#william c morris awards

[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…

[dweemeister]

Whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be there to guide you. And so will I.

Born to a turbulent family on a Mississippi farm, James Earl Jones passed away today. He was ninety-three years old. Abandoned by his parents as a child and raised by a racist grandmother (although he later reconciled with his actor father and performed alongside him as an adult), the trauma of his childhood developed into a stutter that followed him through his primary school years – sometimes, his stutter was so debilitating, he could not speak at all. In high school, Jones found in an English teacher someone who found in him a talent for written expression, and encouraged him to write and recite poetry in class. He overcame his stutter by graduation, although the effects of it carried over for the remainder of his life.

Jones' most accomplished roles may have been on the Broadway stage, where he won three Tonys (twice winning Best Actor in a Play for originating the lead roles in 1969's The Great White Hope by Howard Sackler and 1987's Fences by August Wilson) and was considered one of the best Shakespearean actors of his time.

But his contributions to cinema left an impact on audiences, too. Jones received an Honorary Academy Award alongside makeup artist Dick Smith (1972's The Godfather, 1984's Amadeus) in 2011. From the end of Hollywood's Golden Age to the dawn of the summer Hollywood blockbuster in the 1970s to the present, Jones' presence – and his basso profundo voice – could scarcely be ignored. Though he could not sing like Paul Robeson nor had the looks of Sidney Poitier, his presence and command put him in league of both of his acting predecessors.

Ten of the films James Earl Jones appeared in, whether in-person or voice acting, follow (left-right, descending):

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) – directed by Stanley Kubrick; also starring Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Keenan Wynn, and Slim Pickens

The Great White Hope (1970) – directed by Martin Ritt; also starring Jane Alexander, Chester Morris, Hal Holbrook Beah Richards, and Moses Gunn

Star Wars saga (1977-2019; A New Hope pictured) – multiple directors, as the voice of Darth Vader, also starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, Alec Guinness, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, and Frank Oz

Claudine (1974) – directed by John Berry; also starring Diahann Carroll, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, and Tamu Blackwell

Conan the Barbarian (1982) – directed by John Milius; also starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sandahl Bergman, Ben Davidson, Cassandra Gaviola, Gerry Lopez, Mako, Valerie Quennessen, William Smith, and Max von Sydow

Coming to America series (1988 and 2021; original pictured) – multiple directors; also starring Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, John Amos, Madge Sinclair, Shari Headley, Jermaine Fowler, Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, and KiKi Layne

The Hunt for Red October (1990) – directed by John McTiernan; also starring Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, and Sam Neill

The Sandlot (1993) – directed by David Mickey Evans; also staring Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna, Chauncey Leopardi, Marty York, Brandon Adams, Grant Gelt, Shane Obedzinski, Victor DiMattia, Denis Leary, and Karen Allen

The Lion King (1994) – directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, as the voice of Mufasa; also starring Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, Moira Kelly, Niketa Calame, Ernie Sabella, Nathan Lane, and Robert Guillaume, Rowan Atkinson, Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin, Jim Cummings, and Madge Sinclair

Field of Dreams (1989) – directed by Phil Alden Robinson; also starring Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, Ray Liotta, and Burt Lancaster

[richincolor]

Banned Books Week Day 2

While many in America are doing their hardest to stifle diverse voices, there is an enormous push back by many invested parties to make sure books are available to all. Today we're highlighting two organizations doing their part.

The first, Authors Against Book Bans, is a national organization that consists of authors, illustrators, translators and more. AABB aims to be a resource for authors who have experience their book being banned and to help local organizations in the fight against book bans. If you are an author or involved in the publishing industry in any way, click on the link to find out more: Authors Against Book Bans.

The second organization,  Every Library, is a national organization that anyone interested in the fight can join. The organization tracks legislation that is harmful to schools and libraries, provides crowdfunding for libraries and provides support for people who are fighting book bans in their local vicinity. If you would like to get involved, click on the link to find out more: Every Library

Today's book is from Contributor Crystal. Her choice is Gabi, A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero. She states that she chose this book because "Gabi is a character that everyone should get a chance to meet. Gabi faces difficult situations with vulnerability, honesty, and an abundance of humor. It's a beautiful, sometimes messy journey of a young woman finding her voice. "

Gabi, A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero

In this groundbreaking William C. Morris Award winner for a YA debut, Gabi's life is a mess--her family, her friends, her attempts at a love life--but writing helps, especially since it turns out she's pretty good at poetry.

Gabi Hernandez chronicles her last year of high school in her diary: college applications, Cindy's pregnancy, Sebastian's coming out, the cute boys, her father's meth habit, and the food she craves. And best of all, the poetry that helps forge her identity.

July 24

My mother named me Gabriella, after my grandmother who, coincidentally, didn't want to meet me when I was born because my mother was unmarried, and therefore living in sin. My mom has told me the story many, many, MANY, times of how, when she confessed to my grandmother that she was pregnant with me, her mother beat her. BEAT HER! She was twenty-five. That story is the basis of my sexual education and has reiterated why it's important to wait until you're married to give it up. So now, every time I go out with a guy, my mom says, "Ojos abiertos, piernas cerradas." Eyes open, legs closed. That's as far as the birds and the bees talk has gone. And I don't mind it. I don't necessarily agree with that whole wait until you're married crap, though. I mean, this is America and the 21st century; not Mexico one hundred years ago. But, of course, I can't tell my mom that because she will think I'm bad. Or worse: trying to be White.

