Review: The Men of the 65th

 “Men of the 65th” is the gripping story of the U.S. Army 65th Regiment from Puerto Rico. Formed after the Spanish American War, the unit fought with distinction in World War I and World War II. The men of the 65th were known for their determination, fortitude, and ferocity in battle. The regiment was sent to the Korean peninsula during the Korean War, where the highly disciplined group earned even more accolades. A series of changes in leadership and turnover in the ranks (because of battle losses and regular rotation out) led to a decline in morale and uneven performance on the battlefield. Ultimately, dozens of men were court-martialed after refusing to walk into another meat-grinder of a battle. Was this fair or appropriate given everything they had done?

This is a fascinating story that reads like a traditional history book with troop movements, numbers of troops, and battle details. This can seem repetitive and dry at times. On the other hand, Aikens-Nunez uses these facts to make a convincing case that the 65th faced discrimination even as they were lauded for bravery. 

Sidebars give additional explanation for key ideas such as background on the Borinqueneers (and what the name means) and the names for groups of people in the Army. These add interest and explanation.

Maps that include the body of water on the eastern side of the Korean peninsula show both names: the familiar Sea of Japan and the South Korean preferred name, East Sea. South Korea continues to advocate for the name change to the East Sea.

“Men of the 65th” would be great for middle and high school readers who want to know more about how the Korean War was fought.

Thanks to NetGalley, Lerner Publishing Group, and Zest Books for an advance reader copy of “Men of the 65th” in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Review: Breaking News: Why Media Matters

“Breaking News: Why Media Matters” by Raina Delisle is an excellent introduction to media literacy for middle grade and early teen students. The book provides a brief history of Western journalism and specific steps to take to analyze the deluge of information we get every day. There is an emphasis on journalism’s watchdog function in modern society and ideas for students to get involved. The book has multiple specific (and current) examples from Canada and the United States.

Lots of white space on the pages, good use of color, and a multitude of sidebars make for a strong design. The sidebars provide examples of young people involved in journalism or give extra details about the topic of the chapter. The text is easy to understand, but does not talk down to students. Julie McLaughlin’s illustrations add interest and bring home the point of the necessity of diversity in modern newsrooms.

This book is great for those interested in media literacy, journalism history, and media activism. It would be a great addition to the classroom library. I would expect “Breaking News” would get students fired up about media literacy.

Thanks to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

“Breaking News: Why Media Matters” will be available in mid-May.

Review: Warrior Girl Unearthed

Angeline Boulley’s “Warrior Girl Unearthed” is her second YA novel featuring members of the Firekeeper family. The Firekeeper-Birch twins are now teenagers and, much to Perry’s (Pearl May) dismay, participating in a paid summer internship program in the tribal community. Perry would much rather be fishing than stuck indoors, but a traffic accident while speeding has left her in debt to her Aunt Daunis. While working the internship, Perry is forced to confront the impact of missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW) and the theft of cultural artifacts, including the remains of ancestors. Along the way, the family becomes embroiled in a murder investigation and Perry makes a startling discovery that leaves her no choice but to take matters into her own hands in order to bring her ancestors home, but will she be able to carry out her plan before a killer strikes again?

I loved catching up with the characters from Boulley’s first book “Firekeeper’s Daughter.” The title of this book seems to refer both to the thousands of remains still held by museums and private collectors as well as Perry’s burgeoning power as an indigenous woman. Part of Perry’s appeal is her sense of justice coupled with the impetuousness of a typical teenager. She makes grave mistakes with her big heart, but it’s clear that she has the larger community in mind. She struggles through self-reflection and learns to temper her power to get what she wants. The list of thought-provoking aspects to this story are practically endless.

“Warrior Girl Unearthed” is a powerful story for those who enjoy contemporary YA fiction featuring strong female characters, indigenous stories, and mysteries. I will be getting copies of this book for my classroom.

Classroom Considerations: This story would be great as a jumping off point to discuss topics such as MMIW, the legacy of Indian Boarding Schools, and who owns cultural artifacts. 

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for an advance reader copy of “Warrior Girl Unearthed” in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own. 

“Warrior Girl Unearthed” will be available in early May. I highly recommend pre-ordering your copy now.

Review: Nic Blake and the Remarkables Manifestor Prophecy

Nic Blake got a hellhound for her twelfth birthday. She really would rather have received a dragon and lessons on using the Gift. As a Remarkable, Nic is pretty sure that she should be learning to use her powers by now, but her dad puts her off, in part citing the fact that they live as exiles in the Unremarkable world. After Nic sneaks out of the house to meet up with her best friend JP and his mom to see their favorite author, Nic begins to learn the secrets of her past and unwittingly sets off a chain of events that lead her on a quest to prove her dad’s innocence of a crime she knows he didn’t commit, before it’s too late. 

Angie Thomas’ “Nic Blake and the Remarkables Manifestor Prophecy” is a winner. Though it’s geared toward middle grade readers, the story is so well-crafted that anyone who enjoys adventure stories will surely love it. Nic is a delight. Though headstrong, she is also thoughtful and introspective enough to know that, at twelve, she still has things to learn about life. All of Thomas’ characters are delightful, each with their own hopes and dreams. The world building is efficient, but gives the reader a clear sense of how the Remarkable and Unremarkable worlds work. This is a coming of age story about finding your Power. Thomas expertly weaves African American history and folklore into this first in a trilogy adventure. I am looking forward to what’s next for Nic!

This book is great for students who like adventure or fantasy stories. 

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for an advance reader copy in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Review: Silence of Deceit

“Silence of Deceit” is the third entry in Cara Devlin’s “Bow Street Dutchess” series. In this adventure, an acquaintance of Audrey’s is found dead. Bow Street Principal Officer Hugh Marsden reluctantly involves Audrey in the case, but they soon find themselves uncovering a dangerous scheme of blackmail and murder that reaches into the darkest parts of Audrey’s past. Sometimes at odds, they race to find the killer before Audrey can become a victim or see her secrets exposed to society.

This series just keeps getting better and better. The romantic tension between Audrey and Hugh is well-written and wisely shows the complexity of their relationship. There is no easy path for these two, but that is part of the appeal of this story and the series as a whole. The mystery seems simple on the surface, but time and again, Audrey and Hugh can’t make the pieces of the puzzle fit together…what are they missing? The twists and hidden relationships in this one keep the reader guessing. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series!

This book is great for those who enjoy historical mysteries and slow-burn romances. 

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Review: The World That Feeds Us

Take a quick trip around the world of farming in “The World That Feeds Us.” There is a LOT going on in this book as you learn about farming plants and animals, the difference between conventional and organic farming, the types of urban farms, and heirloom breeds. The colorful, yet simple illustrations are a delight.

Each double-page spread is well designed with information about farming activities in a given season and supporting information (such as different ways to harvest food). Farming techniques and plant or animal types around the world are featured in the story, making it clear that farming happens around the world. 

This book will be a go-to for learning about where our food comes from. The would be great as a read aloud, but also for independent readers. I can see middle grade students enjoying the story. 

Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for a free Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

"The World That Feeds Us" is available April 11.