The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat

Illustrated by Joanna Cacao 5 stars What a fantastic read! Though I typically am not drawn to realistic fiction, cheerleading is a topic I can’t resist. As I was reading this, I was pleasantly surprised that the book was about much more than cheerleading. Christina Soontornvat recounts her experiences in seventh grade, centered around the…

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Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

4 stars A heartfelt tale of friendship, community, and a bit of wonder. Red the wishtree has a lot to offer: shade, homes for animals, and a place for wishes. But perhaps their most important contribution is one not directly evident. Through their story, they promote acceptance, understanding, and sympathy. A sweet tale about different…

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How to Be an Indian in the 21st Century by Louis V. Clark (Two Shoes)

2 stars An interesting memoir told in poetry and prose. Clark works many topics into the collection, from parenthood and relationships to baseball and a disdain for offensive mascots that claim to “honor” culture and tradition. From mundane experiences to exciting stories, this book covers a lot of ground. It includes much about how indigenous…

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