The Cousins - Karen M. McManus

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the cover:

"Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah Story are cousins, but they barely know each another, and they've never even met their grandmother. Rich and reclusive, she disinherited their parents before they were born. So when they each receive a letter inviting them to work at her island resort for the summer, they're surprised . . . and curious.

Their parents are all clear on one point--not going is not an option. This could be the opportunity to get back into Grandmother's good graces. But when the cousins arrive on the island, it's immediately clear that she has different plans for them. And the longer they stay, the more they realize how mysterious--and dark--their family's past is.

The entire Story family has secrets. Whatever pulled them apart years ago isn't over--and this summer, the cousins will learn everything."

I was stoked when I got an advanced copy of this book to read, because I love Karen M. McManus, and WHEW, let me tell you, she has done it again! Right off the bat we get into it with the discovery that Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah's uber-rich grandmother very abruptly cut their parents off with a mysterious one-lined letter - "You know what you did."

Uh, yeah. I'm hooked! What did they do, y'all? I must know!

As more pieces of the story came together, I cycled through a variety of theories, and I was pretty proud of myself when one of my theories ended up being half right - nailed it! Sort of. Basically.

   

I don't even want to talk about the book itself for fear of saying something that accidentally gives away part of the mystery and ruining it for someone else, so let me just say that Karen McManus's super power seems to be writing ending scenes that are so intense they force a gasped "OH SHIT!" out of me as I read. Seriously, it's 4/4 at this point. Karen knows how to put pedal to the metal when the mystery starts coming to a head and then not let up until the final pages.

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Howdy all! In this week's Adventures in Times of COVID, I have been wringing my brain out for work on a couple of time-sensitive and intricate COVID-related projects, and y'all, my brain can only handle so much! In lieu of a blog post this week, please enjoy this GIF reminding you to breathe...

Maybe He Just Likes You - Barbara Dee

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the cover:

"Barbara Dee explores the subject of #MeToo for the middle grade audience in this heart-wrenching - and ultimately uplifting - novel about experiencing harassment and unwanted attention from classmates.

For seventh-grader Mila, it starts with some boys giving her an unwanted hug on the school blacktop. A few days later, one of the boys, Leo, tells Mila it's his birthday and and asks for a birthday hug. He's just being friendly, isn't he? And how can she say no? But Leo's hug lasts a few seconds too long and feels...weird. According to her friend, Mila is being immature and overreacting. Doesn't she know what flirting looks like?

But the boys don't leave Mila alone. On the bus. In the halls. During band practice - the one place Mila could always escape. It doesn't feel like flirting - so what is it? Thanks to a chance meeting, Mila begins to find solace in a new place: karate class. Slowly, with the help of a fellow classmate, Mila learns how to stand her ground and how to respect others - and herself.

From the author of Everything I Know About You, Halfway Normal, and Star-Crossed comes this timely story of a middle school girl standing up and finding her voice."

I put this ebook on hold as soon as I heard about it, and WHEW am I glad I did. My difficulty focusing on reading material is well-documented at this point, but let me tell you, I sat down to read this and ended up finishing the entire thing in one sitting. The description from the cover ends by calling this a timely story, but I have to say, whenever this book had come out, it would have been timely. Books about women, especially young women, dealing with sexual harassment are always timely. Maybe that will change in the future (I fucking HOPE that will change in the future!), but my god, I wish there had been a book like this to read when I was in seventh grade. Really, truly, this should be required reading - for middle school students, for teachers, for librarians, for any adult who interacts with young people, for any men who interact with people who are not men...basically for everyone on the face of the earth. Books like this are so important.

"Why is that, Dewey? What makes this book so special?"

I'm glad you asked!

Firstly, and probably most importantly, because it gives young people the language to not only recognize harassment but also to label it. While all this weird stuff is happening to Mila, she knows it makes her uncomfortable, and even when some of her friends downplay its seriousness, she understands that it's wrong because it makes her feel wrong. But she doesn't know how to name it, and that causes a lot of problems for her, both in communicating with her friends and in knowing if or how she should talk to an adult about it. As much as we might want to believe that seventh grade (or sixth grade...or fifth grade...or fourth grade...) is too young to talk about this stuff, shit happens, and kids need to be empowered with the vocabulary to speak out and stand up for themselves or their friends when they experience things like this. It's also super important that they know that something doesn't have to be HUGE to be sexual harassment...if it's unwanted and makes you uncomfortable, it qualifies. There is no metric it is required to meet.

