Artifacts of an Ex
By J. Chen

This is a sweet story about Chloe, a planning obsessed teen art curator who moves to LA from NYC. Fresh from a break up, she is inspired to create an art exhibit featuring failed relationship mementos. In the process of adjusting to life in LA and making friends with fellow creatives, Chloe meets a cute film maker—Daniel. He’s as sweet as the pineapple cakes Chloe’s ahma used to make but convincing him to date her isn’t easy because of his preconceived ideas about love.

The side characters add additional interest and depth to the story and the way Chloe’s family dynamics were interwoven with the narrative worked beautifully.

This story is a nod to falling in love with LA, finding your artistic tribe, and the ups and downs of all the stages of love. 

A fun read! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Publication date: Nov 13, 2023 (St Martin's Press, Wednesday Books)

FLYING OVER WATER
By S. Hitchcock & N. H. Senzai

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This page-turning dual point-of-view middle-grade novel tells the stories of Noura, a Syrian refugee, and Jordyn, the student ambassador who welcomes Noura and her twin brother to their new school in Tampa, Florida. 

As the girls become better acquainted, they realize they are both battling demons and set about helping each other. But bigger issues are going on around them. There is unrest in the community. The mosque Noura and her family attend is burnt by arsonists and the U.S President has announced a Muslim ban. Other minority groups are suffering, too. 

This is a wonderful, much-needed novel for introducing middle-graders to the important concepts of immigration, what it means to be a refugee, prejudice/racism, and discrimination. It also provides readers with a deeper understanding of the Syrian refugee experience. Read and share widely—with increased tolerance and understanding the world will move closer to becoming a better place for all.

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Marwan’s Journey by Patricia de Arias (Illustrations by Laura Borràs)
 
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
 
This powerful picture book follows the journey of a young boy, Marwan, a refugee seeking a new home. The writing conjures beautiful images and is relatable to anyone on a journey to find a new home. Despite his situation, Marwan’s voice is filled with hope for a brighter future.
 
This is an ideal picture book for explaining the plight of refugees and an ideal mirror for those on such a journey themselves. The beautiful illustrations are a perfect complement to the wonderfully crafted text.