Today's Read: Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee

If the boys are supposed to be doing some harmless flirting, how come Mila feels so uncomfortable? How come no one seems to understand that she doesn't like to be randomly hugged? Sadly, Mila is not the only seventh-grade girl who has had a #MeToo moment.

Here's how her story starts:

Every day that September, the four of us escaped outdoors. The weather was warm (a little too warm for fall, if you thought about it), and the cafeteria smelled gross, like melted cheddar cheese and disinfectant. So when the bell rang for lunch, we each grabbed something fast--a container of yogurt, a bag of chips, an apple--and ran out to the blacktop, where you could play basketball or run around, or just talk with your friends and breathe actual oxygen for thirty minutes.

—Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee (Aladdin, 2019, p. 1 advance reviewer copy)

Quick Facts

• Setting: contemporary times; middle school
• Circumstances: After Mila is unexpectedly caught in a group hug by some boys at school, she becomes the target of unwanted contact: bumps, hugs, shoulder squeezes. She doesn't feel comfortable but doesn't know what to do. Some of her friends blame her for being a baby or for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Others wonder why she doesn't recognize flirting when she sees it. Even her best friend thinks Mila is blowing things out of proportion. To Mila the boys' behavior is not acceptable, but when she tries to talk to one of the teachers, she is told "boys will be boys." It isn't until she joins a karate class that Mila gains self-confidence and the courage to stand up for herself when others won't stand by her side.
• Genre & themes: middle grade story about an important contemporary issue told in a realistic and sensitive way; themes of self-respect, boundaries, consent, friendship
• Some thoughts: This book is an important conversation starter. Mila's situation is age realistic and believable as are the reactions of her friends, teachers, and family. Karate won't be the answer for every girl, but finding a safe haven and a self-esteem-building activity can be empowering. Girls are never too young to learn that they are in charge of their own personal space and that there's a huge difference between harassment and flirting, between unwanted contact and consent. The short chapters and large font make this an easy-to-read story, and Mila's inner thoughts nicely express her confusion and unhappiness.
• Resources: the Simon & Schuster website includes a reading guide and activity sheet geared to libraries, teachers, and book clubs.
• Acknowledgments: Thanks to the publicist for the review copy of Maybe He Just Likes You.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: A Quartet of Book Reviews

Welcome to another Monday. Hope your weekend was relaxing and full of books, family, friends, and more.

We had a fairly quiet week for a change. I swear I was worried we were becoming one of those households in which there's constant drama. I'm very grateful for mostly smooth sailing.

We haven't been watching too much television lately, but we decided to give season 1, episode 1 of Derry Girls a try. Sadly, neither of us was really taken with it. It wasn't bad, it just didn't make us want to watch more.

Other than that, I've been catching up on the Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. They take place in the 1920s in Australia and are really a lot of fun. Perfect escape viewing, if you haven't seen them yet.

A Highland Christmas by M. C. Beaton (Blackstone Audio, 2 hr, 7 min). As you know, I love the Hamish Macbeth mystery series set in the Scottish Highlands and starring a village copper who, despite having a reputation for being lazy and unambitious, always manages to solve the murder before the city police detectives can. This short Christmas story is numbered 1.5, but should really be listened to much later in the series. Nevertheless, it's a fun and (as a friend of mine said) sweet story of how Hamish solves two local crimes (a lost cat, stolen Christmas decorations) and at the same time gives several townspeople a new lease on life. If you're a Hamish fan, don't miss this Christmas story. The audiobook was read by Graeme Malcolm who does a terrific job with this series. It took me a while to get used to him (Davina Porter used to narrate the series), but I'm now a full-fledged fan. (borrowed from the library)

Queen Bee by Dorothea Benton Frank (William Morrow, May). I have a list of favorite summer authors, and Frank is on that list. I've always liked her sense of humor, the Lowcountry setting of her beach reads, and the smart women characters she creates. Although I liked this year's book, I can't say it's one of my favorites. Thirty-year-old Holly Kensen lives with her drama queen mother on Sullivan's Island, where she's a part-time beekeeper and part-time cake decorator while waiting for a teaching job to open up at the local elementary school. She is also always available to help out her handsome widowed neighbor and his two adorable sons, even though Archie doesn't seem to see her in the way she sees him. Meanwhile, her older sister, Leslie, is having marriage troubles and decides to move back home. Lots of drama ensues, and we hope that all works out for the three Kensen women.