Mila's experience also highlights the importance of being an ally. This can happen in all different ways - encouraging your friend to talk to someone, like Mila did with Max the year before and Max does for Mila now, speaking up when you see something happening that you disagree with, or making sure that you are there to offer support when you know a friend needs it - but whatever your allyship looks like, it's necessary, and it helps. Believe people when they say they are being harassed.

Another thing we see throughout Mila's story is the importance of young people having trusted adults that they can talk to. Mila's mom obviously loves and cares about her, but she has a lot going on, and even if she didn't, I think we all know that kids don't always feel comfortable going to their parents when they have things going on. Unfortunately, she's still pretty new to the seventh grade, the guidance counselor she felt comfortable talking to has just gone on maternity leave, and there isn't anyone else that she trusts to listen and understand what she is dealing with. That's why I think it's so important for adults who work with kids to read this book...to remind us that we need to do our best to be that person for the kids we work with, so they don't have to keep shit like this to themselves. I know it meant the world to me when I was in junior high and had teachers I could rely on, and I also felt that absence when I didn't. Having a trusted adult in their lives has a measurable positive impact on young people.

Finally, (be warned, here there be spoilers) something the book touches on that is very close to my heart is restorative justice. I read a few different reviews that talk about the too-perfect ending because in the *real world* the boys wouldn't have just stopped being jerks after one conversation. And in fairness, maybe they wouldn't have. We never know. But for anyone who feels it was too Disney-esque an ending, I'd like to invite them to consider that perhaps what the boys said was true, and they really didn't realize that what they were doing was so wrong. After all, how often do we hear "boys will be boys" or, as our title suggests, "maybe he just likes you" in reference to shitty behavior from young men? If someone is constantly getting a pass and having their behavior excused, when do they learn that behavior is wrong?

That is why I love that Barbara Dee resolved the conflict by having Mila's band teacher and two of the guidance counselors hold a version of a restorative justice circle with the involved students, rather than just doling out punitive justice like suspension or expulsion. After all, what would have happened if they had been suspended? They might have spent their time out of school thinking about Mila and realizing that what they had been doing was wrong...or they might have just been pissed that they got in trouble, blamed Mila, and been even worse to her when they came back. Punitive justice is great for telling people they did something wrong and they need to pay a penance for it, but it doesn't do much to improve behavior or allow for growth. By giving the boys involved an opportunity to talk things out, not only were they able to confront how their actions affect other people and learn from what had been happening, but Mila was also given an opportunity to begin to heal from what she had experienced. I'm not saying there aren't instances where punitive justice needs to take place, but I wish more organizations defaulted to restorative justice first. And for that matter, imagine how different this story might have been if the Vice Principal had taken a restorative approach when Mila kicked what's-his name. Restorative Justice forever!

Alright, alright, this is getting super long, and I know I already said "finally" but one last thing I have to bring up is how much I love that part of what helps Mila is karate. HELL YES to strong girls and women! Hell yes to Mila falling in love with karate!

First Page Friday - Fifteen Fantastic Picture Books

Alright, I know I'm a children's librarian, so it makes sense that I love picture books. But they're so good, I honestly don't know why more adults don't read them. In the hopes that maybe this list will inspire some of you to read more of them, this week I have for you a list of fifteen (ish...don't count them, I definitely cheated) of my favorite picture books!

Cake by Sue Hendra

Cake has just been invited to his first ever party, and he is so excited! He wants everything to go just right, so he goes shopping for the perfect hat to wear. Then when Cake gets to the party...things don't go exactly as planned.

The Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson

This one is a rhyming book about what kinds of food all of Farmer's animals eat, culminating in the big reveal of why the cow loves cookies! There's also a special appearance by one of my favorite picture book animals, the duck.

Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

This is a beautifully illustrated story about a little girl and her magic box of yarn. And it's about knitting, so of course I love it. 😉

Hangry by Drew Brockington

What happens when a little monster is craving a hot dog from his favorite spot but can't get one? He gets HANGRY! I identify pretty strongly with that little monster, so I loved this one the moment I saw the cover.

