Hi everyone, this first week of February celebrates the beginning of my month dedicated to ‘Rainbow Reads’. This booklist post will feature a selection of tween reads with characters who will keep you entertained and reading well into the night…
My first selection, The incredible magic of being by Kathryn Erskine (Scholastic Press, 2017) is actually about a young boy and his family. Julian, his sister Pookie, and his two moms are moving from Washington D.C. to rural Maine. Although Julian’s eternal optimism allows him to see infinite possibilities wherever he looks, he’s really anxious about many things. He believes that if he can make his family focus on the magic in the universe, surely they’ll appreciate life again. As Julian searches the night sky, he encounters a force that may drive his plan apart. Could one negative force unravel everything? An avid student of science, Julian understands that there is so much about the universe that we don’t yet know. I felt myself connecting with Julian on another level: a parallel universe level!! Told in his point of view, we get to hear of his story: his sister, his interests in science and astronomy, his fears and worries, his two mothers and as the story unravels, his health. Such wonderful writing!! Kathryn Erskine had me grabbed from the beginning even though it took me some time to complete it. I enjoyed every bit about it, even the F.A.R.T. segments [Facts And Random Thoughts] that Julian interjects into his narrative. I loved how the issue of homosexuality is normalised in this story and the unique family dynamics this creates.
Hurricane Child by Kheryn Callender (Scholastic Press, 2018) tells the story of twelve-year-old Caroline as she navigates life in her small island school on St. Thomas of the US Virgin Islands. Her unlucky streak has reached its maximum with being bullied at school, a mother who left when she was young, and now a spirit only she can see won’t stop following her. But when a new student from Barbados named Kalinda arrives, Caroline’s luck begins to turn around. Kalinda becomes Caroline’s first and only friend – and the person for whom Caroline has begun to develop a crush. Now Caroline must find the strength to confront her feelings for Kalinda, brave the spirit stalking her through the islands, and face the reason her mother abandoned her. Set in the idyllic islands of the Caribbean, this tale describes hurricane winds and a people that are wild, passionate and courageous. Young Caroline’s voice is a vibrant one, describing her tempestuous nature and life around her. I found this amazing story filled with themes of love, friendship and family run in front of darker ones of bullying, ghosts, abandonment and identity. This was a fascinating read which I think is better for older tweens.
This next title, Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart (Delacorte Press, 2016) is about an unlikely friendship between two tweens, Lily Jo McGrother and Dunkin Dorfman. Both kids are hiding from the past. Lily Jo feels that being a girl is not so easy when you were born in a boy’s body. Dunkin is dealing with bipolar disorder and trying to adjust to his new home from New Jersey. One summer morning, Lily Jo McGrother meets Dunkin Dorfman, and their lives forever change. Lily and Dunkin’s powerful story will shred your heart, then stitch it back together with kindness, humour, bravery, and love. Told in two distinct voices, this story captivated me from beginning to end. Every single character is memorable. Lily’s amazing bravery and kindness, Dunkin’s loyalty and friendship, plus the many family relationships that weave superbly together give you the reader what life is like for transgender kids and those with mental illness. Donna Gephart has produced an amazing book that moved me beyond words and opened my eyes and world view on these very important issues that young people face today. I applaud her for bringing about the characters of Lily, and how she deals with life as a transgender youth.
George by Alex Ginio (Scholastic Press, 2015) is a story about another transgender character. When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she’s not a boy. She knows she’s a girl. George thinks she’ll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte’s Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can’t even try out for the part… because she’s a boy. With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte – but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all. Truth be told, I had an inkling this would be about coming out as transgender. In my life I’ve met with some who are and always felt awkward but have been nothing but professional and kind towards them. Reading literature and watching shows on TV about adults having procedures done is one thing but when I read this, the fears and feelings of a young boy made it even more pronounced. There must be others out there who have similar fears and insecurities about both their sexuality and body image. I think my heart wept for little George each time he tried to talk to his mother about it. The characters felt so real to me. Each chapter and scene was expertly executed and layered with funny moments. A really engaging and poignant read!!
My next selection Star crossed by Barbara Dee ( Aladdin, 2017) gives an adorable story of another famous play. This time it’s Shakepeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Twelve-year-old Mattie is thrilled when she learns the eighth grade play will be Romeo and Juliet. She’s also delighted to share the stage with Gemma Braithwaite, who has been cast as Juliet. Gemma is amazing as Juliet, and Mattie starts to see her as more than just a friend. If that wasn’t enough to deal with, things offstage were beginning to resemble their own Shakespearean drama. And due to a last-minute emergency, Mattie is asked to step in as Romeo – opposite Gemma’s Juliet. In this funny, sweet, and clever look at the complicated nature of middle school romance, Mattie learns how to become a lead player in her own life. Although this story has a controversial theme, I think the story was crafted elegantly. I think breaching these topics with middle graders gets them thinking about it and understanding the emotions and how to manage relationships with not just friends but family as well!! I found this a great read!!
My last selection is slightly similar to the previous one, but the setting is closer to when I was born. One True Way by Shannon Hitchcock (Scholastic Press, 2018) is set against the backdrop of the ‘sexual revolution’ during the late 1970’s in a small town in North Carolina. Allie and Sam are classmates at Daniel Boone Middle School. They are two girls who are falling for each other. It’s 1977, and girls who like girls are forced to question their choices. One true way is a story that widens the heart and sheds light on what it means to be different while at the same time being wholly true to oneself. Through the lives of two girls living in a small town, we come to see that love is love. This was such an emotional read for me. My heart went out to both Allie and Sam as they navigated the treacherous waters of their North Carolina town’s attitude gay rights. Allie’s voice carries a message of hope and understanding of the confusing feelings she carries towards her identity. The grief she’s going through after losing her brother and the family breaking apart is really well-crafted. I loved the descriptions of life and small town traditions. Sam’s character comes through as a smart and brave girl but one who has a battle ahead as she fights against parents who oppose gay rights and inclusion. Shannon Hitchcock has taken a very relevant topic to today’s youngsters and shone a light on what those in the 70’s had to endure to get to where we are today.
So there you have a small selection of reads from me to start on your own journey to discover the many ‘Rainbow Reads’ out there. If you have read anything similar, I’d love to hear from you.
Until then, stay safe and keep reading
Miss Mahee
Miss Mahee's Library of Reads 