February 1 releases, part 2

 Required Reading for the Disenfranchised Freshman
By Kristen R. Lee

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers (February 1, 2022)
Hardcover: 336 pages
ISBN-10: 0593309154
ISBN-13: 978-0593309155
Reading age: 14 - 17 years
Grade level: 9 - 12

 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Savannah Howard sacrificed her high school social life to make sure she got into a top college. Her sights were set on an HBCU, but when she is accepted to the ivy-covered walls of Wooddale University on a full ride, how can she say no?

Wooddale is far from the perfectly manicured community it sells on its brochures, though. Savannah has barely unpacked before she comes face to face with microagressions stemming from racism and elitism. Then Clive Wilmington's statue is vandalized with blackface. The prime suspect? Lucas Cunningham, Wooddale's most popular student and son of a local prominent family. Soon Savannah is unearthing secrets of Wooddale's racist history. But what's the price for standing up for what is right? And will telling the truth about Wooddale's past cost Savannah her own future?

A stunning, challenging, and timely debut about racism and privilege on college campuses.

My Thoughts:

This book is going to be challenged in a lot of school libraries, because it presents the ugly truth of the ongoing presence of racism and microagressions. Protagonist Savannah’s mom has her heart set on Savannah attending the fictional Ivy League Wooddale as her ticket out of poverty, even though Savannah would rather attend an HBCU.

 Long story short, although she makes friends among the few Black students at Wooddale, Savannah finds racism everywhere, and decides that she is going to speak out. She does so, despite coming up against the university’s golden-child son of a major donor.

Savannah’s struggles are contrasted with her best friend back in Memphis, B’Onka. B’Onka, too, is smart, but chooses a vastly different path.

What I loved about this book is that, in this first-person narrative, Savannah uses AAVE. Not only that, but it is more pronounced in scenes where Savannah is in Memphis than when she’s at Wooddale.

The point of this story is very similar to the smash-hit Ace of Spades, although without as much of a mystery to solve. I must say, I liked this one much more and hope it has similar to success to Ace of Spades.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Swearing, including the F-word. Drug use and drinking. Racial stereotyping and racism.

 Who Might Like This Book.

Those who are interested in current events and social justice. Those who want to understand more about what victims of racism go through.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs
By Pam Munoz Ryan
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion (February 1, 2022)
Hardcover: 272 pages
ISBN-10: 1484728351
ISBN-13: 978-1484728352
Reading age: 8 - 12 years
Grade level: 3 – 7
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

On the brink of her Quinceañera, and her official coronation, Solimar visits the oyamel forest to sit among the monarch butterflies. There, the sun pierces through a sword-shaped crevice in a boulder, which shines on her and sends the butterflies humming and swirling around her.

After the magical frenzy, she realizes she's been given a gift―and a burden: she can predict the near future! She has also become a protector of the young and weak butterflies. This alone would be a huge responsibility, but tragedy strikes when a neighboring king invades while her father and brother and many others are away. The remaining villagers are taken hostage―all except Solimar.

Can this princess-to-be save her family, the kingdom, and the future of the monarch butterflies from a greedy and dangerous king?

 My Thoughts:

This was a classic middle-grade coming-of-age, finding yourself story with an environmental twist. Solimar accidentally becomes a protector of the monarch butterflies. Unfortunately, that gives her the magical ability to foretell the future when asked—if she’s directly in the sun. This somewhat complicates her quest.

 Solimar loves her home, but wishes she were allowed to travel with her father and the other men to sell their crafts at far away. If only she could figure out a faster way to get there—but the river is dangerous.

 When a king who wants to take the forest to use for development invades during her father’s absence, Solimar must face the river to get help for her family and country before it’s too late. She meets an ingenious new friend who knows the river, and discovers her own strength as they overcome obstacles and find help.

I liked the characters in this book and the dialogue felt natural. It hits at the sweet spot for the age group—the right maturity level, the right relationships. And Solimar (why did I just want to call her Mirabel…can’t be that I just watched Encanto…) discovers that being a princess isn’t such a bad thing after all—because it gives her an opportunity to help others.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Perilous situations. A little bit of lying. Some violence, not graphic.

 Who Might Like this Book:

Those who are concerned about the environment. Those who like coming-of-age stories.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

 Beyond the Lavender Fields
By Arlem Hawks
Publisher: Shadow Mountain (January 31, 2022)
Language: English
Hardcover: 384 pages
ISBN-10: 1629729353
ISBN-13: 978-1629729350
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

1792, France Rumors of revolution in Paris swirl in Marseille, a bustling port city in southern France. Gilles Etienne, a clerk at the local soap factory, thrives on the news. Committed to the cause of equality, liberty, and brotherhood, he and his friends plan to march to Paris to dethrone the monarchy. His plans are halted when he meets Marie-Caroline Daubin, the beautiful daughter of the owner of the factory.

A bourgeoise and royalist, Marie-Caroline has been called home to Marseille to escape the unrest in Paris. She rebuffs Gilles's efforts to charm her and boldly expresses her view that violently imposed freedom is not really freedom for all. As Marie-Caroline takes risks to follow her beliefs, Gilles catches her in a dangerous secret that could cost her and her family their lives. As Gilles and Marie-Caroline spend more time together, she questions her initial assumptions about Gilles and realizes that perhaps they have more in common than she thought.

As the spirit of revolution descends on Marseille, people are killed and buildings are ransacked and burned to the ground. Gilles must choose between supporting the political change he believes in and protecting those he loves. And Marie-Caroline must battle between standing up for what she feels is right and risking her family's safety. With their lives and their nation in turmoil, both Gilles and Marie-Caroline wonder if a revolutionnaire and a royaliste can really be together or if they must live in a world that forces people to choose sides.

 My Thoughts:

This is a historical novel, but I found it so very relevant to today’s issues. Two people on polar opposite sides of an issue, but they’re attracted to each other. They are forced to find common beliefs in order for their relationship to progress.

 We see zealotry of varying degrees from characters on both sides of the issue, and it’s destructive in one form or another—every time. A good lesson for today. I know I keep saying that, and I have no idea if Hawkes meant to be making current political commentary, but it is there nonetheless.

 Apart from that, I found the book well-written, the characters interesting and believable. There are some of the usual romance tropes, but nothing overdone. The meeting of our two main characters is cute, and comes up as a running sore-point (or joke, depending on the day) between them.

 The conclusion is a little unexpected, in a good way.  I also like that there is some reconciliation between Gilles and his not-always-law-abiding father.

 I am only sad that Shadow Mountain Press books don’t generally hit the mainstream market, and I think as many people as possible should read this book.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Some violence and vandalism. People’s homes are burned, people are injured and killed.

 Who Might Like This Book:

Those who are interested in the historic time period. Those who like romance. Those who like complicated relationships.

 Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

 

Lockdown on London Lane
By Beth Reekles
Language: English
Paperback: 352 pages
ISBN-10: 198936585X
ISBN-13: 978-1989365854

 Publisher’s Blurb:

Publisher: W by Wattpad Books (February 1, 2022)

For the inhabitants of London Lane, a simple slip of paper underneath each of their doors is about to change their lives in a hundred different ways.

URGENT!!! Due to the current situation, building management has decided to impose a seven-day quarantine on all apartment buildings on London Lane.

With nowhere else to go . . .

Ethan and Charlotte wonder whether absence really does make the heart grow fonder when they end up on either side of a locked door.

A fierce debate over pineapple on pizza ignites a series of revelations about Zach and Serena’s four-year relationship.

Liv realizes rolling with the punches is sometimes much harder than it looks after her bridesmaids’ party goes off the rails, leaving the group at each other’s throats.

Isla and Danny’s new romance is put to the test as they jump ten steps ahead on the relationship timeline.

And Imogen and Nate’s one-night stand is about to get six do-overs they never really asked for―not awkward at all.

Through make ups, breakups, love-ins, and blowouts, friendships are tested as everyone scrambles to make it through the week unscathed. Amidst all the drama, one thing remains constant: life is full of surprises.

