“The secret library” Kekla Magoon

Rated 5 stars ***** ARC. ebook. Candlewick Press. (To be published May 7, 2024).

Delia is almost 12 years old and misses her grandfather terribly. After he died, her mother is more determined than ever that Delia learns to become a proper businesswoman to eventually take over the family business. Delia doesn’t want to sit behind a desk with boring business work. She wants to have adventures but, without her grandfather, feels stifled and lonely. At the reading of his will he left her a brown envelope that her mother promptly locked away for her 21st birthday. With cunning and skill Delia retrieves the envelope from her mother’s locked safe and finds a letter from him as well as a mysterious map.

The map takes her to an abandoned field which turns into a magnificent, secret library. Inside Delia is directed to shelves filled with secrets from people across the centuries. Whenever she chooses a book, she goes on adventures in different times and places where she learns about her family’s history. She sees her dad alive, years before her parents got married, and also gets to see a side of her mother that she’d never seen in the past.

As Delia learns more about her family’s past, she becomes troubled as well as elated and proud. Her family held onto a lot of secrets on their way to becoming the Peteharrngton’s. She’ll have to draw on that strength to become the girl she wants to be, in order to change her present into her past.

I absolutely LOVED this book. It would make an excellent Newbery winning title. That’s how good it is. Well done, Kekla. Well done.

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

“All we were promised” Ashton Lattimore

Rated 5 stars ***** ARC. ebook. Ballantine Books (Random House). Includes “Author’s note.” To be published April 2, 2024.

In 1833 Carrie and her father Jake were slaves on a Maryland plantation. After running away they changed their names and spent the next 4 years in Philadelphia. There James’ light skin enabled him to pursue whiteness and richness as his furniture making business grew, while Charlotte worked as his maid. Her resentment grew at his ability to freely move about while she had to stay home. She was lonely and wanted to make something of her life. After meeting Nell, a rich Philadelphian from a powerful Black family, Charlotte began sneaking out weekly to attend literary and Anti-Slavery meetings with her.

Though Nell had grown up rich and entitled she felt the other rich Black families of Philadelphia could do more for escaped slaves. They felt raising money was enough while Nell believed hands-on work was needed. She was thrilled to discover a kindred spirit in Charlotte and, though she was not of her social circle and her parents did not approve, Nell took her to Anti-Slavery meetings that included one in which a white mob attacked the speaker and the audience.

Evie had toiled alongside Carrie in Maryland and was in Philadelphia with her mistress for a short time. Though she had not seen her in four years, after she caught a glimpse of her at the market, she became obsessed with the idea of escaping. Though scared for her own freedom Charlotte enlisted Nell’s help to figure out a way to help Evie.

What Charlotte, Nell, and Evie didn’t know was that the anger of white Philadelphian’s towards anything or anyone having to do with anti-slavery was about to explode. The newly built Pennsylvania Hall and the Anti-Slavery convention were the sparks that lit the flames which forever changed their lives.

This book is a page turner filled with historical facts. A notable one is that Philadelphia, the so-called “cradle of liberty” and “city of brotherly love” had such a sordid history when it came to black and white relations. Another is its six-month loophole law (meant to keep slavery alive and well) utilized by George Washington and other slave owners to maintain the status quo.

Highly recommended for Adults.

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

“Wild, beautiful, and free” Sophfronia Scott

Rated 5 stars ***** ebook. Lake Union Publishing. 2023.

Jean Bébinn loved a slave more than Madame, his wife. After she died, he raised their child alongside his daughter Calista. The two grew up as sisters on his 50,000-acre plantation, where they learned to read, write, and love the land. Despite the hatred she felt from Madame, Jeannette was loved by her papa and sister. In 1851, when she was twelve, he fell ill and died. Though he had promised that she and Calista would inherit Catalpa Valley, Madame had other plans. She had always seen Jeannette as nothing better than a slave, so immediately sold her into slavery.

Jeannette had to learn to travel the painful path her mama had travelled before her, while missing her Papa and the happy life she’d known. As the years passed thoughts of returning home kept her going forward when life seemed darkest. Her only chance to return is to escape, but everyone knows the fate of runaways. Jeannette must chance it, as it’s her only hope.

From the beginning I was caught up in Jeannette’s story, as the author did a good job presenting her as a believable character and as a strong woman.

Recommended for Adults.

“Hester” Laurie Lico Albanese

Rated 5 stars ***** ebook. St. Martin’s Press (St. Martin’s Publishing Group). 2022.

When Isobel was young her mother told her to hide her ability to see colors since one of her ancestors with the same gift had been proclaimed a witch. In 1829, when she was nineteen years old, she and her husband left Scotland and set sail for America. Within a few days of arrival in Salem Edward headed out to sea to make his fortune. Her dreams of opening a dress shop were ruined when she discovered Edward had stolen the money her father had given her. To avoid starvation, she was forced to work for pennies embroidering gloves for rich women.

Twenty-four-year-old Nathaniel Hathorne noticed Isobel and, unable to keep her out of his mind, began to follow her. At first exchanges were perfunctory but, as they spent time together, their mutual attraction became evident. Though she knew it was wrong, Isobel loved him. For his part Nathaniel was drawn to her because she resembled a character in a story he was writing. When she became pregnant, Nathaniel abandoned her. It was up to Isobel to use the strength she inherited from her ancestors to make a way for her daughter and herself.

This book is about a young girl meeting the man who would go on to become the famous author Nathaniel Hawthorne, and how the past can either make or break you. Hester, the adulterous woman forced to forever wear a scarlet “A” in Hawthorne’s classic “The scarlet letter,” is presumed to be based on Isobel. I have never read “The scarlet letter,” but plan to do so and see how it matches this book. I dare you to read or reread it too.

Recommended for Adults.

“The door of no return” Kwame Alexander

Rated 5 stars ***** ARC. ebook. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (Hachette Book Group). Published September 27, 2022.

In poetic verse readers are introduced to the 1860 world of eleven-year-old Kofi and his family in his West African village of Upper Kwanta filled with Asante life and culture. There Kofi attends school where his teacher insists they speak the Queen’s English instead of Twi, their tribal tongue. He has a crush on Ama, constantly thinking of her beauty but not brave enough to tell her how he feels. Kofi loves listening to his grandfather’s stories, puzzling over his riddles and advice, while studying his champion moves at Oware, played with stones and skill.

Kwasi, his older brother, is full of advice and has taught him many things, while he and his best friend Ebo have fun together as they prepare for their initiation ceremony into manhood. His cousin is the bane of his existence. Both are named Kofi, since they were born on a Friday, but his cousin is older, taller and meaner. Kofi knows his cousin is better at almost everything, but swimming is where Kofi shines. When his cousin disrespects Ama, Kofi challenges him to a swimming duel. He is determined to best him, while his cousin intends to crush him. Before their race a great darkness comes into Kofi’s life, forcing him to leave behind everything he has ever held dear.

“The door of no return” makes an excellent book club selection, as it has much to discuss. It is the “Roots” of the 21st century. Two more books will follow in this trilogy, and I look forward to reading more about Kofi’s life and his bravery.

Highly recommended for ages 14 and older.

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

“A woman of endurance” Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa

Rated 5 stars ***** ARC. ebook. Amistad Press (HarperCollins). To be published April 12, 2022.

In 1836, when she was 18 years old, Keera was captured from the home she shared with her mother in Yorubaland, West Africa. She and hundreds of others were forced onto a ship, where they endured an agonizing ocean crossing. All were beaten and starved, while every man on deck abused the women and young boys. After being sold into slavery and given the name of Pola, she spent years working sugarcane on a plantation in Piñones, Puerto Rico. There she was sexually abused and tortured regularly by individuals and groups of men. Forced to bear children who were taken away as soon as they were born Pola lost her faith in Yemayá, the water goddess who was supposed to give her strength and energy. After 13 years she was desperate enough to escape, but doing so led to recapture, a severe beating that left her almost dead, and resale to another sugarcane plantation in Carolina.

Pola’s new life in Carolina and the roles she plays there are very different from what she experienced at her former plantation, but she is constantly on the offensive. After having been abused for so many years it was very difficult for her to trust others, or to even love herself. The other slaves take her under their wings to help her learn they are her family, and help her get past her former life so she can become the strong, independent woman she was meant to be.

Told through flashbacks and the present time, Llanos-Figueroa’s powerful story of an almost broken woman who worked hard to not let her spirit be fully crushed by her abusers is an amazing read. Learning about slave life in Puerto Rico through Pola’s words in “A woman of endurance” was painful, but it made me proud of my Afro-Latina Puerto Rican heritage. The next time I travel to Puerto Rico I’ll visit Piñones and Loíza with fresh eyes, and look forward to learning more about my Afro-Latina culture through the descendants of Yorubaland who still live on La Isla.

Highly recommended for Adults.

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

“What passes as love” Trisha R. Thomas

Rated 5 stars ***** ebook. Lake Union Publishing. 2021.

Dahlia and Bo were best friends, growing up together on Mr. Holt’s plantation. When she was 6, she was taken to live in the big house with the owner’s mother and daughters. Though they grew apart over the years, Bo never stopped worrying about his friend because she acted as if she was equal to her sisters in her father’s house. He was afraid something would happen if she didn’t remember her station in life.

Dahlia was beautiful. She not only looked white but could read and act like a lady. On her 16th birthday the family travelled to town, but she lost her way and was rescued by a handsome young man. She used his infatuation to reinvent herself, telling him she didn’t have any family and accepting his invitation to travel to his mother’s home. Soon afterwards Dahlia, now known as Lily Dove, married and began a new life trying to fit in with a suspicious mother-in-law and hide her slave roots.

When Bo was sold and wound up on her plantation Dahlia spent time with him, despite the danger. When her husband’s brother suspected her identity, Dahlia was frantic. With jealousy from the other slaves rearing its ugly head, Dahlia will have to decide to stay on in the life of a pampered white woman or return to her roots and remain forever a slave.

This story showcases compelling, powerful woman, held down under the heel of slavery, who managed to stay strong and keep their heads held high despite little opportunity for advancement. Dahlia and Bo will educate readers and illuminate a dark time in our country’s history.

Recommended for Adults.

Available on Kindle Unlimited.

“Amal unbound” Aisha Saeed

Rated 5 stars ***** Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin Random House). 2018. 240 p.

Amal had a happy life in her tiny Pakistani village with her parents and four little sisters. She loved school, and was determined to become a teacher one day. Her hopes and dreams changed when she accidentally insulted Jawad Sahib, the son of the Khan family who ruled her village for centuries. Because of the insult Jawad called in the debt her father owed. When he was unable to pay, she was sentenced to a life of indentured servitude on his grand estate. There she became his mother’s servant.

Month after month Amal toiled, missing freedom and her family. At first she thought her father would raise the money needed to pay off his debt, but soon came to realize Jawad never intended the debt to be paid. He planned for her to remain his servant for life.

As Amal got to know the other servants, and learned about Jawad’s life, she realized he’d ruined many lives with his greed and temper. When she found out he was being investigated for the murder of a diplomat’s son, she decided it was up to her to help make a change.

Though young, Amal is a strong woman. She chooses to do the right thing, even when the right thing is extremely hard to do. Young readers will, hopefully, relate to her strength and see her as a role model.

Highly recommended for ages 11-15.

“Beneath a scarlet sky” Mark Sullivan

Rated 5 stars ***** ebook. Lake Union Publishing. 2017.

“Beneath a scarlet sky” tells the story of Pino Lella, a forgotten Italian hero from World War II, who led a secret life during the Nazi occupation of Milan Italy. At the age of 17, to keep them safe from bombing raids, his parents sent him and his brother to a Catholic Boys School in the Alps led by a brave priest named Father Re.

Pino had always loved skiing so, with Father Re’s urging, he endured dangerous ski trips to ferry Jewish refugees to freedom in Switzerland. When he turned eighteen his parents forced him to join a Nazi Organization to protect him from being killed in Mussolini’s army. Disgusted at the thought of living with the enemy while everyone else fought for Italy, Pino joined the Italian Resistance as a spy. While working as a driver for General Hans Leyers, a top Nazi general who reported directly to Hitler, Pino passed secret information to the Allies. It was while working for Leyers that Pino met Anna, the love of his life.

The horrors of Nazi atrocities, along with Pino’s bravery and ability to find romance in the midst of tragedy, are all detailed in this deeply moving book. Sullivan spent years researching and following clues to bring us Pino’s heartbreaking story, and his hard work is revealed in its pages.

Highly recommended for Adults.

“Letters from Cuba” Ruth Behar

Rated 5 stars ***** ARC. ebook. Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin Random House). To be published August 25, 2020.

Esther’s father left his family behind in Poland and headed to Cuba, intent on earning enough money to give them a better life. Though he had been working for 3 years, he only had enough money for one of them to make the trip. Esther begged to be allowed to make the trip and, when she arrived, she was entranced. Cuba’s friendly neighbors made her feel welcome, everyone called her a little Polish girl instead of Jew, the weather was balmy, and the sea was breathtaking. It was wonderful!

Esther decided to tell her story in daily letters to her sister that she saved for when they’d be reunited. Though her father had been a peddler before she arrived, Esther was able to earn more money designing and selling her own dresses. As they worked to earn money to reunite the family, she learned about the heritages of the people in their small village. As Nazi beliefs began to invade their village, former slaves, Chinese Cubans, rich sugar mill owners and poor sugar cane workers were united in their belief that Esther and her father should be protected. Through faith and hope, they all learned that love could overcome evil.

This beautiful story told in letter form recounts many parts of Ruth Behar’s own family history, told from her grandmother Esther’s memories of leaving Poland and arriving in Cuba. Though Ruth and her mother were both born in Cuba, and they immigrated to the United States when it became Communist, Cuba is always in her heart. After reading Esther’s story, her memories will stay in her reader’s hearts too.

Highly recommended for ages 11 and older.

PS – I believe “Letters from Cuba” should be a contender for the treasured Pura Belpré Award, to be announced at the American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards in January 2021. Remember when Ruth Behar wins an award there that you read it here first!

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