Online voting is underway through mid-March for the 2021 Lincoln Award: Illinois Teen Readers' Choice Award. Each year, we publish a libguide with information on the nominees; here is the link for the 2021 nominees. AND the 2022 list has just been released. Taking this opportunity to comment on a couple of the newer titles:
WE ARE NOT FROM HERE by Jenny Torres Sanchez is an absolutely stunning read which received multiple starred reviews and numerous accolades, including being named a Pura Belpré 2021 Young Adult Author Honor Book. The action-packed story focuses on the lives of three young people who are fleeing Guatemala. As they follow the infamous train known as La Bestia north through Mexico, Pulga, Chico, and Pequena face a dangerous, brutally difficult journey. Kirkus describes WE ARE NOT FROM HERE as “a gripping, heart-wrenching, and thrilling tale of survival.” The short chapters will keep students reading and relevance to current headlines will further enrich discussions.
One of the selections from the student nominated committee for the Lincoln Award, PUNCHING THE AIR by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam is an #OwnVoices novel told in verse, like this:On the day of my conviction
I memorizemy inmate number
my crime
my time
On the day of my conviction
I forget
my school ID number
my top three colleges
my
class schedule
Amal’s wrongful conviction and incarceration are eloquently described
by Zoboi (American Street) and prison
reform activist Salaam. The unjust treatment, physical intimidation, and
solitary confinement drive the rage, confusion, and deep sadness which Amal
feels. His art – painting and poetry – provide an outlet in this powerful, thought-provoking
work which highlights the school-to-prison pipeline and other issues of
systemic injustice. Reminiscent of earlier books by Walter Dean Myers (Monster) or Paul Volponi (Black and White), PUNCHING THE AIR received
universal starred reviews (Kirkus: “a
must-read”) and is recommended especially for fans of Jason Reynolds and
Elizabeth Acevedo.
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