Pablo Cartaya

This story is about Elena, a middle school girl that plays baseball on a boy's team (the only one available). She enjoys baseball, but that seems secondary to her mother's reasons for Elena playing baseball, namely that Elena has the chance to achieve what her mother and grandmother could not. When a non-baseball related knee injury sidelines Elena, she doesn't know what to do with herself, but finds she is relieved to not be playing baseball. With the encouragement of her grandfather, she "plays" with her brother and his band of LARPers, but finds that imaginary worlds are hard for her, she is so use to the rules and absolutes of baseball. During her struggles to fit in with the LARP group she meets Toni, a girl who now lives with her grandmother after the death of her parents. She and Toni are able to talk to each other, and help each other be brave in telling the adults in their lives that they need to be able to make their own choices about the things they care about .

This graphic novel moves quickly, with lots of action in the panels. With problems such as over-bearing parents, and pressure to perform, I think that many kids will find something to relate to. In addition, role-playing games are becoming more popular again, and the LARP group is a large part of this story, so that will also draw readers. The cast is diverse, with Elena's family (Cuban) reverting to Spanish, especially when overwhelmed or talking to grandfather, but it is easily understood as the listener often repeats the meaning of the words in English. Definitely a graphic novel that has a strong story behind it.… (mais)

So, we did a "Blackout Bingo" challenge for the beginning of the school year. I wish more kids had participated, but my clerk and I enjoyed it. I needed a dystopian, learning that not much dystopian is being written lately! I saw this book on a nominated list for Lone Star 2024 and knew I had a winner to read! I will say that the cover is too "kid" looking. It's hard to get middle school kids to read books that looks like they're for elementary students exclusively. Alas.

Yolanda Ciceron possesses a sharp, scientific and technical brain. She lives in a time after society has fallen apart. Many parts of the country don't have any connectivity. and life is harsh She considers herself lucky that she attends classes online and does really well. She's pretty much a genius and dreams of being a neuro doctor who puts implants into people's brains. She lives in the harsh environment with her sister because their parents were exiled. They try to grow strawberries, but nothing grows anymore. Yolanda dreams of leaving their little farm and moving to the most advanced town, Silo. To keep safe, everyone carries a device that must be with them at all times. Yolanda doesn't mind at all, using her device for everything, while others feel encroached upon. Yolanda wants to impress the mayor in order to advance, leaving behind all of the hardships. Her sister, on the other hand, holds Yolanda back.

The catalyst for the plot is when Yolanda registers for a class and discovers there's no money. Her sister never told her how bad their situation had become. Yolanda decides to get a scholarship, but her sister warns her not to accept it without reading the fine print. About the same time, Yolanda's best friend disappears. Also, while the girls are in town, a strange scene happens with a citizen. Yolanda begins to wonder if she's been blinded to the true society. Trying to save herself and her sister, Yolanda grasps on to an idea her sister put in her head. Perhaps their grandmother left secrets for them. Once Yolanda starts down this road of discovery, everything changes.… (mais)

A 2018 Pura Belpré Author Honor Book, Pablo Cartaya delves into the heart of the gentrification debate, unveiling profound insights in his captivating and heartfelt debut novel. The novel follows the journey of a thirteen-year-old boy as he navigates his family's path in an ever-evolving world. This tale explores the essence of identity, our origins and the choices that shape our aspirations. As Arturo unravels the rich history of his Cuban American heritage, he not only gains a deeper understanding of himself but also emerges as a vital voice within his family and community. With his newfound confidence, Arturo spearheads discussions about the potential changes and growth of their neighborhood, leaving an indelible mark on the ongoing dialogue.… (mais)