All American Boys

 

All American Boys

Jason Reynolds

Meira.Elena

Ages: 12-17

Lexile: HL770L

 

In this novel, Jason Reynolds tells the tale of protest, equal rights, and two boys’ complicated relationships with what is easy and what is write. Written with poignant characters, an engaging writing style, and an extremely relevant plot, All American Boys will grip you from the very first page.

Rashad was just reaching down to pick something up, and suddenly, he’s another name on a list of victims of police brutality. Quinn was just playing basketball and trying to make his family and community proud, but now he doesn’t know what to do or feel. As the school community—and the city community at large—throws out ugly words, like “racism” and “police brutality”, both boys find themselves swept up in the history of hundreds of years of oppression and injustice. They must find their places in these movements, or others will do so for them. And they may not like the results.

Not only did this make my “couldn’t put it down” list, this is one of the most engaging and important books I have ever read. As a white person, I often struggle to know how I can support people of different races and ethnicities appropriately—how do I speak with minority groups without speaking for minority groups? This novel may not answer that question, but I felt more connected to these movements for equality through this book and through these teenagers struggles than in any lecture or seminar I have attended so far.

          Today, racism and inequality are at an all time high. Morally, these issues go beyond politics—it is a fact that Black Lives Matter, not a political stance. This novel brings that fight to life for those who have not experienced it for themselves. This novel explains why it is vital that we stand up—or lay down—for others.

I recommend this book to literally everyone! Young or old, of any gender, of any skin color, of any religion—this book will fill you with a sense of ability and passion to step out into the world and find your place and your way of contributing.

Bitter Melon

 

Bitter Melon

Cara Chow

Meira.Elena

Ages: 14-18

Lexile: HL730L

 

Using the fictional character Frances, Cara Chow explores the world of cultural identities, the complexities of maternal love, and a young girl’s struggle to find herself at one of the most precarious moments in her life. Well-written, poignant, and relevant, Bitter Melon explores the contrasts of Chinese and American culture. This coming-of-age novel will leave you breathless!

Frances is a Chinese-American senior at a competitive high school in San Francisco. She struggles to manage her advanced courses while also study for the SATs so she can get into a pre-Med program at Berkley, her mother’s ultimate dream for her. Frances also struggles to live up to her mother’s expectations of behavior, beauty, and obedience. But then Frances discovers speech and debate. Through writing, speaking, and new friends, Frances begins to discover herself. And now, she must reconcile herself with her mother and their culture.

I read this book several years ago, and it topped my “couldn’t put it down” list, along with a novel of a similar vein, Girl in Translation. This book was culturally powerful and so well-written! I felt a strong connection to a culture not my own, and at the same time this novel renewed my own cultural connections as I reflected and reconciled myself with my home culture.

          Today, the ideas of maintaining one’s cultural heritage while also assimilating into the culture of the country one lives in is highly relevant, especially for young people finding their own identities as well. This novel teaches us the power of the individual and the power of the collective, and how strong and enduring the bonds of family can be.

I recommend this book to anyone exploring culture, family, motherhood, or identities. Frances is a relatable character who encourages reflection, independence, and respect.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Stephen Chbosky

Meira.Elena

Ages: High School

Lexile: 720L

 

Charlie has just begun his high school career. With two older, more social siblings, Charlie has to navigate high school his own way. But high school—emotions, friendships, relationships, people—its complicated. And Charlie needs someone to talk to, someone to whom he can express himself, someone who can validate him. But don’t we all? Written by Stephen Chbosky, in epistolary style, this novel is a powerful, gripping, and passionate read from start to finish.

Charlie is not a very sociable person. He had two friends in middle school, and now he has none. He does not have very good relationships with his siblings. He only has his books and his English teacher. Overall, Charlie stands to the side—a wallflower—watching the world move along without really acting in it. But then, he makes friends in seniors Sam and Patrick, who show him a new side to life he hadn’t witnessed before. And now, Charlie doesn’t just want to witness, he wants to experience.

This is the first book in a long time that has gripped me to tightly, I finished reading it in one day. I literally could not put it down—anytime I tried, I was drawn right back in! the characters are well-developed, the plot is engaging, and the writing is very accessible. Overall, an excellent book, and one of my favorites!

          Today, many of us struggle to fit in to what we call “normal” society. We see on TV and in movies how we’re “supposed” to act and feel, behave and think. Charlie’s struggles—his triumphs and failures—help us see that being different isn’t wrong, and that all of us have our place in the world. We just have to act to find it.

I highly recommend this book! While it concerns a teenager—and I recommend all high school and even college students read this book—I think this book has a lot to say that even adults can understand, so don’t let age stop you!