Roman Identity (The Legend Book 2) by J.U. Scribe

The college semester is officially over, which means that now I have time to read and work on my blog again!

Roman Identity is the YA historical fiction full-length sequel to the middle grade short story Before the Legend. This book takes place 10 years later than the first, and was sent to me by the author. Troy is now 14 years old, and is trying to find his place in the world. His father highly favors his brother, Barbarius, over him, and views Troy as weak. As Troy tries to live up to the expectations and values of his father, he is faced with moral conflict on the treatment of a stray dog and of his slaves that challenges what it means to be a man.

I was very surprised that Troy had to write an essay on how history still lives in the present, as the teacher should have known that a key part of PTSD and childhood trauma is how it never fully goes away and still impacts them as adults. It is, however, a great opening to a central theme of the story and plotline. The pain of losing his mother has shaped his perspective on life and who he is, and I liked Troy's character development of realizing his own potential and that running from his pain will not heal him. 

Troy struggles with the emotional neglect of his family and his empathy for others being viewed as a weakness. He is faced with great challenge of either being himself or being the man that his father expects. He sees that slaves are people too, and treats them with kindness and mercy, contrary to the beliefs his father and brother hold. Kindness and respect for all people and animals is a trait that should be a strength in not only a leader, but a human. As it is historical fiction, Roman Identity is also educational for Roman society. 

I recommend this book! See my review of the first book here. 

Title: Roman Identity
Author: J.U. Scribe
Publisher: J.U. Scribe
Pages: 331
Series: Yes, Book 2 of 2
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

High Spirits (Spirits Book 4) By Rob Keeley

High Spirits is the fourth book in the middle grade fantasy series Spirits. This book was sent to me by the author. Evil spirits have impersonated King Edward VIII and his girlfriend, and are bent on preventing World War II and helping Hitler. Due to Ellie's involvement in the new connection between the spirit world and mortal world, she is sent back in time again- this time, to 1936, to keep history in order. 

The educational value is strong, and I personally did not understand the significance of who Edward VIII was until now. While I did have some knowledge of the relationship between England and Germany prior to the war, it is surprising to me that the action of getting married became the pivoting factor between WWII and a Nazi-controlled Europe. For all the times Keeley could have chosen to write the book on, 1936 was a great pick to drive home how unstable history is. 

My critique is how short all the books are, especially this one in particular. The ending fight felt rushed, and I wish there was more suspense. 

I do recommend this book and look forward to reading the next, The Coming of the Spirits.

Title: High Spirits
Author: Rob Keeley

Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
Pages: 129
Series: Yes, Book 4 of 5
Rating: 4 Stars
Goodreads

The Sword of the Spirit (Spirits Book 3) by Rob Keeley

The Sword of the Spirit is the third book in the middle grade Spirits series sent to me by the author. When Ellie and her mom are relocated to Holiley Castle for the digging of the mythical St Merrell Sword, Ellie literally runs into a knight- Sir Francis from the medieval times, transported into the future. When the sword is recovered, dark secrets from the past and an evil is unleashed, requiring the help of Sir Francis and others in his time to defeat the demon.

One thing I enjoyed was how funny Sir Francis was with his reactions to modern day items like forks and carrots! Many of these funny instances reminded me of the 2001 movie Kate & Leopold. It is also interesting to notice his character development of honesty. The Sword of the Spirit proves that those who make bad choices are not bad people, and that there is the possibility for redemption no matter how great your crime. The biblical references and interpretations of vague myths were intriguing.

Here, Ellie becomes further invested in the spirit world and helping ghosts and spirits from the past, despite a direct order not to interfere. In The Sword of the Spirit it becomes clear that the kind-hearted decision to help someone can cause significant damage to both worlds. When torn between saving the world and saving her friend, both have lasting consequences that Ellie and her family will have to live with. In this book readers also see Ellie become even braver and willing to take bigger risks. There the suspense was strong and I loved the climatic fight at the end!

I highly recommend this book! I am excited to read the fourth book in this series, High Spirits!

See my reviews of the first and second books in this series!

Title: The Sword of the Spirit (Spirits Book 3)
Author: Rob Keeley
Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
Pages: 128
Series: Yes, Book 3 of 5
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

A Death-Struck Year by Makiia Lucier

I figured with the global coronavirus outbreak, this YA historical fiction read on the 1918 Spanish Flu couldn't be more timely! Teen Cleo Berry of Portland, Oregon sneaks out of her quarantined school and joins the Red Cross as a volunteer nurse, going door-to-door to save her neighbors. Experiencing first-hand the severity of the illness, Cleo sacrifices her well-being to save strangers.

Cleo is such an inspiration to humanity and I pray that there are more girls like her in the world right now. Her passion for helping people and doing the right thing no matter consequence to herself is enormous. I was so nervous for Cleo near the end! There is also surprisingly a lot of depth to Cleo, who ends up dealing with her traumatic past. Besides Cleo, it was the relationships that made this story extraordinary. The friendships and bonds that these volunteers made and the courage they gained together created the inspirational tone. Edmond is such a sweet guy, and I love the gradual increase in romantic intensity.

The amount of research and dedication the author spent on this is obvious, as the exact horrific details of the illness are described- I actually learned a ton about viruses reading A Death-Struck Year and I found it fascinating. The imagery of these people dying was astonishing and startling. I loved how this book managed to be very descriptive, but not too gory. One lesson I've learned from reading this book is knowing that viruses like the Spanish Flu and the Coronavirus pandemics are not the end of the world, despite how it may seem that way in the overwhelming moment.

I highly recommend you read this book!

Title: A Death-Struck Year
Author: Makiia Lucier
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Pages: 288
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Voyagers: The Third Ghost by Yvonne Ventresca

Voyagers: The Third Ghost is a collection of 10 diverse historical fantasy short stories that was sent to me by the publisher. Voyagers will be released on May 5th, 2020!

This book is an interesting concept because not only does it introduce 10 emerging authors in a skillful publicity angle, but contains unique stories that redefine traditional historical fiction by including magical elements from time travel to talking trees. Voyagers was super fun to read and I hope that you read it, too when this book is released next month!

1. The Third Ghost by Yvonne Ventresca
This story was suspenseful and epic! I loved the twist at the end and the careful foreshadowing. Now I can't wait to read her first book, Pandemic!

2. The Ghosts of Pompeii by Sherry Ellis
This is based on Ellis' main book, Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China. This story was very unique in the fact that it was not only historical fiction, but mixed in elements from fantasy and scifi novels, like ghosts and time travel. Part of it was also really funny!

3. The Blind Ship by Bish Denham

I appreciate the morals of the young boy, viewing African Americans as humans and not slaves. The story is inspirational and highlights some of the terrors of slavery. This was a bizarre, wonderful story with the Opthalimia dilemma. The Blind Ship was very suspenseful and fun! 

4. Dare, Double Dare by Louise MacBeath Barbour

The genetic aspect of the magical ability to time travel was intriguing. I enjoyed the diversity with French being frequently spoken. Dare, Double Dare is also educational, as before I did not know about the Habitation at Port-Royal.

5. Return to Cahokia by L.T. Ward
The plot was super creative! I loved imagining the children creating weather and changing lives. It sounds like such a giant responsibility, being Weather Gods, and I enjoyed the abundance of painful emotion, but also hope and happiness from the characters. Return to Cahokia stands out with its Native American heritage of the Cahokia tribe and their Nahuatl language. The village is thought to have demised due to extreme weather (https://www.pnas.org/content/116/12/5461), so I love the mixing of mythology and historical fiction.

6. Feathered Fire by Ronald Clarke
Feathered Fire is my favorite story of them all. The mythical legend of the Zharptica (firebird) partnered with a powerful, inspirational female heroine in the middle of a war zone made this story epic! I loved the symbolism of the firebird and the central idea of being "reborn" from the flames, free and safe after this war.

7. The Orchard by Beth Anderson Schuck
The Orchard is the most beautiful story, a calming bliss that nature can provide. In the story, Nels is a girl who has a unique connection with nature, who can hear the trees speak to her. I found the idea lovely.