If this novel appeals to you, show your support by visiting your local library or purchasing a copy at Bookshop.org.

[transbookoftheday]

Violet Ghosts by Leah Thomas

From William C. Morris and Edgar Award finalist Leah Thomas comes an ethereal, thought-provoking YA tale about a teen who can see ghosts . . . and helps them avenge their deaths.

Dani's best friend, Sarah, is a ghost. But maybe that's normal when you've spent your childhood running from an abusive parent.

Dani and Sarah might be more than friends, though Dani dares not say so. Dani is afraid that if he tells Sarah he's trans, she won't bother haunting him anymore. Sarah's got good reason to distrust boys, having been strangled by one.

After Sarah and Dani come across another ghost haunted by her own brutal murder, they set out to bring peace and safety to spirits like her. But when an old rival reenters Dani's life, their unexpected friendship gives Dani a strange new feeling of belonging. As Dani starts to find his place in the living world, he'll need to let go of his ghosts.

Equal parts chilling, raw, and emotionally resonant, acclaimed author Leah Thomas's ghost story for the #MeToo era is about reclaiming trauma and finding peace among true friends.

[runwithskizzers]

LOOK AT THIS COVER

I'm so excited to be a part of this anthology of South Asian stories written by South Asian (incl all aspects of diasporic) writers.

You can preorder here: https://www.littleshopofstories.com/book/9780063208261

A pair of star-crossed lovers search for a way back to one another against all odds . . .

A girl fights for her life against a malignant, generations-old evil . . .

A peri seeks to reclaim her lost powers . . .

A warrior rebels against her foretold destiny . . .

From chudails and peris to jinn and goddesses, this lush collection of South Asian folklore, legends, and epics reimagines stories of old for a modern audience. This fantasy and science fiction teen anthology edited by Samira Ahmed and Sona Charaipotra contains a wide range of stories from fourteen bestselling, award-winning, and emerging writers from the South Asian diaspora that will surprise, delight, and move you. So read on, for after all, magic has no borders.

With stories by:

Sabaa Tahir, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Ember in the Ashes series, and winner of the National Book Award and Printz Award for All My Rage

Sayantani DasGupta, New York Times bestselling author of the Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond series

Preeti Chhibber, author of Spider-Man’s Social Dilemma

Sona Charaipotra, author of Symptoms of a Heartbreak and How Maya Got Fierce, and coauthor of The Rumor Game and Tiny Pretty Things, now a Netflix original series.

Tanaz Bhathena, award-winning author of Hunted by the Sky and Of Light and Shadow

Sangu Mandanna, bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and the Celestial Trilogy

Olivia Chadha, author of Rise of the Red Hand

Nafiza Azad, author of William C. Morris Award nominee, The Candle and the Flame

Tracey Baptiste, New York Times bestselling author of The Jumbies series and Minecraft: The Crash

Naz Kutub, author of The Loophole

Nikita Gill, bestselling author of Wild Embers and Fierce Fairytales

Swati Teerdhala, author of the Tiger at Midnight trilogy

Shreya Ila Anasuya, New Voices selection

Tahir Abrar, New Voices selection

Cover credits:

Artist: Jyotirmayee Patra Designer: Joel Tippie

[brianjaeger]

2024 Academy Award Best Picture Nominees Guide For Those Who Haven’t Actually Watched Them

In a year when the names of pretty much every movie are combinations of random, non-descript words, and with a lineup of films that few people did actually watch or even legitimately know what they’re about (except Barbenheimer) - the Academy really tested the flimsy premise of this now decade-old bit.

But tis the season! So sing along with me! My awards have a first name, it’s O-S-C-A-R!

My awards have a second name, it’s C-O-R-P-O-R-A-T-E-H-O-L-L-Y-W-O-O-D-W-I-L-L-S-O-O-N-B-R-E-A-K-I-T-S-P-R-O-M-I-S-E-T-O-T-H-E-U-N-I-O-N-S-A-N-D-C-R-E-A-T-E-A-L-L-O-F-T-H-E-S-E-M-O-V-I-E-S-W-I-T-H-A-I-I-N-T-H-E-F-U-T-U-R-E!

So, let’s dive in for this 10th rundown of the Best Picture nominees!

American Fiction

What Florida Governor Ron DeSantis calls critical race theory.

3 Things To Casually Inject Into Conversation To Prove You Saw The Movie And Sound Like An Expert:

German Fiction is what those who planned to vote for DeSantis call Zone of Interest.

If this wins, Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty will announce it as La La Land.

Tracee Ellis Ross plays the role of Dr. Lisa Ellison. Other original names for characters were Myra Lucretia Taylor as Dr. Mary Lucretiason, Michael Cyril Creighton as Dr. Thomas Cyrilson and Sterling K. Brown as Dr. William K.-son.

Anatomy of a Fall

About 6-foot-2 and roughly 200 pounds at the time that he slapped Chris Rock at this awards show in 2022. 

3 Things To Casually Inject Into Conversation To Prove You Saw The Movie And Sound Like An Expert:

You know what they call a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in Paris? They call it Anatomie D'Une Cheese.

I thought it was a bit lazy that in order to play the half-blind son, director Justine Triet just put an eye-patch on Milo Machado-Graner and exclaimed, “Mon Dieu! Ze garçon is now half blind. Voir!

