I’m sticking with the theme from my last post and my new zine, Whereverland, for today’s Thursday Three post. I have three books in which moving and/or exploring one’s roots plays a role.
- T
he Language Inside by Holly Thompson – Emma spent most of her life as an American living in Japan–that’s home. Now she’s back in the States re-orienting to the place her parents have always thought of as “home.” Really beautiful teen novel in verse that explores connecting with people, places, and poetry. Teacher/Librarian note: There’s a discussion guide here. (Teen Fiction – Find it at your library or indie bookstore) - Little Fish by Ramsey Beyer – Ramsey Beyer captures her first year at art school in this graphic memoir. She’s a blogger, zinester, and an artist, so I was obviously a little biased toward liking this book even before I started reading. It’s a more innocent look at college–no parties or hangovers here–than you might find in other books, and Beyer’s sincerity and sweetness make this a cute coming of age book that zinesters and other creative sorts will enjoy. (Teen/Adult Memoir – Find it at your library or indie bookstore)
- Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan – This is an oldie, but it is not to be missed. When Naomi’s mom returns and wants custody of Naomi (and not her brother who has a birth defect), Naomi explores her father’s side with a trip to Mexico. That one sentence description hardly does the book justice. It is a thoughtful look at identity and family. A long-time favorite of mine. (Children’s Fiction – Find it at your library or indie bookstore)
Have you read anything that fits this theme? What would you add?
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