 My Thoughts:

This book was a bit of a departure from the large amount of romance and middle grade books I’ve been reading lately.

 Having lived through the last eleven thousand years of the pandemic, it was rather fun to read a book set at the beginning of the lockdown era. The various characters each have strong personalities, and they each deal with the unexpected lockdown of the apartment building in their own ways. As the story progresses, we also see some interconnections between the characters.

 Probably my favorite of the five story arcs is Ethan’s. He’s a classic nerd boy, who adores his girlfriend…who was away when the building was locked down. Their enforced separation makes him realize he never wants to live without her again, and comedy ensues.

 Imogen and Isla were both a bit annoying, but not in ways that made me want to stop reading. They both had some serious character flaws—Isla worried too much about her routine and what others thought of her, and Isla didn’t worry about those things at all. They are perfect foils for each other, and their growth throughout the week of quarantine is satisfying.

 The device of the Hawaiian pizza for Serena and Nate…it’s so trivial, and yet so earth-shaking for them, or more appropriately, for Serena. Theirs is the story that is left at least partially unresolved.

 And, as a contrast against all the couples, we have the bridal party, complete with Bridezilla. Poor Liv, who likes being alone, having to suddenly host three other women for a week. Again, though, she comes out of quarantine with a bright future.

 The narrative is fun. There are some cultural references that if you’re not up on British pop culture could be a bit confusing.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

References to sex. One of our main characters is lesbian. Unmarried couples living/sleeping together. Swearing, including the F word. Lots of drinking.

 Who Might Like This Book:

People who need a fun pandemic read, those who like watching people go through stress and coming out better.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

The Fashion Orphans
By Randy Susan Myers and MJ Rose
Publisher: Blue Box Press (February 1, 2022)
Language: English
Paperback: 352 pages
ISBN-10: 195245770X
ISBN-13: 978-1952457708
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Estranged half-sisters Gabrielle Winslow and Lulu Quattro have only two things in common: mounds of debt and coils of unresolved enmity toward Bette Bradford, their controlling and imperious recently deceased mother.

Gabrielle, the firstborn, was raised in relative luxury on Manhattan’s rarefied Upper East Side. Now, at fifty-five, her life as a Broadway costume designer married to a heralded Broadway producer has exploded in divorce.

Lulu, who spent half her childhood under the tutelage of her working-class Brooklyn grandparents, is a grieving widow at forty-eight. With her two sons grown, her life feels reduced to her work at the Ditmas Park bakery owned by her late husband’s family.

The two sisters arrive for the reading of their mother’s will, expecting to divide a sizable inheritance, pay off their debts, and then again turn their backs on each other.

But to their shock, what they have been left is their mother’s secret walk-in closet jammed with high-end current and vintage designer clothes and accessories— most from Chanel.

Contemplating the scale of their mother’s self-indulgence, the sisters can’t help but wonder if Lauren Weisberger had it wrong: because it seems, in fact, that the devil wore Chanel. But as they being to explore their mother’s collection, meet and fall in love with her group of warm, wonderful friends, and magically find inspiring messages tucked away in her treasures — it seems as though their mother is advising Lulu and Gabrielle from the beyond — helping them rediscover themselves and restore their relationship with each other.

 My Thoughts:

I am an only child. I have never experienced the sister dynamic. This book gives the good, the bad, and the ugly. Of course, Lulu and Gabi are actually only half-sisters, and the difference between their fathers is part of what sometimes separates them. Gabi has been the golden child; Lulu has always felt like she has disappointed their mother.

 Their mother was not the warm, nurturing sort. At all. She was more of the type to toughen them up to prepare them for the world.

 Both women experienced pretty intense trauma in their marriages—one was blindsided by divorce, the other by her husband’s death. Neither was able to support the other in crisis, and there has been a rift between them. And both are in definite need of funds.

 So when they meet for the reading of their mother’s will, both are hoping for the money they need. Instead, they find there is not a lot of money, and they are required to make a plan for their mother’s collection—a collection they have no clue about.

 It is their discovery of this collection and, through it, their mother’s friends, that sets them on the path to healing and self-discovery. There is a lot of love in this book, it just sometimes gets sidetracked.

 I really enjoyed the supporting characters just as much as the sisters. I particularly like the closeness that Lulu develops with her sons’ spouses as everyone comes together to work on the problems at hand.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Swearing, including a few instances of the F word. Drinking. Unmarried sex. One of Lulu’s sons is gay and has a husband.

 Who Might Like This Book:

People who like stories about family dynamics. There’s a lot of good food in the story, as well as a lot of fabulous clothing.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

 Castles in Their Bones
By Laura Sebastian
Publisher: Delacorte Press (February 1, 2022)
Hardcover: 528 pages
ISBN-10: 0593118162
ISBN-13: 978-0593118160
Reading age: 14 - 17 years
Lexile measure: 940L
Grade level: 9 – 12
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Empress Margaraux has had plans for her daughters since the day they were born. Princesses Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatriz will be queens. And now, age sixteen, they each must leave their homeland and marry their princes.
 
Beautiful, smart, and demure, the triplets appear to be the perfect brides—because Margaraux knows there is one common truth: everyone underestimates a girl. Which is a grave mistake. Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatriz are no innocents. They have been trained since birth in the arts of deception, seduction, and violence with a singular goal—to bring down monarchies— and their marriages are merely the first stage of their mother’s grand vision: to one day reign over the entire continent of Vesteria.
 
The princesses have spent their lives preparing, and now they are ready, each with her own secret skill, and each with a single wish, pulled from the stars. Only, the stars have their own plans—and their mother hasn’t told them all of hers.
 
Life abroad is a test. Will their loyalties stay true? Or will they learn that they can’t trust anyone—not even each other?

 My Thoughts:

There is so much good fantasy being written right now! I read Sebastian’s Ash Princess trilogy, and this exceeds it. This is slightly reminiscent of Kendare Blake’s Three Dark Crowns as triplet sisters vie to win their mother’s favor and secure their future on her throne.

 And their mother…wow. What a witch. Sneaky, conniving and manipulative. Even toward her daughters. She has planned their lives from birth, betrothing them to princes from other realms on the continent, all with the plan to undermine their governments and rule the entire continent herself.

 Away from each other and their mother for the first time, all of the girls embark on some self-discovery. Plans don’t go exactly as anticipated, and the girls are forced to improvise—and they sometimes choose to depart from their mother’s plans completely. They don’t always make the best choices. They, too, manipulate, like, and even use poison in order to further their mother’s agenda. But on the way, the also find friendship and even love.

 This is the first book in a trilogy, so I think it’s not too spoilery if I say that things come crashing down around them. I’m really hoping that a particular event in the penultimate chapter is subterfuge, and the next book will show that Sebastian herself has been tricking us.

 Possible Objectionable Material:

Some violence. Kissing. References to sex, none shown. In fact, the two daughters who marry do not consummate their marriages. Poisoning. Manipulation. Magic.

Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like complicated and manipulative family stories. Those who have the patience for a trilogy. Fantasy fans. Those who like strong female characters.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

February 1 Releases, Part 1

 

Black Panther: The Young Prince
By Ronald Smith
Publisher: Marvel Press; 1st Edition (January 2, 2018)
Hardcover: 272 pages
ISBN-10: 1484787641
ISBN-13: 978-1484787649
Reading age: 8 - 12 years
Lexile measure: 580L
Grade level: 3 – 7
 
Publisher’s Blurb:
Black Panther. Ruler of Wakanda. Avenger.

This is his destiny. But right now, he's simply T'Challa-the young prince.

 Life is comfortable for twelve-year-old T'Challa in his home of Wakanda, an isolated, technologically advanced African nation. When he's not learning how to rule a kingdom from his father-the reigning Black Panther-or testing out the latest tech, he's off breaking rules with his best friend, M'Baku. But as conflict brews near Wakanda, T'Challa's father makes a startling announcement: he's sending T'Challa and M'Baku to school in America.

