“And then, Boom!” Lisa Fipps

Rated 5 stars ***** ARC. Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin Random House). To be published May 7, 2024. 244 p.

Joe is in 6th grade with a mother who regularly disappears, leaving him with his grandmother. To understand the many changes in his life he uses comic book analogies, knowing change happens with “and then BOOM!” moments. Joe has had many of these, but the biggest came when his mother got arrested, his grandmother put her house up for bail money, but it had to be sold when his mom didn’t show up at court. Now homeless they lived in his grandmother’s car, struggling to find places to wash up and eat.

After a few weeks they found a rickety mobile home, but change came when his grandmother died. Joe’s mom returned but abandoned him. With no money or food, Joe ate the free breakfast and lunch at school plus his teacher’s snacks, but worried about the upcoming summer break. Two friends loaded him up with food before leaving for vacation, but it spoiled when the electricity was turned off. As days and weeks passed without eating, Joe was starving. Will he make it through the summer?

“And then BOOM!” is a heartbreaking story played out across this country, and the world, every day. In her foreword the author indicates Joe’s story is also her story, and she wrote it to let kids like Joe know they’re not alone. THIS is why books need to remain on shelves and not be banned. Every book has a reader who sees themselves, and that book could be the difference between life and death for them. This book would make an excellent middle school book club read, as students could discuss what each “and then BOOM!” moment meant to Joe as well as ways to help kids like him.

Highly recommended for ages 11-14.

“Into the light” Mark Oshiro

4 stars **** Tor Publishing Group (Tom Doherty Associates/Macmillan). 442 p. (Includes “Author’s note.”) 2023.

For years Manny and his older sister Elena had been shunted from one foster home to another, but Elena was always by his side. One day Elena excitedly told him she’d found Christ’s Dominion on the internet where Deacon Thompson promised kids of color like them could be adopted. Manny found it strange that the Sullivans (a White family who’d only met her a few months ago) were thrilled. Why had they already adopted them without first meeting him?

After he had been with them a short while he sneaked out to be with a boy. When they found out, he was forced to attend Reconciliation camp with other kids of color who weren’t following the rules of their new parents. There they were compelled to listen to sermons, while members of the compound prayed over them against their will, urging them forcefully to turn to God. Manny didn’t understand how he was supposed to forget everything to become someone new but, when he wouldn’t change, Elena turned her back on him. The Sullivans took him miles away and abandoned him at the side of the road.

For the next year Manny made his way from town to town, hitching rides, trying to survive, and missing his sister. When he saw a news report of a body found at the compound, he knew he had to return. Was it Elena’s body? Could he face Deacon Thompson and the Sullivans again to find out?

Using a narrative that goes back and forth from the past to the present, Manny recounts his trials and tribulations during his time with the Deacon and the Sullivans, and after he was abandoned. His memories may be triggering to readers who have had forceful encounters with religious relatives.

Recommended for ages 16 and older.

“The storm we made” Vanessa Chan

Rated 5 stars ***** ARC. ebook. Marysue Rucci Books (Simon & Schuster). To be published January 2, 2024.

Malaya had been a colony of Great Britain for many years, treating its people like second class citizens while exporting its iron-ore and rubber. By 1934 Cecily had grown tired of the race and class divides between her people and their conquerors. Over the years her husband Gordon had worked up to a high position in the British administration. Through his connections she met General Fujiwara. Cecily was thrilled to learn of Japan’s hopes for a united Asia, where Asians wouldn’t be judged by the color of their skin. It would be a dream come true if Malayans could rule themselves.

Bored with her life, Cecily found excitement in her role as a spy and in her amorous feelings for Fujiwara. Gordon’s work provided them with plenty of material which helped Japan force out the British. Instead of a united Asia Malayans found themselves in terrible situations. The Japanese forced young girls into sexual slavery, boys were kidnapped and sent to railroad slave camps, while traitors were tortured and killed. As terrible things happened to Cecily’s family over the next 10 years, she blamed herself. She had given Malaya over to their enemy, so she had to pay the price of her betrayal.

This is the first time I had ever read about Malaya’s conquest, and the crimes of Japan in that country during World War II. Cecily, her daughters, and her son share the narratives from 1934 through 1945 through flashbacks and real time. Through them readers learn of the brutality of war, and the strength of its survivors. “The storm we made,” is an excellent choice for a book club as themes of good versus evil, relationships, sisterhood, and more will lead to important discussions.

Highly recommended for Adults.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“The Reformatory” Tananarive Due

Rated 5 stars ***** ARC. ebook. Saga Press (Simon & Schuster). To be published October 31, 2023.