8. Simon Grey and the Yamamba by Charles Kowalski 
I read Kowalski's Simon Grey and the March of a Thousand Ghosts, so I was very excited to read a sequel of sorts! I was not disappointed. It had the perfect balance between creepy and funny. This short story was cute, satisfying, and educational in Japanese folklore.

9. A World of Trouble by Rebecca Douglass
I didn't necessarily enjoy this one as much as the previous stories, as it sent conflicting messages- on one hand, it is bad to sneak out of your house and travel without your parents at such a young age, but on the other hand without these kids, this disaster would have been a whole lot worse. However the dilemma of saving themselves and their homes from drowning was interesting to read about- I was definitely holding my breath by the end!

10. Winter Days by Katharina Gerlach
While taking place in Germany, the concept is still very relatable with border conflicts. I enjoyed the themes of family and the ideals of having the brightness in humanity inside everyone. I loved the description of almost freezing to death- I almost felt as if I was!

Title: Voyagers: The Third Ghost
Author(s):  Yvonne Ventresca, Sherry Ellis, Bish Denham, Charles Kowalski, Katharina Gerlach, Roland Clarke, Rebecca M. Douglass, Beth Anderson Schuck, Louise MacBeath Barbour, and L.T. Ward
Publisher: Dancing Lemur Press
Pages: 168
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads
Website

Witch Child (Witch Child #1) by Celia Rees

Witch Child is a YA historical fiction novel with a fantasy twist. In England, 1659, teen Mary Newbury's grandmother is hung for being a witch. Mary barely escapes her grandmother's fate and hops aboard a ship for America- only to land in Salem, Massachusetts and become targeted by the Puritans. As Mary tries to blend in and become "normal", she is faced by the fact that she actually may be a true witch.

The format to make Witch Child a diary was very clever. As the writing felt so true and innocent, I was shocked to find out after googling that Mary Newbury actually did not exist. The air of mystery surrounding her was magnificent, and I love the uncertainty behind whether or not she is actually a witch. Some of the instances in which she has "powers" seem to be hasty judgements on the part of the townspeople- but then towards the end of the book I started to really believe that she does truly have magical powers. 

Something else I loved was the whole topic of the Witch Trials themselves. I enjoyed how clearly this book showcased some of the cruel attitudes of society and their stereotypes regarding outsiders. Those days were no stranger to prejudice and discrimination, and I loved those themes. There were certainly some creepy scenes near the end, and I loved the paranormal climax! The author has major talent in building suspense.

However, I did have some issues with Witch Child. In many instances the plot felt weak and at an almost boring standstill. Many themes were slightly underdeveloped. It was also difficult understand at times, and near the end, almost too bizarre. While I did enjoy the mystery of whether or not Mary is written to have powers, it made the text slightly confusing as the author's note at the end and introduction made it seem nonfiction. I think Rees could have made what genre Witch Child is more clearly.

Despite some issues, I recommend this book and I will try to read the sequel, Sorceress . 

Title: Witch Child
Author: Celia Rees
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Pages: 240
Series: Yes, Book 1 of 2
Rating: 4 Stars
Goodreads

Before the Legend by J.U. Scribe

Before the Legend is a short middle grade historical fiction story that was sent to me by the author. Troy, the four year old youngest son of the king of the Roman Empire, had a nightmare that there was an earthquake that swallowed his parents. Three days later, a similar event comes true and Troy must face a future without the love of his parents.

I liked the touch of Greek mythology and the historical culture.

I was also fascinated by the magic involved of Troy basically predicting the future. It will be interesting to read in the future if he has the magic ability to predict the future or not. The father's character development was extraordinary and I love how the brothers grew closer together by the end. While it was sad, it was nice to have a hopeful tone.

It took me a little less than half an hour to read, so it is great to read while taking a break from day-to-day stress. I was disappointed when it ended. This was a wonderful tale and I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future!

I highly recommend this very short story!

