Forgetting to Be Afraid by Wendy Davis

Called well-written and heartfelt by professional reviewers, this memoir will appeal to students and faculty who are curious about the Texas politician, Wendy Davis, who charismatically led the June 2013 filibuster against a bill limiting women’s reproductive choices in Texas.  Forgetting to Be Afraid is not just her story of fighting against restrictions on abortion (some of which were recently struck down by a federal court judge).  It is her story of fighting to be accepted when moving around the country as a child, of fighting to complete her education, and of fighting to be heard as a politician.  Her story is interwoven with her parents’ and grandparents’ stories and she openly shares her reflections on several key influences in her life.  For example, I was impressed that she remembered by name the teachers who had encouraged her in first and third grades, simply reinforcing the idea that educators often have an impact even if they do not realize it at the time.

Davis continues to find the spotlight.  She has drawn attention just this week due to a controversial attack ad used in her unusual gubernatorial campaign – called the first serious run by a Democratic candidate in roughly two decades. Forgetting to Be Afraid explains in part Wendy Davis’ strength and grit, her willingness to continue to fight injustice.  She is using her voice to raise awareness and as the professional reviewers noted, “we’ll be hearing more from Davis.”

Girls Like Us by Gail Giles

I read Girls Like Us in about 3 hours, but the characters of Biddy and Quincy will stay with me for much longer. These recent high school graduates were Special Education students, called retard and worse by peers and even by some family members. Gail Giles, a gifted author who worked with Special Ed students for 20 years, uses short chapters told in alternating voices to develop the story of Biddy and Quincy. As readers, we are privileged to “see” into their thoughts, to “hear” the journal recordings they make and to learn about how each was hurt emotionally and physically, including abuse and rape.  

This story is sad, but also uplifting because it shows how a friendship manages to form between these two young women and the older lady, Miss Lizzy/Lizabeth, for whom they do housework.  Adults in the story are often portrayed as helpful facilitators, although even they make mistakes despite good intentions.  I do think that students in general would find this an easy read filled with much opportunity for reaction and reflection; therefore, I will add it to our booktalk for Sophomore independent reading choices.

Also available in eBook format, Girls Like Us by Gail Giles received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Media Connection, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal.  I expect to see it on the Abe Lincoln Award nominee list in the future. Other young adult novels by Gail Giles include: Shattering Glass, What Happened to Cass McBride?, and Right Behind You.

Saving Simon by Jon Katz

I picked up this book because I thought it might fit with the non-fiction independent reading assignment, especially for our Sophomore students.   So many of them truly love animals and are always looking for that type of story. Marley and Me, and Dewey, a Library Cat have been popular in the recent past.  I was surprised by how much I have enjoyed reading about Simon – his story is truly inspirational, especially in terms of contemplating feelings and compassion for others – whether they be animals or human. The author is quite introspective and reading Saving Simon actually encouraged me to slow down and to reflect on relationships also. 

There are obvious ties to other heartwarming works – Saving Simon made me think of titles by James Herriot such as All Things Bright and Beautiful which shares the adventures of an English village’s veterinarian. While Simon’ story focuses on many fewer animals and people, it still draws in the reader in an uplifting way.  Another comparison for me was with the fictional work Black Beauty where that horse’s quality of life varied greatly at the hands of different owners – so, too, do we see that Simon undergoes some amazing changes when he receives quality care. I learned that Jon Katz (whose blog is here) has written several other best-selling books about animals and would encourage interested readers to investigate those, too.

The Vast Fields of Ordinary by Nick Burd

Despite the cover, and that it doesn't reflect the main character or plot at all, I had high hopes for this book due to the response from Ellen Hopkins. Many of her stories are gritty and edgy - these focus on real, difficult issues facing teens and usually involve illegal activities simply to survive.

      Unfortunately, I was disappointed with The Vast Fields of Ordinary, since the story didn't seem plausible at all. Dade is gay, and during this summer before college, he finally comes out to a new, trustworthy friend and, eventually, to his parents.

      He has an unhealthy relationship with Pablo, a football player at school who hangs with football players and also has a girlfriend. Pablo, though, is unable to admit he is gay nor treats Dade with respect. Dad simply takes the harrassement he receives at school, and there is no support.

      Dade develops a healthy relationship with a guy slightly older, but they both know it's just for the summer. How they meet and are able to have such an open relationship among so many other gay and lesbian individuals in a small town just does not seem to be something that would or could really happen.

      I probably won't recommend this book because of the lack of substance of characters, realism of plot, and the cover that few guys will select to read.

The Innovators by Walter Isaacson

The Innovators is the latest from Walter Isaacson, well-known for his recent biography of Steve Jobs.  As such, this new book has met with acclaim – starred reviews from Booklist and Kirkus Reviews, plus articles in The Wall Street Journal and many more.  I was fascinated by Isaacson’s first chapter about Ada Lovelace and how she anticipated many aspects of computers a century before they came into use… who is dreaming of connections today that our grandchildren will see in their lifetime?

However, I did feel that the chapters were a little long and I wished that he had been able to jump more quickly to present day icons in the field, particularly as I contemplated handing this book (560 pages!) to my high school students.  Many of them have requested books about Jobs and other entrepreneurs. I am honestly not sure if The Innovators will hold their attention, particularly since they do not have the cultural and life experiences which would make it more relevant for any reader. I think it will have greater appeal amongst our faculty, particularly those who teach Business or Economics, and who may select a chapter or two to share with students as they explore the importance of teamwork and collaboration in relation to innovation.

In compiling and sharing numerous facts and jargon, Isaacson includes images of inventors, plus discussion of parallel developments and “what ifs.” Other titles about innovators which my students have found useful: They Made America by Evans, Branding of America, and Inventors who Left their Brands on America (shelved at 658.8).  I like the latter’s emphasis on resilience, on taking risks and failing before finding success. These three titles all feature a relatively few pages about each of a myriad of entrepreneurs from many fields. As such, they provide a great starting point for exploring factors which can lead to entrepreneurial success.