social issues – Page 2

Brighter Than the Sun by Daniel Aleman

5 stars YA

What had once been an opportunity had now turned into an obligation as the situation changed. It had felt like privilege to cross into the U.S to attend school but now, as the family situation changed, Sol felt that attending school would have to go on the back burner as the family’s restaurant needed her attention. Trying to juggle school and work just wasn’t cutting it, perhaps she should just work as the family needed her financial help now before it was too late.

What a heavy burden for a 16-year-old to carry. Being the only individual in her family born in the U.S., Sol had the ability to travel back-and-forth freely between the U.S. and Mexico which was a tremendous benefit for their family. Sol and her family lived in Mexico and they owned a restaurant there. Her mother had just recently passed away and this restaurant was her passion. Since her death, this restaurant has struggled to stay afloat and unfortunately so has her family. Her mother was a huge part of their family and they all miss her badly. Sol has traveled to the U.S. to attend school for a few years with her father being her driver to the border. I can just imagine this ride as the two of them sit in the car twice a day. Sol proud that she is able to get a better education and her father proud and reserved, his daughter the person he could never be. As the restaurant struggles, Sol takes a job after school to help the family financially. With the long hours, Sol decides to stay with her best friend in the U.S. during the week and return to her family in Mexico on the weekends. I was having mixed feelings as I know that some sixteen-year-olds can handle this separation and for some, it’s a breaking point.

The first couple weeks went good as Sol tried to get into a routine. She was embraced by her new weekday family and when she returned to Mexico, she crammed as much as she could into those few days. Needing more money, she worked more hours and her time away from Mexico stretched. The more money that she brought it, it didn’t seem to be enough. Losing the restaurant would mean losing another piece of her mother, she couldn’t let that happen. As she fought with her emotions, I could feel the tension and her hope fading. When is enough……enough.

I really enjoyed this book. The cover of the book and the synopsis is what hooked me on this one. The book starts off rather sad as Sol talks about her name. Born on the day of the Feast of Our Lady of Solitude. Soledad feels the loneliness follows her wherever she goes. She had even tried to give herself a couple nicknames to get away from her name but nothing took. So, she was stuck with Sol. She has high expectations for herself which she has a hard time lowering throughout the book. Her best friend, who she stays with in the U.S. tries to talk to her about this. Ari tells her that she needs to let go and that she doesn’t need to control everything all the time and Sol listens but its hard to apply this information when you life is spinning out of control. The more that Sol spends in the U.S., Sol realizes that she’s different than when she’s at home. I love it when she makes this light-bulb moment yet what can Sol do with it. A great read that worth picking up. 5 stars

Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds

Three. That’s all it took. Whereas some books use series, some use chapters, and some use pages of text, Reyolds began this book using three powerful, long sentences to get his point across. Using his artistic talent, Jason Griffin grabbed those words and he chopped and stretched them. Inserting his special touch, Jason manipulated those words, until he was left with a book that is equally part art and poetry. To fully appreciate it, I read through it a few times.

It’s the combination of art and verse that grabbed me. The erratic use of language spread across this book, I thought for sure, it had to be more than three sentences for its message was worthy of a novel. I couldn’t help but feel the emotions this young man was experiencing and identify with his frame of mind. Where is everyone? Where was his own family? His mother was physically glued to the TV, his father boxed in another room coughing, his brother lost inside his video games and the telephone was connected to his sister’s ear. But, really where were they? He’s looking for a sign in these individuals as his world spins relentlessly. There’s too much going on and not enough solid answers, as the state of the world, the pandemic and his own world changes. Why won’t his parents change the channel? Why doesn’t anyone change the channel? An excellent hard-hitting question.

The contrasting use of color, the edgy images that spread across the page with the limited use of language allow this book to tap into your soul. I felt energized yet also saddened as the truth this book conveyed hit me. This is not a book you should rush through but slow-down, appreciate those three sentences and the art that surrounds them. Make sure you read Reynolds and Griffin section in the back of the book titled, “Is Anyone Still Here?” I highly recommend this book.

The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden

The ending of this book was fantastic! That was one adrenaline rush! I seriously don’t think I took a breath as the minute-by-minute action played out. As I reflect back on this book, I realized just how much I enjoyed it. After I had been introduced to the characters, I didn’t want to put this book down.