I had a few issues with Queen Bee. First, Archie's two little boys didn't seem believable to me. It wasn't just a case of too much "out of the mouths of babes" type dialogue; they didn't act like any little boys I've been around. Second, there was a bit of a woo-woo factor to the story, and although I'm not against some conversing with nature, I wasn't really buying it here. Finally, one of the plot lines involves cross-dressing, and although Frank generally presented this in a sympathetic and realistic manner, she sometimes missed the mark. On the other hand, I liked all the honeybee facts. (audiobook review will be available through AudioFile magazine)

Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton (Grand Central, Aug. 6). Let's get one thing out of the way at the beginning. I really, really liked this novel, but it absolutely won't be for everyone. The story is told primarily from the viewpoint of S.T., a domesticated crow living in the Seattle area with Big Jim, a redneck human who has taught S.T. all about the MoFos (humans). Dennis, a seemingly doofus bloodhound, rounds out the household. One day Big Jim suddenly gets sick, and after his condition continues to deteriorate, S.T. tries to find a cure, only to discover that all the MoFos are suffering from a virus that turns them into zombie-like creatures. Seeing no hope for Big Jim, S.T. and Dennis venture out into the city, where all the domesticated and wild creatures, including released zoo animals, find they are once again in charge of planet Earth. S.T. tells us about the wisdom of the trees and the two layers of natural communication. He also gets caught up in the factions of domesticated animals, feral animals, city animals, and truly wild animals (including predators and insects), who must come up with new ways to live in the post-human world. Okay, admittedly weird sounding. But I loved S.T.'s outlook and the descriptions of the different animals from other animals' perspectives. I was caught up in the friendships and laughed at the humor. The story also includes fun Seattle, pop culture, and food references. The cause of the human downfall was a little heavy-handed, but yay S.T. for figuring it out and using it to the animals' benefit.

I did a combo read and listen of Hollow Kingdom. The unabridged audiobook (Hachette Audio; 10 hr, 11 min) was read by Robert Petkoff, who did a brilliant job creating voices for the animals and keeping me fully invested in the story. Petkoff enlivened the action scenes and infused his performance with just the right level of emotions. (digital and audio editions provided by the publisher)

Cape by Kate Hannigan and illustrated by Patrick Spaziante (Aladdin, Aug. 6). This middle grade story is mostly told in text with a few sections of panels--comic book style. The book follows three young girls living in Philadelphia during World War II. All of them love solving puzzles and meet after they've answered an ad calling for problem solvers to help with the war effort. In this alternate world, superheroes are real, but have disappeared from the city since Pearl Harbor. The trio quickly bond, especially after they've been tapped to help with a secret mission. To their wonder, it turns out that they too have superhero powers, which they can use to help save Philadelphia from Nazi spies. Cape is a little different from your usual superhero story. Running themes are friendship, family, sacrifice for your country, bullying, kindness, and fighting prejudice. Some of the characters are based on real people, and some of the plot lines are based on real events, most prominently the women who built the first computer (the ENIAC Six). Yes, you have to take a leap of faith here, but Hannigan does a great job introducing young readers to some of the less-well-known aspects of life in the States during World War II. Cape is the promising start of a new series. (digital copy provided by the publisher)

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8 Good Books for Teens and Tweens

March has been a great month for fiction geared to younger readers. You may shy away from middle grade and young adult books, assuming they lack a certain, shall we say, sophistication. In my experience, many contemporary novels written for teens and tweens deal with real-life issues in a authentic and frank manner and can be every bit as intense as adult fiction. Of course, you’ll also find plenty of books with teen angst, magic, and love gone awry.

