A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi
Mafi, T. (2018). A very large expanse of sea. HarperTeen.
ISBN: 9780062866561
Summary:
This semi-autobiographical novel about acceptance tells the story of a young Muslim girl named Shirin who counts down the days til graduation so that she can get away from the mistreatment she's felt since the events of 9/11. Because of her experiences, Shirin shuts herself off from the world to avoid prejudice. When she unexpectedly finds the acceptance she's looking for in a surprising place, the story expands on self understanding and first loves.
Analysis:
The themes of navigating prejudice and acceptance of many types are both prevalent in this lovely realistic fiction novel by Mafi. Although the book falls along very common tropes (one teen is facing prejudice and one is dealing with being on the team or not) the story lends itself to easy reading with simple language and common thematic elements that allow readers to quickly flow through its pages.
Culturally, Mafi pours her own experiences growing up a Muslim child in a post-9/11 world. It goes into detail about family ties and traditions of females within a culture. It enlightens readers as to why certain practicing Muslim women believe in covering their hair. It also will open younger readers eyes to the way certain cultures were treated, or mistreated, after an event that shocked the world.
Review Excerpt:
SLJ-
"Shirin and Ocean’s interactions are palpable, and the discussions and exploration of what it means to be a Muslim in politically charged America will resonate with many teens and will be enlightening for some."
Connection:
This is a book trailer by the author, Tahereh Mafi (in which she also pronounces her name so people can learn it) about the book:
Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan
Levithan, D. (2005). Boy meets boy. Alfred A. Knopf.
ISBN: 9781501235702
Summary:
This story follows Paul's experience in a high school that is basically an LGBTQ+ utopia. When Paul makes a mistake and loses the "love of his life" the odds of getting him back are, according to the school bookie, 12-to-1. In this crazy world, romantic comedy is just the tip of the iceberg when it come to describing this story of doing the utmost.
Analysis:
This super hyperbolic story follows a teenager who seems to have access to the ultimate LGBTQ+ world. It has wonderful moments when the character are experiencing new love and social adventure, and the themes portrayed by teenagers navigating a 'crazy world' will hopefully enable readers to find the fun within the pages. Widely criticized and compared to fantasy instead of realistic fiction, Levithan tries to teach readers about a world without judgement, which is truly the utopia for the LGBTQ+ community.
Review Excerpt:
Horn Book-
"Using a diverse cast of queer characters, David Levithan’s semi-utopian Boy Meets Boy...affirm[s] that there is a whole rainbow of ways to be gay."
Connection:
David Levithan has written several books. Here is short interview about his book Every Day.
A Friend for Henry by John Henry, Illustrated by Mika Song
Bailey, J., & Song, M. (2019). A friend for henry. Chronicle Books Llc.
ISBN: 9781452167916
Summary:
Henry isn't like the rest of the children in room 6. He likes things a certain way, and doesn't like when the other kids don't follow 'the rules.' Overall, Henry really just wants a friend that understands him. When Katie starts to watch Gilly, the class fish, with him, Henry learns to understand a friend.
Analysis:
The writing style in this book is so very wonderfully done. When Henry doesn't agree with something, or something bothers his Autism, the author italicizes the reaction to emphasize Henry's reaction. Henry likes things in a particular way and is very literal in a room of children with big imaginations and personalities. Henry spends time alone, his way of coping, and eventually finds solace in another who is different than the rest of the room. The themes of acceptance and understanding are wonderfully written in a way even the youngest reader can understand in this Schneider Family Book Award Honor book.
Review Excerpt:
Kirkus-
"Whether on the spectrum or not, friends don't have to share everything, just enough, and this book sweetly provides."
Connection:
This is a wonderful read-aloud of the short story.
Once Upon an EID-Edited by S. K. Ali
Ali, S. K. (Ed.). (2020). Once upon an eid : Stories of hope and joy by 15 muslim voices. Amulet Books.
ISBN: 9781419754036
Summary:
This collection of 15 celebrations of Eid, or 'festival', a Muslim cultural celebration, through short story, illustration, verse, and graphic novel.
Analysis:
Individually, the celebrations are unique in their own way. From celebrating the excitement of going through a cultural rite, like getting to the age where a girl gets to finally wear the hijab, to stories about being generous with others, this book truly gives readers who aren't familiar with this specific culture an insight in a way that doesn't come across as pushy, but instead truly celebrates the moments. The anthology gives a strong theme of community and learning, coming of age and understanding ones own culture. It is a great addition to a collection for Muslim students to see their uniqueness truly expressed in such a positive way.
Review Excerpt:
Kirkus-
"The diversity within the collection is impressive, including several blended families and a recently converted one, and while the writing varies in style and quality, each story is engaging, full of emotion and thought. . . This thoughtful and uplifting volume will keep readers turning pages year-round; here's to many more."
Connection:
This is a wonderful fan review about the book that gives five reasons to read this book: