The MALAIKA, CARNIVAL QUEEN book launch on May 6 was simply magical.

Even though this is my eighth book, it doesn’t make this book launch less special than others.

This was the first in-person book event that I organized since 2019 and in spite of a location change and traffic delays which altered some decors plans, the event went smoothly but, way too quickly.

There were so many beautiful moments.  I think my favourites were having my friends, family, past and present coworkers, former teacher, and writing community present to witness what illustrator Irene and I have been working on in the privacy of our own homes and heads.  We both had deep connections to this book.  I am so lucky to work with such a talented illustrator.

I also loved the opportunity to pour out this personal story through my reading.  This was magic for me.

Lastly, the question and answer was so well-done.  Author Kern Carter did his homework and delivered a thoughtful, well-prepared, and thorough Q&A. 

I also had the opportunity to meet my literary agent, Hilary McMahon, in-person for the first time.

Everything came together smoothly.  I particularly wish to thank Joseph, Sadé, and the Groundwood Books team for help with the setup.

I also wish to thank especially everyone who attended my book launch and sent me many of these wonderful photos.

Check out the rest of the Malaika, Carnival Queen tour dates, the book giveaway contest, and the YouTube & Spotify playlists.  See links here: linktr.ee/nadialhohn

To watch the highlight reel video, click here: https://youtu.be/Z5xTwl33Kv8

Stay tuned for a detailed recap in a blog post.



Photos by: @andreapcurtis @bellamazon @jayoh83 @stc_smith @kirstenashleyb0 @rizntree @sahargolshanwriting 
One of my coworkers, my dad, and me

Video editing: Me

​

Flyer Design by Nadia L. Hohn 

A Malaika, Carnival Queen tour is in the works.  These dates have been scheduled so far.  Please check my Instagram @nadialhohn_author each Monday for updates.


* * *

Check out the Malaika, Carnival Queen Playlist is more of a Soundsacape, at four hours and over 60 songs, on Spotify.  To find out the songs and how I was able to write this, blog for the playlist, link, and to find out my process for selecting songs, please visit https://www.nadialhohn.com/blog/malaika-carnival-queen-contest-time-and-thank-you.  Each day on my Intagram @nadialhohn_author and Twitter @nadialhohn, I will share 3 songs and the stories behind them.

* * *

THANK YOU FOR 2, 980+ FOLLOWERS and MALAIKA, CARNIVAL QUEEN comes out in May! To celebrate 🎉 these milestones, you know what that means— BOOK GIVEAWAY CONTEST! With 3 chances to win! This is what I'm giving away: 2 copies of #MalaikaCarnivalQueen 1 Book Prize Package which includes all 4 books in the #Malaikaseries-- #MalaikasCostume #MalaikasWinterCarnival #MalaikasSurprise #MalaikaCarnivalQueen To find out how to win, see the link in my bio for information or visit my blog www.nadialhohn.com/blog/malaika-carnival-queen-contest-time-and-thank-you 


​

“How To Create An Inclusive Literary Festival,” ByBlacks April 2023

“16 Reasons Poetry Is Essential For Black Canadians,” ByBlacks April 2023

“Part 2: Should I Self Publish My Book Or Get An Agent? Advice From Six Black Canadian Authors Who Have Done Both,” ByBlacks March 2023

“Should I Self Publish My Book Or Get An Agent? Advice From Six Black Canadian Authors Who Have Done Both,” ByBlacks March 2023

“Ainara’s Bookshelf is Diversifying What We Read One Book at a Time”, ByBlacks February 2023

Interview on the January 10, 2023 Soul Perspectives, CKUT (McGill University radio).

“Meet Dr. Suzette Mayr: The 2022 Scotiabank Giller Prize Winner”, ByBlacks January 2023

“Celebrate Black Canadian Authors This Holiday Season with These 36 Books”, ByBlacks  December 2022

“If You Love Black Panther, Then You’ll Love These Books”, ByBlacks              November 2022

“The Hairy Truth” and “A Deeper Meaning”, Owl Magazine,                              November 2022

“Three Black Organizations Working to Get Us Reading,” ByBlacks,              October 2022

“Top 10 Summer Reads for Black Canadian Kids,” ByBlacks,     
August 2022

Travelling Across Canada’s Underground Railroad, Owl magazine (January/February 2022)

“Kojo’s Holiday”, Chickadee magazine (December 2021).

