DECEMBER The Sherlockian by Graham Moore Moderator, Brad Craddock JANUARY My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallant Moderator, Shelley Davis Hurtling from present day New York to Victorian London, The Sherlockian weaves the history of Sherlock Holmes and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle into an inspired and entertaining double mystery that proves to be anything but "elementary." In December 1893, Sherlock Holmes-adoring Londoners eagerly opened their Strand magazines, anticipating the detective's next adventure, only to find the unthinkable: his creator, Arthur Conan Doyle, had killed their hero off. London spiraled into mourning-crowds sported black armbands in grief-and railed against Conan Doyle as his assassin. Then in 1901, just as abruptly as Conan Doyle had "murdered" Holmes in "The Final Problem," he resurrected him. Though the writer kept detailed diaries of his days and work, Conan Doyle never explained thi...
From Renee Dastyck
ReplyDeletePunching the Air is a young adult novel written by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam. I like how the story is told through the eyes of Amal Shahid, a talented young Black artist who finds himself wrongfully convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. It was written using lyrical prose and poetic elements.
Amal a high school student who wants to become an artist. However, his dreams are shattered when he is wrongfully accused and convicted of a crime. The text follows Amal's experiences in prison, detailing his emotional turmoil and his struggle to maintain his identity and hope amidst despair.
Throughout his time in incarceration, Amal finds peace in art and poetry, using these forms of expression to navigate his pain and isolation. The story is showing the impact of systemic racism.
This book is not only an engaging read for young adults but also an important commentary on race, identity, and the human spirit. Its lyrical style and heartfelt themes make it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of contemporary social issues.
Punching the Air is an impactful story co-authored by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam. The story follows Amal Shahid, a Black Muslim teenager wrongfully incarcerated for a crime he did not commit. The narrative, rooted in themes of systemic racism, injustice, and resilience, is a personal yet collective exploration of identity, art, and the struggle for justice. Amal’s journey is framed by his experiences in the juvenile justice system, where he grapples with isolation and despair. Through powerful novel-in-verse conveys his internal battles and the external forces that impose upon and define him. Art and poetry serve as both an escape and a means of self-expression, reflecting his emotional turmoil. The novel is inherently authentic as Salaam’s own experiences as a wrongfully convicted teenager are shared with the reader. This personal connection deepens the story's impact, inviting readers to engage with the urgent realities of systemic injustice. The balance of hope and despair comes together in a message of resilience and the metamorphic power of creativity. Punching the Air is a must-read that resonates with readers of all ages. This novel is a call to action, pushing readers to reflect on their roles in challenging systemic injustices and highlighting the importance of empathy. This relevance makes it particularly valuable for educators, as it opens avenues for discussions about social justice and the significance of art as resistance.
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