Fox Point's Own Gemma Hopper

Spangler, Brie. Fox Point's Own Gemma Hopper. 2023. 272p. ISBN 9780593428498. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

At 13 and in 7th grade, Gemma is over 6 feet tall and stands out like a sore thumb at her middle school. She loves baseball, but she lives in the shadow of her brother Teddy, an 8th grader with a golden arm who's already talked about being a top prospect in the majors. Her friends only want to hang out with her so they can talk with Teddy. Their mother has left the family, and their father works three jobs to make ends meet. Gemma has become the caretaker for the family, cooking meals, doing laundry, and making sure that everyone, including her younger twin brothers, are taken cared of. On the rare occasions her father's home, he's only interested in Teddy.

Through all of this, Gemma does not have time to play baseball. Teddy is under pressure, as he's preparing to go away for months at a training camp for prodigious athletes. He needs the practice time, and Gemma ends up pitching for him over and over. Folks come to watch Teddy hit balls one after another. But Gemma is under pressure too. She has a big fight with her best friend, and she's tired of playing second fiddle with Teddy. 

So when Teddy brings up the intriguing possibility that maybe Gemma should try out for the same team Teddy will be playing with, Gemma is intrigued. How could she possibly abandon her family to pursue the opportunity to play baseball? But with a video going viral, and with the stars aligning, Gemma might manage to pursue her dream after all!

Beautifully illustrated, Gemma's trials and tribulations show her resilience and her grit as she aims to find her own way in the world. Fans of graphic novels will love this story, and those who enjoy a good sports story should absolutely check it out!

This Rebel Heart

Locke, Katherine. This Rebel Heart. 2022. 433p. ISBN 9780593381243.

Csilla's parents were ardent communists, and they supported the Soviet takeover of Hungary following the Second World War. As Jews, the whole family took refuge in the Danube, the river that runs through the capital city of Budapest following the German invasion in 1944. However, revolutions have a habit of devouring their own, and her parents were soon accused of crimes against the state and were executed by Soviet authorities. Now 18 in 1956, Csilla lives in a paranoid society where everyone spies on everyone else, and one wrong word can get you arrested or worse.

For the last year, Csilla has been planning her escape out of Hungary. As the daughters of two enemies of the state, she is under constant surveillance, and she cannot let her guard down even for one moment. Ready to leave, Csilla suddenly finds herself in the middle of a convulsion that threatens the Hungarian Communist party as student protests escalate into something dangerous. Her parents are publicly exonerated, clearing her pariah status, but also revealing that her father was not the hero she thought he was. 

As Hungary drifts into chaos, with Soviet tanks massing on its borders, Csilla has a choice. She can escape as she planned, and look to a new life away from the painful memories of her youth, or she can stay and fight for a new future for her country, with the real possibility that the result will be violence and death. Can Csilla learn to trust again?

Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this deep dive into a little known part of European history, and will appreciate Csilla's resilience and determination to survive no matter the obstacles in her path. For a similar perspective, this time from the other side of the Berlin Wall, be sure to grab A Night Divided.

The 40s and 50s: Utility to New Look

Reynolds, Helen. The 40s and 50s: Utility to New Look. Part of the 20th Century Fashion series. 1999. 32p. ISBN 9780836826005. Available at 391 REY on the library shelves.

With the Second World War in full swing, the beginning of the 1940s feature fashion that is utilitarian, mass produced, and cost effective. The war effort required everyone to sacrifice, and clothes were designed to be useful instead of for their appearance or feel. War uniforms were predominant for men, while many women found themselves working on the home front and needing clothes they could get dirty and not need to clean on a daily basis. Military style influenced the fashion of the time, with bomber jackets soon adopted by young males in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Rationing was everywhere, and fabric for personal use was rare.

The war ended, but rationing continued for years afterwards. This did not stop people from enjoying life once again, and soon dancing and movies were more popular than ever. Clothing became more relaxed, with shorter dresses for women and less formal wear for men. The bikini made its appearance, while rebels without a cause began sporting jeans and t-shirts, instead of plaid pants. 

The 1950s saw an explosion of clothes, as mix and match became the norm. Men and women could now find tops and bottoms and mix them, instead of having to purchase sets. This allowed more flexibility in the way people looked, but also promoted consumerism. The zoot suit emerged from Harlem, just in time to be eclipsed by the rock'n'roll look of the new youth culture. Soda fountains became the rage, and jukeboxes were everywhere, playing popular youth music. Changes in fabrics and the appearance of the first synthetic, nylon, dramatically changed what was possible

Naruto, Vol. 15

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 15. 2002. 192p. ISBN 9781421510897. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

The battle between Sasuke and Gaara that started in Naturo, Vol 14, continues. Gaara has managed to summon half of the demon that lives within himself, but Sasuke is proving more resilient than expected. Using the jutsu techniques he learned from Kakashi, he repels Gaara's attack and inflicts pain on his enemy. This is the first time that Gaara has felt physical pain, as the sand usually protects him from attack.

Gaara's youth is explored through flashbacks, including his growing up as a lonely and dangerous child shunned by the other children, his birth and the death of his mother, and his killing of his mother's younger sister during an assassination attempt on his life. 

Gaara is too powerful, however, and Sasuke finds himself overwhelmed. He is rescued by Naruto and Sakura. Naruto distracts Gaara while Sakura administers first aid to Sasuke. Gaara, however, pins her against a tree, and taunts Naruto that if he doesn't fight him, Sakura and Sasuke will die. In that moment Naruto realizes that Gaara is a lot like him, isolated and lonely. 

Naruto launches attack after attack, and though all of them do damage, they are not able to stop Gaara as he completes his own transformation into the sand demon. So Naruto summons Kichiyose, the giant frog ...

The story continues in Naturo, Vol. 16.

Best Friends

Hale, Shannon. Best Friends. Book 2 of the Real Friends series. 2019. 256p. ISBN 9781250317452. 

Now that she is in sixth grade, Shannon fully expects life to be better. She's part of the in crowd, and her best friend Jen is the most popular girl in school. But all of the rules that Shannon thought she knew about how to behave at school turn out to be wrong! One's level of coolness is always one incident away from cratering, and the simplest mistake can make you an outcast forever. Well, at least for the day!

With so many things changing, it's now not cool to talk to some people. But Shannon like her friends, even if they are considered not cool by the it crowd. Shannon desperately want to be part of the it crowd, but she also doesn't want to lose her friends. So Shannon sets out to learn who sets the rules, and what can she do to change them!

A hilarious look at entering middle school, Shannon's daily discovery of new rules and the constant change that is swirling through her school makes for funny situations and many lessons learned. In the end, Shannon will need to find her own path and not rely on the cool crowd for guidance!

How to Protect Bookstores: The Present and Future of Bookselling

Caine, Danny. How to Protect Bookstores: The Present and Future of Bookselling. 2023. 222p. ISBN 9781648411632.

Since the invention of the printing press, book stores represented a wealth of knowledge that could be purchased locally. Usually located at the center of the village or town, the book store would be patronized by those who could read, and as literacy expanded in the 19th and 20th century, more and more book stores sprung to meet the demand. In the 1970s and 1980s, publishing houses gobbled up each other, leading to a reduction in publishers and a decrease in the profits of local bookstores. They continued to operate, but the overall number of bookstores slowly declined.

The arrival of Amazon changed everything. Suddenly bookstores went out of business in droves as the digital giant pushed profits down, and facilitated access to an inventory no local store could match. The loss of bookstores contributed to the ravage of main streets across the nation. But then a small light at the end of the tunnel appeared, and since the mid 2010s, the number of local bookstores has actually increased, as people seek a community, and not just the lowest price. 

Bookstores feature local collections designed to address the reading needs of their population. They offer onsite events, celebrations, and cement a whole neighborhood. Bookstores challenge the narrative that the United States is a monolith melting pot, and they offer views that may not be popular. Bookstores also document their own community, providing meeting space and a convivial environment where marginalized groups can find themselves.

Bookstores deserve our support. Next time you purchase a book, think about your local bookstore!

Kill a Man

Orlando, Steve. Kill a Man. 2020. 128p. ISBN 9781949028478. 

