Efren Divided, by Ernesto Cisneros

     Another book in this season's Oregon Reader's Choice Award (ORCA) books, Efren Divided is the freshman book (meaning his first one) by author Cisneros. This book tells the story of Efren and his family - his two younger siblings, and his mom (Ama) and his dad (Apa). Although Efren and his brother and sister were all born in the United States, his parents were not, and Efren has an underlying fear that one day something will happen to one or both of them - specifically, that they will be deported to Mexico. When his worst fears come to pass, Efren finds himself trying to care for his siblings, stay caught up in school, and pretend he isn't missing his parent terribly.  Meanwhile his other parent has to rely heavily on him to keep the house together and bring the deported parent back home. That is a lot to ask of anyone, but especially a 7th grader!

    The first few chapters of this book seemed really young, like Cisneros wasn't sure how to write a middle grade book, but was instead writing for a middle elementary reader. Not that that is a bad thing, but it took me a while to get into his writing, as it seemed a bit younger than much of the other books you and I read. But Cisneros was able to get a nice flow going, and the story was a very powerful one. It reminded me of an OBOB book from a couple of years ago, The Only Road, by Alexandra Diaz, only for a slightly younger audience. Immigration is a very current topic these last few years in the United States, as we as a country struggle with who is allowed to cross our borders, how long they can stay, if they are allowed to work, how to pay for their health care and education, and more. Efren shines the light on the human element of these issues, and is a good primer for anyone wanting to think more about these issues that are currently being decided for you by adults. It's good to remember that there are real people behind the stories we hear online and read in the papers. Well done, although not an amazing first effort. But an important topic to write and read about. 4 paws!

Daisy Woodworm Changes the World, by Melissa Hart

     The second chapter book by Eugene, Oregon author Hart, and as good as her first, Avenging the Owl. Hart draws upon her own life experiences as she crafts the story of Daisy, sister to brother Sorrel (a.k.a. Squirrel), who has Down's Syndrome (as does Hart's brother). Daisy is trying to "change the world", per a class assignment in school, and in doing so faces challenges from a bully, her family, and simply the world itself. She leans on friends, some not so friendly, and her own resilience to make the changes she and Squirrel dream about. Mostly, Daisy changes herself.

    I enjoy Hart's writing, and love how she ties in parts of herself into the story. The obvious parts, such as having a brother with Down's, is more obvious, as she shares this info on the author's page at the end of the story. But some not so obvious parts are Hart's love of running, for example, and how Daisy is on a track team in the story. Hart has visited Briggs as an author, and even helped with OBOB last season by being a volunteer moderator for our region! Avenging the Owl was an OBOB book a few years ago, and I'm certain Daisy will be one as well. A cute story whose tone reminded me of Because of Winn Dixie, and a book you are sure to enjoy! 4 paws!

Pet, by Akwaeke Emezi

     This was not a book on my pug radar, but it arrived in a small box of free books from a Rainbow Book Company sent to my human because of his links to librarians and libraries. If this first book from this package is any indication of the other books sent, WOW!!!

    Pet is a fantasy story that tells of Jam, a young person living in Lucille, a futuristic town where "monsters" have been eliminated by adults. Jam's mom, Bitter, is an artist, and paints a creature into a painting that Jam accidently falls and bleeds on, and the painted creature comes alive. The creature's function is to hunt "monsters", and Pet, the painting, tells Jam that she is supposed to help in the hunt, because the hunted is someone Jam knows. The story is less confusing than I am probably making it sound, but it's also like nothing I've read before in many ways. There is a theme of child abuse in the story, so it's pretty heavy in that way. But Emezi's writing is spectacular! This may well be one of the best books I have ever read, and as a reading pug, I read a LOT!

    Jam appears to be transitioning between genders, but this is barely mentioned in the story, and is treated as if it isn't out of the ordinary. I love that part, as it really normalizes something that we, today, are still trying to come to terms with in our society. Emezi doesn't make it a major theme of the book, but it is there and adds to Jam's strengths, I think. The bulk of the story occurs around Pet, Jam, her friend and family, and the "monster".

    If strong subject matter doesn't worry you, read this. And then read it again. And then go out and read Bitter, book two in this story line. This is more than just one of my favorite books of the year, it's one of my all-time favorite books. Ever 5 paws!