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katscribefever's review against another edition
3.0
Here's the thing about this collection of stories written by authors who don't fit into the typical "straight white wealthy" mold America holds so dear: it wasn't written for me--it was written for those whose stories have gone for centuries not being told. Having said that, I still found myself relating to these characters, and that, more than any other comments I could make, demonstrates the spirit of inclusivity found in these pages.
paragraphsandpages's review against another edition
4.0
First off, I would like to thank the publisher and author for providing me this ARC to review. Please note that the version I read was an advanced copy, and certain events/language may be changed in the published edition.
Stars (Out of 10): 7/10 Stars
Since this is an anthology, I’ll be writing a short review for each individual story!
As a whole, this was a pretty good anthology. Most of the stories seemed to fit the theme, and there was a variety of characters and stories. While each story did hinge on the idea of diversity, they focused on a variety of other things as well, making the stories much more fleshed out overall. Lastly, the message in each of the stories usually came across quite well, except in some cases where it may have been too hidden or too forced.
Out of the 12 stories, my favorites would have to be “Super Human”, “Catch, Pull, Drive”, and “Eraser Tattoo”!
Eraser Tattoo: I haven't read any if Jason Reynolds full novels (have seen them around though!), but this story makes me want to! It was fairly simple, but in the few short pages it lasted, I was already loving the characters. The message in this one was also fairly obscured, but I think the small references to the unfairness of the situation only added to the overall effect of the story.
Meet Cute: Exactly fits the name! The setting was interesting too, since it's during a con and there's quite a few references! Only issue is, if the reader doesn't automatically know where the characters are from (since it's not revealed until later), parts of the beginning fall a little flat since it is pretty heavy in references
Don’t Pass Me By: I think story fits my expectations for this anthology more than the other two so far. While the beginning it was difficult to follow since I had to orient myself in a culture I didn't necessarily have experience with, that quickly resolved itself. Overall, this story just made me angry (at the white teacher and the white students and ugh)
Be Cool For Once: Overall I thought this was a super cute story, but it didn't seem to fit in the anthology as well as others
Tags: I really liked the format and idea behind the story, but I wasn't the biggest fan of the story myself. It felt a bit short and all over the place, and I only really sympathized with one or two of the characters
Why I Learned to Cook: This story was super cute! I love how it blended both diversity in sexuality and in culture! I especially liked that this story fostered a love both between acceptance and family, as many stories involving sexual diversity focus on the hatred from the parents.
A Stranger at the Bochinche: While I liked the premise, the story felt as if it was trying to accomplish too much in too few pages, and it left me feeling lost at points. However, I did like the stark contrast of ancient gods/an older setting + fancy tech
A Boy’s Duty: I wasn't as big a fan of this story, as I felt it dragged a bit and took a while to get to its point, but I still enjoyed it. If anything, I think I liked the characters the most.
One Voice: Okay, so don't read this if you haven't read Something In Between because this basically spoils the entire book. Also, I'm never really a fan of short stories in anthologies being from other series :/ additionally, the story itself felt too short, and made the message feel forced while also having a fairly abrupt ending. This one would have to be my least favorite.
Paladin/Samurai: I get why the comic book story was so short, but it almost felt waaay too short. However, it still was able to carry a message more subtle than One Voice, so for that I applaud it
Catch, Pull, Drive: I really loved this one! Not only the message, but the way it was written as well! Having it set during the middle of a swimming race heightened the tension dramatically, and the inner thoughts complimented that really well also.
Super Human: I really really enjoyed this one. It seemed one of the only stories that didn't have a positive ending, and the openness of the ending combined with the lack of positivity made it all the more powerful. Overall, it feels as if this story carries the message of the anthology the most.
Stars (Out of 10): 7/10 Stars
Since this is an anthology, I’ll be writing a short review for each individual story!
As a whole, this was a pretty good anthology. Most of the stories seemed to fit the theme, and there was a variety of characters and stories. While each story did hinge on the idea of diversity, they focused on a variety of other things as well, making the stories much more fleshed out overall. Lastly, the message in each of the stories usually came across quite well, except in some cases where it may have been too hidden or too forced.
Out of the 12 stories, my favorites would have to be “Super Human”, “Catch, Pull, Drive”, and “Eraser Tattoo”!
Eraser Tattoo: I haven't read any if Jason Reynolds full novels (have seen them around though!), but this story makes me want to! It was fairly simple, but in the few short pages it lasted, I was already loving the characters. The message in this one was also fairly obscured, but I think the small references to the unfairness of the situation only added to the overall effect of the story.
Meet Cute: Exactly fits the name! The setting was interesting too, since it's during a con and there's quite a few references! Only issue is, if the reader doesn't automatically know where the characters are from (since it's not revealed until later), parts of the beginning fall a little flat since it is pretty heavy in references
Don’t Pass Me By: I think story fits my expectations for this anthology more than the other two so far. While the beginning it was difficult to follow since I had to orient myself in a culture I didn't necessarily have experience with, that quickly resolved itself. Overall, this story just made me angry (at the white teacher and the white students and ugh)
Be Cool For Once: Overall I thought this was a super cute story, but it didn't seem to fit in the anthology as well as others
Tags: I really liked the format and idea behind the story, but I wasn't the biggest fan of the story myself. It felt a bit short and all over the place, and I only really sympathized with one or two of the characters
Why I Learned to Cook: This story was super cute! I love how it blended both diversity in sexuality and in culture! I especially liked that this story fostered a love both between acceptance and family, as many stories involving sexual diversity focus on the hatred from the parents.
A Stranger at the Bochinche: While I liked the premise, the story felt as if it was trying to accomplish too much in too few pages, and it left me feeling lost at points. However, I did like the stark contrast of ancient gods/an older setting + fancy tech
A Boy’s Duty: I wasn't as big a fan of this story, as I felt it dragged a bit and took a while to get to its point, but I still enjoyed it. If anything, I think I liked the characters the most.
One Voice: Okay, so don't read this if you haven't read Something In Between because this basically spoils the entire book. Also, I'm never really a fan of short stories in anthologies being from other series :/ additionally, the story itself felt too short, and made the message feel forced while also having a fairly abrupt ending. This one would have to be my least favorite.
Paladin/Samurai: I get why the comic book story was so short, but it almost felt waaay too short. However, it still was able to carry a message more subtle than One Voice, so for that I applaud it
Catch, Pull, Drive: I really loved this one! Not only the message, but the way it was written as well! Having it set during the middle of a swimming race heightened the tension dramatically, and the inner thoughts complimented that really well also.
Super Human: I really really enjoyed this one. It seemed one of the only stories that didn't have a positive ending, and the openness of the ending combined with the lack of positivity made it all the more powerful. Overall, it feels as if this story carries the message of the anthology the most.
lkthomas07's review against another edition
4.0
These stories were so well done. There were a few I just didn’t want to end! (Which I consider a hallmark of a winner.) There should def be more books like this - but are there and I just don’t know about them? Likely.
mckinlay's review against another edition
4.0
*i received a DRC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher.*
Eraser Tattoo by Jason Reynolds: I have read all of Jason's books and I don't think he's ever written a strict love story before and now i NEED a full length love story from him!... 5 stars
Meet Cute by Malinda Lo: So cute and nerdy! The middle kinda dragged for me, but all in all i loved it!... 4 stars
Don't Pass Me By by Eric Gansworth: This is a story about an American Indian boy letting himself feel empowered with his heritage, which is awesome, but also low-key boring... 3 stars.
Be Cool For Once by Aminah Mae Safi: This had the makings of what could be a really cute novel, but a very confusing short story. It was so rushed, I didn't really understand what was going on! 2.5 stars
Tags by Walter Dean Meyers: This is a one act play that I'm betting would be incredible to see performed! It's very sad though... 3.5 stars.
Why I Learned To Cook by Sara Farizan: Possibly my favorite? But i've loved both of Sara's books so I'm not surprised. An incredibly adorable f/f story. It was cute and sweet and i adored Yasi's grandma!... 5 stars.
A Stranger at the Bochinche by Daniel Jose Older: I was really bored and confused and couldn't finish this one... dnf
A Boy's Duty by Sharon G. Flake: Sweet and sad, but I liked it... 4 stars...
One Voice by Melissa de la Cruz: I skipped this one because it's a Something In Between story and i hated that book.
Paladin/Samurai by Gene Luen Yang, illustrated by Thien Phan: It seemed pretty pointless but the art was cute... 2 stars.