When James watches his father, kickboxer DJ Bellyi die during a fight with Xavier Mayne in the ring, his whole world crumbles. This is made worse when it is revealed that DJ Bellyi had thrown gay slurs against Xavier Mayne during the fight. Xavier never fought again. 

Years later, James Bellyi has joined the ranks of the MMA, becoming a star and on track to earn top endorsements. However, during a press conference his next opponent reveals that James is gay, and, taken by surprise, James is unable to defend himself. Suddenly, everything that he has built collapses, as no one in the MMA wants to fight a gay guy. James finds himself cast out and abandoned by his friends, his trainer, and his fans. 

Hoping to return to the MMA and earn a title fight, James turns to the only person who could understand his situation. Xavier Mayne continued to train young fighter, but avoided the limelight. Can James reconciles with the man who killed his father so that he can reach the top? Can Xavier forgive the man he killed in the ring long enough to help his son?

Salt the Water

Iloh, Candice. Salt the Water. 2023. 288p. ISBN 9780593529317.

Cerulean is a free spirit caught in a higher schooler body. they've lived their whole live encouraged and supported to be themselves by two amazing parents and a great support network. Unfortunately, high school is all about conforming and following rules and regulations, even if these rules don't make any sense at all. With six months to go before graduation, Cerulean is counting the days before they get to leave their public school and fulfill their desire of living off the grid with friends, away from the capitalist system that has undermined their lives and that of their community. 

Cerulean is particularly resentful of her English teacher, who seems to have it out for them, calling them the wrong name and making insinuating remarks that they are not as smart as they think they are. During a high stake test, despite being warned not to leave, Cerulean finds themself suffering a bathroom emergency, so they sneak out of the room and return a few minutes later. Unfortunately, their teacher noticed their absence, and Cerulean's test is shredded and thrown in the trash. This send Cerulean over the edge, and they have a very robust verbal exchange with the teacher that earns them an out of school suspension for three weeks.

Not wanting to deal with the consequences, Cerulean stops attending school. Why put off their dream when they could start it now? What's the point of school anyway? But the money Cerulean had saved for their future is suddenly needed when their father, the rock of the family, suffers a catastrophic injury in his restaurant, with massive burns on his body, and equally massive medical bills. Cerulean's funds are now needed to keep the family afloat. With all of these obstacles in their way, can Cerulean still pursue the future they have been dreaming of?

A novel in verse, Salt the Water explores nonbinary representation of African-Americans and the measures that must sometimes be taken to prevent others from silencing one's voice. Containing a severe critique of a school system unable or unwilling to accommodate the realities lived by their students, the book offers a gritty portrayal of life in an urban school and what it means to not belong.

Imperialism

Lenin, vladimir. Imperialism. 2022. 318 mins. ISBN 9781781984444.

Best known as the first leader of the Soviet Union, Vladimir Lenin was also Communist philosopher and thinker who expounded on social, historical, and economic issues. While the world was engulfed in the First World War, Lenin wrote Imperialism to present his theory that capitalism, taken to its extremes, created monopolies and generated the need and desire for colonialism, the conquering of new markets and the imposition of one's social structures on another society. These actions in turn fostered imperialism, a practice where strong nations gain political, economic, and social dominance over weaker ones, exploiting their resources and people for their own benefit. The First World War was an excellent example of this, according to Lenin, with Imperialist powers on both sides seeking to retain control of the parts of the world they already controlled.

As a capitalist business became more efficient and generated extra capital, it sought to improve and expand its services while also acquire its competitors, to reduce competition and increases prices. Successful businesses could achieve a monopolistic status at home. As it continued to generate capital, it would then seek additional opportunities outside the boundaries of its state. As it expanded elsewhere, it could lobby its own government to impose favorable terms on the other countries, and, when profits were threatened, the State could militarily intervene. This in turn led to imperalist expansions, and inflict pain and suffering on the local populations as they were mercilessly exploited.

Though Lenin's vision of the world never came to be, his views on imperialism and the exploitative nature of colonialism remains important to understand the world we live in today.

