#IntlYALitMonth (We Made It!)

Thank You! (Gracias/Obrigada) Thank you for joining me and The Global Literature in Libraries Initiative (GLLI) for #IntlYALitMonth, a month dedicated to promoting international and translated literature in libraries worldwide (among other celebrations). Our primary goal has been to increase access to diverse literary works from around the globe and foster cultural exchange through literature. … Continue reading #IntlYALitMonth (We Made It!)

#IntlYALitMonth: given

given, Volume 1 is the first title in a series (stylized in all lower case) from mangaka (manga creator) Natsuki Kizu. On its surface, given is a story about four high school and college students forming an amateur band. Underpinning that ‘simple’ premise however, is a rich opening tale on grief, healing, and relationships. The … Continue reading #IntlYALitMonth: given

#IntlYALitMonth: Thirty Talks Weird Love

Thirty Talks Weird Love If you could go back in time and visit your thirteen-year-old self, what would you say to them? Do you think they would listen? That is precisely what happens to thirteen-year-old Anamaria Aragón Sosa in this artful novel-in-verse by Alessandra Narváez Varela; Thirty Talks Weird Love. Set in Cuidad Juárez, Mexico … Continue reading #IntlYALitMonth: Thirty Talks Weird Love

Exploring the Magic of Children’s Literature at Antwerp University’s Summer School 2022

Children's literature has the remarkable ability to captivate young minds and ignite a lifelong love for reading. It takes a special kind of storytelling to transport children to far-off worlds, introduce them to fascinating characters, and instill important values. Recognizing the significance of children's literature, Antwerp University has organized a fun and collaborative initiative in … Continue reading Exploring the Magic of Children’s Literature at Antwerp University’s Summer School 2022

#IntlYALitMonth: The Marrow Thieves

The Marrow Thieves, by Cherie Dimaline From the first nostalgic and tangible whiff of nacho Doritos that Frenchie shares with his brother to the last hopeful lines that set up the sequel, The Marrow Thieves becomes a shining example of what dystopian literature can be. Set in a world not too far in our future … Continue reading #IntlYALitMonth: The Marrow Thieves

#IntlYALitMonth: A Scatter of Light

A Scatter of Light by Malinda Lo After a camera phone, a high school boy, and the internet ruin her reputation, Aria Tang West spends the summer with her grandmother in a small town in California.  Honestly, that beginning didn't hook me in. But as soon as she meets her grandmother's gardener, Steph, she's hooked for … Continue reading #IntlYALitMonth: A Scatter of Light

#IntlYALitMonth: Pet

Pet, by Akwaeke Emezi DO NOT BE AFRAID. For in Lucille, life is sweet and soft. It has been since the revolution, when the angels disentangled the monsters from society’s fabric and wove it back together, stronger. There are no monsters left. Jam has known this always, as have all the children blossoming in the … Continue reading #IntlYALitMonth: Pet

#IntlYALitMonth: Night Bus

Night Bus, by Zuo Ma, translated from Chinese by Orion Martin. Early in my reading of Night Bus, something strange happened: I began to feel nostalgic for the Chinese countryside of the 1980’s and 90’s. Not that I’ve ever been to China; Zuo Ma’s ability to evoke a sense of place with his incredibly detailed … Continue reading #IntlYALitMonth: Night Bus

#IntlYALitMonth: Raybearer

Raybearer, by Jordan Ifueko This is a must-read for anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking story. This book has truly impacted me and I can’t recommend it enough. From the very first page, I was drawn into the fascinating and beautiful world that Ifueko has created. The characters are complex and relatable, and the … Continue reading #IntlYALitMonth: Raybearer

#IntlYALitMonth: Sabrina & Corina: Stories

Sabrina & Corina: Stories Trigger warning: This book contains scenes of violence and sexual assault that some readers may find triggering to read. Home is where Kali Fajardo-Anstine’s debut short story collection Sabrina & Corina takes place. Home is Denver, Colorado, home is familial, generational relationships between women, but home is also being ripped apart by … Continue reading #IntlYALitMonth: Sabrina & Corina: Stories