In My Mailbox

Marcia at the Printed Page hosts Mailbox Monday. It's been a long time since I've participated. This week however I received some adult titles I wanted to share and they don't fit the scope of New Crayons. Received some YA, too.

This week in my mailbox:

From Paperback Swap, I got a fantastic hardcover copy of Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler. We already have a copy in our Prize Bucket for Color Online and this was a trade book. Ari would be pleased to know I'm keeping this for my personal collection. The opening scene is bone-chilling. Primal and violent and dark. This book turns so many mores and beliefs on their head than I think I've ever seen in a single novel.

Received a copy of When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women edited by Gail Collins for review. A comprehensive mix of oral history and Collins's keen research, this is the definitive book about five crucial decades of progress, told with the down-to-earth, amusing, and agenda-free tone this beloved New York Times columnist is known for.


Also received Children of Dust by Ali Eteraz for review. I love memoirs and it seems I'm going to continue my current streak with this genre. a spellbinding portrayal of a life that few Americans can imagine. From his schooling in a madrassa in Pakistan to his teenage years as a Muslim American in the Bible Belt, and back to Pakistan to find a pious Muslim wife, this lyrical, penetrating saga from a brilliant new literary voice captures the heart of our universal quest for identity.



Paper Towns by John Green. I received this as part of Pass-it-On challenge I learned about from Edi at Crazy Quilts.
Paper Towns also alerts us to something that is easy to overlook. I think we all understand that we tend to dehumanize our so-called enemies, and so it’s easier to watch out for that. But it’s harder to watch out for the fact that we can also dehumanize the people we admire or love. By imagining them to be perfect, we are not allowing them any emotions that don’t conform to our mental picture of them. As Quentin says:

And so I could not imagine her as a person who could feel fear, who could feel isolated in a room full of people, who could be shy about her record collection because it was too personal to share. Read Ana's full review.

Thanks to author, L.M. Preston, I received a copy of Explorer X-Alpha.
For most kids, a trip to space camp is a trip of a lifetime, for Aadi it was life altering. After receiving a camp immunization needed for travel to Mars, Aadi finds that the immunization is the catalyst of an insidious experiment. Lucky for him, he was engineered to survive, thrive, and dominate. Without realizing he is being trained to conquer worlds, and manipulated under the guise of a camp, he unfolds the plot too late for a change of fate.

In My Mailbox

I have an insane sinus headache. So, I'm not listing different titles here. Kristi at Story Siren created In My Mailbox. Marcia hosts Mailbox Monday and I focus on multicultural lit with New Crayons at Color Online.

Here's what's new on our shelves:

The Bite of the Mango by Mariatu Kamara with Susan McClelland. My daughter starts high school this year. This was on freshman's summer reading list. Looking forward to it. My daughter shrugged and was already talking about homecoming. But when 12-year-old Mariatu set out for a neighboring village, she never arrived. Heavily armed rebel soldiers, many no older than children themselves, attacked and tortured Mariatu. During this brutal act of senseless violence they cut off both her hands. Read full synopsis at Annick.


Ash by Malinda Lo. Thanks to Steph from Steph Su Reads. I could not get my hands on a copy. The unemployed cannot buy a book simply because she wants it. The day that Ash meets Kaisa, the King's Huntress, her heart begins to change. Instead of chasing fairies, Ash learns to hunt with Kaisa. Though their friendship is as delicate as a new bloom, it reawakens Ash's capacity for love-and her desire to live. But Sidhean has already claimed Ash for his own, and she must make a choice between fairy tale dreams and true love. Read a full review at Frentic Reader.


Paula by Isabel Allende. Doing some shifting in our library. Pulled this from the shelf and brought it home. We have a few Allende titles. Let me know if you'd like to borrow this. In December 1991, Isabel Allende's daughter Paula, aged 26 fell gravely ill and sank into a coma. This book was written during the interminable hours the novelist spent in the corridors of the Madrid hospital, in her hotel room and beside Paula's bed during the summer and autumn of 1992. Fantastic Fiction.


