Welcome to Litsy!

Another wonderfully written and diverse MG story. 💚 This story follows two biracial brothers and the racism they face at a new school. The story is told with fencing at its core and I knew absolutely nothing about this sport before this book. I liked the parallels between the events taking place at school and the rules of fencing. The writing is short and choppy at times but once you get use to the rhythm it works for the story.

This was a decent story about 2 brothers, one who resembles their white dad and one who resembles their black mom. It shows the discrimination faced by the darker brother and what happens when both take up fencing. The reason I‘m giving it a so-so is because I really wasn‘t a fan of the writing style. With super short choppy sentences and lots of asides in parentheses, it just made it hard to get into. But others might love it! 🤷🏻‍♀️

This is another short but really great book by Jewel Parker Rhodes. I loved this story of biracial brothers who stick together and learn fencing. It describes some truly serious topics but balances it with the strength and support of close family and friends. I also appreciated the literary and historical references that elaborate on the message of the story.

#MiddleGrade #TRS2021

Not only did this book start out with a reference to one of my favorite books of all time, but near the end it references one of my favorite nonfiction books. The story of Alexandre Dumas‘s father is fascinating, and this is a perfect historical reference to bring together the integral aspects of this book.

#MiddleGrade #TRS2021

I‘m currently reading too many books, but I couldn‘t resist picking up this fairly short one while reading at school with my students today. It immediately pulled me in with a reference to Tolkien‘s LotR on the very first page. After a few chapters, I think it‘s going to be a somewhat difficult but important read, like the other books by Jewel Parker Rhodes I‘ve read.

#MIddleGrade #TRS2021 #BookSerendipity

Wow, this was a hard read. Not story-wise: it‘s captivating. But content-wise it is eye opening and heartbreaking. I loved the family dynamics, both bio and found, and enjoyed the fencing very much, too! Coach was, by far, my favorite character, and that last match was awesome!! ⚔️

Jewell Parker Rhodes‘s contemporary novel about racism for children aged 9+ is a blazing indictment of the unfairness of racism and the role that privilege and wealth play in producing unequal outcomes for black children compared with white children. The plot has shades of THE KARATE KID, the scene cuts are a little jumpy and Trey and Donte‘s relationship needed more tension but this is a strong and sadly necessary read that is worth your time.

Mixed race twins who look very different and find themselves treated differently too learn fencing as an outlet and response to the crap life can throw their way. This was a quick MG read, especially going back & forth between audio and ebook.

I really loved this book. It‘s the story of two biracial brothers one (Trey) who passes as white and one (Donte) who doesn‘t. Donte discovers fencing as a way to face the racist bully who taunts him. I wish Cobra Kai was this nuanced. Also I give it bonus points for being a bit of a love letter to Alexandre Dumas.

I like the book

#audiostitching view

I think it‘s going well #audiostitching (1 week in)

1. Yes. Its navy and SO soft.
2. Just one? Definitely the tagged book and at least 4 more!

#Two4Tuesday on Wednesday @TheSpineView
@LilPickle tag you're it!

One of my favorite books! This book lays out what it‘s like to be a black student at a primarily white school. It‘s a very powerful story about two brothers who navigate the world of middle school together.

Another realist fiction about racism and skin color. Donte has a great family but he has trouble at school with racist administration, teachers, and students. He finds his way to the Boys and Girls Club and a fencing coach that helps him find himself in the sport. #BLM #bias #mixed-race #diversifyyourbookshelf

Another middle reader dealing with racism and social issues. A bullied, biracial student is framed for a crime and suspended from a private school. Finding a rapport with another black boy at a community center, the pair's shared love for fencing will help him get his good name and reputation back in this middle reader filled with current, topical themes.