Today’s roundup covers just a few of this month’s middle grade and young adult titles that caught my attention. Some are set in real life, but others contain elements of speculative fiction. All are worth looking into for yourself or for the young readers in your life.

Contemporary Stories

• Far Away by Lisa Graff (Philomel, March 5): This middle grade story is about 12-year-old CJ who lives with her itinerant aunt, who makes her living as a psychic. CJ is grateful that her aunt can commune with spirits because that’s the only way she can talk to mother, who died when she was a baby. But when her aunt says that she can no longer receive messages from CJ’s mother, the girl takes off with a teenage friend to try to reforge the connection. Magical realism, family secrets, and a road trip create a moving coming-of-age story. Note: this novel has gotten very mixed reviews. Audiobook: read by Monika Felice Smith Listening Library; 7 hr, 3 min)
• XL by Scott Brown (Knopf BYR, March 26): Set in San Diego, this young adult novel focuses on 16-year-old Will who still hasn’t had his growth spurt. Measuring in at just under 5 feet, he feels invisible and unattractive. But what happens when he starts growing . . . and growing? Is life any better on the other side of the yardstick? Romance, popularity, self-acceptance, friendship, and family round out Will’s story, which (according to reviews) contains a good dose of humor. Audiobook: read by Robbie Daymond (Listening Library 9 hr, 50 min)
• In Another Life by C. C. Hunter (Wednesday Books, March 26): When teenage Chloe and her just-divorced mom move to Texas to start over, Chloe has trouble adjusting. First, she begins to imagine that she remembers her life before her parents adopted her when she was just a toddler. Then when she befriends a cute boy living with foster parents, she begins to question everything her adoptive parents ever told her. This young adult thriller involves family secrets, lies, mental illness, adoption, and cancer. Audiobook: no information

Speculative Fiction

• The Revenge of Magic by James Riley (Aladdin, March 5): Set in a future Earth in which only children can learn magic, this is the first entry in a middle grade fantasy / adventure series. Young Fort Fitzgerald loses his father when Washington, D.C. is destroyed by monsters. Thus he jumps at the chance to attend a government-run school that teaches magic to promising tweens. Perhaps he’ll find a way to recover his dad and stop further creature attacks . . . or maybe he’ll just be haunted by disturbing dreams and barred from learning the truth of who’s really in control of the world. Fort must find allies and his own inner strength. The academy is less wizardy and more military, as the kids are being trained to fight the monsters. Audiobook: read by Kirby Heyborne (Simon & Schuster Audio; 9 hr, 2 min)
• Sky without Stars by Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell (Simon Pulse; March 26): Centuries after the French colonized the planet Laterre, rebellion is in the air as the one-percenters have all the power and the rest have few resources and little hope. Can three teens of very different backgrounds, personalities, and skills lead a successful uprising? This is the first in an action-packed young adult space opera series that is a futuristic retelling of Les Misérables, complete with the politics, romance, and class divides. Audiobook: read by Vikas Adam, Joy Osmanski, and Emily Woo Zeller (Simon & Schuster Audio; 18 hr, 33 min)

Finish Up a Series

• Winter War Awakening by Rosalyn Eves (Knopf BYR; March 19): Final entry in the Blood Rose Rebellion trilogy. This series is set in eastern Europe (basically Austria and Hungary) and contains elements of alternate history, real history (rebellion against the Hapsburgs) and fantasy. Series themes and issues: overcoming prejudice, self-acceptance, romance, strong female protagonists, learning to trust. Audiobooks: read by Fiona Hardingham & Steve West (Listening Library)
• The Everlasting Rose by Dhonielle Clayton (Freeform; March 5): Second book in the Belles duology. These books are set in an alternate history New Orleans and contain dystopian and steampunk elements. Series themes and issues: corruption of power, LGBTQ, class differences, the worth of beauty. Audiobooks: read by Rosie Jones (Blackstone Audio)
• The Shadowglass by Rin Chupeco (Sourcebook Fire; March 5): Final book in the Bone Witch trilogy. Set in an alternative world with an Asian feel, the trilogy follows Tea and her brother as she struggles to find her place in a world that is hostile and dangerous; high fantasy elements. Series themes and issues: LGBTQ, romance, self-discovery, personal growth, family, leaving the past behind. Audiobooks: first two read by Emily Woo Zeller and Will Damron (Blackstone Audio); no information on book three

