Full Title:
Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty

Illustrated by:
Randy DuBurke

Awards:
Coretta Scott King Award (2011)

Genre:
Adult and Young Adult Literature, African-American, Award Winner, Biography, Non-Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical, Social Commentary

Summary:
In this non-fiction graphic novel, author G. Neri takes an honest look at what happened to 11-year-old Robert Sandifer, known on the streets as Yummy. Raised in a broken family and in and out of social assistance housing, Yummy learns fast that it’s everyone for himself in his gritty Chicago neighbourhood.

Soon enough he’s dabbling in illegal acts like stealing cars and armed burglary. When he’s taken in by the gang group the Black Disciples, Yummy feels that he finally fits in. But his life will never be the same and not long after he’s implicated in a murder charge that will land his image on the front cover of TIME magazine.

My Thoughts:
A profoundly touching, thought provoking exploration of child psychology, gang violence and corruption in America’s poorest communities.

Author G. Neri does an excellent job of remaining objective; he neither sympathizes with Robert’s tragic upbringing, nor vilifies him for his role in the senseless murder of an innocent victim. In the author’s end note, Neri reflects that Yummy’s story is not black-and-white. In the end we feel mixed emotions: compassion struggling against hatred. But, he reminds us, the true message we must come away with is to “find a way to make the choice of life.”

Borrow Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty from your local Vaughan Library today!

Age Group:
Young Adult

Genre:
Adventure, Canadian Literature, Coming-of-age, Dystopia, Fantasy, Mystery, Young Adult

Summary:
Brothers Eli and Seth Maddox are growing up in the Eastern Key, the privileged side of town, safely protected from the diseased Droughtlanders on the other side of the wall. They must stay within the Keyland and avoid touching Droughtlanders at all costs.

Eli and Seth are content with their prestigious status as the Chief Regent’s son. But Eli’s whole belief system is turned upside down when he witnesses his mother in a forbidden act: associating with a Droughtlander. At the discovery, Eli begins to unearth secret after secret, discovering the truth about Triskelia, the hidden rebel forces of the Droughtland.

As he plans his escape into the Droughtland in search of his missing mother, Eli finds out that he’s truly all alone. His cruel and violent brother Seth won’t be any help. And neither will his heavy-handed father Edmund. As Eli embarks on the adventure of a lifetime, he’s bound to encounter great adversity in the form of an uncompromisingly harsh climate and some dangerous foes.

Will Eli survive? And what will he discover on this epic journey?

My Thoughts:
A provocative and compelling story of brotherhood, family and the will to survive. Eli is just an average (weaker than most) kid, forced to break free of the conventions that threaten to drown him. Readers will eagerly relate to him, joining him on this mystical journey of self discovery and the pursuit of truth.

A must read for fans of fantasy and dystopia, borrow The Droughtlanders today at your local Vaughan library! Continue Eli’s story in Retribution and Storm.

Age Group:
Marketed to childen, but might be more appropriate for an adult audience due to mature themes

Themes:
Adventure, Canadian, Children’s Literature, Coming-of-age, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Native Issues, Realistic Fiction, Social Commentary, Young Adult

Summary:
In 1959, fifteen-year-old Nipishish, a Métis, returns to his reserve in Quebec after being kicked out of a residential school. Life has changed on the reserve, and Nipishish doesn’t know where he fits in or where his future lies–until he gets some help from his friends.

My Thoughts:
Good for Nothing is a unique and important novel grappling with human rights and the strength of community. Nipishish is a humble, tenacious youth in search of redemption. His head and heart are fiercely directed ahead in the battle to perserve his culture and nation.

While this novel is appropriate for a younger audience, mature readers will enjoy Crazy Dave by Basil Johnston, a touching true life account of reservation life.

Borrow Good for Nothing and Crazy Dave from your local Vaughan library today!