Zoey didn’t want to be on the debate team, nor did she want to be a part of the debate club. It’s not like she didn’t have an opinion, its just that she doesn’t like to talk out loud in class and isn’t that important in debate? Zoey’s teacher sees something in her and she motivates her to join. As Zoey attends a few of the meetings, I had to laugh as she begins scribbling information down and it seems as if she’s just “existing” while she’s there. You can tell she’d rather be anywhere else then, sitting there in these meetings. Yet, she’s listening and she’s grasping what’s really transpiring all around her, is anyone else doing the same?

Zoey’s life at home is complicated. She has three younger siblings (Hector, Bryce, and Aurora) which she helps care for when her mother works at the Pizza Pit. Zoey doesn’t see her father and Bryce and Aurora don’t visit their father either. Her mother is trying, she really is. With a roof over their heads and a bed to sleep in, her mother is trying to make a better life for her children. They’re all currently living with Hector’s father, Lenny and his grandfather in a trailer. Sounds cozy, doesn’t it?

I could see myself in Zoey’s mom, so much that it hurt. Her mom saw a goal and she was trying to reach it. In-between her and that goal were her kids -that’s it……nothing else. She was trying to make a better life for them and that was her goal. Zoey: her view through the lens was different. With everything that Zoey is juggling, she wants to help her mom now.

This is an excellent story that addresses the issues of poverty and abuse through the eyes of a middle-schooler. I really enjoyed how Zoey’s knowledge of debate came into play and how Zoey’s character matured in this book. Zoey relationships with her peers and her family played a huge part in her life. The responsibility she shouldered and her attitude was remarkable. I loved how realistic this book felt and how smooth the writing was. It deserves more than 5 stars!

Sugar in Milk by Thrity Umrigar

Let me tell you a story….and with that, she saw herself and tried to change. I like it when a story says it all and for this young girl, she heard the story and understood.

She had arrived to this country, alone. Her family, friends and her cats were still back home and she misses them so much. Her Auntie and Uncle were thrilled to have her with them and they showered her with love and presents. She wanted to make some friends, but how?

Her Auntie notices the young girl’s quietness and she asks her if she would like to take a walk together. As they walk, the aunt unleashes a story filled with adventure which draws the girl in. It begins with a group of Persia refuges who were traveling via boat, who had finally arrived on the shores of India. The local king was refusing to let the Persia refuges stay. The refuges were begging the king but unfortunately, they couldn’t understand what each of them were saying to each other. The king decided to visually show them what he meant. The refuges saw what the king was doing and they too, responded to the king in a visual way. Now, they both understood each other.

What a clever story and a clever technique! What a surprise to both parties. I thought the ending was great! I loved the illustrations in this book too! I enjoyed how the edges on each page of the Auntie’s story were artistly created. These fancy edges, framed each picture and made it a notable journey. The relationship between the girl and her Auntie was special and I liked how the couple tried to make the girl feel comfortable in their home. A great story!

Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice by Mahogany Browne

Beautiful, amazing pieces of poetry! Each work of poetry is unique and brilliant as it enlists each of us to look at the world around us and embrace it. After reading this book, the message is strong and empowering: 5 stars

We are all unique in our own ways but
we are all united. We all have the power.

We all should feel secure in our environment,
being able to be ourselves without ridicule,
lifting up our voice, without fear of harassment, just for being who we are.

Throughout history, individuals have tried: some success and some not.
Those that have fought, have not fought in vain.

What can I do? I cannot move bridges. I cannot lead a march.
I can be awake. I can support you. I can encourage you.
All voices don’t need to be loud to be felt.
They just need to be woke.

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

We all should know how important our water supply is. It’s not something that we should take for granted, ask anyone who doesn’t have water or has had to go without their water for an extended amount of time and they will tell you, water is precious. I really enjoyed how the author makes us look at water and how valuable it really is.

“It nourished us inside our mother’s body.

As it nourished us her on Mother Earth.

Water is sacred, she said. (Nokomis)”

I have to tell you that I went into this book blindly. I knew that it was a popular book and that it was up for some awards but I didn’t know its subject matter. For me, going into this book blindly was ideal as I had to guess what the author was referring to as she spoke of the black snake tainting the waters. Something has to be done to stop the black snake but what? She stepped forward, hoping to rally her people together to stop the black snake, but can they? They march as many, to also carry the torch for those without a voice, to fight those who wear blinders.

You definitely have to read the 2- page section at the back of the book, as I thought these notes and information gave the book more depth and force. The illustrations were fabulous with striking colors and images. Definitely a book that you have to read more than once. 5 stars.