100+ Books in 2025 discussion
2014 Lists
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Zoey's 100 in 2014
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Zoey Wyn
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Jan 01, 2014 12:51PM
I'm so psyched to start this challenge. I'm going to get busy reading, and I'll update you soon!
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Book #1 Cinder by Marissa Meyer-387 pagesThe day where androids are common place and preform some of the more mundane and menial tasks has come. Cinder is a futuristic novel set in “New Beijing,” where the population is super dense and letumosis, a plague like illness, is making the rounds.
Could Cinder, an under appreciated cyborg, be the key to curing letumosis or the solution to a much larger puzzle? While robotic technology saved her life when Cinder was young, she is seen more as a mutant than a medical feat. Whatever happened before the life altering event is an unknown, and adds to the mystery of Cinder’s past.
Cinder spends her days at the market place stall repairing broken androids, making money to just be taken by her stepmother. Being part machine herself gives her an advantage, thus making her the best mechanic in the area. All this changes when her only human friend, Peony, contracts the fatal letumosis, which is made all the worse because it is her stepsister. Cinder’s stepmother and other stepsister blame her for Peony getting sick, and take it out on her by being even crueler.
Through her interactions with Prince Kai and Dr. Erland, it is hinted that something big is just around the corner but what that is exactly is yet to be revealed.
Why I picked it up: It was one of the teen choice award nominees this last year, and I always like the idea of a modern fairy tale.
Why I finished it: The mystery kept me interested. What was the doctor keeping from Cinder? Why was it so important? I also had to hold out to the end, and find out if Cinder got the prince.
Who I’d give it too: Anyone who is interested in romance, fairy tales, mystery, suspense, and robotics. Sequels on some other fairy tale re-imaginings are to come.
Happy Reading!
2013 Teens’ Top Ten Nominee
Book #2 Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell-445 pagesFangirl follows the narrator Cather and her twin sister Wren as they make the transition to college life. Up until this point they are the stereotypical twins. They have shared everything since birth. Now that adulthood is on the horizon Wren has decided to move forward with the constant presence of her twin sister.
How will Cather, the quiet introverted one, cope?
With Wren partying it up; her dad teetering on the edge of mental stability; and her mom wanting to come back into her life after being absent for almost ten years, Cath turns to her writing for comfort.
In between bouts of frenzied writing, Cath does manage to make new friends, become closer to her sister, and challenge the obstacles that would prevent her from following her dream.
Why I picked it up: My book club had chosen it for its “hot off the press” discussion, and after reading only a few pages I was hooked.
Why I finished it: Rainbow Rowell has created very cast to inhabit the world of Fangirl. If the story doesn’t keep you reading, then the endearing and authentic characters will. The relationship between Cather and the people in her life are unbelievably genuine and honest.
Who I’d give it too: Readers of realistic fiction, who love getting wrapped up in the story and becoming invested in the characters’ lives.
Happy Reading!
Amazon.com Best Books of the Year 2013
School Library Journal’s Best Books of 2013
Bulletin Blue Ribbon 2013
YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults 2014
Book #3 After Eden by Helen Douglass-288 pagesA hot new boy shows up at school, but the mystery that surrounds him is more than just being the new kid. He says he’s from America, but his accent seems off and he doesn't know what pizza is or who is Hitler. Throw in the fact that he has a book about Eden’s best friend, Conner, that won’t be written for another hundred years and it is confirmed. Ryan is from the future, but is time travel really possible?
Has Eden taken on more than she can handle when she told Ryan that she could help with his unbelievable mission. One thing is for certain though; falling in love was not a part of the plan.
So it comes down to this final question in After Eden: Do you believe in fate and destiny or free will? For Eden, Ryan, and the whole world we better hope that free will wins out in the end.
Why I picked it up: The publisher gave it to me for free, so I figured I should read it. Who doesn’t like getting free stuff? I wouldn’t have picked this one up based on the cover, so it was a good opportunity to read something outside my usual.
Why I finished it: There’s enough action and unresolved mysteries to keep a reader going.
Who I’d give it too: Lovers of time-travel, alternative timelines, astronomy with dose of high school romance.
Happy Reading!
Book #4 And Then There Were None by Agatha ChristieAnd Then There Were None is a chilling mystery that takes place on a deserted island, during a heavy rain storm. Each of the ten guests is guilty of a crime, but got away with it because it was next to impossible to prove it within legal parameters. So, one by one each of the ten guests is murdered, and the manner in which they are murdered follows an old nursery rhyme almost exactly.
Agatha Christe was quite a pioneer in the murder mystery genre, and many authors of the mystery genre now use many of same methods first used by Agatha Christie. Much like in And Then There Were None, Agatha Christie was once of the first to make use of an unreliable narrative.
Why I picked it up: Another lovely book club venture!
Why I finished it: Once I got past feeling that the language was dated, after the first couple of chapters I couldn’t tell much anymore, it became quite a surprising pleasure. This fast paced novel keeps things interesting for the reader. The suspense will keep you hanging on till the last word.
Who I’d give it too: I’d give this title to mystery, suspense, and crime drama lovers all around, and readers who enjoy a challenge. This novel can be difficult to read at times.
Happy Reading!
Book #5 Imprisoned: The Betrayal of Japanese Americans During World War II by Martin W. Sandler-176 pagesDuring WWII nearly everyone knows of the atrocities performed in Nazi Germany, under Hitler’s rule. Why is it then that so many people are so unaware of similar events happening in America at the same time?
Right here in America, home of the free and land of the brave, the government was breaking resident aliens’ and citizens’ constitutional rights. Rights that were spelled out in the first ten amendments, the ones deemed to be of the utmost importance. They are so important that we call them the Bill of Rights.
Imagine being forced from your homes, schools, and businesses and only given two weeks to get all of your affairs in order, and then lose everything despite all your efforts. That is exactly how it starts, and Imprisoned takes us through it all.
Why I picked it up: I have always felt that Japanese internment is an under covered topic, especially in school, so it was exciting to see an accessible book on the topic. It is laid out expertly, and uses modern design element.
Why I finished it: While it is a non-fiction book, the narrative is honest and heart felt. I felt like I could really empathize with the victims of this event, because of this insightful perspective.
Who I’d give it too: History buffs, lovers of world cultures, and anyone interested in issues surround race.
Happy Reading!
YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction 2014 Finalist
Junior Library Guild Selection
Booklist 2013 Lasting Connections
Booklist Editor’s Choice
Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book 2013
Book #6 Friends with Boys by Faith Erin Hicks-220 pages"Friends with Boys" starts out with Maggie McKay getting ready for the first day of school. This isn’t a typical first day for Maggie though. Not only is it going to be her first day at high school, it’s going to be her first day of school ever!
Up until this point Maggie’s mom has homeschooled her and her three brothers, but she has disappeared from the picture. Ever since Maggie’s mom has left, she is stuck feeling lost, guilty, and plagued with uncertainty.
On top of that, Maggie is haunted by a ghost. Yes, her very own local spook from the in town cemetery.
No wonder Maggie has isolated herself in the fringe of high school life. It isn’t all bad though; there are two very interesting (freakish) people there that make it less lonely to be a loner.
Why I picked it up: This book came highly recommended, and a few of my friends wanted to read it. This title was also published by the independent publisher First Second, and I have really liked their titles so far. (They published "American Born Chinese"!)
Why I finished it: I finished it because I became really involved with the characters. I really cared about what they were going through. The interactions between the members of the McKay family were quite endearing.
Who I’d give it too: I’d give this to lovers of ghost stories, anyone who appreciates the dynamics of large families, and “freaky” people.
Happy Reading!
2012 Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Books
2012 Cybils Award Winner
2013 YALSA Great Graphic Novels Top Ten 2013
Book #7 Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol-221 pagesAnya was a typical daughter, in an immigrant family. She wanted to fit in so badly that she aimed to sever any ties to the old country. Anya didn’t want to eat the food, have an accent, or be associated with people who acted to “fobbish” (fresh off the boat).
That all changed when she fell down a well, and discovered a skeleton and the ghost of who was once alive. At first everything is going along quite well, Anya’s new friend is very useful, especially when it comes to passing tests. But then things make a turn for the worst when the truth comes out.
Why I picked it up: After reading Friends with Boy I was interested in reading something similar, and this one was a match.
Why I finished it: The interactions between Anya and the ghost were very interesting, because they were very similar yet different at the same time. It made for a thrilling protagonist/antagonist relationship.
Who I’d give it too: I’d give it to anyone who loves a good haunting story, and people who are interesting in stories about recently immigrated families.
Happy Reading!
2011 Booklist 2011 Editors' Choice
2011 School Library Journal Best Books
2011 School Library Journal’s Top 10
2011 Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Books
2012 Booklist Lasting Connections
2012 ALA Top Ten Great Graphic Novels
2012 ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers
2012 YALSA Readers' Choice Nomination
2012 ALA Notable Children 's Book
2012 Booklist Top 10 Graphic Novels for Youth
Book #8 Ghostopolis by Doug TenNapel-267 pagesFrank Gallows, a longtime ghost hunter has really done it this time, sending a living person to the afterlife. What a loser! Now he is really going to get fired, so he enlists his ex to help save the day.
Garth, a terminally ill boy, is accidentally zapped to the afterlife prematurely. At first he just wants to find a way home, but as he spends more time in the afterlife he realizes he may be able to help.
Cecil, Garth’s grandfather, totally failed at life and his family. But through this terrible accident he is able to meet his grandson for the first time, and possibly repair broken relationships.
In the end, nothing is resolved in the way one would guess, but it ends up being even more amazing.
Why I picked it up: I’m still on my graphic novel binge, so I decided to read this one since it has been in my pile for a while. I’ve been putting this one off, but now I have no idea why!
Why I finished it: The story was surprisingly original, and the graphics were complex and engaging. There were a few times I just took a moment to soak it all it.
Who I’d give it too: Anyone who loves a good graphic novel that deals with the afterlife and other spooky stuff.
Happy Reading!
2011 ALA Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens
2010 Kirkus Reviews-Best Children’s Books
2012 ALA Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adults
Book #9 Brain Camp by Susan Kim-160 pagesIn "Brain Camp," two unconnected, parent proclaimed losers, meet at summer camp. Camp Fielding is each respective family’s last ditch effort to reform these children, and help them become more successful.
This invite only camp makes some lofty claims, and promises to turn all the children who attend the camp into winners.
Something strange is clearly going on, when everyone but Jenna and Lucas start acting out of character. Since when did Jenna’s cabin mates start reading advanced literature just for the fun of it? Or the popular kids want Jenna to sit with them? Overnight, everyone seemed to turn into a winner, but at what cost has that happened?
Of course, this is right around the same time Parents’ Day is scheduled, and Jenna and Lucas are still “losers!” Of course, no one believes the teenagers that have a feeling something sneaky is going down. Regardless, they keep trying to alert someone on the outside, while they try to solve the mystery.
Why I picked it up: I picked this up, because the students that I’ve shared the last few graphic novels with wanted to read this.
Why I finished it: I finished because I relationship between Jenna and Lucas gets interesting, and ultimately is what saves everyone in the end. I also enjoyed the “science” aspect of this one.
Who I’d give it too: I’d give this to lovers of graphic novels, adolescent stories, and aliens.
Happy Reading
2011 ALA Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens
Book #10 The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett-358 pagesMary Lennox grew up in British controlled India under the care of native servants. Her father was a military man, and her mother a frivolous woman who frequents parties. Neither of which, have any desire to spend time with their daughter, because she is sickly, ill-tempered, ugly, and spoiled rotten. She states more than once that she does love anyone, and no one loves her.
Then everyone in her large household dies of cholera, leaving her all alone. Once she is discovered alone in her nursery, she is shipped off to England to live with her uncle. He doesn’t spend much time at home, so Mary is left to her own devices
Throughout the course of the story the reader gets to see her grow and mature along with her cousin, much like the secret garden she has taken care of.
Why I picked it up: I read this because my book club was reading this title for the classic young adult category. This book is also in the anthology of 1001 books you should read before you grow up.
Why I finished it: I have no idea why I finished this book. I didn’t find it particularly engaging, or the characters very authentic or likable.
Who I’d give it too: I’d recommend this to people who have a deep appreciation for the classics, and a genuine love for early 1900s literature.
Happy Reading!
1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up
Book #11 The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller-227 pages
Book #12 Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis-320 pagesLooking at the globe and seeing all that water, it was hard to believe that not a drop of it could be drunk. It looked like Earth was more water than land, yet Lynn and her mother spent all their time defending a measly pond. It made her really mad. She just wanted to get away, maybe to somewhere warmer?
Ever since Lynn could remember she knew how to fire a rifle. Spending her days with her mother, on the roof of their mostly empty home, they shoot anyone who tries to take a drink. This maybe harsh, but this is a harsh reality.
Could there be any other way?
Why I picked it up: I really have a weakness for Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopic stories, and this one seemed interesting. I have never read a story centered on survival after a world-wide water shortage.
Why I finished it: I was captivated briefly by Stebbs’ story, the neighbor that mother calls “asshole.” Then there was the teenage romance, and then there was drama around the dam. There was something to string me along to the very end.
Who I’d give it too: I’d give it to other lovers of Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopic and survival stories.
Happy Reading!
Book #13 The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore-233 pagesTwo boys with the same name that grew up in the same town end up facing two very different fates. In The Other Wes Moore, the reader is taken on a journey through the lives of both Wes Moores, and is exposed to the differences that led one to become very successful and the other to end up in prison.
While no answers are given, we have to ask what role a person’s environment has on their lives. Both Moores agree on one thing though, expectations really make or break a person. Not just expectations of themselves, but also expectation others have of them.
If one ever has a chance to hear this guy speak in person, then go! He is very charismatic and dynamic. Wes Moore really brings this story to life.
Why I picked it up: I read this as a part of a community read. Metro State University and a couple of High Schools in Denver read it in preparation for Wes Moore’s visit.
Why I finished it: I was really interested in the author’s story. Even as a trouble maker he was really cleaver. The narrative is very smooth, and makes it feel like you are a part of the action.
Who I’d give it too: I’d give this to someone who is interested in social issues, and wants to investigate the causes of inequality further.
Happy Reading!
2010 Publishers Weekly Starred Review
Book #14 Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman-352 pagesPiper Kerman has it all! The most amazing best friend, who happens to be her partner; an exciting job that pays well; friends and family who love her; and a swanky apartment in Manhattan. How well will she be able to hold on to it all when her past comes back to haunt her?
How was she supposed to know that her rebel ways would catch up with her? If only she never got mixed up with drug runners, and delivered a suitcase of drug money to Europe. Ten years later she will be paying the price: fifteen years in women’s prison in Connecticut.
In Orange is the New Black, not only will the reader become acquainted with Piper’s unusual story, but they will also read about people more representative of the general prison population.
Why I picked it up: I watched the Netflix series, and became interested in the book that started it all. I thought my students, who only want to read gang biographies, might be interested in reading this too. Since the T.V. series was really graphic, I wanted to preview the book.
Why I finished it: I read this book in five days. Once I started reading it I couldn’t get out of Piper’s world. I became totally engrossed with Piper’s story, even when I wasn’t reading the book I was thinking about it.
Who I’d give it too: I’d give this to anyone that has any experience with the justice/prison system. The stories relayed in this book strike a familiar chord, and can provide good company. This book would also be good for lovers of real life stories of crime and prisons.
Happy Reading!
Book #15 Scarlet by Marissa Meyer-454 pages
Book #16 Mercury by Hope Larson-240 pagesIn 1859 French Hill, Nova Scotia a mysterious and traveled man blows into town, and claims to have found gold on the Fraser Farm. He seems to have a talent for prospecting, and honest enough, but bad omens appear. Tragedy is bound to strike.
In the same town one hundred fifty years later, Tara Fraser will find a way to reconcile old grievances, mend her broken family, and save her childhood home.
Mercury is a vibrant combination of history, romance, and a good dose of magical realism, and “a remarkable depiction of two girls tied by blood and separated by time.”
Why I picked it up: This book came highly recommended, and a few of my friends wanted to read it. This title was also published by the independent publisher First Second, and I have really liked their titles so far. (They published American Born Chinese!)
Why I finished it: I finished it because I became really involved with the characters. I really cared about what they were going through. The interactions between the members of the McKay family were quite endearing.
Who I’d give it too: I’d give this to lovers of Ghost Stories, Historic Fiction, and Romance. People who liked Friends with Boys, may also be interested in this one.
Happy Reading!
2011 ALA Great Graphic Novels for Teens
2010 Goodreads Choice Nominee for Graphic Novels and Comics
2010 Booklist Top Ten Graphic Novels for Youth
2010 Kirkus Reviews Best Books for Teens
2010 School Library Journal Good Comics for Kids’
2010 School Library Journal Best New Comics for Teens
Junior Library Guild Selection
Book #17 Laika by Nick Abadzis-208 pages
Book #18 Page by Paige-192 pagesPaige is uprooted from her life and her friends, when her parents decide to move to New York City. This is where they claim they have always wanted to live, but Paige isn’t sure she agrees.
Living in New York City is so different, and she struggles to fit in. As a way to pass the time, and process all of her new experiences she starts a drawing journal.
Through the journal the reader is able to connect with Paige on a much deeper level, than simply words alone.
Why I picked it up: I picked this title up, because I have seen it make the rounds in and out of the library.
Why I finished it: The imagery was captivating, and characters were fresh. I liked the depth of Paige’s introspection.
Who I’d give it too: I’d give this to anyone who has an interest in amazing pencil drawings. There are some great surreal/abstract images that really take a moment to take in.
Happy Reading!
2012 Harvey Award Nominee
2012 ALA Teens’ Top Ten Nominee
2012 YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens
2012 Will Eisner Comic Industry Award Nominee
2011 Cybils Award Nominee
Book #19 "The President Has Been Shot!": The Assassination of John F. Kennedy by James L. Swanson-274 pages
Book #20 "Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life" by Bryan Lee O'Malley-192 pagesThe pick-up line “Are you exhausted, because you have been running through my mind all night?” has a little more relevance in Scott Pilgrims’s Precious Little Life. Except Romona Flowers has been rollerblading through Scott Pilgrim’s dreams, thus causing Scott to become obsessed with this pink haired, American girl.
Since she is the Amazon.ca delivery girl for Toronto, Scott orders some CDs to get her to come to his door to ask her out.
Much to Scott’s surprise he will have to fight all 7 of her evil ex-boyfriends just so he can date her. Maybe he should have paid more attention to his mail, because he had been warned.
Why I picked it up: I really liked the movie, so I wanted to check out the graphic novel. I was really excited to find out that a color edition was available.
Why I finished it: The storyline was original, and kept me interested. Sadly, I didn’t find the characters very likable. Does Ramona even like Scott? The art work made up for that somewhat though.
Who I’d give it too: I think that to anyone who likes slice of life stories and video games will eat this one up!
Happy Reading!
2005 Doug Wright Award for Best Emerging Talent
2005 Harvey Awards-Best New Talent,
2005 Harvey Awards-Best Cartoonist
2005 Harvey Awards-Best Graphic Album of Original Work
Book #21 "Before My Eyes" by Caroline Bock-304 pages"Before My Eyes" opens with a relatively normal scene: a white tent, in a park, during Labor Day weekend. It becomes clear early on that Barkley threatens to change all of that.
Through the eyes or Max, Barkley, and Claire we get to witness how events unravel. Max is the privileged son of a politician, who works at the Snack Shack, and is addicted to pills. Barkley also works at the Snack Shack, but spends more time counting water bottles then helping beach goers. Claire escapes her overwhelming home life by swimming in the ocean, and writing poems.
As the story unfolds, these three seemingly unrelated narratives become more entangled as the summer comes to a chilling end.
Why I picked it up: Caroline Bock was a guest author of my book club, and I won a free copy. I thought that it being inspired by the 2011 Arizona shooting that left six dead and gravely injured U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was enthralling.
Why I finished it: Claire was by far the most likable character out of the bunch, and I found her poetic voice and circumstances to be the driving force behind the story. The alternating narratives can get a little old.
Who I’d give it too: I’d give this to anyone who is fascinated with mental health, especially the downward spiral an individual experiences when they have schizophrenia. Anyone interested in messed up families, or likes to read or write poetry might also like this.
Happy Reading!
Book #22 "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" by Bryan Lee O'Malley-223 pages
Book #23 "From Sand Creek" by Simon J. Ortiz-96 pagesWithin the pages of "From Sand Creek," the reader is introduced to the contradictions inevitably faced by someone whose history is not acknowledged by the dominate narrative.
Simon Ortiz will not voluntarily submit to being another invisible Indian. He does this by sharing not only sharing the tragedy of the Sand Creek Massacre, but also his personal experiences fighting for a country, that severely restricts his role in society.
Why I picked it up: Academically, I’m very interested in Native American Literature, and From Sand Creek has always come highly recommended.
Why I finished it: Simon J. Ortiz sets out to address how to deal with history, as a person of Native American heritage, with this collection of poetry. His poems are so raw and painfully honest that no matter how difficult it was to read, I never had any intention of not finishing it.
Who I’d give it too: I’d give this to anyone that is interested in the history of marginalized people. Anyone interested in Native American literature or poetry in general would also benefit from this collection.
Happy Reading!
1982 Pushcart Prize in Poetry
Book #24 "Dented Cans" by Heather Walsh-150 pagesHannah Sampson is determined to leave North Prospect (NO Prospect) with every ounce of determination in her body. She deals with her parents with what she calls passive resistance. If she can fly under their radar long enough, she will be driving away in her getaway car. Years of babysitting gigs are funding this meticulously planned escape.
Family is a funny thing though. Just when you think you don’t care about any of them, something happens and you’re attached. Hannah’s quirky siblings and parents slowly reveal their true selves, and Hannah finds herself closer than she ever felt before.
Why I picked it up: For the month of April, my book club is supporting independent authors, and this was one of the lucky selections.
Why I finished it: I really struggled to finish this one. Which was really surprising to me since this was such a short book. I found the teenaged narrator, Hannah, to be insightful at times, but mostly revealing warmed up clichés. Hannah lacked an authenticity in her maturity that I found really annoying. There was one redeeming quality to this shallow story and that was the laugh out loud funny rendition of the family vacation to Disney World.
Who I’d give it too: I’d give this to readers who like realistic fiction, and are interested in dysfunctional families and mental illness
Happy Reading!
Book #25 "The Good Rainbow Road" by Simon J. Ortiz-80 pages
Book #26 "Going Over" by Beth Kephart-264 pagesI have always known about the Berlin Wall, and the divisions it caused between family and friends. I never bothered to acquaint myself with the details beyond what I leaned in a survey history class in college (which was only slightly more than what high schools teach).
"Going Over" really opened up the reality of living in divided Berlin during the 1980s for me. I really got into Ada and Stefen’s raw and gritty story of forbidden love. Ada from the East and Stefan from the West, only see each other four times a year when their grandmothers visit.
Stefen shares the sky through his telescope with Ada, and Ada shares her great escape stories that she graffs on the Wall. She shares these stories in the hope that Stefan will escape from West Berlin for her, and for his own future. Ada keeps the escapes that don’t end well to herself, but Stefan has his own collection of stories: those that died trying.
Why I picked it up: I received an Advanced Readers Copy from Chronicle Books as part of a giveaway, in my Goodreads Group, YA Reads for Teachers (and Any Other Adults). I signed up for the giveaway because I’m so thankful for the privilege to read what has become one of my favorite books I’ve read this year.
Why I finished it: I really enjoyed the poetic, fragmented prose, very punk. I pictured it playing out like those movies based off of graphic novels.
Who I’d give it too: I want to give this book to everyone, because I have enjoyed it so much. If I’m honest, then only those that aren’t deterred by less than conventional story telling should pursue this title. Nothing is given to you straight, and the family names can be confusing at first.
2014 Junior Library Guild Selection
2014 School Library Journal Pick of the Day
2014 Booklist Top Ten Historical Fiction for Youth
2014 iBooks Big Spring Book
2014 Amazon Big Spring book
Happy Reading!
Book #27 "Citizen 13660" by Mine Okubo-226 pages"Citizen 13660" is one person’s personal account of their internment experience, named Mine Okubo. It is named after the number assigned to her family unit.
Contained within the pages are over 200 pen and ink sketches, which she drew during her time at Tanforan Assembly Center and the Topaz Relocation Center.
Accompanying her drawings are brief explanatory passages. Her narrative is very objective, and lacks the emotional trauma one would expect. Any hint of bitterness, or any other sentiment, is absent from its pages.
I suspect that this was because Okubo wanted this book to be accessible to as large an audience as possible. By 1981, when the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Interment of Civilians was established, this book had already been recognized as an important reference on Japanese Internment.
Okubo not only testified before the commission, but also presented a copy of Citizen 13660 to them.
Why I picked it up: I read "Imprisoned: The Betrayal of Japanese Americans During WWII" earlier this year, and this title was one of the works referenced. Since it was one of the first personal accounts of Japanese Internment, I was very interested in checking it out.
Why I finished it: This was a very straight forward narrative, and I found it very easy to read. It didn't take long at all to finish it, especially with all of the half-page illustrations.
Who I’d give it too: I’d give this to history buffs, those who like documentary art, and anyone interested in learning more about Japanese Internment.
Happy Reading!
1984 American Book Award
Book #28 "Scott Pilgrim Gets it Together" by Bryan Lee O'Malley-238 pages
Book #29 "Go: A Kidd's Guide to Graphic Design" by Chip Kidd-150 pages
Book #30 "Empire State: A Love Story (or Not" by Jason Shiga-144 pages
Book #31 "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" by Judy Blume-160 pages
Book #32 "Sounder" by William H. Armstrong-128 pages
Bood #33 "How I Live Now" by Meg Rosoff-194 pages
Book #34 "Letter to My Daughter" By Maya Angelou-81 pages
Book #35 "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli-184 pages
Book #36 "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson-244 pages
Book #37 "And Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou-64 pages
Book #38 "Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different" by Karen Blumenthal-320 pages
Book #39 "Going Over" by Beth Kephart-264 pages
Book #40 "Holes" by Louis Sachar-272 pages
Book #41 "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen, Helen Oxenbury-36 pages
Book #42 "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier-272 pages
Book #43 "The Journey of Hannah Woods" by Helene Forst-332 pages
Book #44 "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman-201 pages
Book #45 "Where She Went" by Gayle Forman-264 pages
Book #46 "Courage Has No Color:The True Story of the Triple Nickles, America's First Black Paratroopers" by Tanya Lee Stone-160 pages
Book #47 "Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic" by Alison Bechdel-264 pages
Book #48 "Scott Pilgrim vs. The Universe" by Bryan Lee O'Malley-192 pages
Book #49 "Embroideries" by Marjane Satrapi, Anjali Singh-144 pages