“How Harriet’s Daughter Helped Me Find My Way as a Black Canadian and a Writer for Young People”, Arc Poetry magazine (Arc 96 Islands of Influence Caribbean Canadian edition) (Fall 2021).

“Writer with a Capital W”, University of Waterloo podcast

“Writer Finds Resilience Stories Black Women and Girls”, University of Waterloo magazine (Spring 2021). 

​

Patty Dreams (Owlkids), Spring 2025.

Journey to Grandma's House (Groundwood Books), Fall 2024.

The Antiracist Kitchen: 21 Stories (and Recipes) (Orca Books), September 2023.


​

Malaika, Carnival Queen (Groundwood Books), May 2023.

Kwanzaa section in Celebrate with me! Recipes, Crafts, and Holiday Fun from around the world (Magic Cat Publishing/Abrams Kids), 2022

Contributor to 100+ Voices for Miss Lou: Poetry, Tributes, Interviews, Essays anthology (UWI Press), 2021.

Louise Go A Country in 100+ Voices of Miss Lou: Poetry, Tributes, Interviews, Essays (UWI Press, 2022).

Interview in Contemporary Canadian Picture Books: A Critical Review for Educators, Librarians, Families, Researchers, & Writers by Beverley Brenna, Richard Dionne, and Theresa Tavares (Brill, 2021).

Malaika's Surprise (Groundwood Books), Spring 2021  https://houseofanansi.com/products/malaikas-surprise  French version available in 2022 by Éditions Scholastic, Malaika's Surprise Book Trailer

A Likkle Miss Lou: How Jamaican Poet Louise Bennett-Coverley Found Her Voice (Owlkids), Aug. 15, 2019 

Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter (Harper Collins), 2018 

Malaika's Winter Carnival (Groundwood Books), 2017 (available in French and English paperback http://scholastic.ca/editions/livres/view/le-carnaval-de-malaika)

Malaika's Costume (Groundwood Books www.groundwoodbooks.com), 2016 (available in French paperback www.scholastic.ca) 2021 TD Book Giveaway

Music in the Sankofa series (Rubicon Publishing), 2015 www.sankofacollection.com

Media in the Sankofa series (Rubicon Publishing), 2015 www.sankofacollection.com





© Nadia L. Hohn, 2023
Toronto, ON, Canada

​

Yes, you can bring your kids.  This is an all ages event.  

You are cordially invited to the #MalaikaCarnivalQueen Book Launch.

Please join us!  This is what we have in store:

- a reading of Malaika, Carnival Queen
- craft with Irene
- Q&A facilitated by Kern Carter, author of #BoysandGirlsScreaming
- book signing
- surprises
And course, #Carnival. 

Refreshments (and music) will be served.

Our event takes place on Saturday, May 6, 2023 2-4pm ET at #AnansiBookshop, Lower Level, 128 Sterling Road, Toronto, ON (northeast Dundas Street West, south of Bloor Street West, west of Lansdowne Avenue; beside the Museum of Contemporary Art)

For details, please visit the link in my bio and stay tuned for posts.

Illustrated by @ireneluxbacher, #MALAIKACARNIVALQUEEN is the fourth book in my #Malaikaseries and my eighth published title.

This story is close to my heart. 🥰 

For ordering info and details, check the links here: linktr.ee/nadialhohn.

Flyer Design and video editing by Nadia L. Hohn 

Join the #MalaikaCarnivalQueen Book Tour (Part One)!

Malaika, Carnival Queen aka #book8 aka #Malaika4 is here!

You are cordially invited to the #MalaikaCarnivalQueen Book Launch.

Please join us!  This is what we have in store:

- a reading of Malaika, Carnival Queen
- craft with Irene
- Q&A facilitated by Kern Carter, author of #BoysandGirlsScreaming
- book signing
- surprises
And course, #Carnival. 

Refreshments (and music) will be served.

Our event takes place on Saturday, May 6, 2023 2-4pm ET at #AnansiBookshop, Lower Level, 128 Sterling Road, Toronto, ON (northeast Dundas Street West, south of Bloor Street West, west of Lansdowne Avenue; beside the Museum of Contemporary Art)

Illustrated by @ireneluxbacher, #MALAIKACARNIVALQUEEN is the fourth book in my #Malaikaseries and my eighth published title.

This story is close to my heart. 🥰 

For preorder, check the links in my bio.

Flyer Design by Nadia L. Hohn 

Here are some frequently asked questions about the NEW LOCATION for the #MalaikaCarnivalQueen Book Launch.

​​Where is the NEW LOCATION for the May 6 Malaika, Carnival Queen Book Launch?

#AnansiBookshop at #HouseofAnansi/ #GroundwoodBooks
The Lower Level, 128 Sterling Road
Toronto, ON (across the lot from the Museum of Contemporary Art)

Details in video.

There is a small lot beside the bookstore. There is an independent paid parking lot directly across from MOCA that may have availability.
The nearest Green P parking lots are at Dundas St and Roncesvalles Ave, Bloor St and Lansdowne Ave and Margueretta St and Bloor St.


Is there an accessibility entrance?
Yes. From the website: The front door to the Anansi Bookshop is at 128 Sterling Road, with access down two steps from the sidewalk. There is an accessible entrance to our office and bookshop through the front door of 128A Sterling Road, the adjoining building, which is west of us through the parking lot, on the other side of Henderson’s Brewery. If you will use the accessible entrance please contact us at 416 363-4343 x 0 and we will meet you to show you the way in.

Here's how!

From the MOCA website:

Nearest Subway station: MOCA is a 10-minute walk from both Lansdowne Station and Dundas West Station.

Nearest Streetcar stop: The museum is a 5-minute walk from the closest streetcar stop at Dundas St West and Sterling Rd. This can be reached by the 505 Dundas and 506 Carlton streetcars.

UP Express: MOCA is a 10-minute walk from Bloor Station, which is two stops on the UP Express from Toronto Pearson Airport and one stop from Union Station

In this issue…

• ByBlacks Articles (parts 1 and 2)
  
• Malaika, Carnival Queen Book Launch and other Events, Contest, Playlist, and Audiobooks
  
• My Spring/Summer 2023 course
  
• The AntiRacist Kitchen updates
  

Letter from the editor
This April, the first quarter of the year, has been a time of reflection and anticipation for me, on what was working– word of mouth promotions, engagement with school and staff, and the existing list of books with more to come.  I presented at 36 institutions both in-person, individual sessions at several which totalled over fifty.  I anticipate that this demand will only grow as I write more books and grow in my writing career.  My eighth book Malaika, Carnival Queen will be released on May 2 and a new release date for The Antiracist Kitchen. This is also a season of growth and change– preparing for a move, a wedding, and many events to promote my book.  The need for balance and adjustment continues, as I grow in this path.  Thanks for being a part of my journey. .

Best wishes,

Nadia L. Hohn

​

One of the most common questions I get asked by adults is about self-publishing.  However, I always feel ill-equipped. I've never self-published. But I know many authors who have and can speak on this experience. 

Over two #ByBlacks articles, I had the honour of interviewing 6 #BlackCanadian authors who started out as self-published but are now traditionally-published. This is the second of a two part series. In part One, we focus on self-publishing. In Part Two, the focus is on traditional publishing. You can read the full articles here: 

https://byblacks.com/entertainment/books/item/3368-should-i-self-publish-my-book-or-try-to-get-an-agent-advice-from-six-black-canadian-authors-who-have-done-both


https://byblacks.com/entertainment/books/item/3379-part-2-should-i-self-publish-my-book-or-get-an-agent-advice-from-six-black-canadian-authors-who-have-done-both
​

Malaika, Carnival Queen is almost here.  

You are cordially invited to the #MalaikaCarnivalQueen Book Launch. Please join us for a reading, Q&A, booksigning, some activities, and, of course, #Carnival. Refreshments and music will be served. Our event takes place on Saturday, May 6, 2023 2-4pm ET at the Anansi Bookshop, Lower Level, 128 Sterling Road, Toronto, ON (northeast Dundas Street West, south of Bloor Street West, west of Lansdowne Avenue; beside the Museum of Contemporary Art)

From the website: The front door to the Anansi Bookshop is at 128 Sterling Road, with access down two steps from the sidewalk. There is an accessible entrance to our office and bookshop through the front door of 128A Sterling Road, the adjoining building, which is west of us through the parking lot, on the other side of Henderson’s Brewery. If you will use the accessible entrance please contact us at 416 363-4343 x 0 and we will meet you to show you the way in.

Illustrated by @ireneluxbacher, #MALAIKACARNIVALQUEEN is the fourth book in my #Malaikaseries and my eighth published title. This story is close to my heart. 🥰 

For preorder and preview, check the links in my bio. 

Written and Flyer Design by Nadia L. Hohn 

The foreword is written by thirteen year old bookstagrammer and @ainarasbookshelf host, Ainara Alleyne.

Featuring recipes and stories from:

S.K. Ali @skalibooks

Bryan Patrick Avery @bryanpatrickavery

Ruth Behar @ruthbeharauthor

Marty Chan @martychanwriter

Ann Yu-Kyung Choi @annykchoi

Hasani Claxton @hasaniclaxton

Natasha Deen

Reyna Grande @writerreynagrande

Deidre Havrelock @deidrehavrelock

Jennifer de Leon @jdeleonwriter

Andrea J. Loney @andreajloney

Janice Lynn Mather @janicelynnmather

Linda Sue Park @parklindasue

Danny Ramadan @thedannyramadan

Sarah Raughley @s_raughley

Waubgeshig Rice @waub

Rahma Rodaah @rahmarodaah

Andrea Rogers @andrealrogers

Simran Jeet Singh @sikhprof

Ayelet Tsabari @ayuli1 and

Susan Yoon @susansyoon

Pre-order your copy today from the link here: linktr.ee/nadialhohn

​

“Ainara’s Bookshelf is Diversifying What We Read One Book at a Time”, ByBlacks February 2023

“Meet Dr. Suzette Mayr: The 2022 Scotiabank Giller Prize Winner”, ByBlacks January 2023

“Celebrate Black Canadian Authors This Holiday Season with These 36 Books”, ByBlacks  December 2022

“If You Love Black Panther, Then You’ll Love These Books”, ByBlacks              November 2022

“The Hairy Truth” and “A Deeper Meaning”, Owl Magazine,                              November 2022

“Three Black Organizations Working to Get Us Reading,” byblacks,              October 2022

“Top 10 Summer Reads for Black Canadian Kids,” byblacks,     
August 2022

Travelling Across Canada’s Underground Railroad, Owl magazine (January/February 2022)

“Kojo’s Holiday”, Chickadee magazine (December 2021).

“How Harriet’s Daughter Helped Me Find My Way as a Black Canadian and a Writer for Young People”, Arc Poetry magazine (Arc 96 Islands of Influence Caribbean Canadian edition) (Fall 2021).

“Writer with a Capital W”, University of Waterloo podcast

“Writer Finds Resilience Stories Black Women and Girls”, University of Waterloo magazine (Spring 2021). 


Upcoming books
Patty Dreams (Owlkids), Spring 2025.

Journey to Grandma's House (Groundwood Books), Fall 2024.

The Antiracist Kitchen: 21 Stories (and Recipes) (Orca Books), Fall 2023.

Malaika, Carnival Queen (Groundwood Books), Spring 2023.


Published books
Kwanzaa section in Celebrate with me! Recipes, Crafts, and Holiday Fun from around the world (Magic Cat Publishing/Abrams Kids), 2022

Contributor to 100+ Voices for Miss Lou: Poetry, Tributes, Interviews, Essays anthology (UWI Press), 2021.

Louise Go A Country in 100+ Voices of Miss Lou: Poetry, Tributes, Interviews, Essays (UWI Press, 2022).

Interview in Contemporary Canadian Picture Books: A Critical Review for Educators, Librarians, Families, Researchers, & Writers by Beverley Brenna, Richard Dionne, and Theresa Tavares (Brill, 2021).

