title: Artie and the Wolf Moonauthor: Olivia Stephensdate: Graphic Universe/Lerner; 2021main character: Artie IrvinYA graphic novel; fiction Olivia Stephens is a graphic novelist from the Pacific Northwest region of the US. Her work includes illustrations for Fiyah Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction, The NY Times and The Guardian. You may recognize her work from the… Read More review: Artie and the Wolf Moon

The following questions are meant to help facilitate the online discussion og Black Boy Joy hosted by Sarah Park Dahlen and myself with special guests authors Don P. Hooper and Julian WInters. Discussion Questions We’re so used to stories of oppression and Black boys deficiencies. What ways of being Black boys were in these stories… Read More discussion guide: Black Boy Joy

Every single time I mail a package at the post office, I’m asked, “Does this parcel contain anything liquid, fragile, perishable, or potentially hazardous.” I’ve checked and even though I always want to respond, “Yes! there are books in this box!” but, the US Postal Service doesn’t recognize any harm in books. To too many, the harmfulness of thoughts, knowledge… Read More Oh, The Harm!

title: Troublemakerauthor: John Cho and Sarah Sukdate: Little, Brown; March 2022main character: Jordan Parkreview based on advance copy Jordan Park is convinced that he’s a disappointment to his parents. What makes It even worse is that they and his school principal have confirmed that to him. Since he can never measure up to his sister,… Read More review: Troublemaker

title: The Other Side of Perfectauthor: Mariko Turkdate: Little, Brown; 2021main character: Alina Keeler Marigo Turk received her PhD in English from the University of Florida, with a concentration in children’s literature. She currently works as a Writing Center consultant. Her inspiration for this book comes from her personal experience as a ballerina who broke… Read More review: The Other Side of Perfect