Train I Ride by Paul Mosier is a captivating novel. Rydr, a feisty, resistant and creative 12 year old heroine is on a very long ride towards a new life. Up to this point her life has been a series of tragic events that have happened "to her". You can't help but love Rydr because she so accurately captures the students we silently root for in all they do. She doesn't follow rules, thank goodness, because she has to create opportunities to survive. The accuracy of how teens manifest trauma broke my heart but also reminded me of how ingenious so many youth are. Rydr is brilliant and meets characters that recognize the gem she is. For me one of the most entrancing aspects of the story was the everyday person that stepped forward in small ways to make a difference. Although we loved this easy to read and charming ride, our criticism was the neat ending that did not seem plausible.
Darius The Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram was a novel that took a while to warm to, but the wait was worth it. The characters did not make an initial impression and the plot seemed quick and rushed. The beginning was just to pace the engagement and excitement the reader would experience. Darius, the grade 10 Persian American, who is bullied, works at a tea shop and has difficulty connecting to his all American good looking father, nervously awaits what the family trip to Iran holds. During this trip, Darius world expands as does all he holds to be true. The journey provides Darius with a new best friend, new feelings for his best friend, and healing for Darius and his family. The readers gets drawn into accounts of every day activities so thoroughly that it is hard to stop reading. The plot and setting weave an incredible backdrop for Darius's evolution. Darius starts to believe maybe his is great after all.
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