had narrated the audiobook, I plan on listening to it at some point in the future. Xiomara’s character is so passionate and is filled with so many emotions that are not foreign to young teenage girls, and the author did so well in capturing those emotions. While I enjoyed my experience reading this as an ebook I look forward to hearing the audio version. 

Pacing: The pacing of this book is pretty fast, and Xiomara’s story is so captivating that it’s hard to put it down. However, because it’s a novel in verse the pacing feels appropriate. I think the author did a good job with the pacing in this story because the reader gets a good sense of what is going on and in a way it matches Xiomara’s character. As the reader I imagine Xiomara would be telling her story at this pace. The only time I felt like the pacing was not well executed was towards the end of the book because the ending seemed rushed. 

Character: Xiomara’s character seemed so authentic and wise beyond her years. I appreciate that she was a first generation immigrant, and I really sympathize with her when she feels that pressure on her shoulders. I found her relatable on so many levels and as someone who has gone through similar experience with religion, strict immigrant parents, and struggling with body discomfort I think that the author succeeded in reaching the intended audience for this novel. I found myself going through the same emotions as Xiomara, and was ultimately rooting for her the entirety of the book.

References: Acevedo, E. (2018). The poet X: A novel. HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers.

[hollymbryan]

Blog Tour: Top 5 Reasons to Read PLAN A by Deb Caletti!

Welcome to Book-Keeping and my stop on the TBR and Beyond Tours blog tour for Plan A by Deb Caletti, which is OUT TODAY! I've got all the book details for you below, along with my top five reasons to read this latest Caletti contemporary.

About the Book

title: Plan A author: Deb Caletti publisher: Labyrinth Road release date: 3 October 2023

A sixteen-year-old girl’s road trip across the country to get an abortion becomes a transformative journey of vulnerability, strength, and above all, choice. From the acclaimed author of A Heart in a Body in the World , this is both an achingly tender love story and a bold, badly needed battle cry about bodily autonomy and the experiences that connect us. Ivy can’t entirely believe it when the plus sign appears on the test. She didn’t even know it was possible from . . . what happened. But it is, and now she is, and instead of spending the summer working at the local drugstore and swooning over her boyfriend, Lorenzo, suddenly she’s planning a cross-country road trip to her grandmother’s house on the West Coast, where she can legally obtain an abortion. Escaping her small Texas town and the judgment of her friends and neighbors, Ivy hits the road with Lorenzo, who, determined to make the best of their “abortion road trip love story,” has transformed the journey into a whirlwind tour of the all the way from Paris, Texas, to Rome, Oregon . . . and every rest-stop diner and corny roadside attraction along the way. And while Ivy can’t run from the incessant pressure of others’ opinions about her body or from her own expectations and insecurities, she discovers a new world of healing and hope. As the women she encounters share their stories, she chips away at the stigma, silence, and shame surrounding reproductive rights while those collective experiences guide her to her own rightful destination. Content Warning: Abortion, harassment, assault, rape, trauma

Add to Goodreads: Plan A Purchase the Book: Amazon | B&N | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Deb Caletti is the award-winning and critically acclaimed author of over twenty books for adults and young adults, including Honey, Baby, Sweetheart, a finalist for the National Book Award, and A Heart in a Body in the World, a Michael L. Printz Honor Book. Her books have also won the Josette Frank Award for Fiction, the Washington State Book Award, and numerous other state awards and honors, and she was a finalist for the PEN USA Award. She lives with her family in Seattle.

Connect with Deb: Website | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook

Top 5 Reasons to Read

It's Deb Caletti. Isn't that enough?! I read and reviewed A Heart in a Body in the World when it released, and I *still* think about it to this day. She writes YA contemporary like no other.

I don't think there is any topic more relevant and urgent to the lives of young women than abortion -- the right to healthcare, the right to make one's own choices, the right to control one's own body.

The mother in this book is strong and amazing and supportive, and it was wonderful to read such a present and powerful parental character in YA.

The trip across country that Ivy and Lorenzo make is whimsical and fun while also leading to Ivy figuring out more who she is and what she wants. It may seem weird to have the trip to get an abortion be like this, but when reading you realize it makes perfect sense.

Perhaps my most favorite aspect of the book, and my top reason to read it, is the character of Lorenzo. Ivy's boyfriend not only supports whatever choice she wants to make, he calculates the travel route that takes them through all the "world cities" between Paris, Texas and Manhattan Beach, Oregon -- from Lima, Oklahoma to Naples, Utah to Rome, Oregon. He knows how desperately Ivy wishes to see the world, and he wants to give it to her, making my heart completely full.

While this isn't a traditional review, I do have to say this is a 5-star book for me for sure. I want to put it in the hands of every teen reader I come across -- and parents, too! It's beautifully written and empowering, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

Thank you so much to the publisher, author, and TBR and Beyond for the early copy of the book and for having me on tour!

[nealshustermanreal]

I'm excited to announce that I'll be at the @bienaldolivro @02/09 to talk about my books, including the Scythe trilogy, which was chosen as an honorary book by the Michael L. Printz Award! Hope to see you there!

