Love, Creekwood by Becky Albertalli

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Albertalli, B. (2020). Love, Creekwood: A Simonverse Novella. Balzer & Bray. ISBN 9780063048126

PLOT SUMMARY

In this young adult novel in verse, Becky Albertalli writes this unique story about a group of friends Simon, Blue, Abby and Leah who started attending different colleges. Although they live miles away from each other now, this group of friends have kept in touch through emails. During the email exchanges, they express different life situations. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Becky Albertalli has written a distinctive novel in verse, depicting a group of high school friends navigating various life experiences during their first year of college. The friends communicate by exchanging emails that express their emotions, whether related to friendship or romantic relationships. As they explore long-distance relationships through email, the story delves into their evolving dynamics.

Although this novel was uniquely written in verses through the format of emails, it was really hard for me to follow. The problem might have been that I jumped into this novel out of sequence in the series, but I found it difficult to grasp the storyline. Furthermore, I couldn't connect with the characters, possibly due to their immaturity. Overall, I didn't find this novel enjoyable.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

“This was lovely and interesting, but nothing ground-breaking and essential to the Simonverse. I’d recommend only for hard-core stans of the Simonverse. Overall feeling: fun but slightly disappointing.”

– Review by Casey Carlisle: Book Blogger Phenom

“This is a brilliant feel-good read that had me bubbling over with joy and excitement as I read the fun banter between the loved-up couples and the long-time best friends. I loved all the nerdy references and cackled at the witty repartee, I had to stop and re-read some lines because it amused me so much.”

– Review by Dreaming of Cats Book Blogger

“All our faves from Creekwood have one off to college, and they keep in touch via email. The whole book is written in the form of emails back and forth, so it's not easy to read without really paying attention. So much sarcasm and wit, you can't always tell the character's voice.”

– Review by James via Goodreads

CONNECTIONS

“Fall in love all over again with the characters from the bestselling Simonverse novels in this highly anticipated epilogue novella. Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli, the movie Love, Simon, and the new Hulu series spin-off, Love, Victor!”

– Goodreads

The Simonverse Novels 3 Book Box Set:

• Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

• The Upside of Unrequited

• Leah on the Offbeat

Simonverse #3.5

• Love, Creekwood

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Thomas, A. (2017). The Hate U Give. Balzer & Bray/Harperteen. ISBN 9780062498533

PLOT SUMMARY

In this young adult novel, Angie Thomas writes the story about sixteen-year-old Starr Carter. Starr is living through a dark reality of racial profiling and witnesses the wrongful death of one of her best friends Khalil at the hands of a white police officer. Now Starr is left in a difficult situation of whether to stay quiet to protect herself and her family or speak up to defend her best friend’s name.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Angie Thomas writes this compelling novel of racial profiling, and murder, very bluntly describes the lives of people living in a tough black community called Garden Heights. This brutally honest novel will surely break your heart and you will not want to put this down. Thomas does an excellent job of describing this story so that you can clearly envision what is happening and feel the character’s emotions and injustice.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

“With smooth but powerful prose delivered in Starr’s natural, emphatic voice, finely nuanced characters, and intricate and realistic relationship dynamics, this novel will have readers rooting for Starr and opening their hearts to her friends and family. This story is necessary. This story is important.” 

— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Though Thomas’s story is heartbreakingly topical, its greatest strength is in its authentic depiction of a teenage girl, her loving family, and her attempts to reconcile what she knows to be true about their lives with the way those lives are depicted—and completely undervalued—by society at large.” 

— Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“The Hate U Give is an important and timely novel that reflects the world today’s teens inhabit. Starr’s struggles create a complex character, and Thomas boldly tackles topics like racism, gangs, police violence, and interracial dating. This topical, necessary story is highly recommended for all libraries.”
— Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (starred review)

CONNECTIONS

“Pair this powerful debut with Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely’s ALL AMERICAN BOYS to start a conversation on racism, police brutality, and the Black Lives Matter movement.” 

— School Library Journal (starred review)

Angie Thomas Box Set: 

• The Hate U Give

• Concrete Rose

AWARDS

• Goodreads Choice Awards Best of the Best

• William C. Morris Award Winner

• National Book Award Longlist

• Printz Honor Book

• Coretta Scott King Honor Book

• #1 New York Times Bestseller

 

Dear Medusa by Olivia Cole

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cole, O. A. (2023). Dear Medusa. Labyrinth Road. ISBN 9780593485736

PLOT SUMMARY

In this young adult novel in verse, Olivia Cole writes a powerful story about sixteen-year-old Alicia Rivers. Ever since Alicia was sexually assaulted, it completely changed her into a person she does not recognize. Alicia was kicked down, and filled with anger and trying to cope with her raging emotions of what life has thrown at her.  