Malaika's Surprise (Groundwood Books), Spring 2021  https://houseofanansi.com/products/malaikas-surprise  French version available in 2022 by Éditions Scholastic, Malaika's Surprise Book Trailer

A Likkle Miss Lou: How Jamaican Poet Louise Bennett-Coverley Found Her Voice (Owlkids), Aug. 15, 2019 

Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter (Harper Collins), 2018 

Malaika's Winter Carnival (Groundwood Books), 2017 (available in French and English paperback http://scholastic.ca/editions/livres/view/le-carnaval-de-malaika)

Malaika's Costume (Groundwood Books www.groundwoodbooks.com), 2016 (available in French paperback www.scholastic.ca) 2021 TD Book Giveaway

Music in the Sankofa series (Rubicon Publishing), 2015 www.sankofacollection.com

Media in the Sankofa series (Rubicon Publishing), 2015 www.sankofacollection.com





© Nadia L. Hohn, 2023
Toronto, ON, Canada

​

#tbt

At this time in 2017, I was in #Egypt on a solo trip.  I’d done my research and decided to go on a long weekend, during a holiday from my then new teaching job in my #Dubai.

I pulled an all-nighter to make the trip work so by the time I got to the #PyramidsofGiza, I wasn’t feeling too well.  But I had an amazing guide and after a good night of sleep, I had more than enough energy to deal with the #Egyptian heat and full days.  I went to the #CairoMuseum, saw so many artefacts, and even went on a #Nilecruise.

After being diagnosed with #thyroidcancer in 2011, I made two promises to myself for when I got better— travel and get published as a writer.

Thankfully, I’ve had opportunities to do both.

I'm so glad I took the chance, in spite of media portrayals, and went for it.  I experienced hospitality, beauty, and a trip of a lifetime.  As a solo woman traveller, always do your research and talk to people who have been there.

My first presentation at a Canadian school was on April 12, 2016.  On that day, my world changed.

There was so much happening in my personal life in that moment.  My divorce had been finalized the month before.  I had gone through some health matters over the past year.  

From a writing point of view, my first picture book, Malaika's Costume, was released on March 5.  At the time, I was the author of three books, Sankofa Music and Media were released in 2015.  I did my first ever school visit in February 2023, in NYC at my nephew's school.  I was a "baby author" trying to cut my teeth at this new career path, whilst also preparing to move to the Middle East to teach in August 2016.  My signature peacock blue African dress was so big when I bought that I had it altered.  I didn't have Malik, my signature peacock, yet.  I was still teaching elementary school while all of this was happening.  

My friend Susan invited me to present at her school in the Waterloo District School Board (WDSB).  Although, by then I had been teaching for over ten years, and had twenty years of experiencing with groups of children, I was still so green and nervous.  I stayed up late the night before, prepping my presentation, and then eventually drove myself over an hour away to Waterloo, a mid-sized city where we both attended university. 

I totally underestimated the drive and arrived late.  But, fortunately, I was able to deliver three sessions and the school took advantage of the Writers in the Schools (WITHS) bursary through the Writers Union of Canada (TWUC).  Everyone loved it and I got to hang out with my friend.

Since then, I have learned a lot about presenting my stories at schools and now I have more books to share.  And I've let out my signature blue peacock dress.

My Instagram account has hit 2, 900 followers on Instagram @nadialhohn_author.  Thank you!  I appreciate your support.  (If your account is obviously a bot or suspicious, I don't thank you and in that case, you have been blocked.)

So the next major milestone is 3, 000 followers and I have a new book called Malaika, Carnival Queen which is coming out on May 2, 2023.  So do you know what that means?

BOOK GIVEAWAY CONTEST TIME!!!!!

How do you win?

1. Subscribe to my e-newsletter. (=1 entry).  You can subscribe at the Contact tab of this website or directly at this link.

2. Leave a comment under any post on the blog of this website.  You can find the blog at www.nadialhohn.com/blog or the blog tab of this website (1 entry per comment, for a max. of two entries.) A maximum of one comment left on each entry.

There will be three different draws:

1. I will draw one name (e-mail account) when my Instagram account hits 3, 000 followers, I will draw one winner for a copy of my newest book, Malaika, Carnival Queen.

2. I will draw one name by 9:00am ET on May 2, 2023, the Malaika, Carnival Queen pub date.  I will giveaway one copy of the book.

3. GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY: A Malaika... series prize package.  One lucky person will win all four books in the Malaika series-- Malaika's Costume, Malaika's Winter Carnival, Malaika's Surprise, and Malaika Carnival Queen.  The draw will take place on May 31, 2023 after 5pm ET.

Winners will be contacted at the e-mail address provided. 

1. Winners have 24 hours to respond and provide their mailing address.
2. Prize books will be mailed to a mailing address provided by the winner.  
3. Winners must provide an address in Canada or the United States.

