In the Country of Others by Leila Silmani

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead

A Thousand Questions by Saadia Faruqi

Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer

Home is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo

YA Titles

Never Look Back by Lilliam Rivera

Early Departures by Justin A. Reynolds

The Gilded Wolves by Roshni Chokshi

Review: White Ivy is a captivating coming of story that has light elements of a thriller that takes a critical look at race, class, and privilege. First generation Chinese American Ivy Lin has learned from a very young age to fend for herself by any means necessary. She was trained by her grandmother to become a a prolific petty thief who used the model minority stereotype to her advantage. As Ivy grows up she has yearned to achieve whiteness and everything that comes with it: privilege, class, wealth, and reputation. No matter how hard she tried to assimilate to her white suburban environment, she never fit in. She fantasized about her future and the American Dream which to her meant married to a wealthy white man and by proxy be embraced in the 'acceptable society'. 

  Presently Ivy is a decidedly unfulfilled first grade teacher in Boston. When she happens to run into Sylvia Speyer, the sister of her childhood crush, Gideon, Ivy is given an opportunity to achieve her dream once again. She worms her way into the orbit of Gideon’s wealthy family and schemes her way into Gideon’s heart. Her dreams are coming to fruition though there is friction as Gideon begins to pull away from Ivy, but Ivy does not mind as long as she gets the happy ending that she wants. Her security is however threatened when a man from her past, Roux Roman, resurfaces and threatens to air her dirty secrets. 

   White Ivy grabbed my attention right from the start. Though far from a likable character, Ivy shatters the model minority stereotype and is unabashedly ambitious. Her tenacity to claw her way into Gideon's social circle is mesmerizing and in a way admirable. She really reminded me of a blend between Jay Gatsby and Becky Sharp. Like Gatsby, Ivy despised her impoverish upbringing and always aspired to become the upper class. Though Gatsby pursued a persona and fought his way to try to win back an old flame, Ivy really does not care about her actual relationship with Gideon, but rather she is obsessed with what he represents (one can argue that Gatsby does the same). Like Becky Sharp, she has no qualms about what actions she must take to secure her future and her moral compass is always askew. The discussion of the complexities of class and privilege will hold the reader's attention as will the array of secondary characters that come and go in the book, most notably Roux who presents as a foil to Ivy. There are also sly comments about race that are read in between the lines of the story, though I wished they were a bit more prominent. Readers intrigued by the promise of the thriller aspects mentioned in the plot may be slightly disappointed as the elements are light and not the main focus of the story, but if you love complex character driven coming of age stories definitely give this debut a try. 

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is strong language and sexual situations. Recommended for older teens and adults.

If you like this book try: What We Were Promised by Lucy Tan, The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo, The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

Review: For Muslims around the world the mosque is much more than a place for worship. It is a place where a community is created, a gathering place for social and educational events, a place where issues are discussed and resolved, and where Muslim traditions are upheld and celebrated. No matter where the mosque is located in the world, it serves these purposes globally. 

  In My Mosque provides readers who are unfamiliar a peek into what is often and mistakenly perceived as mysterious and exclusive. In simple text and beautiful illustrations the author and the illustrator shows the diversity and commonalities of different mosques around the world. There are a variety of mosques that are used as inspiration for the book and the illustrator perfectly captures the gorgeous Islamic artwork and geometrical designs, highlighting its uniqueness along with similarities. A chorus of diverse abilities, age, skin tones, and sizes joyously describe their mosque and what it means to them.  Though the mosques aren't labeled in the book, they are identified in the back matter along with more information on mosques, a glossary, and an author's note. This book brought me so much joy and I'm so happy that it exists.   

Rating: 5 stars

Words of Caution: None. Recommended for PreK-Grade 1

If you like this book try: All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

Review: The second volume of Heartstopper picks up immediately where the first book ends as Nick and Charlie's platonic friendship develops to something more. Still things are quite complicated for the two boys. What is their relationship status? How does Nick feel about it? 

 While the relationship between Charlie and Nick is the core of the graphic novel, the focus has shifted more to character development, particularly as it concerns Nick. Nick must confront his own personal confusion and fear surrounding his sexuality. I really like how Oseman shows Nick doing research in finding out where he is on the sexuality spectrum and also demonstrates that the characters have an open and honest communication with one another., a key concept that is important but rarely shown in young adult romances. Charlie doesn't rush or give Nick an ultimatum to find an answer either but reassures Nick that sexuality is fluid. When Nick does find an sexual orientation that feels right, it is up to Nick to decide when and who to tell his truth. 

  Charlie also grows in this volume too. He gains confidence to push back against Ben and Ben's toxicity. He stands up for himself and realizes that he deserves love, not a conditional and unhealthy relationship that he felt once stuck in. In addition to Charlie and Nick, we also meet Charlie's circle of friends who are diverse in ethnicity as well as sexual identities. 

  The illustrations in this volume are lovely and subdued, allowing the characters to take up space and match the whimsical tone of the graphic novel series. Nick and Charlie’s lighthearted and tender romance is delightful, and the genuine heart present in the characters makes for an uplifting read from start to finish. 

Rating: 4.5 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language and homophobic taunts in the graphic novel.

If you like this book try: Bloom into You by Nio Nakatani, and Check, Please series by Ngozi Ukazu, Bloom by Kevin Panetta