 The Himba are close-knit and don't stray far from home. They certainly don't fly across the universe to attend university on other planets. Which is why Binti had to sneak out before her family woke. She always felt like she didn't belong, so when her skill with math earned her a full scholarship, she accepted it. She knew her decision would make her a pariah, but she didn't know that it would put her life in danger. What should have been a simple trip ended in tragedy and Binti is forever transformed by her contact with an alien species. As Binti continues to change she wonders if she'll ever be able to return home, or if she'll survive long enough to find out.
This is one of the most unique and immersive stories I have ever read. When I was reading, I left behind every scrap of the familiar world that I know. It was easy to love and root for the tenacious, empathic Binti but I did not anticipate growing to care so much for Okwu, a militaristic jellyfish-like creature. The book has so many twists that I completely gave up on trying to predict what would happen and just sat back and enjoyed the ride. It was easy to do with so many varied characters, landscapes, and thought-provoking situations. Strongly recommended for all sci-fi fans. Binti by Nnedi Okorafor Erica's Picks 8th grade Tags: character driven, global perspectives, people of color, science fiction.
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 Years ago, shayateen djinn attacked the city of Noor and killed all the humans except three: Fatima, her adopted sister, and their elderly neighbor. Fatima discovered on that day that her blood can repel the creatures, but she has no idea why. Her past is a complete mystery to her. After the attack, Fatima and her sister forget the mystery in the daily struggle to get by. Until Noor once again becomes the victim of supernatural attacks, and Fatima is caught up in palace intrigue and the world of supernatural creatures. Could a girl from the slums be the city's only hope for survival? Or will the secrets from her past consume her?
I loved this fantasy novel set in a world based on Middle Eastern history and mythology. I was completely immersed in the world and enjoyed each twist and turn of the plot. The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad Erica's Picks 7th & 8th Tags: character driven, family life, fantasy, global perspectives, people of color, romance, supernatural  Kat is a jiu-jitsu champion, so when one of her classmates tries to assault her, she's able to fight him off. But because her attacker is injured as well, no one believes her story.
Robin was adopted from an Indian orphanage by two wealthy, white parents. He loves them, but he yearns to learn more about his heritage and where he came from. When their church organizes a service trip to help victims of human trafficking, both are eager to sign up. Kat sees an opportunity to teach other girls how to fight back and Robin sees a chance to go back to the orphanage and find out more about his past. The trip does not go as planned for either of them, but both their lives are changed forever. This is such a moving novel that touches on so many important issues. The topics of sexual assault and human trafficking are both by nature disturbing, but neither are discussed with graphic detail. The story is more about the after-effects and healing process that follows. Their story switches between Kat and Robin/Ravi's perspectives but there is a large cast of characters beyond them and all are well-drawn and have their own engrossing stories and unique perspective. Highly recommended. Forward Me Back to You by Mitali Perkins 8th grade Erica's Picks Tags:  "The home of a family of campesinos who cannot read or write is waiting for you now. Don't let them down!" When Lora saw the poster in her high school, she knew she was being called upon to help. Her country had a bold plan to eliminate illiteracy and she wanted to be a part of it. Her parents weren't so sure though. Sending their beloved, sheltered daughter out to live in a shack in the middle of nowhere among armed rebel groups sounded like utter madness. After Lora succeeds in convincing them and arrives in the countryside, it starts to sound like madness to her too. How can she be expected to teach proud, adult men and what does she know about life on a farm? When another young literacy worker is killed, her resolve is tested. Will she succeed in her mission, or return home a failure?
This is a great historical fiction novel that illustrates an example of young people fighting for a cause and making a difference in their country. I had no knowledge of Cuba's literacy campaign before this, and I'm glad I got the chance to learn about it. It presents the era in a way that's accessible with a gripping, high-stakes plot. My Brigadista Year by Katherine Paterson Erica's Picks 5th - 8th Tags: Fast-paced, global perspectives, historical fiction, people of color  Emma is nervous about her first day of 5th grade. She's always been home-schooled, so she's worried about making friends at her first "real" school and how she'll fit in. Her father provides the perfect distraction the night before by letting her go out on a call with him. He's sent out to rescue a wild rabbit, but when they get there they realize it's a domestic variety that couldn't survive on its own. Emma quickly falls in love with the bunny, but her father warns her that the rabbit's owners might show up to claim it at any time. Will Emma find a friend in her new school? Will she be able to keep the rabbit?
This is such a sweet story. It will have plenty of appeal to fans of all things soft and furry. It also has a lot of wisdom in how Emma learns to cope in her new school and the friends she makes there. Her first friend Jack has ASD and is shunned by the other kids. Emma is worried that if she befriends him, people will shun her too. I also love the trickster tales about Monsieur Lapin she peppers in that she learned from her grandfather. A little something for everyone and a sure-fire crowd pleaser. Because of the Rabbit by Cynthia Lord Erica's Picks 3rd - 5th Tags: animals, character driven, contemporary fiction, disability, family life, friendship, school stories |
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