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librarianelizabeth's review against another edition
5.0
I basically binge read the entire collection of stories. Historical fiction, teenage girls discovering their voices and their place in the world. A lot of great writing, some from familiar authors and some new to me. My favorite story was Lady Firebrand, though I have several others that came close
reader_fictions's review against another edition
4.0
“Daughter of the Book” by Dahlia Adler
As a big fan of Dahlia’s, I was thrilled to see the anthology beginning off with what I knew would be a strong story, and Dahlia didn’t disappoint. “Daughter of the Book” tells the story of Rebekah, a young girl who loves her community and her family, but who desperately wants to learn more about Judaism, which at the time is not allowed for girls. She fights for her right to learn, maintaining that people will value their religion and heritage more if they are educated about it. Like Rebekah herself, the story is quiet but fierce and strong. “Daughter of the Book” opens the anthology on a strong note, focusing on a young woman who very much embodies the spirit of the anthology and serves as an inspiration for modern women to attempt to tear down those walls of tradition and patriarchy. ★★★★
“You’re a Stranger Here” by Mackenzi Lee
Though a touch on the dry side, Lee’s “You’re a Stranger Here” provides a window into an aspect of history with which I’m almost entirely unfamiliar: the early years of the Mormon religion. The heroine, Vilatte (who makes me wants some coffee ironically), followed her mother from England, unsure if she believes but wanting to believe as fervently as her mother does. She’s an interesting albeit distant heroine, without strong opinions of her own. I find her sort of fascinating because I think more people in history are like her than ever appear in novels, but I don’t feel any connection to her or her struggle, mostly because her struggles on behalf of the Mormon faith she seems to do by rote rather than any actual passion. Good history, so-so story. ★★★½
“The Magician” by Erin Bowman
Bowman’s truly hit her stride with westerns. Both Vengeance Road and Redemption Rails are great, fast-paced reads with boss heroines. “The Magician” follows in that tread, but it’s a quieter tale. Ray, adopted as a lost and hungry child by Mrs. Lowry and with her name taken from a piece of newspaper she carried, pretends to be a boy, so that she can work and live safely in Yuma. She dreams of heading to California, and she’s trying to save up enough money with her work as a stevedore. “The Magician” focuses on her big ambitions and the magic she relies on in the face of the incredible odds and danger she faces daily. ★★★★
“Lady Firebrand” by Megan Shepherd
I’ve only read one Megan Shepherd book, and I really wasn’t that impressed, but apparently the time has come for me to give her books another try, because this short story rocked my socks. Of the stories thus far, this one’s by far the most fun; they’ve all been good, but a bit more staid where this one’s straight up enjoyment. The concept of a white girl in a wheelchair and her friend/free black woman servant working as the vigilante Lord Firebrand to help the Union is totally amazing. I wish this one were a full book tbh, but it does work as a short story. There’s even a smidge of romance, though obviously I’d have liked more because hello I’m me. ★★★★½
“Step Right Up” by Jessica Spotswood
Before this story, I’d never read Jessica Spotswood, but clearly I should based on the quality of this story. Or, wait, did she have a story in the first anthology? “Step Right Up” is about a young girl who dreams of running away to the circus, to escape a family that doesn’t understand her to the unusual but kind, accepting bosoms of her friends in the circus that passes annually through Tulsa. Fairly simple but well-executed with some Anne of Green Gables vibes in the walking a roof and big dreams. Spotswood covers the circus without exoticizing and highlighting the freedoms it could offer in a time that was greatly restrictive, particularly of young women. ★★★★
“Glamour” by Anna-Marie McLemore
My first experience with McLemore proved to be too dark and sad for me, but “Glamour” hit right in that place where it’s sad but also beautiful and with a little bit of hope. I was definitely thrown off by the magical realism, despite McLemore being known for writing that genre, because the collection has been solely historical thus far. It works though. “Glamour” tells of Graciela who dreams of a career in Hollywood but who will have to very literally give up herself and her identity to have a chance of getting there. Her romance with a transgender boy is very sweet, and I wish I got to know more about what will happen to these two. ★★★★
“Better for All the World” by Marieke Nijkamp
Though I liked Nijkamp’s debut, it pales in comparison to the powerful voice and emotions that this short story wrought in me. “Better for All the World” is one of those elusive stories very much driven by a message that doesn’t feel preachy at all. Carrie’s narrative voice is lovely, and I would read a whole book about her journey to become a lawyer and fight for the rights of atypical people like herself. I want to know more about how her relationship with Alexander Holmes would evolve over time, and I also really love Carrie’s aunt. ★★★★★
“When the Moon Isn’t Enough” by Dhonielle Clayton
Another magical realism offering about a young (or so she seems anyway) black girl during World War II. Her family knows the secret of capturing and consuming the moon’s light, granting them life without aging. Emma’s been 16 for…a while. Fearing what could happen if this magic fell into the wrong hands, her family moves to avoid wars, but they’re tired of doing so and hopeful that WWII won’t come to the contiguous 48 states. Emma’s longing for something more after 191 years is understandable, but she didn’t fully come to life for me; perhaps because of her circumstances, there’s a distance to her narration. The history, however, and the tension of being black in America during the fervor of WWII is fantastic. ★★★½
“The Belle of the Ball” by Sarvenaz Tash
Tash’s story of an aspiring female comedy writer feeling stifled by her mother’s debutante dreams and expectations is another highlight of this collection. Rosemary has been writing little sketches for an actress friend, but her real dream is to be a writer for a television show, like I Love Lucy, one of her favorites. She doesn’t want what her mother wants for her; instead, she wants a career and the cute boy next door, Tomás. I love YA about characters with less common dreams, like being the writer behind the comedic lines, not a comedian on a stage or an actress. One of the cutest stories in the collection and quite inspiring, especially combined with Tash’s note at the end. ★★★★★
“Land of the Sweet, Home of the Brave” by Stacey Lee
Lana Lau is Japanese, Chinese, Hawaiian, Californian, and American. Despite skepticism, she enrolls in a contest to be the model for a sugar company, the same one her mother toils for every day. The money would mean opportunity, maybe college. She doesn’t think an Asian face could possibly win, but she decides to try. This story is lovely, funny, and sharp. Lana’s wit and refusal to be cowed by cruelty won me over, and, though it’s a microcosm of a journey unfinished, I really felt her character arc. ★★★★★
“The Birth of Susi Go-Go” by Meg Medina
Caught between her Cuban family and American culture, Susana watches and admires her slightly-older neighbor of the gorgeous go-go boots. This story doesn’t have quite as much plot as the other ones do, but I did enjoy Susana’s voice and feel her struggle in trying to figure out who she is or really understand what the truth is between her parents’ point of view and America’s. ★★★½
“Take Me with You” by Sara Farizan
The anthology closes with another strong story, one that dovetails beautifully with Medina’s. Soheila’s a refugee from Iran, staying with her uncle and controlling aunt until the war ends and it’s safe to return. She makes a cool American friend and finds solace and inspiration in American music. I haven’t read Farizan since her debut novel, but I’m thinking I should. ★★★★
The Radical Element may just be my favorite anthology ever. There wasn’t a bad story in the bunch. I love the diversity in the characters, the subject matter, and the authors. A Tyranny of Petticoats was good, but The Radical Element is outstanding across the board.