Broken China by Lori Aurelia Williams. The writing is poetic and poignant in When Kambia Elaine Flew In From Neptune by this author. I am so impressed with her work, I got this based on my first book by her. It's available for loan as well. Her story centers on 14-year-old China Cup Cameron (named by a physician's assistant since, at the time, her teen mother 'could care less'), who herself became a mother at 12. But in the first chapter, China's two-year-old daughter dies, and she takes on an enormous debt to pay for an elaborate funeral service. See review at Powell's.

My Two Grannies byFloella Benjamin . This is on our wish list. Very happy to a new book about mixed-race familes. [A]ppealing story about a mixed-race family learning to accept different traditions and customs. Alvina has two grannies: Grannie Vero from Trinidad and Grannie Rose from England. When Alvina’s parents go on vacation, both grannies arrive to look after Alvina. But the two grannies have two very different ideas about what to eat, what to play, even what stories to tell. Rainbow Book Cooperative.

What did you get this week from the library, the bookstore or in the mail? Happy reading.

In My Mailbox

This week was fantastic in terms of blogging and the mail. Color Online was nominated in 8 categories and I'll have a short guest spot at Amy Bowllen's column at School Library Journal thanks to Zetta Elliott. Kristi at Story Siren created In My Mailbox. Marcia hosts Mailbox Monday and I focus on multicultural lit with New Crayons at Color Online. Special thanks to Colleen at Chasing Ray and Shalonda for two boxes full of goodies Here are a few:

Dreamdark: Blackbringer by Lani Taylor. Didn't know anything about this but Jen's review convinces me it's worth checking out.
Dreamdark is as colorful and wondrous as the Jinn-crafted tapestry that gives it life. If the cover art didn't tip you off, this book isn't the gag-me-sweet faerie world of little people who flit around and make things grow (there is one in the book, but you can't help but like her). It's the brilliantly conceived tale of Magpie Windwitch, granddaughter of the West Wind, who hunts devils that have been released back into the world by meddling humans who keep opening bottles hoping to have their wishes granted. She's tough, she's good, and she's endearing from her foxlick to her crow feather skirt. Read Jen Seegmiller's review here.

Sweethearts by Sara Zarr. I have enjoyed interacting with Sara, but have not read her work. Looking forward to this.
What I found most interesting about Sweethearts was how it doesn’t go for an either/or dichotomy when it comes to Jenna's identity. Perhaps the most obvious solution would be for Jenna to return to being Jennifer, her "true self", stick to the friends who loved her for that, and learn not to care about what everyone else says. But as time passes, people, especially teenagers, do change. And Jenna isn’t really Jennifer anymore. So what happens is that she realizes that her life isn’t completely artificial after all; that people have a better idea of who she really is than she realizes. It turns out she wasn’t acting all the time. See Nymeth's review here.

If A Tree Falls at Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko. Saw the title once before but no clue what it was about. Now that I know, I'm definitely interested.
On the surface, seventh graders Kirsten and Walk couldn’t be more different. Kirsten is an overweight secret eater who hides her unhappiness over her parents’ constant fighting behind mountains of candy bars and bags of potato chips. Walk is a smart loner trying to make it as one of the only black students in Kirsten’s mostly white private school... What looks like a benign school story from its innocent, colorful cover is actually a pretty deep read that will challenge the way you think about race and economic class, and help you understand that even though they often try to convince you otherwise, adults mess up too. Read full review at Reading Rants.

So Punk Rock (and Other Ways to Disappoint Your Mother) by David Ostow. I recently read some comments by Micol that says I need to check her out. Now I learn she's married to an artist. Very cool. Read interview here.
So Punk Rock totally rocks. I dig this hybrid novel. It's funny, it's thoughtful, and it's just plain cool. It will definitely appeal to teen guys AND girls. It reads like a 'normal' book, with chapters and Ari's first-person narration, plus it has black-and-white illustrations: sidebars, pictures of the band members, doodles and lists. Read full review at Guys Lit Wire.