This is no prestigious private academy-they've been enrolled at South Side Middle School in the heart of Chicago. Despite being given a high-tech suit and a Vibranium ring to use only in case of an emergency, T'Challa realizes he might not be as equipped to handle life in America as he thought. Especially when it comes to navigating new friendships while hiding his true identity as the prince of a powerful nation, and avoiding Gemini Jones, a menacing classmate who is rumored to be involved in dark magic.

When strange things begin happening around school, T'Challa sets out to uncover the source. But what he discovers in the process is far more sinister than he could ever have imagined. In order to protect his friends and stop an ancient evil, T'Challa must take on the mantle of a hero, setting him on the path to becoming the Black Panther.

My Thoughts:

As a fan of the Marvel Comics Universe movies, I was interested to see some backstory of T’Challa’s childhood. This was occasionally enlightening and occasionally disappointing.

Overall, though, we see T’Challa’s earnest desire to live up to his father’s expectations and legacy. Sometimes, of course, since he’s a middle-schooler, it means he makes some poor choices. As with so many middle-grade and young-adult novels, our protagonist gets into that trap of feeling like he must solve all the problems himself, whether it’s because he wants to prove his ability or because he’s embarrassed to ask for help.

In this case, the repercussions of his independence are minor. Importantly, he makes some good friends with other kids who are not “the popular kids.” He finds that he doesn’t really mind people not treating him like the heir to a kingdom.

The conflict is with a mysterious group of bullies. As a sort of junior-Black Panther, T’Challa, with help from his new friends, is able to prevent their evil mentor from bringing his plans to fruition—all without getting in trouble at home.

Possible Objectionable Material:

This middle grade novel is rather dark. The mysterious group performs magic and spiritualism. T’Challa worships the animal gods of his culture. Some violence. No swearing or romance.

Who Might Like This Book:

Anyone who enjoys friendship stories, coming-of-age, and the MCU.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Black Panther: Spellbound
By Ronald Smith
Publisher: Marvel Press (February 1, 2022)
Hardcover: 272 pages
ISBN-10: 1368071244
ISBN-13: 978-1368071246
Reading age: 8 - 12 years
Grade level: 3 – 7
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Thirteen-year-old T'Challa can't wait to go back to America to visit his friends Sheila and Zeke, who are staying with Sheila's grandmother in Beaumont, a small Alabama town, over their summer break. He's thrilled to be on vacation away from his duties as the Prince of Wakanda for a few weeks, and he's taking full advantage of his access to the amazing food and the South's rich history.

But as T'Challa continues to explore the town, he finds that a man who goes by the ordinary name of Bob happens to be everywhere he is―and T'Challa begins to think it's no coincidence.

When residents of the town begin flocking to Bob's strange message, and a prominent citizen disappears, the Young Prince has no choice but to intervene.

T'Challa and his friends start to do their own sleuthing, and before long, the three teens find themselves caught in a plot involving a rare ancient book and a man who's not as he seems.

Swept up in a fight against an unexpected and evil villain, T'Challa, Sheila, and Zeke must band together to save the people of Beaumont . . . before it's too late.

My Thoughts:

My biggest complaint with this follow-up to The Young Prince is that there were many dropped threads from the first book, and sudden mentions that probably should have been in the first book. What was M’Baku’s consequence for what happened in Chicago? What happened to Hunter? Why were T’Challa’s step-mother and half-sister never mentioned in the first book.

Putting that aside though, it is nice to see that T’Challa is able to continue his friendship with Sheila and Zeke. Once again, though, it appears that T’Challa has accidentally stumbled into some rather mysterious circumstances. And, once again, the quick thinking of T’Challa and his friends means that the day will be saved. After all, he’s a superhero-in-training.

One big quibble: There are some scenes that take place in a cave. The writer mentions the stalactites…melting? Stalactites are generally made of the minerals that are left behind as water drips from the ceiling. They don’t just melt in a fire. (I always knew those tours of Timpanogos Cave would pay off!

Possible Objectionable Material:

This middle grade novel is rather dark. Townspeople are hypnotized. A few people are killed. Once again, the antagonist is meddling in the supernatural. T’Challa worships the animal gods of his culture. Some violence. No swearing or romance.