As a big fan of Dahlia’s, I was thrilled to see the anthology beginning off with what I knew would be a strong story, and Dahlia didn’t disappoint. “Daughter of the Book” tells the story of Rebekah, a young girl who loves her community and her family, but who desperately wants to learn more about Judaism, which at the time is not allowed for girls. She fights for her right to learn, maintaining that people will value their religion and heritage more if they are educated about it. Like Rebekah herself, the story is quiet but fierce and strong. “Daughter of the Book” opens the anthology on a strong note, focusing on a young woman who very much embodies the spirit of the anthology and serves as an inspiration for modern women to attempt to tear down those walls of tradition and patriarchy. ★★★★
“You’re a Stranger Here” by Mackenzi Lee
Though a touch on the dry side, Lee’s “You’re a Stranger Here” provides a window into an aspect of history with which I’m almost entirely unfamiliar: the early years of the Mormon religion. The heroine, Vilatte (who makes me wants some coffee ironically), followed her mother from England, unsure if she believes but wanting to believe as fervently as her mother does. She’s an interesting albeit distant heroine, without strong opinions of her own. I find her sort of fascinating because I think more people in history are like her than ever appear in novels, but I don’t feel any connection to her or her struggle, mostly because her struggles on behalf of the Mormon faith she seems to do by rote rather than any actual passion. Good history, so-so story. ★★★½
“The Magician” by Erin Bowman
Bowman’s truly hit her stride with westerns. Both Vengeance Road and Redemption Rails are great, fast-paced reads with boss heroines. “The Magician” follows in that tread, but it’s a quieter tale. Ray, adopted as a lost and hungry child by Mrs. Lowry and with her name taken from a piece of newspaper she carried, pretends to be a boy, so that she can work and live safely in Yuma. She dreams of heading to California, and she’s trying to save up enough money with her work as a stevedore. “The Magician” focuses on her big ambitions and the magic she relies on in the face of the incredible odds and danger she faces daily. ★★★★
“Lady Firebrand” by Megan Shepherd
I’ve only read one Megan Shepherd book, and I really wasn’t that impressed, but apparently the time has come for me to give her books another try, because this short story rocked my socks. Of the stories thus far, this one’s by far the most fun; they’ve all been good, but a bit more staid where this one’s straight up enjoyment. The concept of a white girl in a wheelchair and her friend/free black woman servant working as the vigilante Lord Firebrand to help the Union is totally amazing. I wish this one were a full book tbh, but it does work as a short story. There’s even a smidge of romance, though obviously I’d have liked more because hello I’m me. ★★★★½
“Step Right Up” by Jessica Spotswood
Before this story, I’d never read Jessica Spotswood, but clearly I should based on the quality of this story. Or, wait, did she have a story in the first anthology? “Step Right Up” is about a young girl who dreams of running away to the circus, to escape a family that doesn’t understand her to the unusual but kind, accepting bosoms of her friends in the circus that passes annually through Tulsa. Fairly simple but well-executed with some Anne of Green Gables vibes in the walking a roof and big dreams. Spotswood covers the circus without exoticizing and highlighting the freedoms it could offer in a time that was greatly restrictive, particularly of young women. ★★★★
“Glamour” by Anna-Marie McLemore
My first experience with McLemore proved to be too dark and sad for me, but “Glamour” hit right in that place where it’s sad but also beautiful and with a little bit of hope. I was definitely thrown off by the magical realism, despite McLemore being known for writing that genre, because the collection has been solely historical thus far. It works though. “Glamour” tells of Graciela who dreams of a career in Hollywood but who will have to very literally give up herself and her identity to have a chance of getting there. Her romance with a transgender boy is very sweet, and I wish I got to know more about what will happen to these two. ★★★★
“Better for All the World” by Marieke Nijkamp
Though I liked Nijkamp’s debut, it pales in comparison to the powerful voice and emotions that this short story wrought in me. “Better for All the World” is one of those elusive stories very much driven by a message that doesn’t feel preachy at all. Carrie’s narrative voice is lovely, and I would read a whole book about her journey to become a lawyer and fight for the rights of atypical people like herself. I want to know more about how her relationship with Alexander Holmes would evolve over time, and I also really love Carrie’s aunt. ★★★★★
“When the Moon Isn’t Enough” by Dhonielle Clayton
Another magical realism offering about a young (or so she seems anyway) black girl during World War II. Her family knows the secret of capturing and consuming the moon’s light, granting them life without aging. Emma’s been 16 for…a while. Fearing what could happen if this magic fell into the wrong hands, her family moves to avoid wars, but they’re tired of doing so and hopeful that WWII won’t come to the contiguous 48 states. Emma’s longing for something more after 191 years is understandable, but she didn’t fully come to life for me; perhaps because of her circumstances, there’s a distance to her narration. The history, however, and the tension of being black in America during the fervor of WWII is fantastic. ★★★½
“The Belle of the Ball” by Sarvenaz Tash