Title: Before the Legend
Author: J.U. Scribe
Publisher: J.U. Scribe
Pages: 52
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

Sarah's Key is a historical fiction book that intertwines the lives of a present-day reporter and a 10-year-old girl who survived the holocaust. In Paris, 1942, Sarah thought her family was leaving the house for a few hours, not going to a concentration camp. She locks her younger brother in a closet to keep him safe from the police. Little does she know she'll not be back for years, leaving her brother to die while Sarah escapes and survives. 60 years into the future, a reporter investigating the holocaust finds a surprising connection between her and Sarah.

I loved Sarah's story and would have loved a whole book just about her! She was so innocent and determined to save her brother that it broke my heart. Unfortunately, Julia didn't appeal to me very much. I kept being disappointed whenever Julia's pages started and Sarah's ended! Sarah's story was so amazing and I wish that Julia's was held up with the same excitement. A concern of mine is how the book targets two separate audiences for two completely different characters. The connection between Sarah and Julia doesn't even really come until very far into the book at which point I am quite bored of Julia's romantic drama. I don't think the two stories were integrated together enough.

Sarah's Key is unique in the fact that it is not focused so heavily on the trauma that occurs in the concentration camps, but rather the events that led up to it and how to move on and have a life after losing everything and everyone you love. This book tells the story of a girl that managed to escape and showcases the kindness in people's hearts. This book also makes us realize how quickly we are to forget the atrocities in our past and teaches that we still have much to learn from them. Many people in this world are still extremely ignorant. But because I basically only liked half the book, I have to give it 3 stars.

Read this book if you want to.

Title: Sarah's Key
Author: Tatiana de Rosnay
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffen
Pages: 353
Series: No
Rating: 3 Stars
Goodreads

Audacity by Melanie Crowder

Audacity is a YA historical fiction book about the real life story of Clara Lemlich. A Jewish refugee fleeing Russia, Carla came to New York with an eagerness to read and write English, against her families' wishes. Carla is forced to endure harsh conditions at a shirtwaist factory whilst trying to help her family put food on the table. Carla couldn't stand how the women were being treated and with her newly acquired English skills, she created a union for women workers and fought for equality and safety in her new country. She is known today for organizing The Uprising of the 20,000, a strike that revolutionized the rights of a female in the workplace.

My favorite thing about this book is how it is written in free verse poetry. This choice was extremely fitting given that Carla didn't know much English, so naturally poetry would be easier to write than sentences and paragraphs. Crowder is seriously an incredible poet! Her endless similes fly off the page and the extensive inner dialogue lets me see into Carla's heart.

Carla's inner turmoil was extreme. She believed in her duty to be educated to defend her gender and stand up for worker's rights but at the same time she wanted desperately to be a doctor and go to college. By defying the female stereotype and role in a household she was hurting and betraying her family. Every protest or stance for a long time earned her vast beatings and broken ribs. At such a young age Carla went through so much and saw things that couldn't be unseen. She had an incredible amount of tenacity and a fearless determination that truly made a difference for millions of lives.

In history classes at school I learned about the New York shirtwaist strike of 1909. I learned about the sweatshops and child labor and the extreme maltreatment and abuse of young women, but it was entirely different and electrifying to practically see it happening right before my eyes. Audacity is inspiring in not only advocating the importance of education but the importance of always standing up for what's right. Lemlich proves that even the smallest voices can make a huge difference, and that women are just as powerful and significant as men.

I highly recommend this book!

Title: Audacity
Author: Melanie Crowder
Publisher: Philomel Books
Pages: 400
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
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Stone Man and the Trail of Tears by Charles Suddeth

Stone Man and the Trail of Tears is a middle grade historical fiction story that was sent to me by the publisher. This book will be released in exactly one month on October 8th. As the Americans continued to explore the westward areas of the United States, the Indian Removal Act of 1830 allowed the military to take the Native tribe's land and relocate them- by force if necessary. When twelve-year-old Tsatsi’s village is attacked by soldiers and his family kidnapped, he and his younger sister are on the run. With the help of a white man named Johnny, Tsatsi must become a Cherokee warrior and find the strength to get to Oconaluftee.

