In My Mailbox & Library Loot (10)

I'm combining my entries for Library Loot and In My Mailbox. I've had a very good week. See my sidebar for my recent reads. Some of the books I've listed I've read, others I'm looking forward to reading.
From the library:
Who By Fire by Diana Spechler. Picked this up after reading Jen Reichert's review at Lenore's. Stay tuned for an author interview here.

The Kayla Chronicles by Sherri Winston. See Happy Nappy's full review.
...is a young feminist who dreams of becoming a journalist.
In middle school Kayla created the Speak club (Sisters Providing Encouragement And Kindness. Now its the summer before high school and Rosalie's, the best friend convinces Kayla to try out for the Lady Lions, the schools dance team. Rosalie is convinced the Lady Lions are prejudiced against flat chested girls.

In My Mailbox:

GoldenGirl by Micol Ostow. Won this in a contest hosted by Shalonda. Happy to add this to our library.

Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson. Looking forward to this. I'm on a mission to read every book written by Ms. Woodson.
Set in 1971, Woodson's novel skillfully weaves in the music and events surrounding the rising opposition to the Vietnam War, giving this gentle, timeless story depth. She raises important questions about God, racial segregation and issues surrounding the hearing-impaired with a light and thoughtful touch.

First Part Last by Angela Johnson. Read this. Glad to have this. I am a fan of Ms. Johnson's work and this is among our popular check-outs.
...this gem of a novel tells the story of a young father struggling to raise an infant. Bobby, 16, is a sensitive and intelligent narrator. His parents are supportive but refuse to take over the child-care duties, so he struggles to balance parenting, school, and friends who don't comprehend his new role.

Kindred by Octavia Butler. Incredible, poignant novel. Highly recommend this. Got this on trade. As a twentieth-century African-American woman trying to endure the brutalities of nineteenth-century slavery, Dana answers the question, "See how easily slaves are made?" For Dana, to choose to preserve an institution, to save a life, and nurture victimization is to choose to survive.

Women Across Cultures: A Global Perspective by Shawn Meghan Burn and Shawn Meghan Burn. Got this on trade. Will be added to our women's studies section.

Michelle Obama: Meet the First Lady by David Bergen Brophy. Won this in a contest hosted by Shady Glade. Thrilled to have it for our library.

Seven Black Plays: The Theodore Ward Prize for African American Playwriting. This was a gift from a donor. Among the playwrights is the late August Wilson, one of our greatest playwrights. I've seen and read his plays.

Almost a Woman by Esmeralda Santiago. Will be added to our Prize Bucket. This sequel to the story of Santiago's childhood (When I Was Puerto Rican) covers her life as an adolescent and young woman when she lived in Brooklyn, New York, with her mother (Mami) and 10 siblings during the 1960s. Puerto Rican immigrants, the family suffered through periods of poverty exemplified by the author's trips to the welfare office with Mami, where she translated her mother's Spanish so that they could obtain benefits. Santiago's good humor, zest for life and fighting spirit permeate her chronicle and moderate the impact of the hard times she describes.