New Crayons, 2011 Feature & Poetry Update

New Crayons is a meme hosted by Color Online. For this meme, all you have to do is share what new books you got for the week. Easy, yes?


Before we get to the New Crayons I wanted to thank everyone for their British poet recommendations. I should have clarified that we are not allowed to do American or Canadian poets, even though they were once colonies of Britain.


At the moment, I'm leaning towards some Roald Dahl (hilarious!), Jackie Kay (utterly moving), Grace Nicols (funny) and Benjamin Zephaniah. But feel free to continue to leave recommendations. I hope to have made my final selections in about two weeks. And of course I will tell everyone who I chose and thank the person who recommended them!

Just in Time for Halloween-From Book Fairy Numero Tres



Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love; edited by Trisha Telep

If you can possibly thirst for more mysterious metaphysical accounts of love, Trisha Telep has organized some of the greatest and most thrilling tales of paranormal paramours since The Eternal Kiss. She presents the acclaimed literary talent of thirteen unique authors, creating a collection of stories that will undoubtedly capture the imagination of every soul who dares to read them. Werewolves, ghosts, zombies, vampires, and fallen angels drive the plot of these riveting romances.

Kiss Me Deadly includes the exceptional writings of several authors, including:

• Sarah Rees Brennan (faeries)
• Becca Fitzpatrick (angels)
• Caitlin Kittredge (witches)
• Karen Mahoney (vampires: sequel to story from The Eternal Kiss)
• Daniel Marks (ghost kids)
• Justine Musk (sorcerers)
• Diana Peterfreund (unicorns)
• Michelle Rowen (demons)
• Carrie Ryan (zombies)
• Maggie Stiefvater (werewolves)
• Rachel Vincent (banshees)
• Daniel Waters (zombies)
• Michelle Zink (gothic ghosts)

-I want to read more paranormal stuff so these anthologies seem like a good place to start. I'm most curious about the story with banshees and the one with sorcerers (I feel like no one does those anymore for fear of being accused of being a 'HP rip-off' but I like them).

Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes

Within every woman there lives a powerful force, filled with good instincts, passionate creativity, and ageless knowing. She is the Wild Woman, who represents the instinctual nature of women. But she is an endangered species. In WOMEN WHO RUN WITH THE WOLVES, Dr. Estés unfolds rich intercultural myths, fairy tales, and stories, many from her own family, in order to help women reconnect with the fierce, healthy, visionary attributes of this instinctual nature. Through the stories and commentaries in this remarkable book, we retrieve, examine, love, and understand the Wild Woman and hold her against our deep psyches as one who is both magic and medicine. Dr. Estés has created a new lexicon for describing the female psyche. Fertile and life-giving, it is a psychology of women in the truest sense, a knowing of the soul.


-I'd never heard of this book before until Sarwat Chadda mentioned it as a book he read for research for the Billi SanGreal series. Naturally I had to read it. The funny thing is, I never mentioned to my book fairy that I wanted, it was just in the back of my mind. This is my first "serious" feminist read, I'm ready to be initiated ;D


From Book Fairy #4

Boy vs. Girl by Na'ima B. Robert

Farhana swallowed and reached for the hijab. But then she saw with absolute clarity the weird looks from the other girls at school, and the smirks from the guys. Did she dare? And then there was Malik... What should she do about him?

Faraz was thinking about Skrooz and the lads. Soon he would finally have the respect of the other kids at school. But at what price? He heard Skrooz's voice, sharp as a switchblade: "This thing is powerful, blud. But you have to earn it, see? Just a few more errands for me..."

They're twins, born 6 minutes apart. Both are in turmoil and both have life-changing choices to make, against the peaceful backdrop of Ramadan. Do Farhana and Faraz have enough courage to do the right thing? And can they help each other - or will one of them draw the other towards catastrophe?

-J'adore (am I fancy or what ;) books in which stereotypes are completely broken down and this sounds like a fabulous book to do it. How many times have you read about a handsome, rebellious Muslim teen guy? Or a Muslim girl who does not want to wear the hijab? Exactly.


News

The Mysterious Benedict Society covers were un-whitewashed! Again, thank you to everyone who spoke out on this issue!!

Finally, introducing my 2011 feature titled, Elated Over Eleven =D I'm pumped for this feature. The first interview will be up this Friday, on October 29th. In this feature, I interview 2011 debut YA/MG authors of color. The interviews will run 1-2 months before their book debuts. So far I know of 9 2011 YA/MG debut authors, but feel free to email/comment with the names of any debut authors of color that fit the criteria. I haven't contacted all the authors yet (especially not the ones with summer releases), so if you're an author of color and your debut comes out in the summer and I haven't emailed you yet, that's why :)

What books did you get this week? What do you think of my new feature idea?

New Crayons, Writing a Letter (Update), Blog Birthday Giveaway #4!

New Crayons is a meme created and hosted by Color Online. Crayons is a metaphor for multicultural literature.

Before we delve into what new books I got this week, I have a question. Where are all the letters? I mean this in the nicest way possible. I got many comments and Tweets saying that the idea was great and that they would spread the word. That's fantastic, it really is. I appreciate you getting the word out. But what means more to me is when you write a letter to Borders/Barnes & Noble and post it on your blog. I understand that some people may not want to post their letters for privacy, but could we get a few more public letters please? So far, I've only found one. Now you're probably wondering "well look miss high and mighty, where's your letter?" Good question. I've had writer's block. I admit to being daunted by the success of my first letter. My letter to Borders needs to be equal to or even better than the last. As I type this, I have a general idea of what I want to say and I'm determined to send and publish my letter, August 1. No excuses on my part. I'll be out of town so the letter will be scheduled and I'll have the email all set up and ready to send as soon as I get back that night. It would make my week to come back to discover a plethora of letters all over people's blogs :)

Finally, what do you think of this post? The suggestion is made to have readers get behind one book with a POC on the cover. It's a really interesting idea, with lots of potential. I'm all for buying a book to make a statement (after all, we could vote and pick a really good book so that you can make a statement and actually like the book) but I do worry that this idea could backfire. Thoughts?

Also, I will announce the winner of the Gringolandia giveaway when I get back. I have a few more goodies for you though. Author Zetta Elliott has offered me 2 copies of her book, A Wish After Midnight to give away. It's one of my favorite books so you should totally enter. Thank you Zetta!

To enter: U.S. only (unless my international readers want to pay for shipping. If so, feel free to enter), must be a follower. Ends July 31 11:59 CT. Fill out THIS FORM.

Good luck :)

Back to New Crayons


The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Heidi W. Durrow

This debut novel tells the story of Rachel, the daughter of a Danish mother and a black G.I. who becomes the sole survivor of a family tragedy.

With her strict African American grandmother as her new guardian, Rachel moves to a mostly black community, where her light brown skin, blue eyes, and beauty bring mixed attention her way. Growing up in the 1980s, she learns to swallow her overwhelming grief and confronts her identity as a biracial young woman in a world that wants to see her as either black or white.

In the tradition of Jamaica Kincaid's Annie John and Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, here is a portrait of a young girl— and society's ideas of race, class, and beauty. It is the winner of the Bellwether Prize for best fiction manuscript addressing issues of social justice.


-I've had my eyes on this book for a bit, but it started getting recommended to me quite often. Since it's technically adult fiction, I knew I wouldn't be able to read it any time soon since I have so many YA books to read and review. But the lovely Zetta sent me her copy which will provide incentive for me to hurry up and read it :) Thank you so much Zetta!

Won from Edi-Thank you so much Edi!

Names Will Never Hurt Me by Jamie Adoff

During one day at school, the paths of four teens will cross in ways they never imagined. There’s Kurt, the "freek" who tries desperately to escape bullying; Tisha, who doesn’t feel she fits in with anyone; Ryan, the football jock who rules the hallways while losing control of his life; and Floater, who uses his connections to gain dangerous power. On this day, teasing, racism, loneliness, and secrets bring each of them to the breaking point. Now they must help each other prevent a tragedy. The voices of these four teens weave together in prose-poetry to create a powerful read.

-Jamie Adoff is the son of Virginia Hamilton. I've only read a few books by Virginia Hamilton, but she is amazing. I have high hopes for this one, not just because of lineage (no pressure!) but because of the premise. What is the tragedy in addition to the bullying?

When Kambia Elaine Flew In From Neptune by Lori Aurelia Williams

Shayla Dubois lives in a Houston neighborhood known as the Bottom, where life is colorful but never easy. Shayla's mama kicked her sister, Tia, out of the house. Her father, Mr. Anderson Fox, has rolled back into town. And Shayla doesn't know what to make of her strange new neighbor, Kambia Elaine.
Kambia tells Shayla the most fantastic stories. As these stories become more and more strange, Shayla realizes that there may be something very wrong. What can she possibly do to help when she can't get past these stories, and when Tia still hasn't come home?