[tianasdominicanlitblog]

10 Fiction Titles

In The Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

This Julia Alvarez classic is a must-read for anyone of Latinx descent. If you haven't yet read In The Time of the Butterflies ($16), it's Alvarez's interpretation of the story of the four Dominican sisters known as the "mariposas," three of whom were killed presumably because they were opponents of real-life dictator Raphael Trujillo. Although this one is classified as historical fiction, it quite accurately clues readers in on what it was like for people living in the Dominican Republic during Trujillo's reign, and the sheer determination it took to overcome him.

How the García Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvarez

Released more than a decade after In the Time of the Butterflies, Julia Alvarez's How the García Girls Lost Their Accents ($17), introduced an entirely new generation to her powerful writing style. Julia again writes about four sisters from the Dominican Republic, but this set of sisters flees Trujillo and lands in New York City, where they must figure out how to become American and learn to fit in, while their parents desperately fight for them to hold onto their traditional ways.

Afterlife by Julia Alvarez

Julia Alvarez's latest, Afterlife ($24), departs quite a bit from the other two novels mentioned here. It's about a woman whose life turns tumultuous when her husband suddenly dies right after she retires from the college where she taught English for years. Her sister disappears and one day, a pregnant undocumented teenager shows up at her home. She finds there are no answers to the chaos she's in the midst of and instead she must embrace each challenge as it arises, with an open heart and an open mind. It's a quick read, but a poignant one.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Dominican poet Elizabeth Acevedo skyrocketed to literary fame after her novel-in-verse The Poet X ($12) was released. It's the recipient of the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, and the Pura Belpré Award, and is a New York Times bestseller. It's written from the perspective of a Dominican teenager growing up in Harlem, and struggling against her environment and her old-school and often abusive mother, to come into her own and figure out how to pursue her passion for poetry.

With The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo

In her second novel, With The Fire on High ($13), Elizabeth Acevedo taps into the passion many Latinx people have for food. It's a fun novel about a teen mom, who turns to the kitchen to escape the stresses of her young life. She's gifted in the kitchen but doesn't think she'll ever be able to have a career as a chef. She chooses what she thinks is the responsible path, but her talent refuses to take the back burner.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Elizabeth Acevedo's latest novel, Clap When You Land ($19), is the emotional tale of a young girl living in the Dominican Republic who looks forward to her father's visits from New York every year. She's devastated when she finds out he's died in a plane crash. But she soon learns that he left her with something to fill the void: an American sister she never knew about.

Dominicana by Angie Cruz

Dominicana ($16) by Angie Cruz is a beautiful novel that illustrates the difficult immigration story of many Latinx people quite authentically. It's about a 15-year-old Dominican girl who receives a marriage proposal from a much older man, that she has no choice but to accept because her family believes the union will open up a world of opportunities for them. Despite being content where she is in the Dominican Republic, she has to move to New York City's Washington Heights with her new husband, where she'll have to let go of all she's known her entire life. She dreams of escaping, but when her husband returns to DR temporarily, she begins to feel hopeful.

A Taste of Sage by Yaffa Santos

Born and raised in New Jersey, Dominican author Yaffa S. Santos developed a love for cooking that was inspired and ignited by her heritage, and that ultimately ended up turning into her first novel, A Taste of Sage ($16). The book is a romance about a chef who has the uncanny ability to be able to read people's emotions simply by tasting the food they cook, which leads to some unexpected feelings when she indulges in her boss' cuisine.

Halsey Street by Naima Coster

Halsey Street ($15) by Naima Coster is a deeply emotional novel about a young woman who sacrifices her art career to move back to the Brooklyn neighborhood she grew up in to care for her father. She's confronted with the unsettling implications of gentrification in the place that once belonged to her, and must also grapple with feelings and emotions about her family that she buried long ago.

What's Mine and Yours by Naima Coster

Naima Coster's second novel, What's Mine and Yours ($26), is one of the newest books on this list. This time, Naima shifts her focus to the American south, in a story that spans twenty years, about two kids whose lives and families end up forever connected despite their vastly different upbringings. The book takes a deep dive into the loaded topics of race, politics, love, and family, and offers an interesting look at the complexities of modern relationships.

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THE FIRST PART LAST

[Cover art for The First Part Last]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 7, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_First_Part_Last

"No, I don’t know anything about raising a kid. I’m sixteen and none of those people on the wall look like the kind of family me and Feather’s gonna be. But I’m doing it.”

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson follows 16-year-old Bobby as he navigates life as a teenage father. Bobby is faced with many tough decisions and has to worry about himself and his newborn daughter, Feather.

The First Part Last offers many different topics that are discussed today but from very different perspectives. Teen pregnancy novels, more often than not, follow a pregnant female protagonist and avoid the nitty-gritty details of pregnancy other than morning sickness, lack of sleep, and swollen ankles. Angela Johnson pushes the boundaries by not only flipping this role around completely but also disclosing some of the horrific truths and possibilities of childbirth. I believe teens would quickly pick up this novel and relate to it. While it’s no secret that teens are sexual beings, this novel does a magnificent job describing the realities of what being sexually active means. Johnson does a fantastic job of creating a story that spells out the need to discuss safe sex with teens and that they are stronger than society has deemed them. I give this novel a 10/10 and recommend it to anyone who wants to partake in this emotional rollercoaster! I will also be reading the other two books in the series, which are Heaven and Sweet, Hereafter.

AWARDS:

Coretta Scott King Award, 2004

Michael L. Printz Award, 2004

Watch the book trailer for The First Part Last, created by teens in the DC Public Library’s Summer Youth Employment Program!