I had the great pleasure of being of Cybils Awards round 2 judge for the third year. I got to read amazing books that I may not have had a chance to read and vote on the best with other judges. When I say that we, round 2 judges, had a hard time choosing the winner, I’m not lying. It was tough ya’ll!
The seven books chosen as finalists by round 1 judges were diverse or involved serious and emotional topics. They transported me to different eras, different cultures, and gave me taste of food from around the world. Literally, because two of these finalists talked about food!
Before we get to the winner (if you haven’t already heard) I want to give a shout out to the Cybils organizers and encourage you to get involved next year. Besides nominating your favorite books, you can participate as a round 1 or round 2 judge. It’s a wonderful experience and a great way to get involved in the writing community! For more information, go to the website.
AND NOW FOR THE WINNER IN THE YOUNG ADULT FICTION CATEGORY…
HEROINE by Monday McGinnis A car crash sidelines Mickey Catalan just before baseball season. She finds the way to hold on to her position as catcher is with the pills she’s prescribed. Mickey finds a new group of friends who also find comfort in pills. But as the pressure increases on and off the field, her need increases until she’s spiraling out of control.
My thoughts: not only is this book timely with the current opioid crisis, but it highlights a vulnerable age group. For many of us with kids, this hits close to home, and for teens, it’s even closer as it could be them or a friend. This novel is an emotional and important read.
AND THE FINALISTS!
PATRON SAINTS OF NOTHING by Randy Ribay Senior Jay Reguero plans to play video games before heading college in the fall. But when his Filipino cousin Jun is murdered as part of President Duterte’s war on drugs, and no one in the family wants to talk about what happened, Jay travels to the Philippines to find out the real story. Jay is forced to confront the different sides of his cousin and the role he played in his life.
My thoughts: this book opened up a whole new world for me, the good and the bad, as is true with all. It was well written and I loved to see Jay change from a somewhat spoiled American teenager to one who cares about the hardships of others. A lesson for everyone around the world.
THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL by Stacey Lee By day Jo Kaun works as a lady’s maid for one of the wealthiest families in Atlanta. By night she writes an advice column for the Southern ladies and addresses society’s ills. As opponents attempt to uncover the columnist’s secret identity, a mysterious letter sends Jo on a search for her parents who abandoned her as a baby and she finds herself wondering if she is ready to step into the light.
My thoughts: This historical novel showed me side of Atlanta and the US I knew little about. I loved the dual personality of Jo and how she saw the wrongs and fought to make them right. It’s a great book for teens because it shows them how powerful the written word can be.
ON THE COME UP by Angie Thomas Bri, like her late father, wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. But when her mom loses her job and they struggle to pay bills and buy food, Bri feels she has to make it.
My thoughts: this book isn’t just about a girl into hip hop, it’s a story about haves and have-nots, Black and White, and perception. Through the world of hip hop, gangs, and friendships, Angie Thomas shows us what passion, motivation, and choices can do.
WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH by Elizabeth Acevedo Emoni Santiago cares for her daughter and helps support her abuela. The kitchen is the only place she lets her responsibilities go. With tough decisions about her family, school, and money for a class trip to Spain, Emoni must find a way to succeed.
My thoughts: this is such a beautifully written novel. The words and phrases flow and mix together with dashes of spice just like Emoni’s cooking. This is story of a girl who has big dreams and big responsibilities and finds a way to make it all happen. An example of how passion and determination can make dreams come true.
I’M NOT DYING WITH YOU TONIGHT by Gilly Segal and Kimberly Jones Lena has killer style, an awesome boyfriend, and is going to make it big. Campbell is just trying to keep her head down and get through the year at her new school. They aren’t friends and don’t understand each other, but that doesn’t matter when the city goes up in flames and they must rely on each other to survive.
My thoughts: this is such an interesting story, the entire novel occurring in one night, and told from two points of view. It really shows that even though we believe we’re different, we really are the same and if we open our eyes, we can make a friend.
DON’T DATE ROSA SANTOS by Nina Moreno Rosa Santos is cursed by the sea-at least, that’s what they say. Dating her is bad news, especially if you’re a boy with a boat. Rosa feels caught between cultures and choices, between family, her future, and a mysterious boy. Can Rosa break the curse and find the place she belongs?
My thoughts: this story highlights the dilemma a lot of teens face these days – deciding their future. Mix in a strained relationship with her mother, a curse she feels haunts her family, and deliciously detailed descriptions of Cuban food, and you have a must read.
