Anyone is welcome to join; all you have to do is comment on the above post and follow the discussions on the Hub blog. Since I've already read quite a few of the eligible titles, I will try to review only those I read during the challenge here.
I Am Alfonso Jones by Tony Medina, illustrated by John Jennings and Stacey Robinson (Great Graphic Novels for Teens Top Ten)
Alfonso is a regular guy trying out for the school play (Hamlet, of course), working up the courage to tell his best friend he likes her as more than a friend, and polishing his poetry. After his dad is exonerated and due to be released from prison, Alfonso decides to buy a new suit. However, the security guard thinks his hanger is a gun and kills him. Now he's on a train with other ghosts who were killed for the color of their skin.
Affecting and resonant in our current climate, while also showing that this kind of treatment is not new to the African-American community. I like how it mirrors Hamlet and how the author worked in the stories of real Americans, which is spelled out in the back matter.
Trombone Shorty by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, illustrated by Brian Collier, read by Dion Graham (Odyssey Honor book)
Details the early life of the author in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans. From very young, Andrews loved jazz music and wanted to play and start his own band. With a beat up trombone and a lot of determination, he achieves his goal.
I read the picture book a few years back when it won a Caldecott honor, but I really love this new audio version. It was great to hear the author's music throughout and the reader was expressive and a real storyteller. Andrews has a new book due out this year.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, read by the author (National Book Award nominee, Newbery Honor book, Edgar Award nominee, Coretta Scott King Author Honor, Odyssey Honor and Printz Honor book)
Will grabs his brother's gun and heads downstairs to take out the guy he believes killed his brother. But as the elevator descends, a series of strange people get on, all with a connection to Will. Written in poems, this book pulls you in so you can share Will's strange elevator ride.
This was another reread for me. I was so impressed the first time that I read it in one sitting. Listening to Reynolds reading it and explaining the inspiration at the end gave me chills.
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee (Stonewall Book Award Honor)
Monty starts out on his last great trip across Europe with his best friend, Percy, and his sister, Felicity. After this he has to take over the family business, become a responsible Lord, and behave. But when he takes something worth way more than he realizes, the three find themselves embroiled in a grand adventure spanning across the Continent. And Monty has one last chance to let Percy know how he really feels.
I love, love, love this. Monty's voice feels so authentic, funny and heartbreaking all at once. And the crazy adventure highlights the absurdity of his father's expectations and forces Monty to deal with who he is and what he truly wants out of life. Percy and Felicity are far more than just side characters, too. Can't wait to read about Felicity's adventures in The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy due out in October!
The Backstagers vol. 1 by James Tynion IV, illustrated by Rian Sigh (Great Graphic Novels for Teens Top Ten)
Jory does not like his new school but when he joins the stage crew, he discovers a strange new world where he fits in perfectly. Now if he can just survive the strange monsters and other wild things that exist in the backstage area!
Okay, so I love LumberJanes. And this, this is the boy version! If you like boys who don't fit the traditional mold, read this. If you like alternate dimensions in the back (and underground) of schools, read this! If you like creepy stories of students lost and somewhat forgotten, read this!
I'll bring you more reviews of the YALSA Hub books as I read them. Join me in the challenge, won't you?!
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