KAREEM BETWEEN, by Shifa Saltagi Safadi, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, Sept. 10, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)

A seventh-grade Syrian American boy navigates middle school in Kareem Between, a novel by Shifa Saltagi Safadi.

Seventh grade begins, and Kareem’s already fumbled it.

His best friend moved away, he messed up his tryout for the football team, and because of his heritage, he was voluntold to show the new kid—a Syrian refugee with a thick and embarrassing accent—around school. Just when Kareem thinks his middle school life has imploded, the hotshot QB promises to get Kareem another tryout for the squad. There’s a catch: to secure that chance, Kareem must do something he knows is wrong.

Then, like a surprise blitz, Kareem’s mom returns to Syria to help her family but can’t make it back home. If Kareem could throw a penalty flag on the fouls of his school and home life, it would be for unnecessary roughness.

Kareem is stuck between. Between countries. Between friends, between football, between parents—and between right and wrong. It’s up to him to step up, find his confidence, and navigate the beauty and hope found somewhere in the middle. —Synopsis provided by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Kareem Between has been longlisted for 2024 National Book Awards, Young People’s Literature. And there’s good reason. Author Shifa Saltagi Safadi is a talented storyteller. Her main character loves American football. That’s what motivates him. It’s a sport I just don’t care about. But in Safadi’s deft hands, I cared about Kareem. I cared about his life. I cared about his story so much, that my apathy toward football fell by the wayside. That’s what good writing can do.

A novel in verse, Kareem Between, moves quickly. Safadi deftly explores friendship, community and family. Kareem is straddling that line between childhood and young adulthood where everything feels possible and impossible at the same time. His growth throughout the novel is beautiful to watch unfold.

Kareem Between is the type of book that you want your kid to read. It would be an excellent classroom resource, as well as appealing to independent readers.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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WEIRDO, by Tony Weaver Jr., Jes Wibowo and Cin Wibowo, ‎First Second, Sept. 17, 2024, Paperback, $14.99 (ages 10 and up)

An awkward teen struggles with mental health issues and self-doubt in Weirdo, a middle-grade graphic novel memoir by Tony Weaver Jr.

Eleven-year-old Tony Weaver, Jr. loves comic books, anime, and video games, and idolizes the heroic, larger-than-life characters he finds there. But his new classmates all think he’s a weirdo. Bullied by his peers, Tony struggles with the hurt of not being accepted and tries to conform to other people’s expectations. After a traumatic event shakes him to his core, he embarks on a journey of self-love that will require him to become the hero of his own story. —Synopsis provided by First Second

Tony Weaver Jr. explores the painful experience of bullying and ostracism in Weirdo. This heartfelt and heartbreaking graphic novel celebrates differences and confirms that there’s a place for all of us.

Weirdo honors all the little quirks that make us who we are, and the joy that comes when we find “our people.”

Weaver’s story is deeply personal, and some parts — attempted self-harm — are difficult to read about. That’s not to say Weaver goes into great detail. In fact, this section of his book is incredibly emotional due, in part, to all the elements he leaves out. It is not graphic, but given the suggested reading age, parents should be aware and ready to have conversations.

On its face, Weirdo sounds like an unhappy story. And part of it is. But the bigger part is one of survival and self-acceptance. It will especially appeal to readers who find themselves on the “fringes” of the social hierarchy.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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DOÑA FELA’S DREAM: THE STORY OF PUERTO RICO’S FIRST FEMALE MAYOR, by Monica Brown and Rosa Ibarra, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Learn the story of Puerto Rico’s first female mayor in Doña Fela’s Dream, written by Monica Brown and illustrated Rosa Ibarra.

Though she was born before women on her island were allowed to vote, Felisa Rincón de Gautier did not let that stop her from becoming the first female mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1946. Easily spotted on the streets of San Juan by her flair and the jasmine flowers braided into her hair, she radiated style and grace. Doña Fela, as she affectionately came to be called, loved her city.

Doña Fela was always ready to listen to problems and find solutions. With determination and resilience, she brought lasting change to the island. Doña Fela’s inspiring story as a visionary leader is brought to life on the page through stunning paintings that evoke the vibrant colors and culture of Puerto Rico. —Synopsis provided by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Doña Fela’s Dream tells the story of a trailblazing woman that is often overlooked in discussions of how Latin American figures have shaped our country. To be honest, I was a history major, and I had no idea who Doña Fela was before reading this book. And now I want to know even more. The same holds true for my 10-year-old, who loves biographies.

It’s easy to see how Doña Fela’s Dream would appeal to lots of young readers, especially girls. The idea that Doña Fela believed love, not just politics, that got things done resonates.

Author Monica Brown’s text is clear and inviting. And illustrator Rosa Ibara’s oil on canvas paintings set the tone. Her use of color and patterns truly give readers a sense of what Puerto Rico is like.

Doña Fela’s Dream is a fascinating nonfiction picture book that is sure to inspire.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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LADY FLYER, by Heather B. Moore, Shadow Mountain, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $27.99 (young adult/ new adult/ adult fiction)

Learn about Nancy Harkness Love, one of the pioneering female American aeronauts, in Lady Flyer, by Heather B. Moore.

In the quiet town of Houghton, Michigan, sixteen-year-old Nancy Harkness discovers a passion that ignites her heart in ways she never expected. The arrival of barnstormer pilots brings more than just the thrill of their daring stunts; it brings the promise of adventure. Nancy vows she will be a pilot someday.

Years later, as the dark clouds of World War II gather on the horizon, Nancy’s dreams take a new and daring turn. With unwavering determination, she envisions a squadron of female pilots. Yet, her path is far from clear. The male-dominated world of aviation pushes back, determined to keep women out of the skies.

But Nancy isn’t alone in her quest for equality. Jackie Cochran, a formidable aviatrix and Nancy’s rival, has her own dreams and ambitions for women in aviation. As they both navigate the turbulent skies of a nation at war, their destinies intertwine in a story of rivalry, respect, and competition. —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain

Heather B. Moore has proven herself a strong historical fiction writer, often taking on compelling true stories that beg to be told — Shadow of a Queen, Under the Java Moon, Paper Daughters of Chinatown. Lady Flyer is an excellent addition to her works.

Based on the true story of Nancy Harkness Love, Lady Flyer transports readers to the early and exciting days of aviation. Starting with Charles Lindbergh’s solo flight to Paris in 1927 and ending in December 1944, the book follows Nancy as she strives to push women’s aviation forward.

Lady Flyer is a fascinating read. Moore balances the technical jargon and political upheaval with love and laughter, creating an all-encompassing narrative. Moore’s writing is warm and comfortable with strong pacing throughout. This isn’t the fastest-moving novel you’ll read this year, but it’s one of the better ones.

Backmatter includes photographs of Nancy, extensive chapter notes, a tribute to women flyers who died in service, a bibliography and acknowledgents.

*Though not written specifically for a young adult audience, Lady Flyer is appropriate for older teens.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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BUFFALO DREAMER, by Violet Duncan, Nancy Paulsen Books, Aug. 27, 2024, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 10 and up)

A girl learns of her family’s past during a visit to her grandparent’s home in Canada in Buffalo Dreamer, by Violet Duncan.

Summer and her family always spend relaxed summers in Alberta, Canada, on the reservation where her mom’s family lives. But this year is turning out to be an eye-opening one. First, Summer has begun to have vivid dreams in which she’s running away from one of the many real-life residential schools that tore Native children from their families and tried to erase their Native identities. Not long after that, she learns that unmarked children’s graves have been discovered at the school her grandpa attended as a child. Now more folks are speaking up about their harrowing experiences at these places, including her grandfather.  

Summer cherishes her heritage and is heartbroken about all her grandfather was forced to give up and miss out on. When the town holds a rally, she’s proud to take part to acknowledge the painful past and speak of her hopes for the future, and anxious to find someone who can fill her in on the source of her unsettling dreams. —Synopsis provided by Nancy Paulsen Books

Buffalo Dreamer is a beautiful story of family, culture and owning your history.

The story is much more than a “story” for author Violet Duncan who was inspired by her own family history. In her author’s note, Duncan expresses the hope that her book will “be a tribute to the past, galvanize healing and reconciliation, and celebrate the perseverance of those who have overcome.”

Buffalo Dreamer is a work of historical fiction, but Duncan says, “truth is etched on every page.” And you feel that authenticity when you read it. It’s a deeply personal narrative that resonates long after completion.

Buffalo Dreamer is a little book that packs a big punch. At 128 pages, it’s slim enough for even the most reluctant of readers. Short chapters provide natural breaking spots. And Duncan’s writing is not only accessible but pushes readers to want to know more.

From its eye-catching cover to thoughtful prose, Buffalo Reader is excellent from beginning to end. It would make a great addition to any school or home library.  

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE CROSSBOW OF DESTINY, by Brandon Hoang, Scholastic Press, Aug. 6, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)

A Vietnamese American girl travels through Vietnam in search of an ancient magical crossbow in The Crossbow of Destiny, by Brandon Hoang.

When Vietnamese American Freddie Lo finds herself in Vietnam for the first time since she was little, she’s not quite sure how to feel. The memories of her extended family are more like distant echoes; she has a tough time speaking Vietnamese; and she can’t help but feel like she just isn’t Vietnamese enough. Still, this is her chance to reconnect with her family, especially her Ong ngoai — or grandfather — who is receiving a big award.

That’s when Ong ngoai reveals his secret: He knows the location of an ancient legendary crossbow, one with the power to decimate armies — and he’s hidden it away from those who intend to use its magic for evil. But when Ong ngoai is kidnapped, it’s up to Freddie, her cousin Lien, and a mysterious boy named Duy to get to the crossbow before it ends up in the wrong hands. 

In this Indiana Jones-style adventure, readers will travel through Vietnam — from its seaside villages, to the swamps of the Mekong Delta, to the majestic Marble Mountains of Da Nang — as Freddie learns what it takes to be a hero. —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press

The Crossbow of Destiny starts off with a bang — a Vietnamese ruler saves his kingdom with a magical crossbow, but the power goes to his head, and everyone he loves ends up dead. Fast forward 2000ish years and Freddie must find the same crossbow and save her grandfather.

This adventure-filled story is fast-paced and full of surprises.

Author Brandon Hoang’s writing is clear and accessible. His pacing is strong and his ability to set a scene makes you want to visit Vietnam. The sights, smells and sounds are all there.

I read an advanced copy that didn’t have a glossary, but the final copies do. This is a great addition for kids not familiar with Vietnamese. Although, Hoang does provide a lot of context around that vocabulary making it fairly easy to understand what’s going on.

At approximately 250 pages, The Crossbow of Destiny is a good length for middle-of-the-road middle readers. It’s a strong standalone novel that will appeal to a large cross-section of readers.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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BORDERLANDS AND THE MEXICAN AMERICAN STORY (Race to the Truth), by David Dorado Romo, Crown Books for Young Readers, Aug. 20, 2024, Paperback, $8.99 (ages 10 and up)

Learn the story of our country from the Mexican American perspective in Borderlands and the Mexican American Story, by David Dorado Romo.

The Mexican American story is usually carefully presented as a story of immigrants: migrants crossing borders, drawn to the promise of a better life. In reality, Mexicans were on this land long before any borders existed. Their culture and practices shaped the Southwestern part of this country, in spite of relentless attempts by white colonizers and settlers to erase them.

From missions and the Alamo to muralists, revolutionaries, and teen activists, this is the true story of the Mexican American experience. —Synopsis provided by Crown Books for Young Readers

More often than not, American history is told through a “white” lens. The problem is, America is not just a white country. It’s a blend of peoples and cultures of diverse skin tones, and by ignoring the past, it’s hard to understand the struggles of today.

Borderlands and the Mexican Story is part of Crown Books for Young Readers’ excellent Race to the Truth series. The series “Tells the true history of America from the perspective of different communities. Each book tells the story of our country from its very beginning to present. These books correct common falsehoods and achievements. They encourage readers to ask questions and approach new information thoughtfully.” Other books in the series include Exclusion and the Chinese American Story;  Colonization and the Wampanoag Story; and Slavery and the African American Story.

Author David Dorado Romo grew up and lived on the border between the US and Mexico. This provided him with a first-hand perspective when writing Borderlands and the Mexican Story. The book begins with native migrations before there were borders and moves through Spanish colonization in the Southwest and the Mexican American War. Romo focuses on the Mexican Revolution and the ethnic cleansing of brown America. Following WWII came the rise of the Chicano movement and the Hispanic decade before more recent issues surrounding the border.

Borderlands and the Mexican Story is expertly researched. Romo’s writing is clear and accessible. And black-and white images as well as information boxes help break up the text. This book would make an excellent supplement for public or homeschool classes.

About the author:

David Dorado Romo is a writer, translator, musician, and historian from the American southwest. He is a “fronterizo,” a person who grew up and lived on the border between the United States and Mexico. Steeped in the fronterizo spirit that strongly defines the attitudes of the U.S.-Mexico border region, Romo conducted a four-year search to document the important history of the area. The book that resulted from his work, Ringside Seat to a Revolution: An Underground Cultural History of ElPaso and Juarez, 1893-1923, “is a vital historical work for the Southwest,” commented Sergio Troncoso in the El Paso Times.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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PEARL: A Graphic Novel, by Sherri L. Smith and Christine Norrie, Graphix, Aug. 20, 2024, Paperback $11.99 (ages 10 and up)

A Japanese-American girl must survive years of uncertainty and questions of loyalty in Hiroshima during World War II in Pearl, a graphic novel by Sherri L. Smith and Christine Norrie.

Amy is a 13-year-old Japanese-American girl who lives in Hawaii. When her great-grandmother falls ill, Amy travels to visit family in Hiroshima for the first time. But this is 1941.

When the Japanese navy attacks Pearl Harbor, it becomes impossible for Amy to return to Hawaii. Conscripted into translating English radio transmissions for the Japanese army, Amy struggles with questions of loyalty and fears about her family amidst rumors of internment camps in America — even as she makes a new best friend and, over the years, Japan starts to feel something like home.

 Torn between two countries at war, Amy must figure out where her loyalties lie and, in the face of unthinkable tragedy, find hope in the rubble of a changed world. —Synopsis provided by Graphix

I received an advanced copy of Pearl earlier this summer, and my daughter took it with her on a weeklong camping trip. She had five books with her, but she read and reread Pearl at least 16 times (that’s what she says!).

Why did she read it so many times?

“Because it had a good story,” my daughter told me. “I like how the character improves over each year in Japan. And… I like that she almost explodes.”

She has two favorite parts. The end where it says “Life is a treasure… thrive.”  She also liked how Amy is known as many things — a monitor for the Japanese Imperial Army; an atomic bomb survivor; a daughter; a sister; a cousin; a friend.

Pearl “shows the struggles of real people and war conflict,” she explained. “The illustrations are really good. The artist is really creative. I like how she put many different pictures into one panel.”

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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ASH’S CABIN, by Jen Wang, First Second, Aug. 13, 2024, Paperback, $17.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)

A misunderstood teen searches for a place of their own in Ash’s Cabin, a coming-of-age graphic novel by Jen Wang. 

Ash has always felt alone.

Adults ignore the climate crisis. Other kids Ash’s age are more interested in pop stars and popularity contests than in fighting for change. Even Ash’s family seems to be sleepwalking through life.

The only person who ever seemed to get Ash was their Grandpa Edwin. Before he died, he used to talk about building a secret cabin, deep in the California wilderness. Did he ever build it? What if it’s still there, waiting for him to come back…or for Ash to find it? To Ash, that maybe-mythical cabin is starting to feel like the perfect place for a fresh start and an escape from the miserable feeling of alienation that haunts their daily life.

But making the wilds your home isn’t easy. And as much as Ash wants to be alone…can they really be happy alone? Can they survive alone? —Synopsis provided by First Second

Ash’s Cabin is reminiscent of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet but with more contemporary issues.

Ash feels misunderstood by everyone — their peers, their siblings, their parents. The only person who really seemed to get them was their grandfather. Ash decides that if they can find grandpa’s cabin, maybe it will be a special place. A place where they can be themselves, away from all the noise.

Ash’s plans are dangerous, yes, but they make sense to them. And that’s what makes sense with Jen Wang’s character study. In Ash, Wang explores gender identity in a way that will feel right to readers.

Wang’s distinct artwork, rendered in muted earth-tone watercolors, sets the tone. Emotion plays out in her illustrations, and her settings are beautiful.

Ash’s Cabin is a fast-moving graphic novel — I read it in one sitting — that stays with you days after completion. It won’t be a good fit for everyone, but it will resonate with the readers who need it most.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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WE ARE BIG TIME: (A Graphic Novel), by Hena Khan and Safiya Zerrougui, Knopf Books for Young Readers, Aug. 6, 2024, Paperback, $13.99 (ages 8-12)

A Muslim teen as she joins an all-girls, hijab-wearing basketball team in We Are Big Time, a graphic novel by Hena Khan and Safiya Zerrougui.

Aliya is new to Wisconsin, and everything feels different than Florida. The Islamic school is bigger, the city is colder, and her new basketball team is…well, they stink.

Aliya’s still excited to have teammates (although the team’s captain, Noura, isn’t really Aliya’s biggest fan), and their new coach really understands basketball (even if she doesn’t know much about being Muslim). This season should be a blast…if they could just start to win. As they strengthen their skills on the court, Aliya and the Peace Academy team discover that it takes more than talent to be great — it’s teamwork and self-confidence that defines true success. —Synopsis provided by Knopf Books for Young Readers

We Are Big Time is a fictionalized story based on the real-life experiences of the Salem School girls’ varsity high school basketball team in Milwaukee, Wis., during their 2018-19 season. Author Hena Khan interviewed the coach and several players, and used their answers as inspiration for the book.

Because of this, We Are Big Time feels weighted in reality. And while basketball is the central topic running through the book, it goes beyond sport. Themes of family, friendship, culture, finding your place on a team and differentiating yourself all come into play, and they all feel well explored and authentic.

Safiya Zerrougui’s illustrations are a great extension of Khan’s text. Her linework is smooth and her characters are expressive.

We Are Big Time is an uplifting graphic novel that will appeal to athletes, girls and fans of contemporary stories. It’s a great option, especially now, with so many kids buzzing about all the action they saw during the Olympics.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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