Who Might Like This Book:

Anyone who enjoys friendship stories, coming-of-age, and the MCU.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This Woven Kingdom
By Tahereh Mafi
Publisher: HarperCollins (February 1, 2022)
Hardcover: 512 pages
ISBN-10: 0062972448
ISBN-13: 978-0062972446
Reading age: 13 - 17 years
Grade level: 8 - 9
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

To all the world, Alizeh is a disposable servant, not the long-lost heir to an ancient Jinn kingdom forced to hide in plain sight.

 

The crown prince, Kamran, has heard the prophecies foretelling the death of his king. But he could never have imagined that the servant girl with the strange eyes, the girl he can’t put out of his mind, would one day soon uproot his kingdom—and the world.

 

Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Tomi Adeyemi, and Sabaa Tahir, this is the explosive first book in a new fantasy trilogy from the New York Times bestselling and National Book Award-nominated author Tahereh Mafi.

 

My Thoughts:

When I read Mafi’s Shatter Me series, I felt like it went on waaaaay too long. I became annoyed with several of the characters.

 

So you can imagine how happy I was to discover that this book is nothing like that series!

 

Along with Victoria Aveyard’s new Realm Breaker series, this is an exciting beginning of a new fantasy world.

 

Set in a fantasy version of the Middle East and leaning into Persian mythology, this dips into familiar territory with some Cinderella-like references. Alizeh is strong and kind…and a threat to the kingdom. It’s not that she wants to be a threat, but her race has been subjugated and forced into hiding. Kamran has been taught to fear and hate her people. You can pretty much guess what happens. Yup, they are attracted to each other. There is the usual push and pull of circumstances.

 

Exposition is handled neatly without trying too hard to fill us in on background. Mafi’s writing style in this book is superior to Shatter Me, and the setting gives her the opportunity for some lovely descriptions.

 

And that cliffhanger ending!

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

There’s a little romance. Magic. Violence. Alizeh is treated poorly by some.

 

Who Might Like This Book:

Those who like fantasy worlds, references to fairy tales, mythologies of non-Western cultures.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

 

Jubilee: The First Therapy Horse and an Olympic Dream
By KT Johnston
Publisher: Capstone Editions (February 1, 2022)
Hardcover: 32 pages
ISBN-10: 168446255X
ISBN-13: 978-1684462551
Reading age: 8 - 12 years
Grade level: 2 – 3
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Lis Hartel became paralyzed after contracting polio in 1944. Her dreams of riding horses and competing in the sport of dressage were shattered. After months in the hospital, doctors told her she’d never ride again. Lis tried anyway. How do you stay on a horse without using your legs? How do you give the subtle cues needed in dressage with limited mobility? With hard work—and an unlikely horse named Jubilee. After years of training together and creating a new way of communicating, Lis and Jubilee danced into the competition ring, and eventually all the way to the Olympics. Lis Hartel was the first woman with a disability ever to win an Olympic medal, and the first woman to stand equally beside men on the Olympic winners' podium in any sport.

My Thoughts:

This book couldn’t have come into my life at a more perfect time. My daughter is finally on the speech and debate team I coach, and was beginning to write her informative speech on therapy horses. She has suffered from anxiety for years, and horse therapy has been of profound benefit to her. We are a horsey family; my mother was an equestrian and riding mistress in England before she came to the United States.

I was thrilled to read about Hartel and Jubilee. The partnership between horse and rider is a mysterious, miraculous thing, and this one is no exception. Add in the excitement of Lis’ recovery from polio and being one of the first women to compete as an equestrian in the Olympics (where the equestrian sports are still the only ones where women and men compete head-to-head), and you get a feel-good story that yes, made me happy cry. Beyond her competitive success, Hartel became a pioneer in using horses in various therapies. And that is something for which I will forever be grateful.

Hartel’s story has become an important section in my daughter’s speech, and her judges are loving it. I’m so happy that the author shared this story. While this book is aimed at early elementary students, it is a story that anyone can enjoy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance
By Lisa Yee
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (February 1, 2022)
Hardcover: 288 pages
ISBN-10: 1984830252
ISBN-13: 978-1984830258
Reading age: 8 - 12 years
Lexile measure: 670L
Grade level: 3 – 7
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Maizy has never been to Last Chance, Minnesota . . . until now. Her mom’s plan is just to stay for a couple weeks, until her grandfather gets better. But plans change, and as Maizy spends more time in Last Chance (where she and her family are the only Asian Americans) and at the Golden Palace—the restaurant that’s been in her family for generations—she makes some discoveries. For instance:
  •  You can tell a LOT about someone by the way they order food. 
  •  And people can surprise you. Sometimes in good ways, sometimes in disappointing ways.
  •  And the Golden Palace has secrets.

But the more Maizy discovers, the more questions she has. Like, why are her mom and her grandmother always fighting? Who are the people in the photographs on the office wall? And when she discovers that a beloved family treasure has gone missing—and someone has left a racist note—Maizy decides it’s time to find the answers.

My Thoughts:

The author notes that writing this book in a time of rising hatred and crimes against Asian Americans was a very emotional experience. While some of the story is based in actual history, the personalities and characters she created are not.

On one hand, this is a middle-grade book in which a girl learns not to judge others, and how to deal with illness and death.

On the other hand, this is a middle-grade book in which a girl learns the hardship of being judged simply because of her heritage.

The combination of these ideas brings a heartwarming story about embracing one’s heritage and family history while fighting to stop hate and prejudice.

I like that Yee did not always go for the simple solutions. Things aren’t always tidy, and sometimes they’re sad. But Maizy is a bright light and, as she learns, so do we.

Possible Objectionable Material:

There are going to be people who don’t want their children to read this book, because it gives both modern and historical examples of mistreatment of Chinese Americans. If you don’t think kids should know about the thornier parts of American history, pass this one by. One character is homosexual. Maizy’s mom is a single parent by choice.

Who Might Like This Book:

Those who enjoy family history, Chinese food, American history—warts and all.

The Thief and the Noble
By Dana LeCheminant
Publisher: Covenant Communications (February 7, 2022)
Paperback: 224 pages
ISBN-10: 1524417084
ISBN-13: 978-1524417086
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

As the daughter of a marquess, Lady Marian Russell is poised to impress in her first London Season. She is young, beautiful, and wealthy―but catching an eligible husband is the last thing on her mind. Marian is disillusioned with how the upper class lives while the poor of London suffer, and she is determined to right this imbalance. When she comes face-to-face with a mysterious man who steals from arrogant aristocrats and redistributes the spoils to the poor, Marian recognizes a motivation that mirrors her own. She is determined to discover the true identity of the unscrupulous hero and offer her assistance. 

When she unmasks the bandit, however, Marian is stunned: he is none other than the elusive Lord Robin Loxley. In exchange for her silence, Robin begrudgingly agrees to train the lovely Marian in the art of thievery, quickly realizing that his heart may be stolen next. But when Robin and Marian discover a copycat thief operating in London, they are faced with a foe whose purpose is far from noble. Amid distracting suitors, becoming champions of the poor, and a growing attraction they can’t ignore, can they expose the renegade pilferer without risking themselves―and each other?

My Thoughts:

Yes, this is completely a reference to the Robin Hood stories—the characters themselves note it.

Marian is a privileged young woman who recognizes her privilege and wants to use it in order to better the lives of those who lack her privilege. Robin is a reluctant nobleman fighting the past trauma of an abusive father. He, too, wants to stop the abuses that the upper classes perpetrate on those below them.

There’s a meet cute; they are exasperated by each other while fighting their attraction. I particularly enjoyed when Robin developed a friendship with Marian’s cousin—another reluctant heir to a title. This book doesn’t particularly tread any new ground, but it was a light, entertaining way to spend an afternoon.

Possible Objectionable Material:

As with others from this publisher, this book doesn’t go beyond kissing. There are some threats of violence against Marian, and some lecherous comments. There is danger. There are robberies of course!

Who Might Like This Book:

If you like romance, especially of the clean variety, and enjoy books that allude to popular stories, this might be the book for you!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.