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10 Books for Tweens and Teens

I know 2016 isn't over yet, but I'm already looking ahead and making reading plans for the coming year. All the books featured today will be published in January, and although you'll find them in the young adult or middle grade sections of your bookstore or library, each one has adult cross-over appeal. Whether you're making a wish list or a shopping list and whether you're thinking of yourself or the young readers in your life, here are some recommendations to give you a head start on fabulous bookish 2017.

Contemporary Cultural and Social Issues in Fiction

• The Radius of Us by Marie Marquardt (St. Martin's Griffin; January 17): Gretchen, a 17-year-old white girl, suffers from post-traumatic stress syndrome after having been mugged. Pheonix, a brown-skinned 18-year-old, is a recent immigrant who fled his native El Salvador to escape gang violence. After a chance meeting, they bond over their common need for healing, understanding and safety.
• Our Own Private Universe by Robin Talley (Harlequin Teen, January 31): Aki, a 15-year-old black girl, is unsure about everything--her faith, her sexual identity, her talents. On a Christian mission trip to Mexico, she meets white Christa and tentative flames begin to burn. A realistic look at LBGTQ teen relationships and a respectful view of religion.
• The Truth of Right Now by Kara Lee Corthron (Simon Pulse, January 3):  Lily, a white Jewish music student, and Dari, a black first-generation Trinidadian artist, start their junior year of high school already a step or two behind. When the two loners connect, they strengthen their relationship over discussions of race, family, and personal struggles, until social pressures and their past troubles threaten to tear them apart.

Fresh Takes on Old Tales

• The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden (Del Rey, January 10): Set in medieval Russia, this unique fairy tale is the story of a village girl, who can talk with animals and spirits, and her conflict with her stepmother, who declares all such actions and beings to be evil. Period details and careful blending of magic and realism help shape this intriguing new tale.
• Beheld by Alex Flinn (HarperTeen, January 10): Kendra, a time-traveling witch and perennial teen, recounts her perspective on the stories behind four familiar fairy tales, with an emphasis on romance. These light twists on traditional plots (including Rumpelstiltskin) offer the perfect winter escape.
• Siren Sisters by Diana Langer (Aladdin, January 3): Set in coastal Maine, this middle grade novel reimagines the myth of the sirens whose song lures ships into rocky waters. Lolly, our young singer, deals with more than her duties to the Sea Witch, she must also learn to navigate the rough seas of contemporary adolescence and keep her family safe.

Stories for Thought and Discussion

• Flying Lessons edited by Ellen Oh (Crown Books for Young Readers, January 3): This collection of short stories was published in partnership with We Need Diverse Books. The pieces, written by both men and women, tackle a wide range of contemporary issues, such as racism, sports, grief, gender identity, and living with disabilities. Geared to a middle grade audience, this important and well-written collection should be on everyone's reading list.
• Here We Are edited by Kelly Jensen (Algonquin Young Readers, January 24): This anthology of essays, art, photos, and poems is geared to young adult readers and addresses what it means to be a feminist in the 21st century. The 44 contributors hail from a broad spectrum of fields--pop culture personalities, artists, bloggers, and authors--and focus on the complexities of women's issues, not simply the typical views on career opportunities and speaking up.