Eric Clapton’s least favorite Best Picture nominee.

Barbie

A sharp and immensely profitable attack upon the patriarchy and a film that became a rallying cry for female empowerment in Hollywood that garnered no Best Director or Best Actress nominations but nabbed a nom for penis-owning actor Ryan Gosling.

3 Things To Casually Inject Into Conversation To Prove You Saw The Movie And Sound Like An Expert:

Hi Barbie!

One day during childhood, I agreed to play Barbies with my two sisters and my brother. But we played Saved By The Bell with Ken as Zack Morris, an Aladdin doll as A.C. Slater and various Barbies as Kelly, Jessie and Lisa. It was civil until I got bored and used another Ken doll to be Screech and all of a sudden gave him the power (ironically…Screech's last name was Powers) to fly and then pretended he was flying over the Dream House and farting and pooping down (also ironically in light of Dustin Diamond’s later activities) on everyone causing my sisters to scream at me while I cackled with laughter. Not really a joke. Just a real crystalized childhood memory that I'm sadly still kind of proud of and also still think is very funny.

Next year, the Polly Pocket movie will be a tremendous hit, break down traditional gender norms, and Austin Butler will be the only one nominated for an Oscar for playing Paul E. Pocket.

The Holdovers

A story about a group that has nowhere to go after they are abandoned in New England…the 2020 Patriots.

3 Things To Casually Inject Into Conversation To Prove You Saw The Movie And Sound Like An Expert:

The lead role called for a “stubborn, curmudgeonly” character and Paul Giamatti just materialized on set.

To achieve Giamatti’s character Paul Hunham’s trademark lazy eye, Alexander Payne enlisted the help of Anatomy of a Fall director Justine Triet who came on set and addressed Giamatti’s right eye, saying, “Bonjour, eye! Do some work, s'il vous plaît. (Pauses for a beat.) Sacre bleu! Ze eye refuses to work. Zis is a lazy eye!”

This is the first collaboration between director Alexander Payne and actor Paul Giamatti since Sideways which now makes sense since there are various points in the film where a character, with absolutely no context or prompting, sips a glass of merlot and spits it on the ground screaming, “Merlot is the worst liquid in the universe!” But it was a bit much when the last scene of the movie was Paul Giamatti looking directly into the camera and saying, “Fuck you, merlot,” before the credits rolled.

Killers of the Flower Moon

Ernest in the Army. Ernest Scared Stupid. Ernest Goes to Jail.

3 Things To Casually Inject Into Conversation To Prove You Saw The Movie And Sound Like An Expert:

Leonardo DiCaprio initially turned down the role when he learned that his romantic interest in the film, Mollie Kyle, was 137 years old, saying, "Maybe without the 7!"

IMDB lists this movie’s runtime in years.

Scorsese rejected composer Robbie Robertson’s first score for the film that included “‘Up on Cripple Creek…Is Where They Found Anna’s Body’”, “I Shall Be Released…Is What King Hale Tells Ernest While In Jail”, “The Weight…Of His Transgressions Caused Ernest to Testify Against His Uncle” and “Ophelia…Is Probably The Name of One of The Background Osage Women Characters, Oh Come On Marty, Just Put It In The Credits, People Love This Song”

Maestro

Seasoned musician Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper) discovers-and falls in love with-struggling actress Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligaga). She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as an actress - until Leonard coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Felicia’s career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Leonard fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons. Then, he pisses his pants at the Grammys.

3 Things To Casually Inject Into Conversation To Prove You Saw The Movie And Sound Like An Expert:

Early critical reviews of the trailer focused on the “Anatomy of a Face”.

Just like in “A Star Is Born”, Bradley Cooper took vocal lessons to actually perform Leonard Bernstein's classic “Hallelujah”. (What’s that? There are two Jewish Leonards?)

Cooper spent nearly 45% of the film’s budget on that epic final battle scene between Bernstein and Lydia Tár.

Oppenheimer

Julius Robert Oppenheimer Schmidt! That's my name too! Whenever I got out, the people always shout, “There goes Julius Robert Oppenheimer Schmidt!” Na-na na-na na-na-na!

3 Things To Casually Inject Into Conversation To Prove You Saw The Movie And Sound Like An Expert:

In an alternate scene, it's revealed that the exchange between Oppenheimer and Edison by the pond that caused Albert to react so sadly when walking past Robert Downey Jr. is that Oppenheimer tried to sneak a fart but then said, “Oh no. I just Oppensharted.”

Nolan took some liberties with the true story. In reality, the U.S. killed between 110,000 and 210,000 Japanese citizens…with kindness.

Since ABC does not include the Academy’s Scientific and Technical Awards during the broadcast, we will not see Cillian Murphy’s acceptance speech for Best Seated Mangina.

Past Lives

This film follows the stories of the characters’ souls across time, and the stories are interwoven as they advance, showing how they all interact in their “past lives”. The film explores how people's “past lives” are connected with and influence each other and…wait a second. Nope. That’s Cloud Atlas. (Do not watch Cloud Atlas.)

3 Things To Casually Inject Into Conversation To Prove You Saw The Movie And Sound Like An Expert:

Due to scheduling conflicts with Poor Things, Emma Stone was unable to play the female Asian lead this time.

