Behind Five Willows has easily become a new favorite of mine and the perfect Young Adult recommendation for those looking for a historical retelling of a classic with a sweet romance that is appropriate for teen readers. Behind Five Willows is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in the Joseun era of Korea. During a time of censorship and book-banning, Haewon, our Elizabeth Bennett, works secretly as a transcriber of novels. Though she often seems at odds with Master Yu, a recent acquaintance (and our Mr. Darcy of the tale), she learns that there is definitely more to him than meets the eye, and that he is harboring a secret of his own…
This book explores themes of censorship, classism, gender-roles, and freedom of thought and speech. This book discusses in great depth the power of the novel and the power creative freedom holds, and how authoritative figures may see these freedoms as ‘dangerous’ in opposition to their control. Readers can expect to be kept on the edge of their seat as the stakes of the novel, and the secrets of our characters, unfold while rooting for them to succeed the whole time. Behind Five Willows is the perfect reader’s advisory for those that are interested in historical novels, are looking for a swoony but clean romance, and have interest in political themes that are just as relevant to today’s world (book-banning, censorship, gender-roles, etc.). A gripping plot, a driving pace, and characters you can’t help but to love, June Hur’s show more reimagining of a classic will exceed expectations and leave reader’s with a deeper appreciation for the art of the written word. show less
This book explores themes of censorship, classism, gender-roles, and freedom of thought and speech. This book discusses in great depth the power of the novel and the power creative freedom holds, and how authoritative figures may see these freedoms as ‘dangerous’ in opposition to their control. Readers can expect to be kept on the edge of their seat as the stakes of the novel, and the secrets of our characters, unfold while rooting for them to succeed the whole time. Behind Five Willows is the perfect reader’s advisory for those that are interested in historical novels, are looking for a swoony but clean romance, and have interest in political themes that are just as relevant to today’s world (book-banning, censorship, gender-roles, etc.). A gripping plot, a driving pace, and characters you can’t help but to love, June Hur’s show more reimagining of a classic will exceed expectations and leave reader’s with a deeper appreciation for the art of the written word. show less
What would happen if you broke your grandmother’s favorite cup and someone else takes the blame for it? How would you feel? These are the questions X. Fang explores in her book Broken. While visiting her grandmother, Ama, Mei Mei accidentally knocks over her favorite cup from the table, causing it to break. Instead of admitting to her mistake, Mei Mei stands by as the family cat, Mimi, takes the blame. Overwhelmed by anxiety and guilt, Mei Mei is eventually moved to confess that she was the one who broke the cup.
This book beautifully explores the concepts of guilt, anxiety, and forgiveness. Broken would be a perfect addition to any lessons that explore emotional concepts, emotional navigation, and holding oneself accountable to their mistakes. This book also has a wonderful secondary message of how “broken” items are not necessarily broken but have their own unique story to tell.
X. Fang’s use of illustrations to help convey the story is exemplary; they clearly articulate and communicate the suspense, anxiety, and guilt felt by Mei Mei throughout the book. The muted color palette is in perfect balance with the imagery so that children do not become too overwhelmed by the emotions felt through the pictures. The illustrations easily engages children and holds their attention throughout the story while helping move the narrative along. Broken is an easy 5 star read and should be added to the reading lists of any educator, parent, or caretaker when starting to teach show more their child/children early-learning concepts. show less
This book beautifully explores the concepts of guilt, anxiety, and forgiveness. Broken would be a perfect addition to any lessons that explore emotional concepts, emotional navigation, and holding oneself accountable to their mistakes. This book also has a wonderful secondary message of how “broken” items are not necessarily broken but have their own unique story to tell.
X. Fang’s use of illustrations to help convey the story is exemplary; they clearly articulate and communicate the suspense, anxiety, and guilt felt by Mei Mei throughout the book. The muted color palette is in perfect balance with the imagery so that children do not become too overwhelmed by the emotions felt through the pictures. The illustrations easily engages children and holds their attention throughout the story while helping move the narrative along. Broken is an easy 5 star read and should be added to the reading lists of any educator, parent, or caretaker when starting to teach show more their child/children early-learning concepts. show less
Tig by Heather Smith
Warnings for parental abandonment, parent alcoholism, trauma, trauma recovery, and neglect of children.
This was a very moving story that will stick with me for some time. Tig follows the titular character, a young girl of eleven, after having been abandoned by her mother. She is relocated to live with her Uncle Scott and his husband, Manny, struggling to cope with the grief and trauma she experienced both while living with her mother and after her abandonment. While the recommended reading age for this book is grades 4-6, I would almost say this book might be a more appropriate read for grade levels 7-8 due to the complex themes the novel explores.
This book might be difficult to place in a lesson plan due to the themes and potentially triggering content in this book. Perhaps if there are lessons that explore emotional concepts, such as grief and trauma, or lessons related to non-traditional family living situations. However, I would advise careful consideration when making this a mandatory read, again, due to the themes of this book.
On a personal note, I loved this book. The themes that are explored in the novel, albeit difficult, are done so with care. The novel is wonderfully crafted and detailed. There is a twist towards the end, one that I had not been expecting, and I applaud the author for constructing the novel in a way that if you were to revisit passages, the clues were there all along. I also very much appreciate the LGBTQ+ representation and the show more representation of families that might not be considered “traditional”. show less
This was a very moving story that will stick with me for some time. Tig follows the titular character, a young girl of eleven, after having been abandoned by her mother. She is relocated to live with her Uncle Scott and his husband, Manny, struggling to cope with the grief and trauma she experienced both while living with her mother and after her abandonment. While the recommended reading age for this book is grades 4-6, I would almost say this book might be a more appropriate read for grade levels 7-8 due to the complex themes the novel explores.
This book might be difficult to place in a lesson plan due to the themes and potentially triggering content in this book. Perhaps if there are lessons that explore emotional concepts, such as grief and trauma, or lessons related to non-traditional family living situations. However, I would advise careful consideration when making this a mandatory read, again, due to the themes of this book.
On a personal note, I loved this book. The themes that are explored in the novel, albeit difficult, are done so with care. The novel is wonderfully crafted and detailed. There is a twist towards the end, one that I had not been expecting, and I applaud the author for constructing the novel in a way that if you were to revisit passages, the clues were there all along. I also very much appreciate the LGBTQ+ representation and the show more representation of families that might not be considered “traditional”. show less