Coming of Age with a Few Twists

• The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett by Chelsea Sedoti (Sourcebooks Fire, January 3): When Lizzie goes missing after a camping trip with her boyfriend, a 17-year-old girl becomes obsessed with finding out what happened. Set in a small town in eastern Pennsylvania, this novel is part mystery, part coming-of-age story.
• The You I've Never Known by Ellen Hopkins (Margaret McElderry Books, January 24): This novel in verse and prose focus on 17-year-old Ariel who has lived an almost nomadic life with her alcoholic father since her mother deserted them years ago. As Ariel explores her awakening bisexuality, she discovers few people are really who they seem to be, and her world begins to tip.

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12 Fantasies to Put on Your Reading List

For some people September is back-to-school month or pull-out-the-sweaters month, but for me--at least this year--September is look-at-all-the-fantasy month. The number of great speculative fiction books released in the last few weeks is almost mind-boggling. Take a look at this sampling.

Start a New Series

• A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess: This alternate history / fantasy series stars a powerful teen tapped to be the first female sorcerer. Set in a Victorian England the plot involves magic and monsters and a dangerous game of secrets, manipulation, allies, and traitors. (Random House)
• Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake: Triplet sisters contemplate their sixteenth birthday, when they will be expected to compete--to the death-- for the right to rule their country. Magic manifests itself differently in each girl; which one is strongest? (HarperTeen)
• The Changlings by Christina Soontornvat: When Izzy's little sister becomes lost in fairy land, she must find a way to rescue her from the evils that lurk there. Not only must she tell friend from foe but she needs to find a way to trick the Faerie before her sister is lost forever. (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky)
• Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova: This first in series has already garnered much praise and starred reviews. It features witches and magic and finds its foundation in Latino myths and traditions. A teenage witch must travel to the land of limbo to save her family. (Sourcebooks)

Read a Stand-Alone

• The Graces by Laurie Eve: A much-buzzed novel about witches, black, magic, and sisters. Three powerful siblings are the envy of all who meet them, but the new kid in town wants to do more than admire the Graces, she wants to become one of them--but with secrets upon secrets, she should be careful of what she wishes for. (Amulet Books)
• The Inquisitor's Tale by Hatem Aly: Set in medieval France, this is the story of three children who possess magical abilities and tell their tales--Chaucer style--while outwitting all those who hope to defeat them. Nestled within the humor and adventure are jabs at sociocultural norms and lessons about prejudice. (Dutton)
• The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart: Mix a magical timepiece with a lot of secrets and one young boy and you have yourself a heart-pounding, action-packed mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. Friendly helpers and tricky villains keep our hero on his toes. (Little, Brown)
• Brightwood by Tania Unsworth: This story takes place in a spooky house that happens to be the happy home for our hero, who has befriended live-in ghosts and talking animals. Daisy's life is shattered, however, the day her mother fails to return home from a shopping trip and a stranger appears at her door. Can the young girl save herself, her friends, and her home? (Algonquin Young Readers)

Let the Series Continue

• Mark of the Plague by Kevin Sands: This series involves magic, medicine, and alchemy and is set in the early British Renaissance, rife with politics, the power of the church, and rival apothecaries. Our hero must find a way combat the black death while staying free of the authority of country and guild. Lots of puzzles to solve. (Aladdin)
• Throne & Bones: Skyborn by Lou Anders: This is the latest entry in fun adventure / quest fantasy series involving heroes, traitors, and powerful creatures. Good friends and questionable family are highlights of the story, which is told from multiple points of view. (Crown)
• Masked City by Genevieve Cogman: This alternate history series is set in Victorian England and is perfect for those of us who love books about books. It features librarian spies, dragons, and fae in a very cool world for us bookophils. (Roc)
• The Dark Army by Joseph Delaney: Witches, boggarts, and scary creatures abound in this dark fantasy trilogy set in a medieval-like universe. Our heroes find evil everywhere they turn as they fight to save their country from powerful enemies. Recommended for those who like to be creeped out! (Greenwillow Books)

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Other Worlds & Mysteries for Middle Grade Readers: A Fall Roundup

As I mentioned yesterday, many people associate middle grade books with magic and fantasy, and indeed some our favorite books fall into this category (think: Narnia and the early Harry Potter books). But the world of make-believe for young readers is much broader than just wizards' wands and talking creatures.