In My Mailbox

This week I had a library request come in and books in the mail. Overall a great week. Kristi at Story Siren created In My Mailbox. Marcia hosts Mailbox Monday and I focus on multicultural lit with New Crayons at Color Online. Here are a few of our goodies for the week:

Song of The Buffalo Boy by Sherry Garland. Saw this at Chasing Ray. This week, Colleen is hosting One Shot: SE Asia Round-up. If you haven't check it out, do. Great round-up of posts featuring works by SE authors or about SE characters. I read Alyssa's review at Teens Read and Write, and knew I wanted to read it. I picked up this copy at the library.

Seventeen-year-old Loi, whose father was an American soldier, is ostracized by her fellow villagers because she is con-lai, a half-breed. Loi has been promised to a cruel older man, but rather than marry him, she flees to Ho Chi Minh City, and along with thousands of other Amerasians, she begins the confusing process of applying for the Amerasian Homecoming Program.

She's So Money by Cherry Cheva. This came in a box of donations. While I was not impressed with the story (see my review here), I am glad to have a copy for our shelves. I don't have to like a book. My aim is to provide our readers with as much diversity as I can.

1 overachieving girl+ 1 insanely cute guy + 1 massive fine + 1 scheme involving a little dishonesty and a whole lot of cash?

The Other Side of Paradise by Staceyann Chin. Really stoked to get this. I follow this poet/feminist on Twitter. She's an activist and like all activists, she has plenty to say. The downside is I can't afford to buy every book I want so I requested my library did and I got a call yesterday. Before getting the book, I was impressed but when I read Dorothy Allison and Walter Mosely both endorsed the memoir, I was, "Hot damn!" If you don't know who Allison and Mosely are let it suffice to say they are highly respected writers.

Staceyann Chin, acclaimed and iconic performance artist, now brings her extraordinary talents to the page in a brave, lyrical, and fiercely candid memoir about growing up in Jamaica. She plumbs tender and unsettling memories as she writes about drifting from one home to the next, coming out as a lesbian, and finding the man she believes to be her father and ultimately her voice. Hers is an unforgettable story told with grace, humor, and courage.

In My Mailbox

Good week. A great mix of books in the mail and a couple of goodies from the library. Kristi at Story Siren hosts In My Mailbox, Marcia at the Printed Page hosts Mailbox Monday, I host New Crayons at Color Online and Eva hosts Library Loot at A Striped Chair. Just another handful of places to find more books as if you don't know where to find your next reads already. :-) Check out this week's treasure.

In the mail:
Trail of Crumbs by Kim Sunee
Publisher's comments
Kim takes readers on a lyrical journey from Korea to New Orleans to Paris and Provence, along the way serving forth her favorite recipes. A love story at heart, this memoir is about the search for identity and a book that will appeal to anyone who is passionate about love, food, travel, and the ultimate search for self. I started this a few days after receiving it. I love food and I love memoirs. Sunee is modern renaissance woman: liberal arts education, loves of great food, art and literature. Her writing is poetic. I suspected it would be a good read and it is. More later.

Transparency by Frances Hwang.
Publisher's comments
With a deceptively simple yet graceful style, and in the tradition of Lara Vapnyar, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Gish Jen, Frances Hwang captures the thousand minor battles waged in the homes of immigrants--struggles to preserve timehonored traditions or break free of them, to maintain authority or challenge it, and to take advantage of modern excesses without diluting one's ethnic identity. In "Garden City," a weary Chinese couple, struggling to evict their deadbeat tenant, is forced to face the aftermath of their teenage son's death from cancer. I have neglected reading short stories this year. There's also a challenge over at Chasing Ray I think this just might fit. Looking forward to this.

The Double-Daring Book for Girls by Andrea Buchanan
Synopsis
This second volume, with all new original material, promises to be even more of a daring adventure than the first. Girls will learn how to surf, get horseback riding tips, make a labyrinth, find out about April Fool's Day history and pranks, how to organize a croquet tournament, find out about cowgirls, the Nobel Prize... This was a donation from author, Lori L. Tharps. This will be a great addition for our library. I'm sure the coordinator will be very happy to see this.

From the library:
Kendra by Coe Booth
Review
This is a novel that addresses a teen girl’s sexuality without pulling punches – we see both the terror and the pleasure that come out of Kendra’s first sexual relationship. She is a smart, self-aware young woman who recognizes that she is not making good choices – she is just caught up in the moment, and caught up in getting attention from such a desirable young man. She’s confused and elated and terrified all at the same time, and the reader is right there with her inside her head. There is no question that older teens who are grappling with similar questions will relate to Kendra – as is evidenced by the empty spot on my YA shelves where Coe Booth’s books should be. See full review at Bib-Laura-graphy. Recently connected with the author. Received the book as a donation. This is a must read. Incredibly relevant for the population I serve.


Rosey In The Present Tense by Louise Hawes
Publisher's comments
Six months have passed since Rosey Mishimi's fatal accident. But Franklin still can't adjust to being without her. Every day he feels as though he's moving underwater, just going through the motions. Remembering Rosey is the only thing that brings him any relief. He is used to having conversations with her in his head, but when Rosey starts to talk back to him one night, Franklin can't believe his ears. Is she really there with him, or just a figment of his imagination? At first Franklin doesn't care as long as it means having his Rosey back... We have had this on the shelves for awhile. When I got it, I thought it had an interesting premise but never got around to reading it. Then a saw a post in my google reader by Aerin at In Search of Giants and I made a point of grabbing it off the shelf on my last trip to our library.

Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan
Review
This is a beautiful, complicated book, that I will definitely be buying in the future so that I can reread it to my heart’s content. There’s certainly a fairy tale feel to it; at the end of the opening, pregnant Liga and baby Branza are whisked away to Liga’s idea of heaven. It’s similar to her home village, but without any mean or prying people, and Liga happily begins raising her two little girls in a quiet cottage (if you’ve read “Snow White and Rose Red,” you’ll definitely see parallels!). But then a ‘mudwife’ in the village Liga left behind unintentionally creates an opening into the heaven, and from that moment it’s just a matter of time until Liga, Branza, and Urdda have to return to the world Liga ran away from so long ago. See Eva's review at A Striped Armchair. That Eva is forever wielding her influence over me. :-)

In My Mailbox

It's been a slower week. Wasn't able to get to the agency to work in the library, but sometimes, I need a break. I'm a little nervous about what's waiting for me. I did bring home a few books from our library to read that I hadn't mentioned before and I'm sharing a few of what we got in the mail from Paperback Swap. To see what others received, check in with Kristi at The Story Siren and Marcia at The Printed Page.

In The Mail:
Kid B by Linden Dalecki
Publisher's comments:
B-boying is the only thing seventeen-year-old Kid B has ever been any good atbut thats nothin to floss about in his racially charged eastern Texas town in the rust belt. Hes been called “wigger” and “jigaboo,” but race doesnt matter to Kid. Or his krew. What matters is that they represent at the upcoming Throw Downone of the most cutthroat hip-hop dance competitions in the nationand that they hold their own against rivals Magno Clique, the roughest gang of b-boyers in town.
Not sure what to think. I'm worried this might be dated or for some other reason doesn't resonate with the girls. We'll see.

Houston, we have a promblema by Gwendolyn Zepeda
Publisher's comments:
Jessica Luna is your typical 26 year old: she has man trouble, mom trouble, and not a clue what to do with her life (though everyone else in her family seems to have plenty of suggestions ) After a lifetime of being babied by her family, Jess is incapable of trusting herself to make the right choices. So instead, she bases all of her life decisions on signs. She looks to everything for guidance, from the direction her rearview-mirror-Virgin-de-Guadalupe sways to whatever Madame Hortensia, her psychic, sees in the cards.
I confess not my kind of book, but it might be a patron's choice so on the shelves it goes. We'll see if anything happens.