However, in the North Korean version of the film, Kim Jong Un played the role. And all the other roles. And won all of the Oscars. Ever.

This movie is a prequel to the movie Lives.

Poor Things

From Pixar comes the story of little Sally Sangiovese, a newly bottled red Italian wine who is separated from her Sangio-family and sent to the wine cellar. There, she’ll befriend Nelson Nebbiolo, a wizened red from the Piedmont region who is coming up on 30 years in the cellar but still hasn’t gotten over the loss of his Spanish love, Tia Tempranillo, who was pulled from the cellar for a quinceañera dinner the year prior. Together, the two will hatch a plan to release themselves from the cellar to reunite Sally with her family and Nelson con su amor. Along their adventurous aging process, audiences will discover that even when the bottle appears half-empty, you simply decant dampen the spirit of these…Pour Things!

3 Things To Casually Inject Into Conversation To Prove You Saw The Movie And Sound Like An Expert:

Max McCandles was actually the original name of Lumière from Beauty and the Beast.

Unfortunately this story of a British woman receiving a brain transplant isn’t about J.K. Rowling.

This is the first movie written by new AI trained only on Dr. Seuss books, Kanye West’s Twitter feed and the dreams of Gary Busey.

The Zone of Interest

Rudolf the conflicted Nazi! Had a garden full of rows! Of plants his wife liked to tend to! Horrifically juxtaposed! Then one sunny German day, Hitler came to say, “Rudolf of the triple Reich, won't you Holocaust tonight!” Then, how he wrestled with morality! As he puked and thought, “Why me?!” Rudolf the conflicted Nazi! This one’s really hard for comedy!

3 Things To Casually Inject Into Conversation To Prove You Saw The Movie And Sound Like An Expert…All Word-for-Word What Was Generated by ChatGPT:

The popularity of the film has already led to a sequel, Höss Party 2.

Probably also the title of one of the Mission Impossible movies.

I actually did watch every other movie nominated for Best Picture this year, but The Zone of Interest is the only one I did Nazi!

[gn349]

DEAR MARTIN

[Cover art for Dear Martin]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 7, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dear_Martin

Dear Martin by Nic Stone tells the story of high school student Justyce McAllister as he navigates certain social issues. While attending a predominately white preparatory high school on a scholarship, and heading towards an ivy league college career, Justyce is attacked and handcuffed by a police officer, which is a triggering event and causes him to question life as a black teenager in current society. After this horrifying experience he begins writing in a journal addressing his entries to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and tries to think of what he would do in these situations.

Dead Martin is an easy and fast read that keeps the reader wanting more. Stone’s writing style and Justyce’s journal entries are a magnificent combination that genuinely makes you feel the pain that is experienced throughout the novel. Dear Martin tells a heart-wrenching story of racial prejudice and racial injustice that is, unfortunately, deeply bred into a society. So many emotions were felt while reading, mostly sadness and anger, but there were also moments of joy and happiness. I genuinely believe teens will enjoy the read and hopefully become enlightened by the story being told. SPOILER ALERT!!!!! Manny’s death really hit home while reading, and the fact that an act so innocent, such as listening to music, can cause an individual to feel threatened and take another person's life. This novel is a 10/10 must-read and I plan on reading Dear Justyce, the sequel to this book.

AWARDS:

2018 Finalist for the William C. Morris Debut YA Award

2018 American Library Association's (ALA) Top Ten Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults

2018 ALA's Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

2018 - Starred review from Booklist

2018 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Nominee

2020 South Carolina Book Award Nominee for Young Adult

2020 Lincoln Award Nominee

Watch Nic Stone herself discuss the inspiration behind Dear Martin and also provide a quick summary of the novel!

[lboogie1906]

Attorney Oliver White Hill (May 1, 1907 - August 5, 2007) spent more than 60 years in a practice devoted to civil rights causes.

He was born in Richmond, Virginia. His father left, his mother Olivia remarried and he took the last name of his stepfather, Joseph C. Hill. The family moved to Roanoke, Virginia, and DC, he graduated from Dunbar High School. He earned a BA at Howard University, he graduated from Howard University Law School, second in his class only to Thurgood Marshall. He founded his first law firm, Hill, Martin, and Robinson, and joined Charles Hamilton Houston on the NAACP legal team.

He teamed with Marshall, Leon Ranson, and William Hastie in Alston v. School Board of Norfolk, Va., his first civil rights case victory. He co-founded the Old Dominion Bar Association. He joined the Army and served in Europe. He won the right to equal transportation for Black Virginia school children. He was elected to the Richmond City Council, the first African American elected in Richmond since Reconstruction.

With law partner Spotswood W. Robinson, he led a team of lawyers who filed more civil rights cases in Virginia than were filed in the segregation era in the South combined, with as many as 75 cases pending at a time. He was one of the trial lawyers in the desegregation lawsuit Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County.

He worked for the FHA, becoming a Federal Housing Commissioner in HUD. He was a partner in Hill, Tucker, and Marsh and won Quarles v. Philip Morris.

He served as an officer for the NAACP and the National Bar Association. He received “Lawyer of the Year” award from the National Bar Association, the NAACP’s “Simple Justice Award”, and the “Justice Thurgood Marshall Award” from the American Bar Association. He was given the Spingarn Award. President Bill Clinton awarded Hill with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He authored The Big Bang: Brown v. Board of Education and Beyond: The Autobiography of Oliver W. Hill, Sr.