Blue Exorcist, Vol. 11

Kato, Kazue. Blue Exorcist, Vol. 11. 2013. 210p. ISBN 9781421558868. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

Having been entrusted with investigating the Seven School Mysteries in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 10, Yukio leads his brother Rin and the Exwires as they take on the demons and other ghosts that plague True Cross Academy. Yukio remains still plagued with his own doubts about whether he himself is infected by demonic powers as he observes his brother gaining more control over his own abilities.

Meanwhile, the Illuminate's plan progresses along, as demonic chaos spreads throughout the land. Their man-made Gehenna Gate all but insures that Assiah will be consumed by destruction, unless the Vatican manages to stop them in their tracks. But when revelations indicate there is a spy in the Japan branch, at True Cross Academy, all eyes turn back to Japan...

The story continues in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 12.

Miles Morales Suspended

Reynolds, Jason, and Zeke Peña. Miles Morales Suspended. Book 3 of the Miles Morales Graphic Novels. 2023. 320p. ISBN 9781665918466.

Miles Morales got himself in trouble when confronting a racist teacher, and he finds himself spending a whole day isolated in a classroom with other delinquents following his in-school suspension. Though a kid with superpowers, Miles can't get himself out of punishment, and must watch the clock slowly tick by as he waits for the end of the day. Fortunately, the girl he has a massive crush on is also in the room with him, and so are others who have also gotten in trouble. Supervised by the girl's gym teacher and a school guard, Miles and the rest of them must complete a ton of work packets before the end bell.

As Miles attempts to do anything more than babble with his crush, his spider sense begins to tinkle. Something feels odd. Staying focused on not screwing up in front of his crush, Miles once again has to save the world from a dastardly villain who thinks he can destroy Black and Brown history!

The Puppets of Spelhorst.

DiCamillo, Kate. The Puppets of Spelhorst. 160p. ISBN 9781536216752.

Walking in town one day, an old salty captain saw five puppets in the window of a toy shop. There was a girl, a boy, a king, a wolf, and an owl. He immediately felt the need to purchase the girl puppet. When the owner told him he must buy all five, the captain relented and agreed. The girl puppet reminded him of a girl he had once been in love with. Placing these puppets in his trunk, the old captain soon died, and his puppets found their way to a family with young children.

The king always loved to order everyone else around, for what is a king supposed to do? The girl loved to sing, but she only knew one song. The boy knew he was destined to be a hero, for why else would he have a bow and a quiver filled with arrows? The wolf was very impressed with her sharp teeth, and she knew everyone should be scared of her. The owl was filled with wisdom, but longed to fly the skies. As the puppets discovered their new home, they also found new desires and developed new relationships and understandings with each other. Each of them realizes that they are part of a story, and despite their ups and downs together, they belong with each other. The two girls who now own the puppets craft a play they perform in front of their family. In this play, the puppets end up acting the story of a young man who is cursed by a wizard to lose the love of his life, and who looks for her the rest of his life, in a story that resembles that of the old sea captain.

Beautifully told, the story of the puppets resemble folk tales, with bigger than life characters who discover themselves during their adventures, even if they are only puppets. Wherever we found ourselves on the road of life, we can always trust that we will find friends along the road.

You're gonna die alone (& Other Excellent News)

Donalson, Devrie Brynn. You're gonna die alone (& Other Excellent News). 2023. 244p. ISBN 9798212186452.

One of TikTok's hottest star, Devrie Donalson delivers witty and entertaining views on many aspects of life while exploring her own biography, and comes to the conclusion that you will die alone, and that's okay! Society has conditioned us to want to have a partner, a soulmate, a lover that we can spend our days with. But your best friend, the person you should love the most, is the person you spend the most time with throughout your life, and that is you! You are always with you, working, playing, sleeping, and enjoying or regretting life. 

Devrie provides vignettes of her life, examining such aspects as what she would want for her funeral service when she dies; how she grew up in a religious household but eventually realized that the Christians that claim to worship God are not ready to be accepting and welcoming, despite the teachings of Jesus; and how her college house was haunted with a ghost in the attic. All of these vignettes serve to explore existential truths that apply to everyone, regardless of gender, age, religion, and identity. In the end, Devrie reveals the universal truth that the only thing that we can count in life is change.

Fans of humorous writing and of self help will appreciate this short book, and might learn a thing or two about their own lives.