The Black KidsChristina Hammonds Reed's debut novel The Black Kids takes place during the 1992 Rodney King Riots in Los Angeles. This novel covers so many deep issues that still resonate in today's society. There are many things I want to say about this book, so I will start with our main character, Ashley. Ashley, is a black teenager from a wealthy family who must navigate being a senior, her relationship with her estranged sister, Jo, liking her best friend's boyfriend, and feeling out of place with her circle of friends in the midst of the riots; that is a lot for one book to cover, but Reed does an excellent job of focusing on all these topics in a way that makes you reflect on our current situation. Had you not known that the setting took place in 1992, you probably would have thought you were reading a novel that takes place in 2020. One of the saddest realizations I had while reading this book is that not a lot has changed since 1992 in terms of racism and police brutality. This novel is a wake-up call to the readers because a lot of our young readers will be able to see how the events that transpired after Rodney King being beaten are a mirror image of what took place after George Floyd was beaten and killed. This novel shows us historical events through the eyes of a young adult, and how at times we struggle within ourselves in figuring out where we belong in the whole scheme of things. One thing that this novel taught me is that finding and using your voice are important, no matter what age you are. This book needs to be an essential read for our young adults, who am I kidding- even adults, to see that change needs to happen, and that we cannot do it alone or in fear. Reed's debut book will be released on August 4, 2020. You can pre-order your copy below: Amazon Audible Barnes and Noble Powell's *The above review is being done on a Netgalley Advanced Reader's Copy of The Black Kids. This review is my own, and I have written it in my honest opinion.
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Animal FarmAnimal Farm by George Orwell is a classic book that I had yet to read. It is fairly short, so I thought now would be the perfect time to see what this book was about. I chose to listen to it on Audible because it was only about 4 hours long, so I would listen throughout my day and found that I was hooked right away. Animal Farm takes place in the country, and all the main characters are animals. As simple as that sounds, it grows complex rather quickly when Old Major, a persuasive pig, calls a secret meeting among the farm animals and begins to tell them that a rebellion that will inevitably take place against their farmer, Mr. Jones. As the animals begin to see their farm deteriorate, and they begin to go hungry, the rebellion begins. As their farmer and other humans are kept at bay, Animal Farm begins to form their own society, and just as any society faces obstacles so does theirs. I loved reading Animal Farm because it reflects so much of society and what happens when we forget our past and we become complacent with what we are told is true. Each animal represents a personality, and as I was reading I couldn't help but wonder which personality I fit into. If you are curious, HERE is a quiz you can take to find out! This is an essential read and can probably be used in Pre-AP middle school classes. Find a copy: Amazon Audible Barnes and Noble Better World Books Powell's TormentIn Lauren Kate's second installment of the Fallen series, we are finally able to see more of Luce's story and how she fits together within the larger scheme of things. I really don't want to give too much of the plot up because I have been told by my family that I tend to do that when I talk about movies, so I will try my best to not do that to the books I review. Luce has always felt different, especially because she feels that trouble seems to follow her, so when she is forced to keep secrets from her parents (all in the name of their safety), she finds it extremely hard to find the balance between what her head and heart want. Before, the thought of choosing between two handsome guys was the biggest thing in her problems, but now she sees that it has a lot more to do with good vs. evil. I love Lauren Kate's Fallen series and this is officially the second time I read it. This time though, I listened to the Audible version and I am happy to say that it doesn't disappoint. Justine Eyre is the narrator and she does a fantastic job of voice acting, so if you find yourself busy and looking for a new YA read, try Torment by Lauren Kate! Find the book here: Amazon Audible Barnes and Noble Better World Books Powell's |