The Poet X

Brilliantly narrated by the author. This novel in verse tells the story of a fifteen yer old girl trying to navigate New York City, her poetry, religion, her parents, her twin brother, and her feelings toward men. As a curvaceous Afro-Latona, Xiomara is used to the catcalls and ugly things people say to her; but she channels that energy into her notebook. When a new teacher debuts a slam poetry club she is compelled to it, but will anyone relate to her words, will she have the strength to speak them out loud when she can't even stand up to her mother? Heartbreaking, riveting, EMPOWERING; this audiobook was masterful. A brilliant coming of age story!!

With the Fire on High

LOVED LOVED LOVED this book! I loved the characters, the layout, the recipes, the plot, and that beautiful ass cover. How can you not pick up this book with a gorgeous cover like this? Emoni has a lot on her plate. Not only is she a senior trying to figure out what her future after high school will be; but she lives at home with her grandma and two year old daughter, works part time, and tries to excel in class. Emoni's real passion is her daughter and cooking. She can whip up recipes that will make the strongest men cry, and whenever she is overwhelmed she feels safest in the kitchen. When her high school offers an immersive culinary class that will have a week long study abroad component in Spain, Emoni is torn. How can she afford to go and how can she leave Babygirl alone for a week? Is wanting to take this class selfish of her?  To make matters worse, that good looking boy Malachi is in that class. She doesn't have time for boys and their nonsense. A wonderful book about taking risks, putting family first, and realizing that just because your path doesn't look the same as someone else; doesn't mean it is any better or worse. A truly wonderful book that will resonate with many readers.