Catch, Pulle, Drive by Schyuler Bailar: This is about a trans boy who publicly comes out and it's his first practice with the boys. Ramon is an effing douche bag who I wanted to climb into the story and punch... also the Coach. Other than that it was sweet and uplifting and I'd love a whole novel from him... 5 stars.
Super Human by Nicola Yoon: Surprisingly moving story about race in America... 5 stars.
Eraser Tattoo by Jason Reynolds: I have read all of Jason's books and I don't think he's ever written a strict love story before and now i NEED a full length love story from him!... 5 stars
Meet Cute by Malinda Lo: So cute and nerdy! The middle kinda dragged for me, but all in all i loved it!... 4 stars
Don't Pass Me By by Eric Gansworth: This is a story about an American Indian boy letting himself feel empowered with his heritage, which is awesome, but also low-key boring... 3 stars.
Be Cool For Once by Aminah Mae Safi: This had the makings of what could be a really cute novel, but a very confusing short story. It was so rushed, I didn't really understand what was going on! 2.5 stars
Tags by Walter Dean Meyers: This is a one act play that I'm betting would be incredible to see performed! It's very sad though... 3.5 stars.
Why I Learned To Cook by Sara Farizan: Possibly my favorite? But i've loved both of Sara's books so I'm not surprised. An incredibly adorable f/f story. It was cute and sweet and i adored Yasi's grandma!... 5 stars.
A Stranger at the Bochinche by Daniel Jose Older: I was really bored and confused and couldn't finish this one... dnf
A Boy's Duty by Sharon G. Flake: Sweet and sad, but I liked it... 4 stars...
One Voice by Melissa de la Cruz: I skipped this one because it's a Something In Between story and i hated that book.
Paladin/Samurai by Gene Luen Yang, illustrated by Thien Phan: It seemed pretty pointless but the art was cute... 2 stars.
Catch, Pulle, Drive by Schyuler Bailar: This is about a trans boy who publicly comes out and it's his first practice with the boys. Ramon is an effing douche bag who I wanted to climb into the story and punch... also the Coach. Other than that it was sweet and uplifting and I'd love a whole novel from him... 5 stars.
Super Human by Nicola Yoon: Surprisingly moving story about race in America... 5 stars.
maryehavens's review against another edition
4.0
Well, I accidentally deleted the audio version that I received from SYNC's audiobook program. The stories I listened to were excellently narrated by a variety of narrators. The writer's list is impressive with the likes of Jason Reynolds, Nicola Yoon, Gene Luen Yang, etc.
Because I deleted the audiobook, I obtained the print copy from the public library which I had planned on doing anyway since there was a graphic novel by Yang inside (not sure if that was narrated although it easily could have been). Reading was quite a different experience but still enjoyable.
My favorites were Malinda Lo's "Meet Cute", Walter Dean Myers "Tags" (glad I experienced that on audio - it was excellent!!), Sara Farizan's "Why I Learned to Cook", Melissa de la Cruz's "One Voice", and Nicola Yoon's "Super Human" - she knows how to end a story for sure!
This collection was compiled by Lamar Giles as a #weneeddiversebooks initiative and I couldn't agree more. I really enjoy YA Short Story Anthologies (high specific, I know) because it's a great way to introduce me to writers that I would, eventually, get around to but it would take a long time. Great way to get a taste and see if I want to dig in or just pass. I've definitely added authors based on their short stories and am always excited to read/listen to a collection where I recognize several names. They keep good company.
Because I deleted the audiobook, I obtained the print copy from the public library which I had planned on doing anyway since there was a graphic novel by Yang inside (not sure if that was narrated although it easily could have been). Reading was quite a different experience but still enjoyable.
My favorites were Malinda Lo's "Meet Cute", Walter Dean Myers "Tags" (glad I experienced that on audio - it was excellent!!), Sara Farizan's "Why I Learned to Cook", Melissa de la Cruz's "One Voice", and Nicola Yoon's "Super Human" - she knows how to end a story for sure!
