Memories From Way Back Then...
These authors and books were a great part of my childhood, and I vividly remember the stories, as well as that time period of my life. They bring back so many memories of a simple life before I knew what college really was! *Wistful sigh* On a positive note, I did pick up my cap and gown yesterday, so I'm almost at the finish line!! Back to the point... I will go into more detail on certain authors and books that seriously excited me in my younger years! (As if I'm pushing 80 or something)
I plan to make "Blast From The Past" a featured post topic! I realized I have read WAY TOO MANY books, and there is no way I can post them all in one go! So, be on the look out! I will even add a little personal fun fact about myself at the end of each post!
Meg Cabot
She is the author of The Princess Diaries series that became the movies!!! I discovered her books in middle school and read a couple of her series and a few stand alone books. I went to her website and I am blown away with how much she has written! Much of it is new to me, since it was like 2007/8 when I began reading her works. She has expanded on a few series and I need to catch up on a few soon! She has books for all age ranges from kid/tween, teens/young adult, and adults. Cabot is catering to all!! There are way too many books to individually name or feature, but if you want an exclusive list go to megcabot.com!
What I've personally read (some I own, but who knows where they are!):
- Airhead series- Your average girl ends up in the body of a famous model and has to conform to this new lifestyle, and keep this secret hidden from everyone! We know how intense Hollywood can be, especially to a "new girl" who doesn't care. 3 books
- All-American Girl series- A teen girl ends up in the national spotlight after saving the life of the president's son. She is absolutely not okay with how her life is changing! Why can't she just deal with normal teenage girl issues. 2 books
- Avalon High- A modern high school twist on the tale of Camelot. The connections are uncanny, but she is the only one who is realizing it. There are much more powerful things at play. (I need to read the newer additions ASAP). 4 books
- Teen Idol- So, what happens when literally a teen idol attends your school and you end up being responsible for him?! Actually not a cliché ending and touches on a serious issue! Lets not discuss how much I would've enjoyed this to happen after reading this in middle school. Stand alone book
Sharon Draper
This woman represents everything phenomenal to me! Her books have African American characters at the forefront dealing with "urban"/relatable situations, as well as a story telling our history. Being a young black girl I needed something that represented me. While I love all these other books, there is something special about a character looking like me and my family. Checking out her website I see she has added a new book to one of my favorite series!
She wrote my favorite book of all time Romiette & Julio. I don't care how cheesy it sounds, but I love this book so much and it literally warms my heart thinking about it! Draper has written books for young adults, tweens, and young children. However, that is not all seeing as how she has poetry books and even teacher's aid books! Check out her website for a full list of her works sharondraper.com!
What I've personally read:
- The Jericho Trilogy (Battle of Jericho, November Blues, Just Another Hero)- When you want to be accepted by the most prestigious high school club, you may be willing to do anything, even if it is wrong. It can't be so bad though, right? The club has been around for 50 years and is respected in the community. What people don't know is what happens during the initiation process behind closed doors, where lives are at risk. What is done in the dark, comes to the light. This trilogy goes beyond one incident, but follows the main characters (and featured) through the next couple of years in life, and added drama! 3 books
- The Hazelwood Trilogy (Tears of a Tiger, Forged by Fire, Darkness before Dawn)- Tragedy strikes this beloved high school when the star basketball players are involved in a car crash. The crash leaves most injured, and one dead. No one knows how to cope with such sadness and depression, especially the best friend of the deceased. We are pulled into his mind as he tries to cope, while still trying to live his life under the other pressures of being a dedicated student and son. The series intertwines the stories of each respective main character attending this same high school. Each incident carries weight and significance into the next book! 3 books
- Copper Sun- Follows the tale of an African teenage girl's life from her capture/slave trade, to her fight back to freedom. This book really puts a hold on your heart and mind. Beautifully written! Stand alone book
- Romiette & Julio- A more urban and ethnic retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Romi(ette) is a black girl and Julio is a Mexican boy. No problems right because "minorities shall unite",,, WRONG, not in this fiction telling! The teens' love sparks over the internet (this was back in early 2000s before catfishing was a thing), and Julio decides he wants to meet Romi once he finds out they are way closer than they think. All is well in their little bubble, until they realize the people around them do not like them being an interracial couple. Even their parents are holding racial biases. Things take a dangerous turn when a gang actively expresses their distaste of Romi and Julio's relationship. Stand alone book
- Fire from the Rock- Sylvia Patterson's life is about to change forever. It is 1957 in Little Rock, and the plan is to integrate Central High School. Her teacher suggests that she join the group to be the first black students in an all white school. This book is fiction, due to the character not being ne of the Nine. Draper's take on this historical event and time period makes you feel like you are being transported back to the 50s. Despite the obvious differences, there are still your personal situations, which we all deal with today, stressing Sylvia. Lets not forget how intense high school is period without history taking place on your front porch. Stand alone book
Fun Fact!!
I LOVE mythology! I am a Christian, but I have always enjoyed learning about Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology. Not to forget mythical creatures such as: vampires, werewolves, lycans, shape shifters (they go beyond werewolves and animals), mermaids, etc. I do NOT believe in any of these creatures, yet they make for great books, TV shows, and movies! I took a humanities course over this subject, and needless to say, I flourished LOL! I was "that" student. I don't know why this area excites me so much, but it does. I just have a creative and overactive imagination I guess.
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Much Love,
Khariah
Sharon Draper was your FAV as a kid!
ReplyDeleteOmg ! I can't even . WHY ARE WE THE SAME . I'm mad cuz your fun fact is my fun fact ! 😩😩
ReplyDelete