Although today's roundup starts with magical worlds it moves on to alternate history, mystery, and horror. Hold on to your pointy hat, and get ready for adventure, curses, and escape into new worlds.

Fantasy & Magic

• A Nearer Moon by Melanie Crowder is about two sets of sisters—water sprites and humans—who are as close as sisters can be. When circumstances threaten to separate the pairs of siblings forever, will the girls find a way to help each other? Major themes: sisters, family, magic, legends, and environmental issues. [Atheneum, September]
• The Entirely True Story of the Unbelievable FIB by Adam Shauhnessy is about what happens when 11-year-old Pru and her new friend Abe are selected by the Fantasy Investigation Bureau to help figure out why Viking gods are infiltrating their town and stealing from the museum. This magical adventure takes the pair on a clue-solving mission full of danger and excitement. Major themes: friendship, Viking mythology, trust, truth, and magic. [Algonquin Books for Young Readers, September]
• The Wrinkled Crown by Anne Nesbet is the story of how 12-year-old Linny leaves her rural home to seek a way to reverse an inadvertent curse placed on her best friend. If she and her travel companions can survive the many dangers of their action-packed journey to the city, they may in fact save not just one girl but the whole world. Major themes: the merging of magic and science, friendship, and fate. [HarperCollins, November]
• Rules for Stealing Stars by Corey Ann Haydu reveals how 11-year-old Silly and her sisters cope with their mother's alcoholism: They've discovered portals into magical lands that, at first, offer peace and safety. But when one of the girls is trapped in the other world, the sisters realize they must find the magic in everyday life in order to bring her back. Major themes: sisters, alcoholism, parental meanness, and magical realism. Audience: older MG readers. [Katherine Tegen Books, September]

Alternate History & Different Worlds

• The Doldrums by Nicholas Gannon is an exquisitely illustrated alternate-history story about 11-year-old Archer, who longs to go on an adventure, despite the fact that his practical mother rarely lets him out of the house. But when Archer learns his grandparents may be stranded on an iceberg, he recruits his friends to help plan a rescue mission to Antarctica. Major themes: following one's dreams, finding compromise, friendship, and family. [Greenwillow, September]
• My Diary from the Edge of the World by Jodi Lynn Anderson is written in diary form and set in an alternative world in which mythical beasts and magic exist alongside the modern technology. When a dark cloud comes to take Gracie's younger, sickly brother away, the family sets off on a desperate road trip to find the fabled land with no magic, hoping to save Sam from an early death. Major themes: family, sibling relationships, helping others, and destiny. [Aladdin, November]
• Fires of Invention by J. Scott Savage is an action-packed steampunk adventure set in a land that forbids invention. When young Trenton and Kallista discover clues to a new machine, they cannot resist secretly trying to build it, little knowing that the finished project will unveil deep truths about their world. Major themes: friendship, creativity, oppressive government, and young love. [Shadow Mountain, September]

Mysteries & Puzzles

• Curiosity House: The Shrunken Head by Lauren Oliver and H. C. Chester takes us to 1930s New York City and a museum of oddities, which is also home to four specially gifted children who form their own kind of family. When paying customers start dying, the museum owner is accused of murder, leaving the kids to solve the mystery or be out on the streets. Major themes: family, loyalty, friendship, and being different. [HarperCollins, September]
• A Pocket Full of Murder by R. J. Anderson is set in a world in which the rich have powerful magic, but the poor have only common magic. When Vettie's father is accused of murdering a university official, can she—with the help of her sisters and a street urchin—find the true killer? Major themes: socioeconomic divide, religious differences, friendship, sisters, and finding one's talents. [Atheneum, September]
• The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands is a clever, multilayered mystery set in London in the 1660s. Young Christopher finally got some luck when he was taken from the orphanage to be apprenticed to a kindly master apothecary. But when his mentor falls victim to a serial killer, can Christopher work out the complex puzzle that will reveal the murderer and save his own future? Major themes: friendship, crafts guilds, politics, and cults. [Aladdin, September]