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Cole writes this novel in verse depicting Alicia Rivers’ anger, rage, and resentment that she lives with every day. After Alicia was sexually assaulted, she gained a bad reputation. Which led to her being harassed by everyone around her day in and day out in school. Unfortunately, it slowly transformed her into a completely different person that her friends and family did not recognize. Cole does an excellent job of describing Alicia’s pain, rage, paranoia, and eventually empowerment. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

"This novel focuses less on re-examining the Medusa myth and more on channeling the archetypal energies of Medusa’s story, exploring how victims are commonly cast out and what it takes for them to reclaim their power. Dear Medusa is a heavy read, but a necessary one.” 

—The New York Times

"Emotionally raw verse critically portrays one teenager’s experience dealing with the aftermath of assault, and provides a sharp look into cultures built on oppressing survivors’ voices....both vulnerable and fierce, Cole boldly examines agency, bodily autonomy, and internalized misogyny."

—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Cole’s prose is beautiful, thought-provoking, and filled with emotion....This novel is one that readers won’t put down willingly." 

—School Library Journal, starred review

"Dazzling with clarity, blistering with anger....In shimmering verse, Cole breathes life into each young woman....This book is as wide in scope as it is economical in its language. Illuminating."

—Kirkus Reviews

CONNECTIONS

“This is a collection of poetry that tells the story of a young woman in high school who is seen as the school "whore" because she sleeps with basically any guy who will ask her out, though it becomes clear through the text as we read, that this is tied to her trauma. The poetry is often explained to us as her actual writing. As often as she is narrating, she explains that she enjoys writing poetry to express herself.”

– Review by Ashley on Amazon

“Medusa is such a fascinating character, with this story being told through prose as the character processes the trauma of sexual assault through unhealthy outlets. We see as she comes back from all of this to claim her own voice and stand her ground that she’ll won’t be a tool in someone else’s narrative. It’s a wonderful link between the original myth, the MeToo movement, and the never ending struggles that come with being born female in a predatory world.”

– Review by Misty on Amazon

 

All Out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens throughout the Ages by Saundra Mitchell

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Mitchell, S., Anna-Marie Mclemore, Parker, N. C., Nilah Magruder, Lee, M., Talley, R., Lo,

    M., Adler,  D., Scelsa, K., Wake, E., Tracey, S., Sharpe, T., Sanchez, A., Kody Keplinger,

    Farizan, S., Gratton, T., Shaun David Hutchinson, & Tehlor Kay Mejia. (2018). All Out:

    The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens throughout the Ages. Harlequin Teen.

    ISBN 9781335470454

PLOT SUMMARY

In this young adult novel, this novel is a collection of stories by different authors. The authors

are young adults from the LGBTQ community writing their own short stories and edited by

Saundra Mitchell. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This unique novel is made of fictional short stories that resemble situations of where people

might have found themselves realizing that they were different from others. This lovely

novel that I am sure is highly relatable to many people when they have that “AHA”

moment of realization. This novel can be relatable to anybody, whether LGBTQ or not,

that has ever felt awkward, out of place, different and is comforting to know that you are

not alone. I really enjoyed this novel, and it just reminds me of when I was younger and

feeling those moments of being misunderstood, craving to feel that normalcy. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

"Sumptuous language, plentiful historical detail, and satisfying endings....Readers searching

for positive, nuanced, and authentic queer representation-or just a darn good selection of

stories-need look no further than this superb collection."

–Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"LGBTQIA story collections are scarce, but even if they weren't, this one would be essential." 

--Booklist

"The diversity is refreshing... well written...Give to those teens who don't read full novels

but still long for LGBTQ representation. A strong choice for most collections."

–School Library Journal

CONNECTIONS

"Historical fiction has not been very common in queer YA, and All Out is here to change

that. Queer people have so often been erased from history that it can feel as if we have

no roots. All Out imagines the lives of queer teens throughout different time periods,

often playing with genre (retellings, fairy tales, magical realism, fantasy) as well. Not

only does this imagine queer histories, it imagines happy ones! It also features a range

of identities, including trans, gay, lesbian, asexual, and aromantic characters."

– Vulture

Companion Anthologies:

• All Out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens throughout the Ages

• Out Now: Queer We Go Again!

• Out There: Into the Queer New Yonder (coming soon!)