Tash’s story of an aspiring female comedy writer feeling stifled by her mother’s debutante dreams and expectations is another highlight of this collection. Rosemary has been writing little sketches for an actress friend, but her real dream is to be a writer for a television show, like I Love Lucy, one of her favorites. She doesn’t want what her mother wants for her; instead, she wants a career and the cute boy next door, Tomás. I love YA about characters with less common dreams, like being the writer behind the comedic lines, not a comedian on a stage or an actress. One of the cutest stories in the collection and quite inspiring, especially combined with Tash’s note at the end. ★★★★★
“Land of the Sweet, Home of the Brave” by Stacey Lee
Lana Lau is Japanese, Chinese, Hawaiian, Californian, and American. Despite skepticism, she enrolls in a contest to be the model for a sugar company, the same one her mother toils for every day. The money would mean opportunity, maybe college. She doesn’t think an Asian face could possibly win, but she decides to try. This story is lovely, funny, and sharp. Lana’s wit and refusal to be cowed by cruelty won me over, and, though it’s a microcosm of a journey unfinished, I really felt her character arc. ★★★★★
“The Birth of Susi Go-Go” by Meg Medina
Caught between her Cuban family and American culture, Susana watches and admires her slightly-older neighbor of the gorgeous go-go boots. This story doesn’t have quite as much plot as the other ones do, but I did enjoy Susana’s voice and feel her struggle in trying to figure out who she is or really understand what the truth is between her parents’ point of view and America’s. ★★★½
“Take Me with You” by Sara Farizan
The anthology closes with another strong story, one that dovetails beautifully with Medina’s. Soheila’s a refugee from Iran, staying with her uncle and controlling aunt until the war ends and it’s safe to return. She makes a cool American friend and finds solace and inspiration in American music. I haven’t read Farizan since her debut novel, but I’m thinking I should. ★★★★
The Radical Element may just be my favorite anthology ever. There wasn’t a bad story in the bunch. I love the diversity in the characters, the subject matter, and the authors. A Tyranny of Petticoats was good, but The Radical Element is outstanding across the board.
letstalkaboutbooksbaybee's review against another edition
4.0
A feminist historical fiction anthology of short stories, The Radical Element is about as diverse as they come. Race, religions, sexualities, time periods. They’ve got it all. I really enjoyed the first anthology by the same editor, and I’m happy to say I enjoyed this one as well.
-Daughter of the book by Dahlia Adler: 5/5 stars.
Set in 1830’s Georgia, this is the story of a young Jewish girl named Rebekah who desperately wants to learn more than joe to see a dress. Unfortunately her parents think she only need to learn homemaking skills, so she enlists the help of her friend Caleb to teach her all that he learns. I really liked the atmosphere and I even learned a tiny bit about Jewish culture by reading this one.
-You’re a stranger here by Mackenzi Lee: 4/5 stars
Set in Illinois in 1844, this short story starts off with the Prophet Joseph Smith being murdered and young girl Vilatte and her Mormon community are thrown into chaos. Apparently the bare bones of this story actually happened, and his death caused their community to head out towards Utah, where a large Mormon community still resides.
-The Magician by Erin Bowman: 3/5 stars
Set in 1858 New Mexico, Ray is a young girl pretending to be a boy on an expedition to Colorado. She cheats at cards to make money but someone finds out and is kind of blackmailing her. I think this was just too short to fully develop for me.
-Lady Firebrand by Megan Shepherd 4/5 stars.
Set in 1863 South Carolina, Rose and her maid, Pauline, who happens to be a free black woman during the civil war, go on a vigilante spree to sabotage confederate soldiers in the dead of night disguised as a man. I liked the fact that our main character is disabled but still being a fearless rebel. But I just didn’t connect with the story that much
-Step right up by Jessica Spotswood 2/5 stars
1905 Tulsa, Ruby Porter loves to walk along rooftops and do daredevil stunts. She’s a born performer who long’s to live in a circus. She also happens to be in love with her best friend. Both things are not proper in Oklahoma at that time and she desperately wants to get out of her small town and away from her abusive uncle. This one was just okay, I felt like it was rushed and a little too perfect of an ending
-Glamour by Anna-Marie McLemore 3/5 stars
1923 LA, and Grace wants to be a star in Los Angeles. However she is Mexican which poses a slight problem as the US is stupidly racist. Luckily she has a magical glamour that she can cast to hide her real identity and appear fair skinned and blonde. But it’s exhausting pretending to be something you’re not. I wasn’t expecting magical realism in this story so I guess it’s my fault that I didn’t like this one as much.
Better for all the world by Marieke Nijkamp: 3/5 stars
-1927 Washington DC, Carrie Allen wants to be a lawyer so badly that she finds herself sitting in the courtroom of a trial where an “undesirable” feeble-minded woman pleads her case to not be sterilized. Carrie herself also has mental illness, although she’s desperately trying to hide her oddities from everyone she meets. I liked learning about the Supreme Court case in this one, but I couldn’t connect to the characters. But I do think there’s a lot of great content in this short story.
When the moonlight isn’t enough by Dhonielle Clayton 4/5 stars
-1943 Massachusetts, Emma is catching moonlight in mason jars. Her family drinks it to stay immortal and they don’t bother themselves with getting into the business of the War. But Emma wants to. She wants to help. She doesn’t want to keep her head down and be complacent. This really made me want to read more from this author even though magical realism isn’t my favorite genre.
The belle of the ball by Sarvenaz Tash: 3.6/5 stars
-1952 Brooklyn, Rosemary wants to be a comedy writer . But women aren’t funny in the 50s, or so everyone says. Plus her mother really wants her to focus on her cotillion. This one was just alright for me. The plot was kind of dull tbh.