His wife, Berensia Ann Walker Hill, predeceased him in 1993. They had one son. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence #omegapsiphi #sigmapiphi

[looksforleaders]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: 📷🩵NWT Dear Martin Paperback Book.

[gigslist]

Amazing Costume Sale in Haight Ashbury

Jimmy from Distractions, our most beloved and fabulous steampunk costume procurer in San Francisco, is retiring. He’s sold my couture one of a kind costumes there. (Until an a=hole trashed my equipment and studio.)

The sale starts September 6. After Burning Man. Address: 1552 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117 Hours: 11.30 AM to  7 PM Phone: (415) 252-8751 https://www.facebook.com/distractionsonhaight  (Note that Jimmy doesn’t do websites.)

I’d love to raise $100,000 to buy Distractions, if you’d like to help. Comes with an excellent sales team, fittings, permits and stock to get started. (Permits in San Francisco are an expensive and long winded nightmare.) It will also give me a studio to start designing again. I apprenticed in high end fashion in Australia and got special mention at the Australian Fashion Awards.

Also my sincerest apologies to Dior! I thought they were connected to the pretend Duke and Duchess… of Sausages. But Dior refused the “Offer.” A bold statement of Dior’s very excellent good taste. Who doesn’t want a Dior, or three or four or more, in their collections? Absolute must haves! 

Costumers check this out…

Stage and set designers check this out…

Big love and appreciation to Lady C, Neil Sean and the Royal Rogue :)

A note to former-Duke Harry’s wife, Megan Markle:  My favorite t-shirt says “Bitch… please… I’m from San Francisco.” Your Hollywood blacklists don’t work on me or GigsListers. We’re indie! Also I’m a duchess, aka princess, by birth. Ask Harry’s Dad. QE2, God bless her neutrinos, followed me my whole life.

Note to William Morris Agency: You have a big PR problem brewing. One that only duchesses of the blood know. Hire me as a consultant and I’ll tell you about it and how to fix it and get Harry back with his family. If you don’t, I’ll be forced to lead the charge again, out of deep respect for my blood relatives and clan. 

Break a leg!

[robynmaereads]

Bowman, A. D. (2017). Starifsh. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Starfish is a story about a teenage girl name Kiko who loves art and and dreams of leaving her mother who doesn't understand her or doesn't seem to have any interest in doing so. After a short series of heartbreaking and scary events happen to her, she jumps at the opportunity given by a childhood friend go fly across the country to visit potential art schools. When Kiko is granted the space from the dark parts of her life back home, she begins a journey of discovering who she is, including learning to accept her cultural identity as a half-Japenese girl and what she had been through in her past.

Starfish beautifully illustrates a young girl who, in the beginning of her story, is known her keeping her head down and only thinking about her future. As she grow, she learns to embrace her present, as well as her past, and learns to love herself. This book is quite empowering to readers who relate to Kiko's story. Her art is also a great metaphor throughout the book.

4.6/5 🎨✈️🌊

Awards:

2018 William C. Morris YA Debut Award for Starfish.

2019 Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award Nominee for Starfish.

2020 Scottish Teenage Book Prize Finalist for Starfish.

2020 Falkirk Red Book Award for Summer Bird Blue.

2022 Locus Award Finalist in the Young Adult Novel category for The Infinity Courts.

[haveyoureadthisqueerbook]

Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becy Albertalli received 297 votes total. 45.8% of respondents answered YES, they have read it. 54.2% of respondents answered NO, they have not read it.

William C. Morris Award Winner: Best Young Adult Debut of the Year * National Book Award Longlist A remarkable gift of a novel.--Andrew Smith, author of Grasshopper Jungle I am so in love with this book.--Nina LaCour, author of Hold Still Feels timelessly, effortlessly now.--Tim Federle, author of Better Nate Than Ever The best kind of love story.--Alex Sanchez, Lambda Award-winning author of Rainbow Boys and Boyfriends with Girlfriends Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he's pushed out--without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he's never met. Incredibly funny and poignant, this twenty-first-century coming-of-age, coming out story--wrapped in a geek romance--is a knockout of a debut novel by Becky Albertalli.

[richincolor]

Banned Books Week Day 5

It has been a week filled chock full of information and good books. We hope our posts gave you valuable information or encouraged you to get involved.

If you missed any of our book recommendations click below to find out our favorite banned books. 

Check, Please! Book 1: #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu

The hilarious and heartbreaking confessions of a figure skater turned collegiate hockey player who’s terrified of checking . . . and is desperately in love with the captain of his hockey team.

Eric Bittle is a former Georgia junior figure skating champion, vlogger extraordinaire, and amateur pâtissier. But as accomplished as he is, nothing could prepare him for his freshman year of playing hockey at the prestigious Samwell University in Samwell, Massachusetts. It’s nothing like co-ed club hockey back in the South! For one? There’s checking. Second, there is Jack—his very attractive but moody captain.

A collection of the first half of the mega-popular webcomic series of the same name, Check, Please!: # Hockey is the first in a hilarious and stirring two-volume coming-of-age story about hockey, bros, and trying to find yourself during the best four years of your life.

If this novel appeals to you, show your support by visiting your local library or purchasing a copy at Bookshop.org.

