Media Matters

 Nonfiction book by Garrett Graff. This is a very well done audiobook, with over 45 different voice actors narrating hundreds of first person accounts of the various events of 9/11. It was heart wrenching to listen to, but also compelling and important, particularly as a means of helping today’s young adults who didn’t personally experience that day to better understand what happened and why it affected the nation so much. My favorite parts were learning about the angels, both seen and unseen, who helped people on that day. My only complaint was the inclusion of the actual flight transmissions. They are so choppy and full of static that I couldn’t understand any of what was being said. I appreciate the attempt at authenticity, but I think a re-enactment would have helped with comprehension during that section. Also be warned it is a very long audiobook! I listened at 1.2x which worked well with the material. Note: This is very graphic in terms of gore and might be too disturbing fo...

 Book by Megan Fraser Blakemore. This is a fantastic mystery where fantasy meets science, with a hint of Tuck Everlasting thrown in. Great themes of friendship and forgiveness are woven in too. Too often mysteries involve either murder or the supernatural; this was a refreshing change and lots of fun.

 Novel by Christina Soontornvat. This was a fabulous, feel-good book! It took a little while to get me hooked, but then I couldn’t put it down. If I had to categorize its genre, I might call it magical realism, or realistic fantasy. It reminded me of “Over the Moon” in some ways, and of “Les Mis” in other ways. Themes include: law vs. justice vs. compassion, what would your blessing/wish for someone be?, one person making a difference, freedom vs. safety, sharing your inner light, choices vs. heredity, etc. No questionable content, other than a reference to someone having an affair (and regretting it). Recommended ages 10-adult.

 This is a series of three novels by Neal Shusterman. Books in the series: Everlost  Everwild Everfound  This is one of the best trilogies I have read in a long time. It hits that sweet spot of being both utterly engrossing AND causing you to think deeply about the various themes, such as remembering who you are, not allowing others to define you, the role of agency in growth, the ability to use your talents for good or evil, the role of belief and strength of will in affecting your reality, the ability to change and find redemption, acting with purpose each day rather than getting stuck in a mindless rut, the role of humility in leadership, the promise of a glorious afterlife… Honestly, I could go on and on. There is so much good stuff to unpack here. My only caveat to recommending this series to everyone is that there is some dark and violent evil being portrayed that younger or more sensitive readers might not be ready for. But the evil is portrayed as evil, and the ov...

 Picture book by Derrick Barnes. Even though there is no storyline, this is a fantastic book! The writing is rich with metaphor and meaning. It would be fun to have kids write their own “I am _____” statements after reading it. And the message is what every person in the world needs to understand, about themselves, and about everyone else: we are real people, worthy of being loved.

 Picture book by Jan Thomas. This is a very funny easy reader! Along with being entertaining, it could also prompt a discussion about preconceived notions and judging others before getting to know them.

 Short chapter book by Gloria Whelan. This was a lovely historical fiction about a rural blind girl whose education has been ignored until a new teacher comes to town. I loved that the kids in her community came together to raise money for a Braille writing machine for her. My only complaint was that I wanted more. The ending felt very incomplete, but I guess that’s what you get with an easier to read chapter book instead of a full length novel.