​#MalaikaCarnivalQueen Spotify Playlist!

It’s 4 hours of music 🎶 featuring 60 songs in 9 languages.

There’s #soca - #musicaltheatre - #reggae - #calypso - #Bollywood - #Quebecpop - #san jarrocho - #salsa - #R&B - #neo soul - #acidjazz - #mento - #dancehall - #soul - #disco - 
​#tropicália - #rock - #Indigenous - #hiphop music.

​The languages are many-- English - Patois - French - Spanish - Hindi - Swahili - Somali - Wyandot - Portuguese.

The songs are clean, radio versions so no cursing. Perfect for a long car ride or music at your next event.

I curated the playlist myself.

To listen, all you need is to visit www.spotify.com or go to the Malaika, Carnival Queen playlist near the end of the post.  It doesn't cost anything for a basic account.

​Please have a 🎧 listen to the playlist and let me know what you think 💭.

(Why a playlist?
​I have created playlists on YouTube for other books in progress for years.  These were songs that I could listen to that got me into the minds and worlds of my characters.  These songs set a mood.  One day in 2021, I saw author Yolanda T. Marshall share her Spotify playlist for her then new  book, C is for Carnival.  I had thought it was an amazing idea.  At the time, I had listened to Spotify but didn't know that anyone could create a Playlist but then I decided that I would create a Spotify playlist for my next book.   I have since learned that many other authors have been creating Spotify playlists for their books as well.

My selection process of songs
The songs that I selected embody the themes found in Malaika Carnival Queen: love, loss, family, longing, linguistic and cultural diversity, community and, of course, Carnival.  Just like the characters in the story, these songs are unapologetic and full of heart.

I imagined the places where Malaika, the main character, travelled in all of the books of the Malaika series that led her to this fourth story.  From the sunny beachy home she left behind in the Caribbean to the blustery chill of a Quebec winter of her first arrival in Canada, the songs I chose evoke the sounds of each place.  

In the newest book, a new setting is introduced-- an Ontario farm.  While conducting research for this book, I visited with seasonal agricultural workers in Ontario, I  heard the sounds of music they loved from the Caribbean, American R&B, as well as the Patois and Mexican Spanish languages spoken.  The workers came largely from Jamaica and Mexico, but there were others from Trinidad, India, and other places.  The music selection includes soca by Alison Hinds, Patrice Roberts, Machel Montano, Kes the Band, and others, san jarrocho music by Los Lobos and others, and even Bollywood from these homelands.

Loss and nostalgia are themes within this book as well as the dreams that occur throughout.  I had fun going through my own memories and archives for songs that had the right amount of saudade, a Brazilian equivalent of nostalgia.  These songs include Quebec pop ballads by Celine Dion, Michelle Rivard, and Jean LeLoup, as well as other songs by Selena, Luther Vandross, Bob Marley & the Wailers, and Brand New Heavies, and País Tropical, a tropicália song from Brazil.

I went through my inventory of songs that mention carnival, dreams, journeys, and queens, selecting the ones that I think were most fitting.  Songs by Les Nubians, Patra, Tarrus Riley, and others felt fitting.

I spent the past week listening to the playlist as I drove, rested and recovered from the flu, cooked, and washed the dishes.  I wanted to listen, to hear if the songs complimented each other instead of against each other.  tweaked the list, adding, and taking ones that didn't fit.  Sixty may seem like a lot of songs.  It is.  Interestingly, I was shocked by the final tally since I felt like I had heard some songs soooooo many times after my listening of the list.

I should also mention that many of these songs are personal favourites and reflect my travels and stays in Quebec and throughout Caribbean.  

So listening to it was the fun part and brought on a lot of vivid memories.  

Throughout the listening, Spotify kept suggesting new songs but, I felt there was no need.   The list is perfect the way it is.  (If you know how to shut that feature off, please let me know.)

Please have a 🎧 listen and like the playlist.   Let me know what you think 💭.

​Preorder your copy of #MalaikaCarnivalQueen at the link. The book will be in stores on May 2.