Gabi, A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero

In this groundbreaking William C. Morris Award winner for a YA debut, Gabi’s life is a mess–her family, her friends, her attempts at a love life–but writing helps, especially since it turns out she’s pretty good at poetry.

Gabi Hernandez chronicles her last year of high school in her diary: college applications, Cindy’s pregnancy, Sebastian’s coming out, the cute boys, her father’s meth habit, and the food she craves. And best of all, the poetry that helps forge her identity.

July 24

My mother named me Gabriella, after my grandmother who, coincidentally, didn’t want to meet me when I was born because my mother was unmarried, and therefore living in sin. My mom has told me the story many, many, MANY, times of how, when she confessed to my grandmother that she was pregnant with me, her mother beat her. BEAT HER! She was twenty-five. That story is the basis of my sexual education and has reiterated why it’s important to wait until you’re married to give it up. So now, every time I go out with a guy, my mom says, “Ojos abiertos, piernas cerradas.” Eyes open, legs closed. That’s as far as the birds and the bees talk has gone. And I don’t mind it. I don’t necessarily agree with that whole wait until you’re married crap, though. I mean, this is America and the 21st century; not Mexico one hundred years ago. But, of course, I can’t tell my mom that because she will think I’m bad. Or worse: trying to be White.

If this novel appeals to you, show your support by visiting your local library or purchasing a copy at Bookshop.org.

The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson

When Springville residents–at least the ones still alive–are questioned about what happened on prom night, they all have the same explanation . . . Maddy did it.

An outcast at her small-town Georgia high school, Madison Washington has always been a teasing target for bullies. And she’s dealt with it because she has more pressing problems to manage. Until the morning a surprise rainstorm reveals her most closely kept secret: Maddy is biracial. She has been passing for white her entire life at the behest of her fanatical white father, Thomas Washington.

After a viral bullying video pulls back the curtain on Springville High’s racist roots, student leaders come up with a plan to change their image: host the school’s first integrated prom as a show of unity. The popular white class president convinces her Black superstar quarterback boyfriend to ask Maddy to be his date, leaving Maddy wondering if it’s possible to have a normal life.

But some of her classmates aren’t done with her just yet. And what they don’t know is that Maddy still has another secret . . . one that will cost them all their lives.

If this novel appeals to you, show your support by visiting your local library or purchasing a copy at Bookshop.org.

The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes

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?

Told in a captivating voice that is by turns hilarious, vulnerable, and searingly honest, The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School explores the joys and heartaches of living your full truth out loud.

If this novel appeals to you, show your support by visiting your local library or purchasing a copy at Bookshop.org.

[revolutionarywarhistory]

"...the new Regiment now raising": Continuing the story of the Extra Regiment [Part 2]

Continued from part 1.

Reprinted from my History Hermann WordPress blog.

© 2016-2023 Burkely Hermann. All rights reserved.

Notes

[1] Beverly W. Bond, Jr., "Chapter III: Military Aid" within "State Government in Maryland 1777-1781," Johns Hopkins University Studies, Series 23, Nos. 3-4 (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Press, March-April 1905), p. 38-39.

[2] While Mr. Alexander Smith resigned from the position of Lieutenant Colonel on September 1st, 1780, he was re-promoted by the Council of Maryland the following day to the same position!

[3] Journals of Congress, From January 1st, 1780 to January 1st, 1781 (Philadelphia: David C. Claypoole, 1781), 341-342.

[4] Journal and Correspondence of the Council of Maryland, 1780-1781, Archives of Maryland Online Vol. 45, 56, 241, 367, 370, 444; Journal and Correspondence of the Council of Maryland, 1779-1780, Archives of Maryland Online Vol. 43, 233, 234, 338; Journal and Correspondence of the Council of Maryland, 1781-1784, Archives of Maryland Online Vol. 48, 54, 60; "Autograph Letters," American Historical Record Vol. I, No. 4, April 1872, p. 175. As Thomas Johnson notes in this July 16, 1780 letter, Mr. Cock requested to a captain in the regiment in July. Also see the pensions of Robert Green, Solomon Turner, Aquilla Smith, Wilson Moore, William Nick, John Ferguson, and Patrick Connolly for other mentions of Mr. Bayley, who has a service card on Fold3, but apparently no pension. He would later be listed as living in Frederick County, just like the rest of the Bayley/Bailey family in Maryland, and lived a total of 81 years.

[5] Journal and Correspondence of the Council of Maryland, 1779-1780, Archives of Maryland Online Vol. 43, 335; Journal and Correspondence of the Council of Maryland, 1780-1781, Archives of Maryland Online Vol. 45, 250, 253, 371; Journal and Correspondence of the Council of Maryland, 1781-1784, Archives of Maryland Online Vol. 48, 54, 94.

[6] Journal and Correspondence of the Council of Maryland, 1779-1780, Archives of Maryland Online Vol. 43, 233, 234, 262; Journal and Correspondence of the Council of Maryland, 1780-1781, Archives of Maryland Online Vol. 45, 325, 367, 370, 415; Journal and Correspondence of the Council of Maryland, 1781-1784, Archives of Maryland Online Vol. 48, 58, 60. A man named Edward Hood was "awarded a pension as a 'maimed' soldier in the 1st Regt. of the Maryland line" and says he "served under Captains Samuel Griffin, Samuel Jones and Nicholas Gassaway."