Teen Titans : Beast Boy Loves Raven by Kami Garcia

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Garcia, K., Picolo, G., Haynes, R., Calderon, D., & Downie, G. (2021). Teen Titans : Beast Boy Loves Raven. DC Comics. ISBN 9781779503862

PLOT SUMMARY

In this young adult graphic novel, the authors Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo, continue writing the Teen Titans series. Raven lost her foster mom and memory on the same night. Raven moves to New Orleans to live with mom’s sister Natalia and her daughter Max. But Max is worried about Raven traveling to Tennessee alone to meet with a mysterious person that has answers to all of her questions. On her trip, she luckily meets up with Beast Boy who helps her and might have found feelings for her as well.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this modern, emo style, graphic novel, the Teen Titan series, continues the series with Raven and Beast Boy meeting in Tennessee to see a mysterious person named Slade. Both Beast Boy and Raven are on their way to Tennessee to meet the same mysterious person, Slade, who seems to have answers to all of their questions. Raven gets visions about her demon father, Trigon, and she desperately wants to banish him forever. In this sweet story, Raven and Beast Boy are becoming friends and perhaps find love. 

I am not one to really like graphic novels, but I found myself not being able to put this down. This modern day, fast paced graphic novel was enjoyable to read with all the awkward teenage mindset, filled with suspense and a dash of romance!

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

“It’s a great comic, it has a nice pace and good storytelling. It sells the Titans as kids rather than superheroes, but does an impressive job of setting them up for a good comic run. Picolo’s drawing brings a more human side to these usually untouchable heroes while Garcia’s quick quips tie it all together to remind the readers that at the end of the day, they’re teenagers.”
– Review by Alex Neal at Splendid Fred Magazine

“Piccolo’s artwork is outstanding. The panels are packed with action and emotion. The coloring in each volume is a muted color palette with a pop every so often. The coloring in itself adds to the tension of the story. The drawings are perfect for the story being told – lifelike enough for a YA novel and “cartoonish” enough to call this a superhero comic book.”
– Review by Esther Keller at School Library Journal

CONNECTIONS

“Garcia’s storytelling is steady and careful. When read together, the four volumes link brilliantly and each story builds to a crescendo that leaves you wanting more (thank goodness for a sequel!). And while the ending might be a bit sappy, I don’t think anyone will mind with a promise of more action, adventure, suspense, and a little bit of feel-good drama.”
– Review by Esther Keller at School Library Journal

Companion Anthologies:

• Teen Titans Boxed Set

 

Blood Water Paint by Joy McCullough

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Mccullough, J. (2018). Blood water paint. Dutton Books. ISBN 9780735232112

PLOT SUMMARY

In this verse novel, Joy McCullough writes the story of Artemisia Gentileschi, a talented artist, during the 17th century in Italy. After Artemisia's mom passed away, she was left to live with her dad and brothers. During that time in Italy, it was a male dominated time where women were not to speak unless spoken to. Artemisia's dad was an unsuccessful artist that had a local artist "tutor" his daughter. But Artemisia will soon learn things are not what they seem in this heartbreaking story of betrayal and triumph over sexism.   

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

McCullough writes this heartbreaking, brutally honest story of a talented artist, Artemisia Gentileschi, and what she endured. Artemisia’s father was a struggling artist, and in my opinion, jealous of his talented artistic daughter. The father hired a “tutor” to help Artemisia work on improving her art skills. In the 17th century in Italy, it was a time where women had no rights. She bravely spoke out on her sexual assault, and decided to fight! 

This intense, painful story told in verse was a dark toned story that sheds light on sexual assault and sexism. McCullough brilliantly lays out the verses in a style that allows you to feel the emotions that Artemisia feels. The biblical stories that were shared by her late mother, are differentiated in the font used in the story and not shown in verse. I think this differentiation is used to set the serious tone.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

"McCullough has managed to vividly capture a singularly brave, resilient feminist who became an icon during a time when women had almost no agency. Her story and the stunning verse through which it is told will resonate just as strongly with readers today. A captivating and impressive debut about a timeless heroine."
—Booklist, starred review

"McCullough’s beautifully crafted text will inspire upper-middle/high school readers to research the true story upon which this powerful piece of historical fiction is based. The poetry is clear and revelatory, exploring Artemisia’s passion for both art and life. The expression of her intense feelings is gripping and her complexity of character make her a force to be reckoned with, both in her times and in ours."
—SLJ, starred review

"A haunting, stirring depiction of an unforgettable woman, Artemisia's story will resonate deeply with readers today and beyond."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review

CONNECTIONS

“Will resonate with modern feminists."
—BookPage

"Filled with hope and an important message that women’s voices cannot be silenced."
—Book Riot

"For lovers of writers like Laurie Halse Anderson and An Na."
—Bustle

AWARDS

• Amelia Bloomer Top Ten

• Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Finalist

• Booklist Editor's Choice Top of the List

• Boston Globe Best Books