Told lyrically and gracefully by debut author Lori Aurelia Williams, this is a story that shows how complicated life can get when children are forced to grow up too quickly.

-I've heared mention of this novel but I didn't know what it was about exactly. Should be a thought-provoking, beautiful read.

What new books did you get this week? Any books by/about POC? Please share!

*I am on a service trip with no Internet access from July 24-August 1. I look forward to reading and responding to all emails and comments upon my return =)

Check Out these Links! The Government, 28 Days Later, BBW & AWAM :)

Attention All (Book) Bloggers and Readers: Starting Dec. 1 you (bloggers) need to start disclosing (if you don't already) any books that get sent to you for review. This is by order of the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). For more details go here I understand why they want to do this (help people out by informing them that there may be some bias in the review), and it shouldn't be a problem since I think most of us book bloggers are pretty good at disclosing when a book has been sent to us. I'm going to make an extra effort to do that starting now, so it'll be a habit by December. Also, just because a book gets sent to me, doesn't mean it will get a good review. I'm going to be honest about how I feel about the book. After all, I wouldn't want someone to recommend a book that wasn't all that great to me, so why would I do the same to you guys?



In other non-government news....
The Brown Bookshelf is starting their 28 Days Later campaign. It's in honor of Black History Month. What you do is comment/email titles of books or authors that you feel should be recognized. Submissions accepted until Nov.1 Must be written/illustrated by an African American. For more details, check this out


Also, readergirlz wants to know your Fall Recommended Reads for 2009 Go share (and try and throw out some titles about poc!). I'm really starting to love readergirlz. The book of the month they feature is always interesting and I mean to read them all. In addition, I love their Community Service posts and their recommended reads. They are getting even more diverse and they are so informative and entertaining!

Finally a phenomenal review and commentary of A Wish After Midnight. If the synopsis alone doesn't make you want to read AWAM, then this +my review/awesome interview with Zetta (who is such a nice and great person!) should make you want to go out and buy it right away! I'm sligtly biased now, because I do email Zetta regularly, but when I wrote my review we had maybe exchanged two emails (that's my disclaimer?). Trust me, it's a fabulous book :D Another wow post by Justine is about The Advantages of Being a White a Writer. I'm sure some of you are bristling around. Now calm down, take a deep breath and just go read the post. Seriously, I'm not even going to comment on it yet (other than Go Justine, you rock!) because I want to devote a whole post to this subject when I've had time to really digest and reflect and (hopefully) write my best.

Oh and I totally neglected Banned Books Week which makes me sad. Here's a great post by Neesha Meminger on the subject. In my opinion, no books should be banned from libraries. We all have freedom of speech and freedom to read what you want to read (unless your parents don't allow you to read something, but that's another issue that I don't totally understand since my parents never monitored my reading. They trusted me to be mature and responsible and I was/am.) It really annoys me as to how adults are not satisfied with not allowing their child to read the book, but they also have to not allow any other child read the book. I've read some great Banned Books (Are You There God, It's Me Margaret, The Absolutely True-Diary of a Part-Time Indian, The Great Gatsby) and furthermore, has it ever occured to anyone that hearing a book is banned makes children want to read it even more? I'll admit my interest has been raised in reading many books that have/are banned. People always want what they can't have.

Reading in Color News/Updates: I'll be featuring polls every couple of weeks in an effort to better my blog, so please vote! I need feedback so I can improve RiC. My goal is to really edit and spruce up my blog over Christmas break this year. I already completed one goal of mine; to link to poc contests/giveaways in my sidebar (part of the problem was a lack of giveaways, but more are popping up!). Suggestions? Concerns? Just want to say 'hey'? Email or leave me a comment :)

New Crayons & Updates

New Crayons is when I share what new books I got this week. Brought to you by Susan at Color Online

This week I bought no new books and I didn't get a chance to go to the library either :(
But I did receive

Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork
-thanks Edi!

I also got another book to read and giveaway (*hint hint* it was featured in one of my recent WoW posts!).