[7] Journal and Correspondence of the Council of Maryland, 1780-1781, Archives of Maryland Online Vol. 45, 294, 334, 367; Journal and Correspondence of the Council of Maryland, 1781-1784, Archives of Maryland Online Vol. 48, 60, 94, 129; Congressional serial set (Washington: G.P.O, date not known), 133. Page 25 of Lawrence E. Babits's A Devil of a Whipping: The Battle of Cowpens, notes that Edward Giles is part of the Extra Regiment.

[8] Rolls of Extraordinary Regiment, 1780, Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783, National Archives, NARA M246, Record Group 93, folder 28, roll 0034. Courtesy of Fold3.com. Here are the 29 listed on the first and second pages of the record: Jonathan Deare, Jacob Hofselton, John Burk, William Devine, Jacob Guttinger, Jacob Hofselton (different from above), Christopher Hambert, Thomas Ball, John Smith, Thomas Burk, George Hamilton, Michael McGowery, Michael Redmond, William Gillisby, John Desmond, Michael Moon, ? Graydy, John Flowson, John Barker, Isam Coleman, Thomas Glifson?, James Hopkins, Isiah Mason, John Clark, Lenard Smith (close, but not his pension), John Jackson, Josias Miller, John Anderson, and ? Gibson (crossed out). Here are the 18 soldiers listed on pages 3 and 4 (and 5?) of the document: Michael Garner, Henry Savage, Christopher Miller, Michael Longisfetter?[full name cannot be read], Michael Redman, John Barker, Thomas Burke, William Devine, John Butler, John McCarty, John Burk, Morris Leary, Gary Hamilton, Chris? Lamford, Michael McGowan, John Morris, William Falton, and Philip Fitzpatrick.

[9] The following are those listed in the full return: William Ewing, Patrick Pharple? [unreadable], Theophilus Cumford, Joseph McLain, Michael Cofner, Laughlin Fannen, Michael Longisfetter [unreadable], Henry Savage, John Butler, John Morris, William Patton, William Preft, Joseph Wright, James Thomson/Thompson who was recommended for captain of the regiment by William Hemsley, Roger Swanson, Michael Mann, John Derr who is pardoned by the governor later on (there is a John Derr with a pension who served in the Maryland Line, number S. 12762, but it is not known if this is him although some indications seem to indicate it could be; he is described as a deserter at one point), Jacob Hartman, John Burk, William Devine (some indications that pension number R.2906 is him but this cannot be confirmed), Jacob Citleringer, Jacob Hofselton, Christopher Flamb, Thomas Ball, John Smith (there are eight John Smiths who have MD pensions as an ancestry search shows, but none of them seem to be him), Thomas Burk, George Hammilton, Michael McGowan, Michael Redmond, William Gibson, John Desmond,  John McCarty, Philip Fitzpatrick, William Siggs [unreadable], John Enerson [unreadable], Michael Stoelker, Peter Pomish?, John Reyler, William Deyler, John Ellison, Jonathan Parker, James Woodward, James Neel, Jacob Meyers, Morris Leary, Henry Creger, William Diach, David Crady, John Flower, John Barker, Thomas Gibson, John Colman, John C[?]Millan, James Hopkins, and John Clare.

[10] John Allison Service Card; Rolls of Extraordinary Regiment, 1780, Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783, National Archives, NARA M246, Record Group 93, see pages 4-5. Courtesy of Fold3.com; John Burke Service Card; Rolls of Extraordinary Regiment, 1780, Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783, National Archives, NARA M246, Record Group 93, see page 5. Courtesy of Fold3.com; William Divine Service Card; Rolls of Extraordinary Regiment, 1780, Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783, National Archives, NARA M246, Record Group 93, see page 2. Courtesy of Fold3.com; John Clare Service Card; Rolls of Extraordinary Regiment, 1780, Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783, National Archives, NARA M246, Record Group 93, see page 2. Courtesy of Fold3.com; William Gilasby Service Card; Rolls of Extraordinary Regiment, 1780, Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783, National Archives, NARA M246, Record Group 93, see page 2. Courtesy of Fold3.com; Leonard Smith Service Card; Rolls of Extraordinary Regiment, 1780, Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783, National Archives, NARA M246, Record Group 93, see pages 2-4. Courtesy of Fold3.com; William Ewing Service Card; Rolls of Extraordinary Regiment, 1780, Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783, National Archives, NARA M246, Record Group 93, see page 2. Courtesy of Fold3.com; John Smith Service Card; Rolls of Extraordinary Regiment, 1780, Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783, National Archives, NARA M246, Record Group 93, see page 2. Courtesy of Fold3.com; Michael Steeker Service Card; Rolls of Extraordinary Regiment, 1780, Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783, National Archives, NARA M246, Record Group 93, see page 2. Courtesy of Fold3.com; Roger Sullivan Service Card; Rolls of Extraordinary Regiment, 1780, Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783, National Archives, NARA M246, Record Group 93, see page 2. Courtesy of Fold3.com; Joseph White Service Card; Rolls of Extraordinary Regiment, 1780, Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783, National Archives, NARA M246, Record Group 93, see page 2. Courtesy of Fold3.com. Specifically, the Fold3 muster rolls, not the serve cards, show that John Clare "deserted from Annapolis"  three were sick in an Annapolis Hospital, six deserted at Head of Elk on Sept. 3 (William Ewing, Joseph White, Roger Sullivan, John Smith, Michael [last name cannot be made out], and James Hopkins), six hadn't joined (John Jackson, Josias Miller, John Anderson, Morris Leary, Thomas Gibson, John Neale), three were sick in Philly Hospital (William Gillaspie, Christopher Lambert, and Patrick Charro?), and four were on command (Josiah Mason, Thomas Burke, ? Woodward, and Michael Redman), leaving a company which is supposed to be 60, of actually only 37. Service Cards confirm this, showing that John Burke and William Devine were sick in an Annapolis hospital, that John Clare deserted from Annapolis, that William Gillaspie/Gilasby was sick in Philly hospital and Leonard Smith was sick on furlough, and having records of five who deserted at "Head of Elk": William Ewing, John Smith, Michael Streeker, Roger Sullivan, and Joseph White. Also, a man named John Allison is mentioned on a return of Sept. 29, 1780 as present, but noting else is known.