Hooray for Hat! by Brian Won

Elephant is feeling grumpy one day when a lovely surprise arrives - a box full of hats! One by one, he visits his friends, sharing the joy that awesome hats can bring. I love this book so much that I even made a felt version of the story!

I'm Bored by Michael Ian Black

What happens when a bored little girl discovers a talking potato? Read and find out!

Llama Destroys the World by Jonathan Stutzman

On Monday, Llama discovers a pile of cake and, of course, eats it all. He doesn't know it, but by the end of the week, this will result in the destruction of the world. What do you think might happen if he discovers a pile of pies?

Polar Bear's Underwear by Tupera Tupera

I mean...it's about underwear. Underwear is funny.

Press Here by Herve Tullet

I'm a sucker for a good interactive story, and this is one of the best! You start off with a yellow dot on the page, and who knows what might happen if you press it? Read and find out, my friends. Mix It Up is also excellent.

Quackers by Liz Wong

We covered in The Cow Loves Cookies that I have a thing for ducks in picture books, and here you are. Another duck book. Meet Quackers, an adorable duck who is one of a kind. So one of a kind, in fact, that some of the other ducks don't even think he's a duck! But if he isn't a duck...then what is he?

Square, Triangle, and Circle by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

Busted, this is three books! Yep, you got me. This is possibly my favorite picture book series in the universe. Once again, Jon Klassen's illustrations are magic, and Mac Barnett is so funny, I can hardly handle it. These books are existential and hilarious, and I love them.

Stegothesaurus by Bridget Heos

Stegothesaurus sometimes has a hard time getting along with the other stegosauruses, so he is thrilled when an equally verbose allothesaurus befriends him! Until he discovers their friendship may not be what it seems.

There's a Dragon/Monster/Elf in Your Book by Tom Fletcher

Wait...is this another three books in one? BUSTED. These are more of my favorite interactive books, and they hold a special place in my heart because after sending a copy of There's a Dragon in Your Book to my niece for her second birthday in April, I've read it to her over video chat a few times, and it makes my heart grow three sizes Grinch-style every time I do. Plus, come on. Who doesn't love a cute baby dragon/monster/elf?

This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

By now you might be wondering...does Dewey have a thing for Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett? I SURE DO! I had to stop myself from making this a list of my top twenty faves and including even more of their books...but I resisted. Y'all, this book. I cackle every time I read it. It starts off following a tiny fish who stole a big fish's hat and is now making a getaway. What happens to the little fish when Mr. Big Fish realizes he stole the hat...made my mom question whether this book was appropriate for children. 🤣

Why? - Adam Rex

Super Villain Dr. X-Ray launches his evil attack on a mall, but his plans immediately start to go awry when a little girl shopping with her mom has a question for him..."why?"

First Page Friday - Favorite Audiobooks

Howdy howdy! My sister told me I've been posting too many book lists, but look...sometimes book lists are where it's at. For today's list, I decided to share some of my favorite audiobooks, since folx who may be struggling to sit and read a physical book might have better luck listening to one. Audiobooks are my jam, I love them, so if there's a book not on the list that you think I need to listen to, let me know!

1. The Accident Season and Spellbook of the Lost and Found - Moira Fowley-Doyle

What's that? My first recommendation is a two-fer?! That's right...I continue to not be able to make up my mind. These are both somewhat supernatural stories set in Ireland, and not only does listening to them on audio a. give you the proper accent and cadence for anyone not familiar with Irish accents, but b. especially for Spellbook, I found it really helped me get to know the characters. If you're only going to listen to one, make it Accident Season, but I mean...why would you only listen to one?

2. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe - Benjamin Alire Saenz

I've included this in other lists and reviewed it, so hopefully I don't need to get super in-depth with selling this one. Let me just say, in case you haven't read any of that that this is read by Lin Manuel Miranda. Fucking LIN MANUEL MIRANDA, friends! It's a magical experience, truly.

3. Carry On - Rainbow Rowell

Worth listening to just to hear Baz get frustrated with Simon over and over and snark, "Crowley, Snow."