I enjoyed how the story accurately conveyed the historical attacks against the Cherokee tribes. Stone Man and the Trail of Tears could be a useful educational tool. I also thought it was extremely important and beneficial how Stone Man and the Trail of Tears proves that not all white men were evil and discriminatory. Johnny took unfathomable risks to protect these two kids, inspiring others to do the same and reach out to those in need. The scenery was wonderful and I loved the action-packed scenes. As sad as the story was, I liked how all the characters were still hopeful and did not give up. We should all have the mentality of these characters. I adored the ending and it warmed my heart!

I highly recommend you read this book!

Title: Stone Man and the Trail of Tears
Author: Charles Suddeth
Publisher: Dancing Lemur Press LLC
Pages: 162
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Simon Grey and the March of a Hundred Ghosts by Charles Kowalski

Simon Grey and the March of a Hundred Ghosts is the first book in a middle grade series with a creative mix of historical fiction and mythology. This book was sent to me by the author and will be released in two weeks on August 1st.

In 1620, Simon Grey has always been able to see ghosts and spirits. Desperate for them to stop haunting him, Simon boards a ship set for the spice islands, but crashes on a Japanese coastline instead. He soon learns that he can see yokai, spirits and shadows- not just ghosts. He also learns that an evil sorcerer and shogun want to steal his ability to gain immortality, and must learn to fight back to free his friends and his life.

I learned briefly about yokai in my A.P World History class when we discussed animism and the Edo Period of Japan, and I was excited to learn more about them! I loved the historical accuracy of the story, like including the Sakoku Edict of 1635 and their war on Christianity. I found this book very educational on Japanese folklore, but fun and light at the same time. I enjoyed the very imaginative concept that provided lots of entertainment!

I found many of the scenes very funny and mystifying. The adventure continuously raised the stakes and I was anxious to find out the ending! Simon was a sincere narrator with tons of character development. He goes from feeling alone and expressing hatred for his ability to appreciating the need of it to save his new friends. The story is very empowering and can teach young readers to embrace who they are.

I recommend that you read this book!

Title: Simon Grey and the March of a Hundred Ghosts
Author: Charles Kowalski
Publisher: Excalibur Books
Pages: 192
Series: Yes, Book 1
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

The Wave by Todd Srasser

The Wave is a YA historical fiction book that takes The Third Wave classroom experiment from 1967 into a modern-day setting. Students in Burt Ross' history classroom don't understand how Nazism was able to become so powerful- surely the people would have realized their actions were wrong and stop it, right? Wrong. To illustrate how powerful peer pressure and human desire to gain social power can overpower moral beliefs, Mr. Ross creates a fake movement called The Wave. But the experiment grows quickly out of hand and it is up to two students of their school newspaper to expose the truth and stop it.

When I've learned about the Nazis in school I've had the same questions that these kids had. How could these ordinary people turn into monsters and think killing millions of children is acceptable? How can loving, kind people suddenly forget their morals and be brainwashed so easily? Like their teacher, mine haven't exactly had the best answers either. The Wave explains everything- it's like something clicked in my brain after reading it. How come I hadn't heard of this before? As an editor of my school newspaper, I also loved the influence of their newspaper.

I found this story absolutely fascinating. There is no question in my mind that this event should be taught in all history classes and this book should be required reading in schools worldwide to teach us a valuable lesson about the dangers of sacrificing moral beliefs in favor of social acceptance and self-worth. This book reminds and questions the readers beliefs and puts them in their shoes. The Wave is very thought provoking. If you were in this situation, what would you do? Would you blindly follow the leader regardless of the outcome or would you find the strength to think for yourself?

I highly recommend this book!

Title: The Wave
Author: Todd Strasser
Publisher: Laurel Leaf Books
Pages: 138
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Hidden (Hayling Cycle #1) by Miriam Halahmy

Hidden is the first YA historical fiction book in the trilogy Hayling Cycle. Fourteen-year-old Alix lives on Haying Island, a small island off the coast of England. During World War I, the community is blind to the terrors that occur in the Middle East. One day at the beach, Alix and her friend Samir find Mohammed, an illegal immigrant who was tortured in Iraq for helping the Allies. Not wanting him to be deported, the two young friends try to protect and hide him from the authorities.