Land of the sweet, home of the brave by Stacey Lee: 3/5 stars
-1955 California, Lana is going to audition to be the mascot for a sugar company, despite her skin being more tan than any of the previous sugar maidens have ever been and her being Asian American a few years after the war. This was just a little short and not developed enough for my liking.
The birth of susi go-go by eg Medina: 3/5 stars
-1972 Queens, Cuban immigrant Susana must come to terms with how to hold onto her roots and process the upheaval that she’s gone through in her life, and how to merge that into becoming a “normal” American teenager. I wish there was more to this one.
Take me with u by Sara Farizan: 4:5 stars
- 1984 Boston, this story follows a teenage Iranian refugee who is placed with her aunt and uncle. She discovers Prince and his music and joins a girl band, which her aunt disapproves of. This one was fun but also very sad
-Daughter of the book by Dahlia Adler: 5/5 stars.
Set in 1830’s Georgia, this is the story of a young Jewish girl named Rebekah who desperately wants to learn more than joe to see a dress. Unfortunately her parents think she only need to learn homemaking skills, so she enlists the help of her friend Caleb to teach her all that he learns. I really liked the atmosphere and I even learned a tiny bit about Jewish culture by reading this one.
-You’re a stranger here by Mackenzi Lee: 4/5 stars
Set in Illinois in 1844, this short story starts off with the Prophet Joseph Smith being murdered and young girl Vilatte and her Mormon community are thrown into chaos. Apparently the bare bones of this story actually happened, and his death caused their community to head out towards Utah, where a large Mormon community still resides.
-The Magician by Erin Bowman: 3/5 stars
Set in 1858 New Mexico, Ray is a young girl pretending to be a boy on an expedition to Colorado. She cheats at cards to make money but someone finds out and is kind of blackmailing her. I think this was just too short to fully develop for me.
-Lady Firebrand by Megan Shepherd 4/5 stars.
Set in 1863 South Carolina, Rose and her maid, Pauline, who happens to be a free black woman during the civil war, go on a vigilante spree to sabotage confederate soldiers in the dead of night disguised as a man. I liked the fact that our main character is disabled but still being a fearless rebel. But I just didn’t connect with the story that much
-Step right up by Jessica Spotswood 2/5 stars
1905 Tulsa, Ruby Porter loves to walk along rooftops and do daredevil stunts. She’s a born performer who long’s to live in a circus. She also happens to be in love with her best friend. Both things are not proper in Oklahoma at that time and she desperately wants to get out of her small town and away from her abusive uncle. This one was just okay, I felt like it was rushed and a little too perfect of an ending
-Glamour by Anna-Marie McLemore 3/5 stars
1923 LA, and Grace wants to be a star in Los Angeles. However she is Mexican which poses a slight problem as the US is stupidly racist. Luckily she has a magical glamour that she can cast to hide her real identity and appear fair skinned and blonde. But it’s exhausting pretending to be something you’re not. I wasn’t expecting magical realism in this story so I guess it’s my fault that I didn’t like this one as much.
Better for all the world by Marieke Nijkamp: 3/5 stars
-1927 Washington DC, Carrie Allen wants to be a lawyer so badly that she finds herself sitting in the courtroom of a trial where an “undesirable” feeble-minded woman pleads her case to not be sterilized. Carrie herself also has mental illness, although she’s desperately trying to hide her oddities from everyone she meets. I liked learning about the Supreme Court case in this one, but I couldn’t connect to the characters. But I do think there’s a lot of great content in this short story.
When the moonlight isn’t enough by Dhonielle Clayton 4/5 stars
-1943 Massachusetts, Emma is catching moonlight in mason jars. Her family drinks it to stay immortal and they don’t bother themselves with getting into the business of the War. But Emma wants to. She wants to help. She doesn’t want to keep her head down and be complacent. This really made me want to read more from this author even though magical realism isn’t my favorite genre.
The belle of the ball by Sarvenaz Tash: 3.6/5 stars
-1952 Brooklyn, Rosemary wants to be a comedy writer . But women aren’t funny in the 50s, or so everyone says. Plus her mother really wants her to focus on her cotillion. This one was just alright for me. The plot was kind of dull tbh.
Land of the sweet, home of the brave by Stacey Lee: 3/5 stars
-1955 California, Lana is going to audition to be the mascot for a sugar company, despite her skin being more tan than any of the previous sugar maidens have ever been and her being Asian American a few years after the war. This was just a little short and not developed enough for my liking.
The birth of susi go-go by eg Medina: 3/5 stars
-1972 Queens, Cuban immigrant Susana must come to terms with how to hold onto her roots and process the upheaval that she’s gone through in her life, and how to merge that into becoming a “normal” American teenager. I wish there was more to this one.
Take me with u by Sara Farizan: 4:5 stars
- 1984 Boston, this story follows a teenage Iranian refugee who is placed with her aunt and uncle. She discovers Prince and his music and joins a girl band, which her aunt disapproves of. This one was fun but also very sad
kapbanana's review against another edition
As with all anthologies, some stories were more captivating than others. In particular I liked:
The Magician by Erin Bowman
Lady Firebrand by Megan Shepherd
Glamour by Anna-Marie McLemore
Better for All the World by Marieke Nijkamp
Land of the Sweet, Home of the Brave by Stacey Lee
The Magician by Erin Bowman
Lady Firebrand by Megan Shepherd
Glamour by Anna-Marie McLemore
Better for All the World by Marieke Nijkamp
Land of the Sweet, Home of the Brave by Stacey Lee
sunsoar25's review against another edition
4.0
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As an American girl in the past and the present the decision to respect yourself can sometimes be challenging and radical. You have to face it whether you're neurodivergent, a second-generation immigrant, or facing racism. Self-respect is the only decision when you've weighed societal expectations and found them wanting. In this anthology, twelve talented YA authors present stories of all sorts of girls from all colors and creeds standing up for themselves and their beliefs from the 1830s to the 1980s. Are you ready to join them?