Spooky & Suspenseful

• Hoodoo by Ronald L. Smith is a Southern Gothic story about a boy named Hoodoo who dreams of being a conjurer, though he can't seem to cast a single spell. He does, however, have crazy vivid dreams, which get more intense after a stranger comes to town. Can Hoodoo keep the stranger from harming his loved ones? Major themes: family, folk beliefs, and the Jim Crow South. [Clarion Books, September]
  
• The Nest by Kenneth Oppel tells the creepy tale of how young Steve gets entangled with a mysterious winged being who claims to be able to help his deathly ill baby brother. The tension builds in this psychological thriller as Steve must figure out whom to trust and find the strength to overcome evil. Stark black-and-white drawings add to the mood. Major themes: family, good vs. evil, and manipulation. [Simon & Schuster, October]

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Review: Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata

Katie Takeshima, born in the early 1950s in Iowa, loves her older sister, Lynn, more than anything in the world. It is Lynn who teaches her to recognize kira-kira (glittering, shining) in the world: in the blue sky, in the stars, and even in people. But when the family is forced to move to Georgia because of financial troubles, Katie has to struggle to find kira-kira in the streets of the small southern town.

Because both her parents work long hours at the chicken hatchery, Katie rarely sees them, but she knows that Lynn will always be there after school to watch over her and their little brother, Sammy. When Lynn becomes seriously ill at the age of fourteen, the family can barely hold on, and Katie must discover her own hidden strengths.

In Kira-Kira, Cynthia Kadohata beautifully explores the postwar years through the eyes of Katie Takeshima. Katie not only is the middle child but is also in the middle between her more traditionally Japanese parents and contemporary American culture. Although Katie doesn't see herself as being different from anyone else, when the family moves to the South, they are subject to prejudice, and the family is lost somewhere in limbo: not quite white and not quite black or Native American. Whether at school or checking into a hotel, the Takeshimas don't quite fit in.

The story is told as a flashback, so we know from the beginning that Lynn will die before Katie does, but Katie's memories are more than just a loving tribute to her older sister. From a child's perspective we learn that the 1950s were not golden years for everyone in America. The poor were exploited by the rich, and prosperity didn't come easily to all citizens. Katie herself is far from perfect, and she recalls her resentment and jealousy over how much attention her parents bestowed on Lynn and how painful it was when her sister became a teenager and found friends outside the family.

In Katie's transformation from innocent child to one of her sister's principal caretakers, she never lets go of the concept of kira-kira that was so important to Lynn. By the end, Katie tries to remind her family that there is still beauty in the world and, in turn, starts to understand some of the comfort found in embracing traditional Japanese customs.

Kira-Kira is a wonderfully written coming-of-age story, and Kadohata is becoming one of my favorite young adult authors. The novel has won almost twenty awards, including the ALA Newbery Medal. A study guide is available for teachers and homeschoolers; book clubs will appreciate the online reading guide.

I listened to the unabridged audio edition (Listening Library; 4 hr, 29 min) read by Elaina Erika Davis. Davis's vocalization sounds young enough to be believable as Katie without being annoyingly juvenile. She handles the accents--Midwest, Southern, Japanese--easily, and her varied pacing and pitch adds to the story.

Kira-Kira at an Indie

Kira-Kira at Powell's

Kira-Kira at Book Depository
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Published by Simon & Schuster / Aladdin Paperbacks, 2007
ISBN-13: 9780689856402
YTD: 22
Source: Bought (see review policy)
Rating: A-
Copyright © cbl for Beth Fish Reads, all rights reserved (see review policy)

This review will be linked to Kid Konnection a regular Saturday feature at Booking Mama that focuses on anything related to chidren's books.

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