In 1950 Gracetown Florida twelve-year-old Robert Stephens could sense his mama’s spirit, but his older sister dismissed this as nonsense. They were alone after their mama died and their father was run out of town for trying to help Black men strike. Robert knew he was supposed to be careful around the Whites who were angry about his father, but his temper took over when one disrespected his sister. Since he kicked a White boy, Robert was sentenced to the Gracetown School for Boys for 6 months. There he and other boys would endure horrific beatings and slavery work in the fields and could face being locked up for days without food, water or light, as well as other abuses from the Superintendent and his men.

Robert found it hard to be in the presence of the ghosts of boys who’d been murdered there, but one wouldn’t leave him alone. Robert could help him get revenge on the Superintendent but, if he got caught, he would end up in the cemetery with all the other boys who had never made it home. Robert just wanted to make it home to his sister, but to do so he would have to appease the ghost.

Based on true horrors at Florida’s Dozier School for Boys, Due dedicates the book to Robert Stephens, her great-uncle who died there in 1937 when he was fifteen years old. “The Reformatory” is gripping and kept me on the edge of my seat. I looked up information on this school after reading Colson Whitehead’s “The Nickel Boys” in 2020. I still find it reprehensible that it was allowed to stay open for 111 years, despite numerous deaths, complaints and violations over the years.

Though the Florida legislature apologized in 2017 for atrocities committed at the school, it has not made any financial reparations to the hundreds of boys (now men) who still feel the pain of their incarcerations. It’s time for Florida to do the right thing for those who grew into manhood with the chains of Dozier still hanging around their necks.

Highly recommended for ages 18 and older.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“Ever since” Alena Bruzas

Rated 5 stars ***** ARC. ebook. Rocky Pond Books (Penguin Random House). To be published May 23, 2023. (Includes “Author’s Note” and “Resources.”)

Ever since seventeen-year-old Virginia was twelve, she has safely slept at her best friend Poppy’s house to get away from her drunken father and his friends. Virginia, Poppy and their three other besties have been inseparable over the years, but she could never tell them why she hated her body and couldn’t stop having random sex. Everyone at school thought she was easy, especially the boys. Drinking helped her forget but, when Poppy unexpectedly decided to stay with her grandfather the summer of their senior year, the painful memories she’d kept bottled up began to fester.

Without Poppy, Virginia is broken. She has no anchor and no place to go at night and is back to wandering the streets seeking shelter. Poppy’s boyfriend Rumi seemed to sense her loneliness, and the friendship they’d had for many years began to grow. When Lyra, Rumi’s eleven-year-old sister, talked about a secret friend Virginia realized the same person had been her friend when she was eleven. She knew this person was planning on hurting Lyra, but to help her Virginia would have to reveal a secret she’s been hiding for six years. She must get the courage to speak because only her story can save Lyra.

Virginia’s pain and strength make her a very believable character, helping readers who have been victims of sexual abuse feel as if they’re not alone. Her powerful story should be paired with Laurie Halse Anderson’s “Speak” and “Shout.”

Highly recommended for ages 16 and older.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“I’m the girl” Courtney Summers

Rated 2 stars ** ARC. ebook. Wednesday Books. Published September 13, 2022.

Three years earlier wealthy Matthew Hayes, owner of the prestigious Aspera Club, had told Georgia she was beautiful and could come there when she was older. Now that she was 16 years old, her dream of becoming an Aspera girl was not going to get derailed because a thirteen-year-old was found drugged and brutally raped on the grounds. Once she started working at Aspera as a digital switchboard operator, she is even more fixated on becoming one of the gorgeous Aspera girls who ride a special elevator to assignments on the Executive floor. Matthew’s stunning wife Cleo had recently told her she could become anything and have anyone because her beauty is her ticket. Georgia is planning to figure out how to best use her ticket to get what she wants but, while she wrestles with what is just beyond her reach, she finds herself falling for Nora. Her sister was murdered, and she wants Georgia to help her look for clues. Georgia is torn between her feelings for Nora and wanting to live the life she believes is owed to her.

As I read, I found myself screaming at Georgia’s constant naiveté. How could she not see what was right in front of her? Every time she said or did something stupid, I got even more annoyed. The last straw was the ending. If I hadn’t been sitting in public, I would have thrown my kindle across the room. I was not impressed with the constant references to Aspera’s money and power and was not happy with Georgia constantly harping on beauty as her ticket out.

Though I didn’t like it, I will leave it up to readers ages 16 and older to decide if you want to read it or not.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

“Monarch rising” Harper Glenn

Rated 2 stars ** ARC. Scholastic Press (Scholastic). 353 p. Published October 4, 2022.

It’s 2070 in the New United States. It had been 40 years since rich people in the Old United States had been forced into poverty by rebels. In the intervening years the formerly rich became extremely poor while rebels had become rich. Jo had been born in the Ashes across the mountains from New Georgia and was always dreaming of the annual Lineup. She was one of several chosen to go before Georgia’s Rep. If chosen to go to New Georgia, she could leave her poverty behind and fall in love.

