Outstanding Books of the Month – September 2023
Each month we post an annotated bibliography of books that were rated ‘Outstanding’ at our previous meeting and nominated for our year-end Distinguished List. You can see full reviews of these books and many more in our BayViews blog. Interested in becoming a member? Join, come to our monthly meetings, and hear about these Outstanding books in person!
Biography
This Boy: The Early Lives of John Lennon & Paul McCartney by Ilene Cooper, Viking, August 2023.
This dual biography of the Beatles’ founding members and songwriting team Lennon and McCartney is filled with quotations from family members and classmates, making it lively and authentic. This contains many b&w photos, source notes, a bibliography, and index.
Fiction
Aniana Del Mar Jumps In by Jasminne Mendez, Penguin / Dial, March 2023.
This engaging novel-in-verse gives voice to Aniana Del Mar, a strong and believable 12-year-old with a chronic health condition that prevents her from doing what she loves most–swimming. The book offers a hopeful perspective without sugar-coating the challenges she faces.
Into the Light by Mark Oshiro, Macmillan/Tor Teen, March 2023.
This is an intense book looking at religious communities seeking to save queer youth of color that moves from mystery and thriller to horror. Very well written, but with trigger warnings for content.
Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli, Balzer & Bray, May 2023.
This sensitive coming-of-age story portrays the internal struggle Imogen faces as she confronts her own assumptions about gender identity. The author skillfully exposes her fears and anxieties, right alongside her excitement, as she and her peers transition from high school to college life.
Leeva at Last by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Matthew Cordell, Balzer + Bray, March 2023.
Leeva has the worst parents in children’s literature since Roald Dahl’s Matilda, (Viking 1988), because they practically keep her imprisoned doing housework. This is partly a satiric look at corrupt politicians, since Leeva’s mother is the mayor and her father the town’s financial manager.
Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus, Holiday House / Ferguson, September 2023.
While Pop is off fighting Nazis, the neighbors looks out for Dory and her brothers, until a new landlord reports them to the city. Luckily Dory has a genius plan. Combining the best of children’s classics, this page-turning adventure, set in a white Lower East Side, is perfect for family read-alouds
You Are Here: Connecting Flights edited by Ellen Oh, Addl. Creators Linda Sue Park, Erin Entrada Kelly, Grace Lin, Traci Chee, Mike Chen, Meredith Ireland, Mike Jung, Minh Lê, Ellen Oh, Randy Ribay, Christina Soontornvat, and Susan Tan, HarperCollins / Allida, March 2023.
A fabulous short fiction collection focusing on Asian American kids that will resonate with all readers.
Non-Fiction
The Story of the Saxophone by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James E. Ransome, Holiday House, February 2023.
This lyrical narrative traces the history of the saxophone, with soft watercolor and ink sketches portraying a range of time periods and locations. Decoupaged gold saxophones add a jazzy note to an interesting, well-told story.
Leave a Reply