This collection was compiled by Lamar Giles as a #weneeddiversebooks initiative and I couldn't agree more. I really enjoy YA Short Story Anthologies (high specific, I know) because it's a great way to introduce me to writers that I would, eventually, get around to but it would take a long time. Great way to get a taste and see if I want to dig in or just pass. I've definitely added authors based on their short stories and am always excited to read/listen to a collection where I recognize several names. They keep good company.
thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Such an amazing collection of short stories, a graphic novel, one act play and a letter from one of the founders of We Need Diverse Books Lamar Giles. These stories have ambiguous endings and encourage the reader to push boundaries and follow their truths. Loved them all! #weneeddiversebooks
bookisheri98's review against another edition
5.0
I received this as an e-galley off of netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
First off, I can't even give the stories individual ratings because they each earned between 4 to 5 stars from me so collectively this book was just five stars.
I loved each of these stories for different reasons, a couple of them were by authors I already liked so I didn't expect anything less. When I read the intro by Lamar I never felt so connected with a fellow reader. I am a black girl and when I was reading books growing up, I had the same feelings.
I always saw black girls as either stereotypes in books or the first person to killed off. I never saw a black heroine or a black main character where they were the hero or struggling with their identity or anything like that. So it was refreshing to read these stories and I didn't just see my black characters, I saw all kinds from Asian to Indian. I even saw queer characters (as a queer girl of color I was so happy to see that) and I just couldn't put the book down and this is one of my most anticipated releases of the year so I didn't expect anything less.
I love that I have another book in my collection where I see myself (the collection is growing now) and I hope everyone goes and picks up this anthology when it's released.
<3 <3 <3 <3
First off, I can't even give the stories individual ratings because they each earned between 4 to 5 stars from me so collectively this book was just five stars.
I loved each of these stories for different reasons, a couple of them were by authors I already liked so I didn't expect anything less. When I read the intro by Lamar I never felt so connected with a fellow reader. I am a black girl and when I was reading books growing up, I had the same feelings.
I always saw black girls as either stereotypes in books or the first person to killed off. I never saw a black heroine or a black main character where they were the hero or struggling with their identity or anything like that. So it was refreshing to read these stories and I didn't just see my black characters, I saw all kinds from Asian to Indian. I even saw queer characters (as a queer girl of color I was so happy to see that) and I just couldn't put the book down and this is one of my most anticipated releases of the year so I didn't expect anything less.
I love that I have another book in my collection where I see myself (the collection is growing now) and I hope everyone goes and picks up this anthology when it's released.
<3 <3 <3 <3
mathildeliva's review against another edition
4.0
Eraser tattoo: 3.5
Meet cute: 4
Don’t pass me by: 2.5
Be cool for once: 4
Tags: 4
Why I learned to cook: 4
A stranger at the bochinche: 2.5
A boy’s duty: 2
One voice: A something in-between story: 4
Paladin/Samurai: 3
Catch, pull, drive: 4.5
Super human: 5
Meet cute: 4
Don’t pass me by: 2.5
Be cool for once: 4
Tags: 4
Why I learned to cook: 4
A stranger at the bochinche: 2.5
A boy’s duty: 2
One voice: A something in-between story: 4
Paladin/Samurai: 3
Catch, pull, drive: 4.5
Super human: 5
sfujii's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars for this one.
I am always on the lookout for good short texts to incorporate into my classroom, but many of my discoveries feel like more of the same voice. I loved this collection because it was anything BUT that.
In case there are any fellow educators on the hunt, I'm including a super brief description of the beautiful voices in this anthology.
"Eraser Tattoo" - Jason Reynolds - a young couple says goodbye as the girl moves away. Subtle messages about race (white family moving into their old apartment), but it's also a sweet love story.
Interesting symbolism with the tattoo she gives him with an eraser.
"Meet Cute" - Malinda Lo - the setting is a Sci Fi Fantasy convention. Two girls meet by chance when the wifi goes out, and they have a spark. Very sweet love story.
"Don't Pass Me By" - Eric Gansworth - a young Native Indian endures health class. constantly comparing himself with another girl "from the Rez" who makes more of an effort to remove herself from her culture. Defining moment when he chooses to color his anatomy color sheet (wtf...) with his actual skin tone v. the colors he has been given by the teacher.
"Be Cool for Once" - Aminah Mae Safi - a pair of friends goes to a concert, and surprise! The boy one of them likes is there. She is shy, he is super popular - much cute.
"Tags" - Walter Dean Myers - written as a short play, it's a group of boys all tagging a hallway in the afterlife.
"Why I learned to Cook" Sara Farizan - A young girl wants to come out as bi-sexual to her Persian grandmother. She learns to cook in order to invite her girlfriend over.
