An authentic and sincere expression of young people’s anguished yet optimistic outlooks.
Young writers share stories inspired by their experiences of life during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ten Washington, D.C., residents in their late teens and early 20s collaborated to produce short fiction pieces, organized chronologically and divided into the four seasons, that reflect upon the events of 2020. Noted YA author and National Book Award finalist Candice Iloh’s foreword speaks to the impact of lockdowns on creative people and how these stressors show up in this volume that offers readers the experience of “holding a collection of hope in your hands.” Each piece is deeply influenced by the writer’s personal history, and their narratives focus on both human connection and systemic inequities. Struggles are balanced by support from friends and family: The underlying threads of “love, trust, understanding, joy, and community” shine through. The contributors’ backgrounds reflect the diversity of the city and add depth to the portrayals in stories that feature positive resolutions while not shying away from exploring relationship woes, a friend’s suicide, mental health concerns, confusion, fear, uncertainty, grief, and protests against police brutality sparked by the killing of George Floyd. A common theme is new gratitude for how things were before and all the normal times that now feel so distant. Illustrations by five artists include gray-tone drawings and simulated social media posts tracking the progress of the pandemic.
An authentic and sincere expression of young people’s anguished yet optimistic outlooks. (sources, about the authors and illustrators) (Anthology. 13-18)Pub Date: April 4, 2023
ISBN: 9781950807550
Page Count: 308
Publisher: Shout Mouse Press
Review Posted Online: Feb. 14, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2023
Full of drama, emotional turmoil, and high stakes.
What happens to the world after the dust from a revolution has settled?
Friends Annie and Lee were children from very different circles when Atreus killed Lee’s father, dragonlord Leon Stormscourge, ending the uprising on the bloodiest day in Callipolis’ history. For too long the dragonriders held all the power while their people starved and lived in fear. Nine years later, a new generation of dragonriders is emerging, children selected and trained on merit, not bloodlines. Their dragons are finally mature enough for them to compete for Firstrider, a position of power that can give Lee back a small part of what his family lost. However, not only is Lee competing against Annie, but rumors are circulating that some of the royal family have survived and have dragons of their own. Everyone will have to make a choice: Restore the old regime, support the First Protector and the new caste system he created, or look for a new way, no matter what the cost. From the beginning, this book pulls readers in with political intrigue and action. What keeps them invested, however, are the complex relationships between many cast members. Choices are complex, and the consequences for all could be deadly. The world is well fleshed out and believable. Annie and Lee are light skinned; secondary characters are diverse, and race is a nonissue in this world.
Full of drama, emotional turmoil, and high stakes. (author’s note) (Fantasy.14-17)Pub Date: Oct. 15, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-525-51821-1
Page Count: 448
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: July 23, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
Despite some missteps, this will appeal to readers who enjoy a fresh and realistic teen voice.
A teenage, not-so-lonely loner endures the wilds of high school in Austin, Texas.
Norris Kaplan, the protagonist of Philippe’s debut novel, is a hypersweaty, uber-snarky black, Haitian, French-Canadian pushing to survive life in his new school. His professor mom’s new tenure-track job transplants Norris mid–school year, and his biting wit and sarcasm are exposed through his cataloging of his new world in a field guide–style burn book. He’s greeted in his new life by an assortment of acquaintances, Liam, who is white and struggling with depression; Maddie, a self-sacrificing white cheerleader with a heart of gold; and Aarti, his Indian-American love interest who offers connection. Norris’ ego, fueled by his insecurities, often gets in the way of meaningful character development. The scenes showcasing his emotional growth are too brief and, despite foreshadowing, the climax falls flat because he still gets incredible personal access to people he’s hurt. A scene where Norris is confronted by his mother for getting drunk and belligerent with a white cop is diluted by his refusal or inability to grasp the severity of the situation and the resultant minor consequences. The humor is spot-on, as is the representation of the black diaspora; the opportunity for broader conversations about other topics is there, however, the uneven buildup of detailed, meaningful exchanges and the glibness of Norris’ voice detract.
Despite some missteps, this will appeal to readers who enjoy a fresh and realistic teen voice. (Fiction. 13-16)Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-06-282411-0
Page Count: 384
Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Oct. 14, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2018
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