Cove’s parents died when he was very young, leaving him to be raised by an evil stepmother. Through her hatred for love, and her many beatings over the years, he had learned he should never fall in love. She taught him how to make girls fall in love with him just so he could break their hearts for her pleasure. Neither Cove nor Jo know that their futures are about to get very complicated.

“Monarch rising” puts aspects of “The Hunger Games” in the storyline with poor versus rich, the annual Lineup of a few of the poor, and the rebel thread running through it. I found the premise of breaking hearts for kicks to be farfetched, and saw many unfinished storylines left to the reader’s imagination. I had a hard time finishing the book, and wasn’t a fan, but will leave it up to you readers ages 16 and older to decide if you want to read it or not.

“Nobody’s pilgrims” Sergio Troncoso

Rated 5 stars ***** Cinco Puntos Press (Lee & Low). 2022. 274 p.

Sixteen-year-old Turi loved reading, as books were an escape from the abuse he endured at his aunt and uncle’s house in El Paso Texas. Stories helped him forget he was lonely and unloved.

Undocumented seventeen-year-old Arnulfo crossed the border from Juárez Mexico, wanting to get a good job to escape poverty and help his parents financially.

The two boys meet while working at a chicken farm where Arnie accepts an offer to leave town with Juanito, an older man who works for their boss. After being badly beaten by his uncle, Turi joins them and they set off for Kansas City.

At a checkpoint Turi sees a bribe exchange between Juanito and an ICE officer. Believing they’re transporting drugs and will be killed he and Arnie escape, steal the pickup truck and, in Missouri, meet seventeen-year-old Molly. Desperate to get out of her dead end town, she joins them and they set out for Connecticut.

Unaware they’re transporting something far more dangerous than drugs, they also don’t know Juanito’s boss, Mr. Dunbar, will do anything to find them before his crime boss finds out what’s missing. Though he sets three of his own on the trail, Dunbar doesn’t know his boss already knows and has put El Hijo de Huerta, his best assassin, on the hunt. El Hijo knows that he always completes his jobs. Always.

This suspense filled, dystopian adventure will keep readers on the edges of their seats as our heroes run into tight situations that appear to have no way out. I read it in just one day! As I read I could see it playing out in front of me on the big screen so, if any scriptwriters are out there, this is your next big blockbuster!

Highly recommended for ages 18 and older.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“Mud lilies” Indra Ramayan

Rated 5 stars ***** ARC. ebook. Cormorant Books. To be published May 17, 2022.

“Mud lilies” is a compelling story of a young girl who survived rape at the age of 14 then, with nowhere to turn, became a prostitute. Over many years Chanie suffered sexual, mental, physical and emotional abuse. When she was arrested, to avoid jail time, she enrolled in a program for troubled youth where she discovered a love for literature and writing. Most importantly she found hope in her teachers and, for the first time in her life, had friends and a plan for her future. She felt accepted and loved, working hard to climb out of the hole where all the people who had used her had buried her body. Unfortunately her meth addict boyfriend and pimps had other plans for Chanie, as they had no intentions of ever letting her be free.

Despite the hatred she felt for herself, Chanie’s teachers, strangers and friends were persistent in showing her that she was important and mattered to them. As Chanie walks through the darkness of her life, her painful steps towards the light will touch reader’s souls.

Highly recommended for Adults.

I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“Les Misérables” Victor Hugo

Rated 5 stars ***** 1992. Modern Library. (Random House). 1260 p. (First published 1862).

Les Misérables, the musical, is known throughout the world. It first opened in London in 1985 and, in the past 37 years, has held more than 45,000 performances around the world. I saw it live in Boston, saw the 2012 movie version, and watched it many times on television. It pulls at your heartstrings and makes you laugh, while also making you think.

Jean Valjean spent 19 years in prison as a galley slave for stealing a piece of bread. After his release he met a bishop, who was the only person who’d ever looked at or treated him without revulsion. Due to his influence Jean Valjean reinvented himself as a kind and generous man, refusing to engage in violence, and helping the poor. He rescued Cosette, a little girl who had been suffering mental, emotional and physical abuse from her caretakers, and raised her as his own. He spent the entire book trying to avoid recapture from the very determined Inspector Javert, who always seemed to appear out of nowhere when we least expected him to do so.

Throughout the narration readers are educated in the history of France, including her politics and people, as well as the Battle of Waterloo and the history of the Parisian sewers. Jean Valjean’s story could have been simply told in about 250 pages, but Hugo’s sweeping descriptions, opinions and informative style of storytelling makes this story not just about Jean Valjean. It is the story of France, of Paris, and of her people throughout the centuries.

Highly recommended for Adults.