I loved this historical fiction book! What I love the most about his book is the compassion for others that is developed inside the characters. Ignorance and stereotyping is wrong, and I loved how gradually even the people who I thought were the enemy became close allies. The toxic racist tone by many of the secondary characters at first was honest and revealing, and I was surprised how they changed their mindset. I love how the characters were able to set politics aside and look at Mohammad as a human being. I haven't read many books like this.

Immigration is an extremely relevant topic, especially in America with the current opinions of President Trump. These situations, fleeing war and poverty and torture happen way more than one can possibly imagine. I bet there is a 14-year-old right now somewhere in the world struggling with this same dilemma. Hidden is an extremely inspirational book that teaches the importance of caring for others and respecting those who are different from yourself.

I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series, Illegal. I am also interested in another book by the author, Behind Closed Doors.

Title: Hidden
Author: Miriam Halahmy
Publisher: Holiday House
Pages: 224
Series: Yes, Book 1 of 3
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

An Uninterrupted View of the Sky by Melanie Crowder

An Uninterrupted View of the Sky is an inspirational YA historical fiction book about the corrupt justice system in South America. In Bolivia 1999, the government prosecutes and targets the poor, uneducated minority. When Francisco's father is falsely accused of harboring drugs, he is sent to prison. When their mother panics and abandons them, the seventeen-year-old and his little sister must move into the jail with their father.

It was tough to read because the situation was so desperate and desolate. The main reason I was able to get through this book was because of the enormous love between Francisco, his sister, and their father. Beyond the sadness of the beginning of the story, there was still a definitive form of hope that Francisco was able to power himself with. As saddening as this story was, Bolivia's prisons today still hold the same corrupt, dangerous conditions. As I started researching more about Bolivian prisons and speaking to my friend who was born there, the inspirational, uplifting feeling became replaced with sadness for the people still suffering there today.

Books such as these bring attention to issues that need to be solved, and I personally am happy that this book was written so that I could learn about his injustice. An Uninterrupted View of the Sky showed that one can overcome these odds and become successful, but the sad reality is that many, many more are still trapped in the world of crime and poverty- which is yet a reason why this book was written- to educate and encourage others to be activists and become involved in trying to fix the situation.

I highly recommend this book! I look forward to reading another book of the author's, Audacity

If you are interested in this book, I also recommend that you read Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Pérez as well as Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Title: An Uninterrupted View of the Sky
Author: Melanie Crowder
Publisher: Philomel Books
Pages: 304
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Foiled by Carey Fessler

Foiled is a middle grade historical fiction book with a touch of fantasy, based on the conspiracy theories surrounding the 1947 Roswell, New Mexico UFO sighting. This book was sent to me by the author. In a U.S. Army base in Roswell, New Mexico, eleven-year-old Billy's father brings home "magic memory foil" from the alien crash site, and Billy shows it to his friend Kate. The CIA arrives, determined to collect the artifact at all costs. The two kids run away with the foil, discovering it gives Kate the ability to read minds.

I liked the concept of the memory foil and its mystery. I enjoyed the controversy of who to trust, and the foil gave them quite an advantage. While I am left with quite a lot of unanswered questions, it is how it is in real life. I appreciate that rather than the author making up answers to the questions, he left it up to the reader to decide, just like how it was basically left at the time.

It was suspenseful and very exciting. It felt like an action movie with all the adrenaline and fear at times. I loved watching them run away and all the issues they faced. I liked how this book depicted running away realistically, full of anxiety and hardship. I loved the ending, as it was peaceful and wrapped it up quite nicely.

I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read it again!

Title: Foiled

Author: Carey Fessler

Publisher: Foeg

Pages: 252

Series: No

Rating: 5 Stars

Goodreads

Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Purple Hibiscus is a historical fiction book about the oppressed lifestyle of a Nigerian family that I found at my school library. Taking place in the 1960s during the Nigerian Civil War, Fifteen-year-old Kambili and her older brother Jaja live a sheltered life in a rich family. They are completely blocked off from the rest of their world, surrounded only by religion, fear, and pain. As the military coup begins to take over the county, the children are sent away to live with their Aunt, who introduces them to freedom, laughter, and happiness. As the country falls apart, her family does as well, and Kambili must hold her family together after a tragedy long enough to escape to America.