B as in Beauty by Alberto Ferraras.
Synopsis
Everyone in the world, it seems, is either prettier or thinner (or both) than Beauty Marie Zavala. And the only thing B resents more than her name is the way others judge her for the extra 40 pounds she can't lose. At least she has her career. Or did, until she overhears her boss criticizing her weight and devising a scheme to keep her from being promoted. Enter B's new tax accountant, a modern-day matchmaker determined to boost B's flagging self-esteem by introducing her to rich, successful men who will accept her for who she is. As B's confidence blossoms, so do her fantasies of revenge. But will B find true happiness or true disaster when she unwittingly falls for the one guy she shouldn't?
Love the idea of a not-thin girl feeling good about herself, but does this have to be tied to getting a guy? I don't do the light or the funny often. Maybe I need to lighten up. I'll let you know when I get to this.

What did you get?

In My Mailbox

It's been a difficult week. We lost someone very young in our family. He was 34. Blogging is a welcome distraction. I thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and understanding. While we mourn, life keeps on. So regarding the bright things that happened, I want to send a special thank you to Steph at Steph Su Reads. She sent a very cool goodie box. I brought home a few books from our library to read and I'm sharing a few of what we got in the mail. To see what others received, check in with Kristi at The Story Siren and Marcia at The Printed Page.

In The Mail:
Into the Beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea
Synopsis
Nineteen-year-old Nayeli works at a taco shop in her Mexican village and dreams about her father, who journeyed to the US to find work. Recently, it has dawned on her that he isn't the only man who has left town. In fact, there are almost no men in the village — they've all gone north. While watching The Magnificent Seven, Nayeli decides to go north herself and recruit seven men — her own Siete Magnificos — to repopulate her hometown and protect it from the bandidos who plan on taking it over.

A Maze Me: Poems for Girls by Naomi Shihab Nye
from Booklist: The following poems draw from Nye's observations about nature, home, school, and neighborhood to make connections to a girl's inner world. The meaning in a few selections is oblique, particularly in spare lines that read like a zen koan. Most poems, though, speak with a powerful immediacy.

Lush by Natasha Friend
Synopsis
Thirteen-year-old Samantha must contend with the effects of her fathers alcoholism on every aspect of her life, in this realistic family drama told with humor, honesty, and hope.



The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler
Synopsis
Fifteen-year-old Virginia Shreves has a larger-than-average body and a plus-size inferiority complex, especially when she compares herself to her slim, brilliant, picture-perfect family. But that's before a shocking phone call — and a horrifying allegation — about her rugby-star brother changes everything. With irreverent humor and surprising gravity, Carolyn Mackler creates an endearingly blunt heroine who speaks to every teen who struggles with family expectations, and proves that the most impressive achievement is to be true to yourself.

In My Mailbox

We're down to the last days of our Color Online Summer Book Drive. Thanks to all of you who blogged, donated and those who wanted to give but couldn't. We appreciate your support. In My mailbox is hosted each week by Kristi at The Story Siren and Marcia hosts Mailbox Monday. With all the mail I won't be borrowing too much from my local library, but I will be reading books from our library and those titles I'll list for my Library Loot, a meme hosted by Eva at A Striped Armchair. From our library:

Mare's War by Tanita S. Davis. I've have been waiting for this. Was thrilled when it came in. I'm about half way through and loving it. The story alternates between Mare, the eccentric, cool grandmother who served in the Women's Army Corp during War World II and her granddaughters, Tali and Octavia. The exchanges between these generations are funny and so relatable. My grandmother would have been Mare's age and like Mare, Ernie had big, Auburn hair. My grandmother was a hot mess. I couldn't have chosen a better time to read this. Thanks, Tanita.

