How It Went Down by Kekla Magoon

Racial injustice persists when people turn a blind-eye or distance themselves from it by isolating it to some “other” community. This book removes that distance and helps readers view the issue through many perspectives. Don’t look away; keep bearing witness and remake the world anew.

How It Went Down by Kekla Magoon

Magoon, Kekla. How It Went Down. New York: Henry Holt, 2014. Print. Genre: YA (Rashomon) Summary: The tragic shooting of a young black man rips apart an inner city neighborhood. The white man responsible for the killing walks free. Sound familiar? Sadly, this tragic scenario expends gallons of newspaper ink and hours of news coverage… Continue reading How It Went Down by Kekla Magoon

Body of Knowledge by Yours Truly

Today, I’m as happy as a maggot in pus because my short story, “Body of Knowledge” appears in the the February 2016 issue of Muse Magazine for Kids! Based on true events in 19th century Dublin, the hair-raising tale follows four teens on a midnight errand to rob a grave! If I’ve done my job as a… Continue reading Body of Knowledge by Yours Truly

Skippy Dies by Paul Murray

Murray, Paul. Skippy Dies. London: Penguin, 2010. Print. Genre: literary fiction (for adults) (I argue: YA contemporary) Summary: Howard (the coward) returns to teach at his alma mater, Seabrook College. Howard never achieved the fame and fortune that is expected of Seabrook graduates. Instead, he muddles through his life and relationships burdened with the secrets… Continue reading Skippy Dies by Paul Murray

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Wein, Elizabeth. Code Name Verity. New York: Hyperion, 2012. Print. Genre: YA historical fiction Summary: World War II historical fiction of the most gripping kind! Either the protagonist, Julie (AKA “Verity”) spills her guts about her spying exploits or her Gestapo torturers will…well, spill her guts for her! Critique: This book is an epistolary thriller (thought… Continue reading Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein