Toronto silent book club member Sundus Butt is back with another installment of what we hope will be an ongoing series of mini-reviews and previews of young adult (YA) titles and recommendations. Enjoy the first installment here.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio (8–12)

[…] The things we do are like monuments that people build to honour heroes after they’ve died. They’re like the pyramids that the Egyptians built to honour the pharaohs. Only instead of being made out of stone, they’re made out of the memories people have of you. That’s why your deeds are like your monuments. Built with memories instead of with stone.

Wonder is about August Pullman (Auggie), a child who was born with a facial difference and is about to go to school for the first time as a fifth grader.

All the characters in this book are well-crafted, which makes the telling of the story through multiple perspectives that much more enjoyable. And even though the story could’ve been gritty and harsh, it’s actually very uplifting in a way that real life wouldn’t be in these circumstances. The overall message is simple and overwhelmingly positive—it’s to be kind and to be kind deliberately, with purpose.

The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had by Kristin Levine (10+)

[…] my mama had a rule—we didn’t have to like anyone, but we had to be nice to everyone. That’s exactly the kind of rule grown-ups make up, ain’t it?

Set in Alabama, in 1917, this story is about a brave friendship between two children in a time and a place where racism is rampant. Dit is White and has lived in Moundville his whole life. Emma is Black and has just arrived from Boston. They have nothing in common and don’t think much of each other when they first meet. But when they’re thrown together, they learn from each other and challenge each other, and grow into the very best of friends.

The story is channelled through Dit, who is well-written. His observations and dialogue (inner and outer) ring true of a child growing up and discovering hard truths about his community and himself.

Pumpkinheads written by Rainbow Rowell and illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks (14-18)

“Maybe don’t repeat her name dreamily like she’s just handed you the One Ring.”

This graphic novel follows Josie and Deja working at the pumpkin patch. For their last-ever shift, Deja decides they need to go out with a bang. They abandon their post at the Succotash Hut and adventure all across the patch.

Right from the first page, the signature humour of both Powell and Hicks is on display in the fun dialogue and wonderful illustrations. Josie and Deja are great characters and their trails across the patch highlight some of the best things about autumn, friendship, and being on the cusp of adulthood (and delicious snacks!). The ending didn’t feel quite right, but overall, this was a charming and fun read.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman (9+)

Coraline sighed. “You really don’t understand, do you?” she said. “I don’t want whatever I want. Nobody does. Not really. What kind of fun would it be if I just got everything I ever wanted? Just like that, and it didn’t mean anything. What then?”

Coraline and her parents have just moved to a new flat, but it’s terribly boring. So Coraline goes exploring and finds another world where her flat, family, and neighbours are all duplicated. This new place is full of colour, fun, and great-tasting food. But Coraline soon learns there’s a price to pay for this world—a price that involves buttons, eyes, and her soul.

This story is full of the weird and wonderful that we’ve come to expect from Gaiman. He skillfully creates a world that feels sinister; the Other Mother in particular is a wonderfully creepy character. The pace is well-balanced and a lot of story is packed into a short number of pages.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy (6+)

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
“Kind,” said the boy.

There is a thread of a story in this book, but essentially, it’s a compilation of simple quotes focused on love and kindness for others and yourself. There is a warmth to this read right from the introduction, and the four unlikely friends are all charming and whimsically illustrated. My favourite was mole, whose single-mindedness for cake was something I both respected and recognized. This is a very quick and light read, but it felt good for the soul.