The Color Of Earth by Kim Dong Hwa
Synopsis
Ehwa grows up helping her widowed mother run the local tavern, watching as their customers – both neighbors and strangers – look down on her mother for her single lifestyle. Their social status isolates Ehwa and her mother from the rest of the people in their quiet country village. But as she gets older and sees her mother fall in love again, Ehwa slowly begins to open up to the possibility of love in her life.
I'm looking forward to this graphic novel. The cover art is stunning. I am really enjoy the graphic novel format.
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Synopsis
Clay Jenkins returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers 13 cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Bakerhis classmate and crushwho committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, hell find out how he made the list. Through Hannah and Clays dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

In the Mail:
Pemba's Song by Marilyn Nelson
Synopsis
Pemba knows she's not crazy. But who is that looking out at her through her mirror's eye? And why is the apparition calling her "friend"? Her real friends are back home in Brooklyn, not in the old colonial house in Colchester, Connecticut, where none of this would have happened if Daddy were still alive. But now all Pemba has is Mom and that strange old man, Abraham. Maybe he's the crazy one.
I had the good fortune to hear Ms. Nelson read her poetry at an authors series hosted every year at a local college. If her fiction is like her poetry, this will be one fine read. She is talented and a very considerate person.

White Bread Competition by Jo Ann Hernandez
Publisher's Comments
When Luz, a ninth-grade Latina student in San Antonio, wins a spelling competition, her success triggers a variety of emotions among family, friends, and the broader community.
I connected with Jo Ann through Twitter. She is a powerhouse. Dynamic, community-minded and a committed advocated for writers of color. I'm looking forward to reading this award winner.

Shortie Like Mine by Ni-Ni Simone According to Edi at Crazy Quilt, Ms. Simone is hip, urban and weaves teen drama that is entertaining without being crass. Our first copy walked before it could collect any dust. I'm hoping I get to read this one. We received another Simone title in the mail, too. I tell you about after I finish this one.
Sixteen year-old, Seven McKnight may be the thickest one in her clique, but she is fierce, fly and fabulous. She has the biggest crush on the school's star basketball player, Josiah Whitaker, who is fine as wine. The only problem is he is with her girl, Deeyah. When Deeyah plays Josiah and his worst enemy against each other, it leaves Seven thinking it is time to make her move. ~L. Romich

In My Mailbox

We're down to the last ten days of our Color Online Summer Book Drive. It's not possible to list everything we get but I promise to share a good deal. We want you to know how much we appreciate your gifts. In My mailbox is hosted each week by Kristi at The Story Siren and Marcia hosts Mailbox Monday. So on to the mail:
Flash Burnout L.K. Madigan
Synposis
Fifteen-year-old Blake has a girlfriend and a friend whos a girl. One of them loves him; the other one needs him. When he snapped a picture of a street person for his photography homework, Blake never dreamed that the woman in the photo was his friend Marissas long-lost meth addicted mom. Blakes participation in the ensuing drama opens up a world of trouble, both for him and for Marissa.

Indie Girl by Kavita Daswani

Synopsis
Fifteen-year-old Indi Konkipuddi has always dreamed of becoming a fashion reporter. She'd do anything to land an internship with glamorous Celebrity Style magazine — even babysit publisher Aaralyn Taylor's two-year-old son. Indie's neurosurgeon dad can't understand why Indie would want to spend her weekends picking Play-Doh off of someone else's Persian carpets, and pretty soon she starts asking herself the same thing.

Half a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Synopsis
With the effortless grace of a natural storyteller, Adichie weaves together the lives of five characters caught up in the extraordinary tumult of the decade. Fifteen-year-old Ugwu is houseboy to Odenigbo, a university professor who sends him to school, and in whose living room Ugwu hears voices full of revolutionary zeal. Odenigbo's beautiful mistress, Olanna, a sociology teacher, is running away from her parents' world of wealth and excess; Kainene, her urbane twin, is taking over their father's business; and Kainene's English lover, Richard, forms a bridge between their two worlds.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith
Synposis
... expanded edition of the beloved Jane Austen novel featuring all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie mayhem. As our story opens, a mysterious plague has fallen upon the quiet English village of Meryton—and the dead are returning to life! Feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet is determined to wipe out the zombie menace, but she's soon distracted by the arrival of the haughty and arrogant Mr. Darcy. What ensues is a delightful comedy of manners with plenty of civilized sparring between the two young lovers...

Airhead by Meg Cabot. Currently running a giveway. 3 winners. Just leave your name and email here. See Speed Reader's review at My Favorite Author.