A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat; published March 24, 2020.

I LOVED this book. Have you ever been told by someone you admire that you are worthless? And that no matter what you do, you cannot change? This dystopian fantasy for middle graders is set in the fictional city of Chattana which is based on Thailand and its culture. It is a retelling of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables - the themes of love and redemption; justice vs. injustice; and revolution against unjust authority are wound throughout the story of Pong and Nok. The author is Thai-American - or maybe I should say Thai-Texan since she was raised in Weatherford and currently lives in Austin. She earned a Newbery Honor for this book and I highly recommend it. 

 

Over the Shop by JonArno Lawson; illustrated by Qin Leng; published January 5, 2021.

A young girl and her grandparent need to rent the apartment over their store - so a sign is placed in the store window. Lots of people look at the space (which definitely needs some TLC) but no one wants to rent it. Until finally, someone does. This is a book to pore over - especially noting the expressions on the faces of the people that choose not to rent the apartment. And the cat. And the neighbor! Lots to discover and discuss. This is a book that is almost wordless -- the only words are the sign above the store. And it is presented in panels which give it a definite graphic novel feel.

Red Panda & Moon Bear by Jarod Roselló' published March 26, 2019.
It took me a while to get into this one -- there are several chapters so I would say it was around Chapter 3 that I began to understand what was going on. Having Red Panda and Moon Bear's back story helped. But I'm an adult -- I am guessing kids will pick up on everything right away. There's a lot to love in here -- the close knit family, the care for community, and the love the siblings have for each other and their friends. But it's all done in a zany way that is fun. I happily anticipate more adventures with Red Panda and Moon Bear! The author is Cuban-American and recently spoke at the Texas Libraries Association Conference - I am going to listen to his recorded session because I want to hear what he has to say!

 

Currently reading - Leaving Lymon by Lesa Cline-Ransome which is a companion book to Finding Langston. Both books are set during the Great Migration. A third book - Being Clem - is scheduled for August, 2021.