A Scatter of Light by Malinda Lo

Reviewed by Yusmibel L.
Grade 11

When a scandalous photo causes Aria’s life to explode she’s exiled to her grandmother’s home in the Bay Area. Fresh out of her senior year and miles away from anyone who knows her,  Aria buckles down for a boring summer. However, when she meets her grandmother’s new gardener, her expectations quickly change. Old memories resurface and the lives of her friends begin to entangle in hers, causing her to question herself and her life’s perspective on art, sexuality, and family.

One of the best parts of this book is the introspection provided through the formatting of the chapters. In several instances there will be a moment the flow of the story is broken up for a flashback. For instance, when Aria’s life hits a major turning point, the blur of days is reflected through short one page chapters. The way the story is written is logical--everything feels like it builds up to the epilogue. 

It isn’t a particularly surprising book. There weren't any major plot twists or turns that you couldn’t predict, but it still progressed so nicely that it was just as worth it to enjoy the journey.

I recommend this book, it was comforting but not without conflict. It grew on me as I read and I hold a lot of fondness for the feelings expressed. Not a single character could even begin to reach perfect but instead were written to be complicated and genuinely human. I hold great fondness for Malinda Lo’s past work, and A Scatter of Light made me a fan.

Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach

Reviewed by Jules P.
Grade 10
expected publication: September 2021

High school and Feminism. Two words that seldom mix come together in this laugh-inducing, witty novel to create a fun and enlightening read that will have you wanting more.

In her anger over losing the election for editor-in-chief at her high school’s paper, “The Bugle,” Eliza Quan writes a manifesto against the winner Len DiMartile and the patriarchy he supposedly stands for. When the manifesto gets leaked by someone unknown, her life upends itself as the whole school goes to war over whether Len should have been elected, and over the much larger issue of sexism in the school environment. Unfortunately, Len just so happens to be annoyingly cute and inner turmoil persists as Eliza fights against the patriarchy, the face of whom she just might be crushing on.

Eliza Quan is a big fan of predictability, practicality, and large gray sweaters. Likably unlikeable, she is full of quick quips and brutal honesty that have the reader both feeling bad for her unlucky victim and cheering her on all at once. From aggressively editing her colleagues' less than amazing articles with harsh red ink to appearing on the morning announcements with a starling rally cry, Quan has you covered in all the best departments.

This is a fantastic book for young people who are fans of real-world problems sprinkled with relatable drama and dry humor. Anyone looking to learn further about the feminist movement in a fun and fast-paced way, look no further because this is the book for you. 

Our take on Printz

 Written by Hope M., Lauren M., and Lisa W.

Each year, the American Library Association "honors the best best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit." Sometimes these books really resonate with teen readers (like Looking For Alaska) and other times they are head-scratchers that don't really appeal to your average teen. We take a look at this year's Printz winner and honor books and share our own thoughts on their merits.

2021 Winner
Everything Sad Is Untrue (A True Story) by Daniel Nayeri depicts the life of the author and narrator throughout his childhood. In one book, Nayeri weaves together a tale of facts and feelings, struggles and strength, fiction and nonfiction, and so much wisdom. While reading, I felt like the author was speaking directly to me. Furthermore, his personal questions and thoughts caused me to reflect in ways I haven't before. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the novel. On a grading scale of A-F, Everything Sad Is Untrue (A True Story) gets an A+ from me!

-Hope

2021 Honor Books

Apple (Skin To The Core) by Eric Gansworth is a memoir depicting the author's life growing up in the Onodaga Tribe in America. Written in verse, Gansworth uses his experiences (and a few Beatles references) to empower Native Americans and help them embrace their identities. Honestly this book was slightly confusing, especially at the beginning; I've read many books written in verse before, however the format of each line had me wondering whether I was reading the book itself or a strange (and long) prologue. Nevertheless, I do feel as if the book allowed me to fully comprehend the horrors that most Native Americans had to endure. If I were to grade Gansworth's work, I would give it a B.

- Lisa

In Dragon Hoops, Gene Luen Yang's newest graphic novel, we dive deep into Bishop O'Dowd High School's basketball team as they make their way through the 2014-15 season with hopes of finally winning the State Championships. Striking and thought-provoking, Dragon Hoops introduces readers to the members of the team and explores the principles and mannerisms that make a winning team that go far deeper than drills and practice--principles the apply to every area of life. An A on the grading scale of A-F, Yang's latest will have readers cheering the Dragons on throughout. 

-Lauren

Every Body Looking by Candace Iloh portrays the life of Ada, a young woman who struggles to find her identity and take control of her own destiny. The novel goes back and forth between her present and her past, illustrating the difficult circumstances Ada has experienced from her childhood up to her life at college.Many mature themes are presented in the story, and the author's unique writing style allowed me to empathize with the character's trials. Despite this, I didn't really enjoy it. For this reason, I would give this book a D.

-Hope

We Are Not Free by Traci Chee World War II is a subject that is approached frequently by authors, however Traci Chee finds an innovative and enlightening way to utilize that topic to introduce another part of history that is, sadly, not as well known. We Are Not Free is a passionate and heart-wrenching story about 14 Japanese-American teenagers whose lives are uprooted when they are placed in incarceration camps during World War II. I recommend this book, not because it was an enjoyable read, but because the abuse and racism that Japanese-Americans had to face should not be an obscure part of history. The only negative comment that I have for We Are Not Free is that 14 different points-of-view are a bit difficult to tolerate, seeing as every time the reader begins to sympathize with the character, the POV is switched to someone else’s. Ergo, I wasn’t able to connect to any of them. I would give this book an A-.

-Lisa

Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee

Reviewed by Lauren M.
Grade 11

Stacey Lee’s Under a Painted Sky is an enchanting tale of daring and adventure in the Old West. Heartwarming, engaging, and amusing, it follows a young Chinese- American as she struggles for freedom and equality, and is a true tribute to the strength of women.

Samantha Young lives with her father in 1849 Missouri. After a horrific tragedy leads to a shocking crime, she bands together with a runaway slave named Annamae and they set out on the Oregon Trail for California. As they each search for the missing ties to their pasts, they find unexpected allies in a band of cowboys. But with bounty hunters and the law closing in, how long will they be able to keep up their lies?

I loved this book. The worldbuilding was as realistic and believable as the plot. I also found the story to be immersive and compelling, and even in parts challenging to society’s long-held beliefs about equality and race. Samantha was realistic--since she’s so young, she struggles through the usual teenage dramas albeit with unfortunate doses of danger and tragedy mingled in with them. Nevertheless, through it all she was strong and had the benefit of a supportive community, namely her friends. Said friends were also firmly developed, especially Annamae, who was as loyal as she was incredibly spirited. Although I would have liked to see/know more about the Old West, there was just enough information to keep the reader happy.

I would absolutely recommend this book. It is humorous, adventurous, and a very fun story. If anyone likes a historical western, this is definitely for them. A natural reading choice for Women’s History Month, Under a Painted Sky receives a 5 out of 5 star rating.