I've read about 40 books so far this year.  I tend to give my thoughts about each book on Goodreads and for a time, I shared all of them in this blog.  But this time, for the sake of time, I will share my favourites so far this year.  Please note that my reviews vary in length dependent on my energy that day.  Also, I didn't include any picture books in this list, which doesn't mean I hadn't read any good ones.  I guess you can say I'm slowly getting back into blogging.  I hope you enjoy my reviews!

Hold my Girl  by Charlene Carr
Excellent, breathtaking, and so current.  We need more IVF/fertility journey stories.  This was a complex storyline that also incorporated ethical/moral issues, trauma, and other topics.  I identified with a main character.
​

Comb of Wishes by Lisa Stringfellow
Wow!  Intense.  Classic Caribbean style storytelling.  Stringfellow is effective at maintaining suspense and a foreword momentum throughout this novel.  There was never a dull moment.  I loved Bahni Turpin's narration.  Brilliant.  Great debut, Lisa.  (I met the author through Amplify Black Stories cohort through Highlights.)
​

New From Here by Kelly Yang
​I’ll read anything Kelly Yang writes.  She’s an amazing middle grade writer and I love when she shares the specific life events that inspire each of her stories and this is no exception. This is the pandemic novel I read, the early stages of the Corona virus spread. Knox’ voice is so clear and authentic. I like how Kelly never shies away from racism and specifically addresses anti-Asian hate and anti-Black racism. I also notice that all of her Black characters are helpers (not in the Jamaican meaning of the word  in her books. This book is so well-done. I love how the kids- siblings- take the parents’ problems— job uncertainty, family separation, lack of health insurance— into their own hands.  I love how she portrayed Knox living with eczema and DHD. I love how Brian, the older brother grew. Well done, Kelly Yang. Again.
​

The Secret Diary of Mona Hasan by Salma Hussain
​Very well-done Salma.  I am very impressed with the breadth of topics addressed including an immigration and third culture analysis.  Mona's voice is very clear and I can see why this might be a middle grade book. My only suggestion  would be to age her to twelve or thirteen.  This book also helped me to see that potentials and possibilities of middle grade.  Amazing debut novel.
​

The Mother of All Degrassi: A Memoir by Linda Schyuler
Beautiful, inspiring, and so authentic.  This novel energized me and reminded me of the many possibilities out there, ones that I may not even know about yet.   The narrator was amazing and sounded like it could have been Linda herself.  Great work!​
​

The Girl in the Middle: Growing Up Between Black and White, Rich and Poor by Anais Granofsky
​Original story, authentic, a little bit of repetition but it kept my attention.
​

Room to Dream and Key Player by Kelly Yang
​​(Room to Dream) Kelly Yang, you've done it again.  And never, disappoint.  Often in series, I find I like one more book than the other.  And I appreciate as a writer that it is challenging to sustain the interest of the reader or keep a character's storyline going.  And yet, Kelly Yang does it so well with so much interest.  I loved this book-- the visit to China (reminded me of my uncle's visit as a Black man married to a Chinese woman), the gentrification, Mia's writing and her crush, and dealing with consent.  It all came together so beautifully.  Well done!

(Key Player) Kelly Yang does it again with this latest installment of the FRONT DESK series. I think this one mught be my second favourite after the first book.  I love how Mia’s journalism career is growing to more opportunities, including interviews with the Women’s FIFA World Cup.  I also how Mr. Yao was given more development of back story.  Hank was too but I’d love to see more back story and/or development with his social circle. I love seeing Mia, Lupe, mom, and Jay mature and come into their own.  And I absolutely love how the author takes on racial Justice and inequality in all of her books.​
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Dear Current Occupant: A Memoir by Chelene Knight
Well done.  Gorgeous.  I had read a section for my MFA program, so reading it in its entirety was helpful to get a fuller picture.  Gorgeous language, filled with honesty and dare I say, resilience.​
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Everything Beautiful Is Not Ruined by Danielle Younge-Ullman
I think this book was very well-written.  It was the first time I saw this format in young adult literature: the flashback.  The chapters alternate between the thoughts and experiences of Ingrid in the present day to the past, repeated.  I have seen this format in several adult novels, most recently in Thomas King's Indians on Vacation and Yaa Gyasi's Transcendent Kingdom.  I also found Ingrid's voice to be strong and authentically teenaged.  Danielle's writing is great at the slow reveal and the shock at the end.  Beautiful and tragic.  Great work!