Young Adult Books: Quick Reviews

 1. The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

This Young Adult selection tells the story of the meeting of two kids from different immigrant backgrounds (Jamaica and South Korea), and their fateful meeting in New York City. I chose to put this book on my list because a few kids in my 9th grade English class have read it and highly recommend. I think the subject matter is timely, and the sort of "star-crossed lovers" angle is appealing to a lot of YA readers. Available at Boston Public Library-Copley. 

2. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez 

This story follows the story of Julia, who is tasked with keeping her family together after her sister Olga's tragic death, only to be derided as less perfect than Olga and burdened with feelings of guilt and inadequacy. I chose this book because I think a lot of teens can relate to that experience of being compared to a "more perfect" sibling, and also feeling the pressure of having to take on adult roles even in their youth. Available at Boston Public Library-Copley. 

3. American Betiya by Anuradha D. Rajurkar 

American Betiya tells the story of a young Indian girl who falls for a White guy, in secret, knowing that her parents would not approve. What appeals to me about this story is that a lot of teenagers can relate to this idea of "forbidden" love, having had conditions and expectations put on them by their own parents. It's sort of a history repeating itself tale, in the mosaic of America where there have been so many social and even legal constraints put on people from different backgrounds against dating or marrying, and a lot of kids can relate. Available at the Boston Public Library-Copley.