New Crayons: What's New On Our Shelves

Remember when you were a kid and getting new crayons was a big deal? Getting new books holds the same kind of magic for some of us big kids. Every week on Sunday, I post what's new in our box. I think crayons is a pretty cool metaphor for multicultural lit. Every week we receive a book is a good week.

This week was exceptionally bountiful. Thanks to Ari, Justine and Bloomsbury Publishing, our friends at Lee & Low and author Breena Clark. Here's a short list of what's new on our shelves:

Stand The Storm by Breena Clark. Ms. Clark sent us two of her titles. If you're willing to review this title for us, write me and you may keep the copy. How cool is that?
Breena Clarke's Stand the Storm centers on the story of "Sewing Annie" Coats and her son, Gabriel, expert tailors who manage to purchase their freedom at the cost of entering a less than lucrative business arrangement with their former owner. Nonetheless, hard work and thriftiness allow them to purchase Ellen (Annie's equally talented daughter) and her daughter, Delia. Prosperity reigns but the clan is happy for only a short while.

When I was a Soldier by Valerie Zenatti. Thanks to the folks at Bloomsbury we have this memoir. Participate in our quizzes or Diversity Roll Call and this could be yours.
When we first meet Valerie she is preoccupied with the final preparations for her bac exams, working after school at Extrapharm, wrapping perfumes and stacking shelves, hanging out with her close girlfriends, Russian immigrants Yulia and Rahel, and nursing a broken heart after being phased out by her boyfriend Jean-David. She is in many ways an ordinary girl with recognisable concerns and a modern, western lifestyle."Here," she writes, "the army is part of lives. Soldiers — boys and girls — are the heroes of the past."

Liar by Justine Larbalestier. Oh, imagine me doing the happy dance. My daughter and I will be reading this together. May be too much mother-daughter time for her but I'm sure the story will hook her. When we're done, one copy goes on the shelf and one goes in the Prize Bucket. I'm hoping the kidlet will review this. This doesn't need an synopsis but do check out Justine's blog. And for those who don't know, check out Zetta's review:
There are definite traces of Octavia Butler in this book, which is one of the highest compliments I can bestow; Larbalestier handles race, sex, and *community* in a very similar, direct way.


Tofu Quilt by Ching Yeung Russell
In her first collection of poems, Ching Yeung Russell captures elements of her youth in rich, vivid snapshots and authentic detail. Readers of all backgrounds will relate to spirited Yeung Ying, her dynamic family, and her courage in the face of life’s obstacles.

I and I by Tony Medina. Thanks to Hannah at Lee & Low we have this lovely title. I'm pretty sure it's going in the Prize Bucket. If you're willing to review it, it's yours.
Brimming with imagination and insight, I and I Bob Marley, is a multifaceted tribute befitting this international musical legend. Soulful, sun-drenched paintings transport readers to Bob Marley’s Jamaica, while uniquely perceptive poems bring to life his fascinating journey from boy to icon.

What did you get in the mail this week, at the library or the bookstore? What's better than another book to read? Until next week, happy reading.