This book was amazing! I loved the parallels between the war in their county and the war inside their home. I found myself not only fascinated with Kambili's strength and heart, but also the culture and the history of the country. In addition, the aspect of religious conflict in their culture was massive, half the population sticking with native polytheistic values while the other half, including Kambili's father, assimilates into the Church. It's a whole different set of beliefs between her father and her aunt, and it was amazing to watch how both influenced and gave her strength to conquer the harsh, unforgiving days she had ahead.

Kambili doesn't understand what is wrong with her life, she has worshiped her father and always tried to please him. It was amazing watching her first laugh and the first time she ever smiled with her aunt and cousins. Her inner turmoil was powerful, and Kambili found herself trying to save her family at all costs. She is brave and magnificent.

The symbolism of the purple flower was incredible. In darkness and oppression, the Purple Hibiscus is defiance and freedom, representing the beauty that can shine if one allows themselves to never give up, and always keep fighting against brutality. This flower is their beacon of hope, and the only thing more powerful than fear is hope.

I highly recommend this book!

Title: Purple Hibiscus
Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Pages: 307
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

A Land of Permanent Goodbyes by Atia Abawi

A Land of Permanent Goodbyes is a YA historical fiction book about the war in Syria and conflict in the Middle East. Tareq and his family struggle with their newfound sense of normal in a country torn in two by war. It is manageable, until the government bombs his apartment. With his father and sister, they must escape their country before they lost their lives, as well. They must take the trip to Europe in hope of a better life.

The book is called A Land of Permanent Goodbyes because time and time again, they must say goodbye to the people and places they love. Syrians and refugees from the Middle East know more loss than we can imagine. The author enlightened readers about the terrors that Syrians and victims of war face.

It also showed a unique perspective from the narration of Destiny. The idea of fate was turned into a person, observing the characters and commenting on what is destined for them in the future. I loved how this unique perspective provided background knowledge and set the environment of the story. Very strange, however beneficial and intriguing to readers.

A Land of Permanent Goodbyes teaches about religion and has a recurring theme of prayer. The book attempts to acknowledge that religions are not that different from one another, and everyone should be treated as equals.

I highly recommend this book!

Title: A Land of Permanent Goodbyes
Author: Atia Abawi
Publisher: Philomel Books
Pages: 288
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads

Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin

Wolf by Wolf is the first book of two in a YA historical fiction series with a sci-fi twist of the hypothetical scenario in which Hitler would have won WWII. In 1956, the Axis powers of Japan and Third Reich (also known as Nazi Germany) rule. The allies lost, and Hitler rules the world. Yael has lost everything she loved. She was a prisoner. She was also a victim of human experimentation, and it worked too well, leading to her secret ability to skinshift, allowing her to morph into other people. She escaped and joined the Resistance, what is left of the Allies.

Her mission is simple. Kidnap Adele Wolfe and skinshift into her, taking her place in an annual motorcycle race, which awards her a dance with Hitler himself at the Victor's ball. Finally, stab him and topple his empire. However, it soon becomes much more complicated than she had planned when having to deal with her twin brother and former boyfriend.

I enjoy alternative history very much, and I loved the author's train of thought of "what if," and I would certainly hope that if this happens at all in the future with another war, there will still be people willing to fight. I also enjoyed that the author made the setting believable. The book was so exciting and fast-paced!  The adventure aspect was very strong, and I loved how every chapter was going somewhere- literally. I felt at times that I was on that motorcycle, racing as well.

