April 2021 Books

For Adults:

 I recommend these three books, all very well written even though they are all dark and filled with grief and you may be looking for escapism.  Maybe check out this blog next month? I’ve just started some science fiction, so my tone will be different and I’llhave some lighter fare to offer.

Hamnet, Maggie O’Farrell

Hamnet is Shakespeare’s son, who died when still a boy, and his story includes Hamnet’s mother Agnes Hathaway, Shakespeare’ wife. This book quickly immersed me in a different and unexpected world, and I was intrigued by Agnes and her son Hamnet, their unique perspectives, and the blend of folktale, dreams, and history. As a Shakespeare fan, I may be the ideal reader, although I’d like to think Agnes is such a thoughtful strong individual any reader would feel drawn ( and that of course William is definitely a minor character). The book is about grief, as we know Hamnet will die when the story starts, and it ends not with his death, but with a long term of mourning. 

Four Hundred Souls

Ibram Kendi and Keisha Blain have gotten almost a hundred people to write illuminating essays that tell the 400 year history of African Americans. Authors had a 5 year period as their subject, and they responded with poems, personal essays, historical analysis and even fictionalized short stories. Each piece is short, and I thought I’d read an essay a day.  But I read this anthology  much faster, as the stories and writing felt so essential. In addition to reading history from their Black and individual perspectives, many made pointed connections to the world we live in today. Another bonus: I have a list of authors I want to read. I recommend the first time you read this you go chronologically, but for my second reading I’m reviewing my favorites: Ijeoma Oluo, Sylviane Diouf, Annete Gordon-Reed, Nikole Hannah-Jones,…

Dear Edward, Ann Napolitano

So, if I tell you the premise of the book, you may avoid it like I did. Until the King County Library sent it home with me in a bag of fiction. Edward’s story is heartbreaking, and you know this from the first page, but the real point of the book is not the developing tragedy, but the second story line, which shows his recovery. Edward is adopted by his aunt and uncle, who live on the other side of the country, and is quickly befriended by his neighbor, and slowly challenged by the media surrounding him. While not epistolary, this book depends on a few letters. I surprised myself a bit by liking this, but it passed Pearl’s 50 page test. (Nancy Pearl argues you should read the first 50 pages of a book before quitting. If you’re over 50, you can take a page off for each year.) 

Young Adult

Michigan vs. The Boys, Carrie Allen

I decided to read this because it was about hockey, and Seattle will soon have a team.  I’ve read a few books lately on the sport, and this is the best of the fiction (for graphic novels, consider Chec , Please!).  Michigan is a girl who plays hockey on the boy’s high school team, since the girl’s team has just been cut.  She faces bullying and makes some mistakes, failing to confront the bullies until the stakes are incredibly high. Michigan’s grit keeps her going, even while she feels abandoned by the friends who used to be her team. This story is dramatic, with hockey competitions, new relationships, and friendships falling apart. The final scenes involve the police. The hero of this story is not the sport, but the athlete.

Children

Ickabog, J.K. Rowling

The Ickabog was a fairy tale monster from children’s stories, which warn children to stay home, obey their parents, and be wary. But the twist comes when a corrupt advisor tells his King that one has been spotted, and the King goes out to do battle.  The king would be hilariously obtuse and cowardly, except that he is self-centered and (albeit indirectly) deadly. Rowling draws a couple of children in his kingdom to show as more developed characters, and capable of growth, bravery and caring. This fable is dark and many people die because of a stupid vain king who is manipulated far too easily by his few contacts. Children save the tale in two ways: real children illustrate scenes, and the two best friends presented at the beginning save the kingdom. 

Megadogs of New Kansas, Dan Jolley

This graphic novel takes place on New Kansas, a newly colonized planet. Sienna is the daughter of a breeder and dog trainer (in a colored family), and she spends most of her time with her oversized pet Gus, a megadog developed by her mother. When her pet megadog is tricked into misbehavior, Sienna decides she needs to save the day before planetary leaders destroy their best protection: these dogs. The main character is brave and empathetic towards the dogs, though she struggles to interact with her human peers. She overcomes some of that anxiety in the rescue mission of this charming science fiction! I enjoyed this story of a girl who succeeds!

Lupe Wong Won’t Dance, Donna Barba Higuera

Lupe lives in Issaquah, so one reason to love this book is all the local references! It’s also funny, and a continuing “would you rather” contest repeatedly dispels frustrating moments. Lupe wants to get straight A’s for her 7th grade year so she can meet the Mariner’s pitcher she idolizes, the first Asian Latino pitcher in the major leagues.  She also aspires to become a first like Fu Li Hernandez, practicing her pitching almost every day in her backyard. Lupe’s goal is made more difficult when the PE teacher introduces the next unit: square dancing. Lupe fights back several times, finding the dances unathletic, racist, and sexist. I love her best friend Niles, and hope for sequels. Higuero gets the tone just right on this, and Lupe works hard for success, realizing the importance of friendship along the way.

Explanatory Note: Until last summer, I posted to this blog monthly. I would list the best books I read that month, trying to only point out what I liked about the books, no tough criticism, and no mention of books I don’t like.  I hoped it would encourage my followers to read and enjoy these great books!

This fall, I began working in elementary schools. The change was overwhelming,and my reading patterns changed dramatically. I read almost a hundred books for children. Some months, the only words I read intended for adults were teaching manuals, emails, newspapers, and notes for my favorite podcasts. Since Winter Break, though, I have been pondering a reboot. SO, here it is! If you want me to include more or less information, please let me know. If you like this, you can follow it. I will not often write about the books I am teaching. I hope this provides you some ideas when you wonder, ‘what should I read?”