[11] These men were Thomas Pendoor, James Bigwood, George Clarke, John Higgins, John Pickering, William Stewart (close, but not his pension), Daniel Bulger, John McGuire, Edward Daw, William Cox, John Maginnis, James Barrow, Joseph Floyd, John Harvey, Jesse McCarty, Henry Crane, William Curtin (related to Thomas Certain?), John Whealand, Thomas McBride, John McCoune in place of William Quinton, Thomas Maddin, John Buller, Patrick Smith, Richard Downes, John Smith, Patrick Cavenough, Thomas Shears, Thomas Ahair, Thomas Pennifield, and Richard Kisby.

[12] These seventeen others, not including dead James North or deserter John Tucker, are: Richard Whiley, Patrick Riley, John Butcher, John Robbins, Robert Ferrell, John Jones, Elijah Clarke, John Freeman, Anthony Wedge, William Groves, Thomas Elliss, Thomas Matthews, Stephen Fennell, Thomas Burch, Charles Reynolds (possibly mentioned in this pension), Timothy McLamar, and John Clayton.

[13] The list of "recruits and deserters," were acquired by Queen Ann's County officers, including William Hemsley, for the regiment, raised in July shows 2 people who deserted before joining (Thomas Fox and Valentine Saint Tee), three former deserters who never joined (Thomas Trew, Joseph Crouch, and James Chittendon), while three former deserters did join (David Willon, Thomas Terrett, and Benjamin Loftsman). Then there are the 25 regular people recruited who are not deserters: Thomas Yewell, George Duncan, Edward Legg, Charles White, Job Sylvester, Robert Legg, Thomas Gadd, William Aller, Daniel Dulany, John West Tate, Benjamin Lee, Richard Gemmeson, Edward Vickers, Elijah Barn, John Oliver (possibly him but cannot be confirmed), William Carter, John Moore, John West, Joseph Paggat, James Baver, Lambert Phillips, John Hickins, Richard Murphy, Timothy Connor, and Edward Dominie.

[14] The other 22 men are William Clements, James Bartclay, William Jeffries, Francis Rogers, Dennis Larey, John Cooper, Elisa Huff, George Plumbley, Bauer Wibb, Frederick James, Jesse Power (close but not his pension) William Hickin, Joseph Points, William Simmons (close but not his pension), Benjamin Smith (related to the other Smiths?), John Bryan, William Campbell, John Muir, William Holt, John Lewin, John Moore, and John Newton ("wounded in two instances" as a result of his fighting in the war).

[15] Pension of Alexander Lawson Smith, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, National Archives, NARA M804, Record Group 15, Roll 2208, pension number W. 4247. Courtesy of Fold3.com.

[16] Pension of Charles Smith, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, National Archives, W 25,002, from Fold3.com.

[17] Pension of Mountjoy Bayly, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, National Archives, NARA M804, S-12094, BLWt 685-300. Courtesy of Ancestry.com and HeritageQuest.

[18] Pension of Sarah and Archibald Golder, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, National Archives, NARA M804, W.943. Courtesy of Ancestry.com and HeritageQuest.

[19] Pension of Samuel Luckett, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, National Archives, S 36,015. From Fold3.com.

[20] Pension of John Plant, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, National Archives, NARA M804, Record Group 15, Roll 1942, pension number W. 26908. Courtesy of Fold3.com.

[21] Pension of Josias Miller, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, National Archives, NARA M804, Record Group 15, Roll 1728, pension number S. 40,160. Courtesy of Fold3.com.

[22] Pension of Theodore Middleton, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, National Archives, NARA M804, Record Group 15, Roll 1720, pension number S. 11,075. Courtesy of Fold3.com.

[23] Pension of John Newton, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, National Archives, NARA M804, S.35009. Courtesy of Ancestry.com and HeritageQuest.

[blackchildrensbooksandauthors]

🎉Congratulations to…🎉

Genesis Begins Again

Alicia D. Williams 

Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books

🌟Newbery Honor Book

🌟Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award

🌟William C. Morris Award Finalist

This deeply sensitive and powerful debut novel tells the story of a thirteen-year-old who must overcome internalized racism and a verbally abusive family to finally learn to love herself.

Available at👉🏿| Amazon | IndieBound

Find more children’s and young adult books by Black authors here

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[the-dust-jacket]

Check out the 2020 William C. Morris Award books! The Morris Award recognizes excellent debuts for teens.