School and Community Summer 2024

Diary of a Confused Feminist by Kate Weston

Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renee Watson and Ekua Holmes Renee Watson’s poetry is powerful in this story based on her own childhood, going from a girl of seven to a teenager at thirteen and ending as a woman at seventeen. Ranging from haiku to free verse, the poems can stand alone but are stronger together. Coupled with art from Ekua Holmes, the poem’s messages are brought clear in beautiful colors and images. The book itself is rather short, but absorbing its meaning can take some time to wholly appreciate. Discussion will come easy with this book as a foundation. Bless the Blood: A Cancer Memoir by Walela Nehanda This is one of the most jarring poetry memoirs. As Walela goes through chemotherapy and group therapy sessions, their honesty leaks into their words and onto the pages through their verse. Some of the poems are about ordinary moments in life, while others contemplate what will happen to the people they love if their cancer turns fatal, and battles with determining if this sickness is a curse or a blessing. This book certainly isn’t for everyone, and it can be difficult to read, but it can bring relief to students who are struggling just like Walela. Ariel, Michelle and Gael are quite a trio. Within the first few pages, they go from awkward band aficionados to their own rock band, trying to make it big. However, they each have their own hard choices to make about whether to stay together or pursue their own goals. Between college, love interests, and family obligations, this graphic novel explores the same problems teenagers face through extraordinary art and a riveting story. It’s a quick read with plenty of small details to dive into, and incredibly creative! Punk Rock Karaoke by Bianca Xunise

Kate Weston’s debut novel uses diary entries and text threads to follow the life of Kat as she obsesses over Hot Josh on Instagram, the cute boy she likes in real life and her desire to smash the patriarchy. Each day, her entry ends with “unfeminist thoughts” as she unpacks, debating how to balance being a teenager with raging hormones and trying to be more than just a female gender. As she prepares to perform Romeo and Juliet, her life takes some philosophical twists and turns as she figures out how to stand up for herself. This book is perfect for students who like to be heard. Wings in the Wild/ Alas Salvajes by Margarita Engle Soleida was only 16 when her parents disguised her and sent her from censored Cuba to Costa Rica. 18-year-old Dariel grew up in California, hating how his parents’ luxurious lifestyle contributes to climate change and wants to stop the harm to the planet. When the two meet, it is literal music and poetry as they learn about each other - and what makes them similar and draws them together. This love story has versions in both English and Spanish for readers, and the poems and story will keep students turning pages. Writing in Color edited by Nafiza Azad and Melody Simpson This nonfiction collection is crucial to students who are looking for advice as they start to write. Divided into sections on writing and publishing and with pieces from fourteen different authors, students are bound to hear the advice they need. The clever wit and honest charm tell writers what it’s really like to have deadlines, get stuck with writer’s block or face rejection from multiple publishers for years. However, they all remind the reader that writing is the most important thing a writer can do, and to continue doing it, even if it’s just for themselves.

S&C SUMMER 2024 | 45