Now for some giveaway news: my contest for Gringolandia ends tomorrow at 11:59 pm. So hurry and enter! Click the picture in my sidebar to enter,

Also Color Online is having a giveaway in honor of BBAW week. You can win anything in their prize bucket, and the prize bucket has some pretty awesome books (if I win I'm asing for a Jacqueline Woodson book so I can finally read why everyone loves her so)! It started yesterday and ends Sept. 17. It's limited to U.S. residents only. Also if you enter, please mention that Reading in Color sent you!

In other news, please vote in my poll! It's important, it asks whether or not you would like to see me review MG books. It would only be a once a month thing.

I was wondering if any book bloggers or authors are interested in guest-blogging here? Especially new, up-and-coming authors and bloggers. Leave a comment or email me if you are interested.

Link news: I found out about this blog from the Brown Bookshelf so thanks BB! Over at Publisher's Weekly, Elizabeth Bluemele has written some great posts about poc in YA/children's lit. She has also created an amazing list of books about poc. They are children's books, MG and YA. I have so many new titles to add to my tbr/wishlist! Thanks Elizabeth for this list!

Finally, my birthday is Sept. 18! Just wanted to share that :)

Another Award, Attention Authors & Teaser Tuesday!

Thanks to MizB!

"She felt an irresistible draw toward her hooked target, followed by a strange snap sensation. She was within Chen Yong's being."
pg. 49 Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon

Also authors if you are sending me books for the September giveaway extravaganza, would you please contact me (so that I know it's to giveaway not keep!)?

And I got another award :D

It's from Linday at Just Another Book Addict Thanks so much!
The Lemonade Award is a feel good award that shows great attitude or gratitude. Nominate this award to 10 blogs. In random order....



1. Wdebo from the Electrical Book Cafe

2. Susan at Color Online

3. Prodhi at Between the Lines

4. Kelsey at the Book Scout

5. All the Ya Ya YAs

6. Evelyn at Evelyn N. Alfred

7. Cheryl & Amber at Just Your Typical Book Blog

8. Diana at Diana Rodriguez Wallach Blog (I love her blog, she's so funny! Help her get on the Colbert Report :)

9. Tarie at Into the Wardrobe

10. Liz B. at A Chair, A Fireplace & A Tea Cozy

Love all your blogs, keep up the great work!

Randomness of the Day

I got no new books :( Which is probably best because I have a load of books to read, but I'm going to try and go to the library tomorrow anyway! So instead of a new Crayons post I decided to write some random rants or thoughts that I've had this week (about books and poc obviously)

1. I went to my library's online website to see if they had The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, I figured they wouldn't since my library is severely lacking in diversity and I doubted many people in my town would be interested. Boy was I wrong! There's only one copy of the book but 18 requests for it!! So I decided I'm just going to have to buy it because I can't wait for 18 people to read it, since I want to finish it before school starts (Aug. 20 *groan*)

2. Everyone seems to be have just gotten or already read Silver Phoenix: Beyond the Kingdom of Xia by Cindy Pon. I'm so jealous! Another book I MUST read before school.

3. Question:What ethnicity/nationality do you think is ignored the most in the book world? I personally think it's the Native American community.

4. I'm trying to learn about the art of auto post. We shall see if it works because that would be amazingly helpful once I become really busy.

5. It came to my attention that I needed a review policy. You can see it in my sidebar.

6. So I was nominated in the 2009 Black Weblog Awards. Voting is from Aug. 1-31. I'm in the best Teen blog category. I realize that it's awfully presumptious to think that I, a new blogger, have the BEST teen blog, I'm sure there are others. I really just want to 1)draw attention to the fact that the Black Weblog Awards doesn't have a book blog category and they should because there are some great book blogs out there for Black people 2)Get the word out about my blog (shameless self-promotion :) So please vote for me if you think my blog is decent. Click on the image in my sidebar (very sparkly) to vote. When you get to the page it does say vote for young, black, a reader. Don't panic, that's Reading in Color (I was nominated when my blog name was young, black, a reader) Thank you!

Upcoming This Week
Male Monday: The Making of Dr. Truelove by Derrick Barnes review
Tuesday: A Wish After Midnight by Zetta Elliott Review
Waiting on Wednesday: So many books so little time!
Throwback Thursday: Played by Dana Davidson
Friday: My contest details
Saturday: Most likely nothing. Possibly a review if I finish Rogelia's House of Magic by Jamie Martinez Wood or Rattlebone by Maxine Clair by then.
Sunday: New Crayons. Will I actually have books by then (hope so!)?