"A Stranger at the Bochinche" - Daniellas Josè Older - Sci fi vibes. A notebook with inventions is stolen by an other worldly creature. A crew of friends goes to retrieve it, only to be confronted by the very monsters they were trying to keep out.
"A Boy's Duty" - Sharon G. Flake -a young runaway works at a restaurant. Trying to define himself amidst presumptions, assumptions, and a crew with different goals than he has.
"One Voice: A Something In-Between Story" - Melissa de la Cruz - Setting is Stanford university after someone graffitis hate speech on one of the campus. She struggles with how to react, and how others are reacting to the injustice. The structure is really cool - each section a different time, or location. This one was a favorite.
"Paladin/Samurai" - Gene Luen Yang - This is a graphic short, with beautiful images highlighting a group of friends playing a game. One of them wants to be a samurai, but that isn't in the rules of the game.
"Catch, Pull, Drive"" = Schuyler Bailar - About a transgender swimmer who has just announced the name and pronouns he will now identify with. He is on the swim team, and attends his first swim practice since the announcement. Powerful internal monologue as he makes his way back and forth across the pool.
"Super Human" - Nicola Yoon - favorite of the favorites. About a super hero, X, who is threatening to destroy humanity. The president calls the Syrita, the first girl he saved with his super hero status, in an effort to try and save humanity. X's identity is revealed, and it becomes a powerful social commentary. OMG. So good. I can't say much more because ... spoiler.
I am always on the lookout for good short texts to incorporate into my classroom, but many of my discoveries feel like more of the same voice. I loved this collection because it was anything BUT that.
In case there are any fellow educators on the hunt, I'm including a super brief description of the beautiful voices in this anthology.
"Eraser Tattoo" - Jason Reynolds - a young couple says goodbye as the girl moves away. Subtle messages about race (white family moving into their old apartment), but it's also a sweet love story.
Interesting symbolism with the tattoo she gives him with an eraser.
"Meet Cute" - Malinda Lo - the setting is a Sci Fi Fantasy convention. Two girls meet by chance when the wifi goes out, and they have a spark. Very sweet love story.
"Don't Pass Me By" - Eric Gansworth - a young Native Indian endures health class. constantly comparing himself with another girl "from the Rez" who makes more of an effort to remove herself from her culture. Defining moment when he chooses to color his anatomy color sheet (wtf...) with his actual skin tone v. the colors he has been given by the teacher.
"Be Cool for Once" - Aminah Mae Safi - a pair of friends goes to a concert, and surprise! The boy one of them likes is there. She is shy, he is super popular - much cute.
"Tags" - Walter Dean Myers - written as a short play, it's a group of boys all tagging a hallway in the afterlife.
"Why I learned to Cook" Sara Farizan - A young girl wants to come out as bi-sexual to her Persian grandmother. She learns to cook in order to invite her girlfriend over.
"A Stranger at the Bochinche" - Daniellas Josè Older - Sci fi vibes. A notebook with inventions is stolen by an other worldly creature. A crew of friends goes to retrieve it, only to be confronted by the very monsters they were trying to keep out.
"A Boy's Duty" - Sharon G. Flake -a young runaway works at a restaurant. Trying to define himself amidst presumptions, assumptions, and a crew with different goals than he has.
"One Voice: A Something In-Between Story" - Melissa de la Cruz - Setting is Stanford university after someone graffitis hate speech on one of the campus. She struggles with how to react, and how others are reacting to the injustice. The structure is really cool - each section a different time, or location. This one was a favorite.
"Paladin/Samurai" - Gene Luen Yang - This is a graphic short, with beautiful images highlighting a group of friends playing a game. One of them wants to be a samurai, but that isn't in the rules of the game.
"Catch, Pull, Drive"" = Schuyler Bailar - About a transgender swimmer who has just announced the name and pronouns he will now identify with. He is on the swim team, and attends his first swim practice since the announcement. Powerful internal monologue as he makes his way back and forth across the pool.
"Super Human" - Nicola Yoon - favorite of the favorites. About a super hero, X, who is threatening to destroy humanity. The president calls the Syrita, the first girl he saved with his super hero status, in an effort to try and save humanity. X's identity is revealed, and it becomes a powerful social commentary. OMG. So good. I can't say much more because ... spoiler.