4. The Cruel Prince - Holly Black

Gaaaaaaaasp! A book I actually haven't recommended yet? That's right! This is the first in a trilogy about a mortal girl and her twin sister who are both raised in the land of Faerie after their parents are murdered by a Red Cap who turns out to be the father of their older sister. Mortals aren't exactly held in high esteem in Fairie, but Jude isn't content to be stepped on all her life. She wants a place on the high court, and before long, she'll discover just how much she'll have to sacrifice to get it.

5. Everything, Everything - Nicola Yoon

I went back and forth about whether to recommend this or The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Not only are both books amazing, but they're read by Bahni Turpin, who is one of my favorite narrators! Honestly, you could listen to anything read by her and enjoy it. She does an amazing job.

6. The Golden Compass - Philip Pullman

Not only is this series a classic, my doggo is named after the main character, so...do you even need more reason to listen to it? You do? How about the fact that it's read with a full cast? Each character is voiced by their own narrator, and oh. my. god. Iorek Byrnison is incredible.

7. Half Bad - Sally Green

Have the tissues ready for this trilogy! This is another audiobook where hearing distinct character voices really makes the story. Nathan and Gabriel in particular, just...they have my heart forever. This series is intense and emotional, and I will admit that the first book got off to a bit of a slow start for me, but from there...roller coaster. It's very worth it.

8. How to Save a Life - Sara Zarr

It's been about four years since I listened to this one, and I still think about it sometimes. How to Save a Life is a story about grief, coping, and what makes a family. It's a poignant story, and the narrator is great.

9. The Illuminae Files - Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

I talk about these a lot, I know. This is one of my favorite series in existence, and listening to the audio is truly like listening to a movie. Such a theatrical experience. Amazing narrators, incredible action, and just...everything about it is so good.

10. Long Way Down - Jason Reynolds

Will's older brother, Shawn, was just murdered, and this book follows Will on his elevator trip down to go after his brother's killer and get revenge. Jason Reynolds is a genius, and everything he writes is incredible, but if you need more reason to listen to this, he also narrated this story, and his reading is...whew. It will give you chills.

11. Love from A to Z - S.K. Ali

Zayneb and Adam both have a lot going on when they meet on a flight, but they find themselves drawn to each other. Maybe it's that they both keep a journal. Maybe it's that, inspired by a piece of art, those journals both track the marvels and oddities they encounter in life. Whatever it is, Zayneb and Adam are drawn to each other, even when they worry that it might not be a good idea. There are some heavy things in this book, but though serious at times, it's a very heartwarming listen.

12. The Nerdy and the Dirty - B.T. Gottfred

Oh my god, you guys. This book is simultaneously the most awkward and hilarious book I have ever read. Benedict Pendleton is a genius destined for great things who, inexplicably, finds himself struggling to get a girlfriend. Pen Lupo has a boyfriend but finds herself tiring of constantly pretending to be someone she isn't to please him, her family, and her friends. NSFW warning: If frank discussion of sex is not for you, maybe pass on this one.But if you're ok with that, give this audiobook a shot. It's incredible.

13. Someday, Someday, Maybe - Lauren Graham

Written by Lauren Graham, read by Lauren Graham...that was reason enough for me to give it a listen. It's a witty, entertaining story about a struggling actress with six months left on her self-imposed time limit for making it big or giving up going back home to teach.

14. Track series - Jason Reynolds

Ghost, Patina, Sunny, and Lu. Four team members on a middle school track team, leaning on each other for support in running and in life. This series is fantastic, and it is read by Jason Reynold's best friend growing up, Guy Lockard. He does an amazing job, particularly with Sunny, who is my favorite character.

15. The Witchlands - Susan Dennard

Ahhhhh, Susan Dennard! If you haven't read any of her books, my god, what are you waiting for? Susan is amazing - so amazing that she actually did a choose-your-own adventure Twitter story based on one of her manuscripts, which lasted for about six months and was one of the greatest reading experiences I've ever had. The Witchlands world is so rich and complex that it's hard for me to sum up what to expect out of the series in a short little paragraph, but do yourselves a favor and listen to these! The narrators are fantastic (Sightwitch is read by Bahni Turpin, COME ON!), the world is incredible, and it's adventure from the first page to the last.