Yael doesn't remember what she looked like before. She spends her life impersonating other people, so much so that the real Yael is just a faint memory. She is an extremely unique character. Held together with the memories of torture and those she's lost, Yael is wild, strong, and brilliant. She has done what many of us try our whole lives to do; she has used her pain and turned it into strength. Her fire to succeed and her determination is stronger than any other female heroine that I know. The romantic interest between Yael and Luka was very interesting to say the least, especially when she doesn't know about the huge elephant in the room, whatever big thing happened between them. Even though she was in the lead of the race, she was far behind in becoming Adele. Pretending to be someone else is a very hard feat to accomplish. The book was quite stressful, and I was scared for her a few times.

My only critique would be that there was so much action and adventure with the race that I wanted more action and adventure with Hitler, what he's up to, and how evil he is currently. Readers see her need for revenge given her past, but not any reasons given the present. My concern is that it was not made clear how the world would be better off without him. This is something that I hope will be expanded upon in the next book.

I highly recommend this book, and I cannot wait to read the next one, Blood For Blood!

Title: Wolf by Wolf

Author: Ryan Graudin

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Pages: 388

Series: Yes, Book 1 of 2
Rating: 4 Stars
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Breathing Room by Marsha Hayles

Breathing Room is a middle grade book about a girl's experience in a Sanatorium to cure her tuberculosis. Evvy Hoffmeister is just one of the hundreds of thousands of children sent to Loon Lake Sanatorium in the 1940s. At just 13 years old, the process is very scary, especially when death is just around the corner. But with the help of her new friends, Sarah, Pearl, and Dena, she finds the strength to fight the illness.

I learned a lot about tuberculosis and I was shocked at some of what the girls went through. Old forms of medicine consisted of risky surgical procedures. We should be truly grateful for the extent and power of medicine today. I also really liked the posters, flyers, propaganda, and other historical illustrations that added to the story and showed the culture of America in that time period.

I loved the backdrop of WW2 and the elements of Judaism and fear, a nice opening into the past. I have not read many books like this one and I was captivated with the girls' journeys of getting better or getting worse. The book was sad and alarming at the deaths and extent of the illness.

However, in the midst of all the death around them, the girls at least had each other, and the friendships that were formed were so sweet. The book contains a great theme to always keep fighting for your life and always look ahead into the future and be positive. This is a unique read for girls of all ages!

I am glad I bought this book and I would gladly read it again! I highly recommend this book!

Title: Breathing Room
Author: Marsha Hayles
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Pages: 256
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
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Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Pérez

Out of Darkness is a YA historical fiction book telling a story of love, racial tension, and tragedy in a backdrop of the New London School Explosion in 1937, the deadliest school disaster in American history. In East Texas, there are three rules on every sign in every store; No Negroes, Mexicans, or Dogs. Naomi Vargas is Mexican. Wash Fuller is African American.

An unlikely relationship blossoms between them. Their plans to be with each other and escape to Mexico are interrupted by the school explosion and Naomi's racist step-father who wants her all to himself. Soon in the face of tragedy again, Beto, Naomi's little brother, will take to the world and tell the true story of what really happened in all those fateful weeks, not the fake version the newspapers and white people created.

This is historical fiction, and while the characters' specific story may not be true, it is based on the truth. The author took an awful event and made it even sadder by bringing attention to the controversy and racism surrounding it. Tragedies like the ones that happened in this book we all know that in some form, they did happen in that time period. And we as a species still deal with racism and prejudice today. Out of the Darkness is a strong wake-up call to the darkness inside humanity and makes us reflect on who we are and the choices we make every day. The racial prejudice was true and strong, and this book pays tribute to those who could not speak their minds or tell the truth based on society. And we all sadly know that this fate was true somewhere, sometime in the world.

The book is also just beautiful. I cannot think of a single other word to describe the way the words flowed and carried the spirit, the love between the characters, the aura around them. The story was a beautiful, romantic tragedy. The ending made me cry, and I was also angry, but at the same time appreciative and grateful for reading this type of story. Out of Darkness will be the saddest book you have ever read. But the story is so sad that it must be told. I highly, highly recommend this book.

Note: This book should be advised for only older readers given certain scenes of violence and mature actions, especially near the end of the book.

Title: Out of Darkness
Author: Ashley Hope Pérez
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
Pages: 402
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads