"Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird, evangelical zeal.."
Here are some weird, evangelical, zeal-filling books that Mississippi Library Commission staff read last week:
Freakboy
written by Kristin Elizabeth Clark
five stars
This is the fascinating story of Brendan Chase, a teenage boy who seems to have a pretty good life. He is into sports, video games, and even has an amazing girlfriend. What more could any teen guy want? What everyone can't see is Brendan's fierce inner struggle with his body. This YA novel made us cry and then smile through our tears. Freakboy, written in verse, tells an important story of sexual identity and of learning to love yourself for who you are.
Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter
written by Tom Franklin
five stars
It's as if Tom Franklin scooped up Mississippi river water and used it to fuel his ink pen as he scribbled down Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter. The book captures small town Mississippi life and characters without making them seem cutesy or caricatural. Instead, readers are transported to the land of steam and snakes, to one of the most Southern places on earth, where both friendship and betrayal are just around the corner. This book came out five years ago (2010) and, with our re-read, was just as powerful the second time around. 
Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch
written by Anne Isaacs
illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
five stars
We fell in love with the Widow Tulip Jones and her outrageous friends and adventures. Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch is a wonderfully silly picture book for slightly older readers. It's chock full of tall tales that will keep your kiddos laughing until the very end. Job well done Anne Isaacs and Kevin Hawkes!
The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals
written by Michael Pollan
four stars
Michael Pollan marched us up one side of the food chain and down the other, and y'all--we'll never look at food the same way again. Engaging, thought-provoking, and downright interesting. If you have any interest in learning where your food began, read this book!
Generation Why: Ms. Marvel, Volume 2
written by G. Willow Wilson
illustrated by Adrian Alphona and Jacob Wyatt
five stars
The adventures of Kamala continue in Generation Why. This time, Kamala must face the Inventor and the mysterious disappearances of teenagers in Jersey City. Luckily, she is not alone this time. Wolverine makes an appearance and shows interest in Kamala's powers. We also meet Captain America, Queen Medusa, and Lockjaw, a teleporting dog. Wilson, Alphona, and Wyatt do an excellent job of combining illustrations with test to make Kamala's world come alive. We can't wait to see what happens next!
We have these fun books lined up to read this week:
- Will in Scarlet
written by Matthew Cody - Ever is a Long Time: A Journey into Mississippi's Dark Past
written by W. Ralph Eubanks - Sweet Tooth
written by Jeff Lemire
illustrated by Jeff Lemire and Jose Villarubia - Everything I Never Told You
written by Celeste Ng - If I Had a Raptor
written and illustrated by George O'Connor
Until next week, happy reading!
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