New Crayons & Next Week Update

New Crayons is when I share what new books I got this week. Thanks to Susan at Color Online for this idea. So on Saturday I had an adventure in going to Barnes & Noble. I haven't been in a B&N in years. I honestly couldn't remember why, since when I first walked in, I thought it was a beautiful store. Cozy and elegant. Then, as I started searching for the books on Susan's Unofficial List of Great YA Fiction about or by women of color, I remembered why. They didn't have many. Halfway, through the list I gave up. I just wandered the YA section, looking for books with African American people on it. lol. I found two books that had been brought to my attention from Our Teen Voices blog. They were:

The Ultimate Test (The Lipgloss Chronicles) by Sheila M. Goss

The Diva’s Creed: All for one, one for all; never let the other fall.
Ever since they met in their elite private school, Britney, Jasmine, and Sierra have lived by these words, but now that they’re entering their freshman year in a public high school, their bond is about to be put to the ultimate test.
The daughters of wealthy Texas socialites, these girls are used to getting whatever they want, so it’s no surprise to them when the gorgeous DJ takes them under his wing. Drama soon comes their way in the form of Tanisha, a jealous older student who thinks DJ’s attention should be focused solely on her.
Even Tanisha’s threats can’t intimidate these girls as they form a united front against her. They’re tighter than ever—until a sticky situation complicates everything. Jasmine and Sierra both fall head over heels in love with DJ. Could this really mean the end of their friendship? from thelipglosschronicles.com

This sounds very chick lit, but I'm going to give it a chance, because I've liked some chick lit in the past. Especially becasue I believe toc should have as many genres and options as white readers. So if someone wants to read chick lit about teens of color, they should have a wealth of options.

Denim Diaries: 16 Going on 21 by Darrien Lee

This story explores the lives of sixteen-year-olds Denim Mitchell and Andre Patterson, who have shared an intense bond ever since they were kids. Denim yearns to date Andre, known by his friends as Dre. However, Denim's parents are doing everything in their power to keep the heat of the passion between the two teens under wraps. Dre, a rising basketball star and budding artist, has a glorious future ahead of him. Unfortunaately, rumor has it that he's involved in activities that could ruin his chances of ever hooking up with Denim or achieving his dreams of going to college and the NBA. Denim realizes her relationship with Dre could be shattered if her parents find out that she violated their trust. One lie, one party, and one bullet chance the course of both of their lives forever.

I'm really usnure about this one. It's urban lit, which I'm not a big fan of and I'm annoyed that I had to type up the whole summary, since I couldn't find a description anywhere. Not a good sign. Don't judge, don't judge, I keep telling myself!

Tears of A Tiger by Sharon Draper

Tigers don't cry, or do they? After the death of his longtime friend and fellow Hazelwood Tiger, Andy, the driver of the car, blames himself and cannot get past his guilt and pain. While his other friends have managed to work through their grief and move on, Andy allows death to become the focus of his life. In the months that follow the accident, the lives of Andy and his friends are traced through a series of letters, articles, homework assignments, and dialogues, and it becomes clear that Tigers do indeed need to cry. from sharondraper.com

I've read previous books of Sharon Draper's (Copper Sun & Fire From the Rock), both of which I liked, so I'm eager to read this one.

So I'm disappointed with the lack of AA teen choices that B&N offered, but now I know. I just need to stick to amazon.com and Borders.

Upcoming This Week: a review everyday

Male Monday: I debut a new post of mine where I review books with a male toc main character. Hopefully this will debut Monday, (if I can get to the library for the book I want to review for tomorrow) when I review Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher or the Hoopster by Alan Sitomer. If i don't have the book or I'm too busy (my drivers test is tomorrow), the review will go up next Monday.

Teaser Tuesday/Review: Idk what the teaser will be from, probably Flygirl. Review of It Chicks by Tia Williams

Waiting on Wednesday/Review: Books I'm waiting for to come out or books that are already out and I'm just saving up for them. Review of When the Black Girl Sings by Bill Wright

Throwback Thrusday: When I review a book that's pre 2007. Trouble Follows by Monica McKayhan.

Friday:TBA. Either Belle by Beverly Jenkins (teenage Kimani Tru version) or The Fight by L.Divine

Saturday:Whichever book I didn't review Friday

Sunday: New Crayons post. DIVAS:Diamond by Victoria Christopher Murray

It's gonna be an exciting week! :)