The Radical Element is a compelling collection of twelve short stories taking place between 1838-1984. My favorites include "The Magician" by Erin Bowman (1858, Colorado River, New Mexico Territory), "Lady Firebrand" by Megan Shepherd (1863, Charleston, South Carolina), "When the Moonlight Isn't Enough" by Dhonielle Clayton (1943, Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts), "The Bell of the Ball" by Sarvenaz Tash (1952, Brooklyn, New York), and "Land of the Sweet, Home of the Brave" by Stacey Lee (1955, Oakland, California). All of the stories in this collection give the reader a good taste of the characters, the setting, and their lives. Of those stories that I mentioned by name, I would absolutely love to see a full length novel about Lady Firebrand's daring adventures and I'm dying for more from the world of "When the Moonlight Isn't Enough". Clayton's story is the only one that features a dash of fantasy and I couldn't get enough. There's so much more that could be explored whether we follow the main character, her parents, or what happens just after the short story in this collection ends.
Overall, The Radical Element edited by Jessica Spotswood is a perfect read for Women's History Month. I love how the authors of the short stories so expertly blend historical fact with fiction (and in one case a dash of fantasy). This anthology is incredibly inspirational and is put together by some of the best names in the business. I absolutely need to pick up a copy of the companion collection called A Tyranny of Petticoats in the future.
As an American girl in the past and the present the decision to respect yourself can sometimes be challenging and radical. You have to face it whether you're neurodivergent, a second-generation immigrant, or facing racism. Self-respect is the only decision when you've weighed societal expectations and found them wanting. In this anthology, twelve talented YA authors present stories of all sorts of girls from all colors and creeds standing up for themselves and their beliefs from the 1830s to the 1980s. Are you ready to join them?
The Radical Element is a compelling collection of twelve short stories taking place between 1838-1984. My favorites include "The Magician" by Erin Bowman (1858, Colorado River, New Mexico Territory), "Lady Firebrand" by Megan Shepherd (1863, Charleston, South Carolina), "When the Moonlight Isn't Enough" by Dhonielle Clayton (1943, Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts), "The Bell of the Ball" by Sarvenaz Tash (1952, Brooklyn, New York), and "Land of the Sweet, Home of the Brave" by Stacey Lee (1955, Oakland, California). All of the stories in this collection give the reader a good taste of the characters, the setting, and their lives. Of those stories that I mentioned by name, I would absolutely love to see a full length novel about Lady Firebrand's daring adventures and I'm dying for more from the world of "When the Moonlight Isn't Enough". Clayton's story is the only one that features a dash of fantasy and I couldn't get enough. There's so much more that could be explored whether we follow the main character, her parents, or what happens just after the short story in this collection ends.
Overall, The Radical Element edited by Jessica Spotswood is a perfect read for Women's History Month. I love how the authors of the short stories so expertly blend historical fact with fiction (and in one case a dash of fantasy). This anthology is incredibly inspirational and is put together by some of the best names in the business. I absolutely need to pick up a copy of the companion collection called A Tyranny of Petticoats in the future.
uncoveredwhimsy's review against another edition
5.0
This is such a great anthology for young women! Such a lovely companion for A Tyranny of Petticoats. (which is also worth a read if you haven't picked it up yet.)The stories are arranged chronologically so that the reader can travel forward through history looking at the world through the eyes of young women of all backgrounds. I particularly enjoyed the choice to represent women that often do not have a voice.
The anthology starts off strong, with the story of a Jewish girl who is more passionate about learning her religion than she is about learning to be a house wife.
Each story tackles a unique challenge in a young woman's life. Each young woman is strong and opinionated. I loved this collection and fully intend to purchase a physical copy for my own collection.
The anthology starts off strong, with the story of a Jewish girl who is more passionate about learning her religion than she is about learning to be a house wife.
Each story tackles a unique challenge in a young woman's life. Each young woman is strong and opinionated. I loved this collection and fully intend to purchase a physical copy for my own collection.
tachyondecay's review against another edition
4.0
Last year I reviewed A Tyranny of Petticoats, which came on my radar because I received it in a Book Mail box from Book Riot. When I saw The Radical Element on NetGalley, I wanted to see how the second volume of this anthology series compared. Thanks to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for the eARC! I adored this book for what it is, and while I didn’t love every story, it was a great end-of-the-week read.
The Radical Element is also edited by Jessica Spotswood, but you don’t need to have read A Tyranny of Petticoats to read this book. All of the short stories are self-contained and separate from the stories of the first book. The concept is much the same, however: the 12 stories herein are all about girls who are in some way “radical” for their time and place, and they typically follow a structure of the girl taking agency over her life and choosing, whether by striking out or striking back or some combination, to stand against society’s constraining expectations for her.
I’m not going to review each story individually, as I did last time. Honestly, the first few stories were OK but didn’t enthrall me. Part of that was just the settings—I have little interest in nineteenth century America, in the so-called “wild west” milieu, so those stories were already at a disadvantage with me. I know it had an effect, because I became much better-disposed towards the stories by the time we hit 1943. And I think the last story, “Take Me With U”, by Sara Farizan and set in 1984 Boston, was my favourite, both because of the time and the plot.
That being said, whatever your mileage on the various stories and their periods, the concept as a whole is well done here. By showcasing a different setting in each story, Spotswood reminds us that women have always fought. Women didn’t suddenly become scrappy, strong, liberation-minded people in the 1920s or 1930s or 1940s or whichever decade you personally want to stick a pin as the “start” of feminism or whatever. Women and girls have always fought for recognition, independence, autonomy, and we do them a disservice if we generalize our history to say, “Back in the ____, women had no power”. It is always, always more complicated than that.
In a similar vein, different stories feature different ways of fighting back. Some of the protagonists are physically combative; they defend themselves and use force, if necessary, to get their way. Some use wit, charm, or reasoning. Others find allies and escape, or simply slip away, an apologetic note all they leave as a trace of their presence. The Radical Element reminds us not to reduce “strong women” down to a single phrase or single idea. There are so many ways to be strong.
Also, this is a very diverse book, both in terms of its authors and its characters. There are Jewish, Mormon, Christian, and Muslim protagonists. There are white girls and Black girls and Mexican girls. There are abled and disabled girls. It’s a refreshing pantheon.
My critiques for the book aren’t really of the book itself, just areas where it doesn’t align with my own particular interests. Like I said above, not huge on some of the historical periods. Not huge on the focus on the United States (but again, that’s just the premise of the whole anthology, so I’m not here to criticize that). I really liked the one or two stories that include a little bit of magic in them, because I found that interesting. Magic always improves my historical fiction! Again, these are all just personal preferences, so if yours differ, you might love this book to bits. Or hate it entirely!
Still, if you at all are interested in 12 dynamic stories featuring 12 diverse girls in 12 different time periods in the United States, then really, you should give The Radical Element a shot. I want to see more books like this, more stories like these ones. Even if they aren’t always to my tastes, I know there are readers out there who will find these stories inspiring and entertaining. These are stories that should be told, and I am here for that.
The Radical Element is also edited by Jessica Spotswood, but you don’t need to have read A Tyranny of Petticoats to read this book. All of the short stories are self-contained and separate from the stories of the first book. The concept is much the same, however: the 12 stories herein are all about girls who are in some way “radical” for their time and place, and they typically follow a structure of the girl taking agency over her life and choosing, whether by striking out or striking back or some combination, to stand against society’s constraining expectations for her.
I’m not going to review each story individually, as I did last time. Honestly, the first few stories were OK but didn’t enthrall me. Part of that was just the settings—I have little interest in nineteenth century America, in the so-called “wild west” milieu, so those stories were already at a disadvantage with me. I know it had an effect, because I became much better-disposed towards the stories by the time we hit 1943. And I think the last story, “Take Me With U”, by Sara Farizan and set in 1984 Boston, was my favourite, both because of the time and the plot.
That being said, whatever your mileage on the various stories and their periods, the concept as a whole is well done here. By showcasing a different setting in each story, Spotswood reminds us that women have always fought. Women didn’t suddenly become scrappy, strong, liberation-minded people in the 1920s or 1930s or 1940s or whichever decade you personally want to stick a pin as the “start” of feminism or whatever. Women and girls have always fought for recognition, independence, autonomy, and we do them a disservice if we generalize our history to say, “Back in the ____, women had no power”. It is always, always more complicated than that.
In a similar vein, different stories feature different ways of fighting back. Some of the protagonists are physically combative; they defend themselves and use force, if necessary, to get their way. Some use wit, charm, or reasoning. Others find allies and escape, or simply slip away, an apologetic note all they leave as a trace of their presence. The Radical Element reminds us not to reduce “strong women” down to a single phrase or single idea. There are so many ways to be strong.
Also, this is a very diverse book, both in terms of its authors and its characters. There are Jewish, Mormon, Christian, and Muslim protagonists. There are white girls and Black girls and Mexican girls. There are abled and disabled girls. It’s a refreshing pantheon.
My critiques for the book aren’t really of the book itself, just areas where it doesn’t align with my own particular interests. Like I said above, not huge on some of the historical periods. Not huge on the focus on the United States (but again, that’s just the premise of the whole anthology, so I’m not here to criticize that). I really liked the one or two stories that include a little bit of magic in them, because I found that interesting. Magic always improves my historical fiction! Again, these are all just personal preferences, so if yours differ, you might love this book to bits. Or hate it entirely!
Still, if you at all are interested in 12 dynamic stories featuring 12 diverse girls in 12 different time periods in the United States, then really, you should give The Radical Element a shot. I want to see more books like this, more stories like these ones. Even if they aren’t always to my tastes, I know there are readers out there who will find these stories inspiring and entertaining. These are stories that should be told, and I am here for that.
thefox22's review against another edition
4.0
*Physical ARC kindly provided by Candlewick Press.
Daughter of the Book by Dahlia Adler: Jewish history was not made of women who remained willfully ignorant in order to sew tablecloths. What I loved most about this one was that Rebekah loved her family's history. She loved learning about it, and she realized she wanted to teach it to other women, to help her community by educating all of those in it. It was not about her rebelling against her faith, but about her rebelling against the sexist idea that she can't study. That because she's a woman, her only place is keeping a kosher home and bearing children. I loved that she found her voice, and that she made a plan for herself. Simply lovely! (4 stars)
You're a Stranger Here by Mackenzi Lee: There are far, far better things ahead, Vilatte, than any that are behind us. This story is about the persecution of the early Mormons who tried to settle in America, only to be driven out time and time again by those who feared their religious ideals. It is relevant, and something that so many people have endured over the years because of their faith and beliefs, and I liked that Mackenzi shed light on it. It was a piece of a history that most wouldn't know about, and I really liked the story. It was about moving forward and following your heart and fighting for the things you care about. (3.5 stars)
The Magician by Erin Bowman: I'm a person, not a thing you can sell. I was kind of sad over how it all went, but it still felt realistic. I was just sad for Ray; a stevedore who can't let anyone know she's a girl, someone without family, without even a full name. A rat, to everyone she meets. She just wanted a place to belong, someone in her corner. She had Mrs. Lowry, but it wasn't enough. So she set out to make her own mark on the world, and I was glad for that ending! (3.5stars)
Lady Firebrand by Megan Shepherd: I daresay if I was in trouble, I'd turn to the two of you before any English rogues. Oh, I ADORED this one. At the heart of the story is a strong, beautiful friendship between Pauline and Rose, two young women with different pasts but who have a common purpose. I love reading about female spies, so this was fabulous. And the fact that it was the two of them, who created a criminal and hid behind their masks of a Northerner with a physical disability and a freed black girl, to destroy the Confederacy? Even better. People always underestimate teen girls. And it's always their mistake. (4.5 stars)
Step Right Up by Jessica Spotswood: It never has been about running away. It's about running toward. I've never been a particular fan of the circus, but I really enjoyed this story. I loved Ruby; headstrong, fearless, brave. She never gave up, no matter what life threw her way or how much her home life hurt her. And when she fell, she always got right back up. She was a dreamer who went after what she wanted, even when she wasn't sure of the consequences. I admired her a lot, and I liked the circus aspect of this, especially how they were more family to Ruby than her own. (4 stars)
Glamour by Anna-Marie McLemore: She had told no one why she wanted to become Grace Moran: because the world left so little room for Graciela Morena. And another because Anna's writing is too pretty, and her words too resonant: The price of getting everything she wanted would be everything she was. I loved everything about this story; it was the one I'd been waiting for. I loved Graciela and Sawyer, and how the two of them carved out spaces for themselves in a world that tried to bury them under glamour and taunts. It wasn't easy, and Graciela had to decide what her dream of being a star was worth losing. But it was beautiful, her journey, and I loved that she chose herself. And that ending was amazing! GAH. JUST. I LOVE THIS AUTHOR'S STORIES. (5 stars)
Better for All the World by Marieke Nijkamp: We live in a world that measures people according to standards of desirability and undesirability. And I am undesirable. Ohhh, I loved this one! Carrie is not like a lot of people, and even today's society feels the same as the one back in 1927. Not much has changed. People with disabilities are still persecuted and challenged and slapped with labels that just treat them as unwanted. It is AWFUL. But I was glad for this, for Carrie, who stood up for herself and fought for a girl who had no one else, and who demanded the equal chance to chase her dreams. SUCH AMAZING. (4.5 stars)
When the Moonlight Isn't Enough by Dhonielle Clayton: Before the war, moonlight used to taste like sugar and butter and fresh cream. Though I'm not always a fan of history with a splash of magic, this story worked for me. I loved how Emma's family history, and their power, was intertwined with WWII America. It was hard for Emma to choose between that or her own heart, to choose to turn away rather than help. But what did this country ever do for her or her parents? Why did it deserve more from someone it has hurt over and over again? It's a question she grapples with, and ultimately decides for herself what she wants to do. It was very good! And I love Dhonielle's writing. (4 stars)
The Belle of the Ball by Sarvenaz Tash: I may be a daydreamer. But if I am, it's in the best way. It's in the way that lets me imagine better things than what's placed in front of me. I'ts in the way that makes me go after those things, no matter what or who stands in my way. I LOVED this one! I could relate so much to Rosemary's plight, given that I'm a writer myself. But I didn't have her obstacles, or a mother who told me not to chase my dream. I loved that she DID stand up for herself, and that she knew what she wanted, and that she didn't care what anyone else said about it. Also her and Tomas were adorable. So much goodness here. (4.5 stars)
Land of the Sweet, Home of the Brave by Stacey Lee: My smile - Oba's smile - is hardly a Cupid's bow. More like a scythe, curved, and glinting with iron. Also, another because I can't not: Battle has been waged in this theater, and Lana Lau is still standing tall. I always, always love Stacey's stories and main characters. Lana was funny, brave, and full of love for her family. She didn't really care about winning the contest; she wanted to do it for her mom, who works too much and gets so little, and her father, who shows her what it means to laugh even when the world tries to smother you. So, so wonderful. I honestly would have read a whole book about Lana and her parents and sweet Maude. (5 stars)
The Birth of Susi Go-Go by Meg Medina: I would have recognized you anywhere, mi vida. Oh, that ending gave me all the feels. I enjoyed this story; didn't love it, though. But I could understand and sympathize with Susana's thoughts and feelings, regarding wanting to live on America's society, rather than a past in Cuba she can't remember. She just wanted to be able to like and be who she wanted, even if her mother and father disapproved. I really liked it. (3.5 stars)
Take Me With U by Sara Farizan: During that set, I was free to be whoever I wanted to be. Not Apollonia, not Amir's babysitter, not a self-conscious girl. I was bitchin' and so was my band. I adored this one. I adored Amir, the cutest little six-year-old. I adored Soheila; quiet, determined, lovely Soheila who needed to reconcile who she was with who she wanted to be, who missed home as much as she liked living in America and playing in this bitchin' rock band. The Ovarian Cysters were great, and I'm just so happy I loved this one given that I'm not big on the 80s. SO GOOD. (4.5 stars)
Overall, I loved this anthology much more than the first one! Some favorite authors of mine, as well new-to-me authors that I'm definitely going to read more of. It was a feminist, diverse collection of stories set in the past about radical girls who took control of their lives and did not let society dictate their futures. SO FANTASTIC.
Overall Rating: 4.5 Paw Prints!
Daughter of the Book by Dahlia Adler: Jewish history was not made of women who remained willfully ignorant in order to sew tablecloths. What I loved most about this one was that Rebekah loved her family's history. She loved learning about it, and she realized she wanted to teach it to other women, to help her community by educating all of those in it. It was not about her rebelling against her faith, but about her rebelling against the sexist idea that she can't study. That because she's a woman, her only place is keeping a kosher home and bearing children. I loved that she found her voice, and that she made a plan for herself. Simply lovely! (4 stars)
You're a Stranger Here by Mackenzi Lee: There are far, far better things ahead, Vilatte, than any that are behind us. This story is about the persecution of the early Mormons who tried to settle in America, only to be driven out time and time again by those who feared their religious ideals. It is relevant, and something that so many people have endured over the years because of their faith and beliefs, and I liked that Mackenzi shed light on it. It was a piece of a history that most wouldn't know about, and I really liked the story. It was about moving forward and following your heart and fighting for the things you care about. (3.5 stars)
The Magician by Erin Bowman: I'm a person, not a thing you can sell. I was kind of sad over how it all went, but it still felt realistic. I was just sad for Ray; a stevedore who can't let anyone know she's a girl, someone without family, without even a full name. A rat, to everyone she meets. She just wanted a place to belong, someone in her corner. She had Mrs. Lowry, but it wasn't enough. So she set out to make her own mark on the world, and I was glad for that ending! (3.5stars)
Lady Firebrand by Megan Shepherd: I daresay if I was in trouble, I'd turn to the two of you before any English rogues. Oh, I ADORED this one. At the heart of the story is a strong, beautiful friendship between Pauline and Rose, two young women with different pasts but who have a common purpose. I love reading about female spies, so this was fabulous. And the fact that it was the two of them, who created a criminal and hid behind their masks of a Northerner with a physical disability and a freed black girl, to destroy the Confederacy? Even better. People always underestimate teen girls. And it's always their mistake. (4.5 stars)
Step Right Up by Jessica Spotswood: It never has been about running away. It's about running toward. I've never been a particular fan of the circus, but I really enjoyed this story. I loved Ruby; headstrong, fearless, brave. She never gave up, no matter what life threw her way or how much her home life hurt her. And when she fell, she always got right back up. She was a dreamer who went after what she wanted, even when she wasn't sure of the consequences. I admired her a lot, and I liked the circus aspect of this, especially how they were more family to Ruby than her own. (4 stars)
Glamour by Anna-Marie McLemore: She had told no one why she wanted to become Grace Moran: because the world left so little room for Graciela Morena. And another because Anna's writing is too pretty, and her words too resonant: The price of getting everything she wanted would be everything she was. I loved everything about this story; it was the one I'd been waiting for. I loved Graciela and Sawyer, and how the two of them carved out spaces for themselves in a world that tried to bury them under glamour and taunts. It wasn't easy, and Graciela had to decide what her dream of being a star was worth losing. But it was beautiful, her journey, and I loved that she chose herself. And that ending was amazing! GAH. JUST. I LOVE THIS AUTHOR'S STORIES. (5 stars)
Better for All the World by Marieke Nijkamp: We live in a world that measures people according to standards of desirability and undesirability. And I am undesirable. Ohhh, I loved this one! Carrie is not like a lot of people, and even today's society feels the same as the one back in 1927. Not much has changed. People with disabilities are still persecuted and challenged and slapped with labels that just treat them as unwanted. It is AWFUL. But I was glad for this, for Carrie, who stood up for herself and fought for a girl who had no one else, and who demanded the equal chance to chase her dreams. SUCH AMAZING. (4.5 stars)
When the Moonlight Isn't Enough by Dhonielle Clayton: Before the war, moonlight used to taste like sugar and butter and fresh cream. Though I'm not always a fan of history with a splash of magic, this story worked for me. I loved how Emma's family history, and their power, was intertwined with WWII America. It was hard for Emma to choose between that or her own heart, to choose to turn away rather than help. But what did this country ever do for her or her parents? Why did it deserve more from someone it has hurt over and over again? It's a question she grapples with, and ultimately decides for herself what she wants to do. It was very good! And I love Dhonielle's writing. (4 stars)
The Belle of the Ball by Sarvenaz Tash: I may be a daydreamer. But if I am, it's in the best way. It's in the way that lets me imagine better things than what's placed in front of me. I'ts in the way that makes me go after those things, no matter what or who stands in my way. I LOVED this one! I could relate so much to Rosemary's plight, given that I'm a writer myself. But I didn't have her obstacles, or a mother who told me not to chase my dream. I loved that she DID stand up for herself, and that she knew what she wanted, and that she didn't care what anyone else said about it. Also her and Tomas were adorable. So much goodness here. (4.5 stars)
Land of the Sweet, Home of the Brave by Stacey Lee: My smile - Oba's smile - is hardly a Cupid's bow. More like a scythe, curved, and glinting with iron. Also, another because I can't not: Battle has been waged in this theater, and Lana Lau is still standing tall. I always, always love Stacey's stories and main characters. Lana was funny, brave, and full of love for her family. She didn't really care about winning the contest; she wanted to do it for her mom, who works too much and gets so little, and her father, who shows her what it means to laugh even when the world tries to smother you. So, so wonderful. I honestly would have read a whole book about Lana and her parents and sweet Maude. (5 stars)
The Birth of Susi Go-Go by Meg Medina: I would have recognized you anywhere, mi vida. Oh, that ending gave me all the feels. I enjoyed this story; didn't love it, though. But I could understand and sympathize with Susana's thoughts and feelings, regarding wanting to live on America's society, rather than a past in Cuba she can't remember. She just wanted to be able to like and be who she wanted, even if her mother and father disapproved. I really liked it. (3.5 stars)
Take Me With U by Sara Farizan: During that set, I was free to be whoever I wanted to be. Not Apollonia, not Amir's babysitter, not a self-conscious girl. I was bitchin' and so was my band. I adored this one. I adored Amir, the cutest little six-year-old. I adored Soheila; quiet, determined, lovely Soheila who needed to reconcile who she was with who she wanted to be, who missed home as much as she liked living in America and playing in this bitchin' rock band. The Ovarian Cysters were great, and I'm just so happy I loved this one given that I'm not big on the 80s. SO GOOD. (4.5 stars)
Overall, I loved this anthology much more than the first one! Some favorite authors of mine, as well new-to-me authors that I'm definitely going to read more of. It was a feminist, diverse collection of stories set in the past about radical girls who took control of their lives and did not let society dictate their futures. SO FANTASTIC.
Overall Rating: 4.5 Paw Prints!
cajunhusker's review against another edition
5.0
I love that they all take place around real events. The characters are amazing, the authors incredibly different, and they bring to life eras I might not have thought about in such a way otherwise.
melgonzalez's review against another edition
4.0
"They gave themselved to el Sábado Santo, this in-between night, letting the wing carry the glass glitter to anyone who needed the shimmer and hope of wishes yet to be made"
(Glamour by Anna-Marie McLemore)
I can't explain to you how much this collection of stories mean to me, The Radical Element and A Tyranny of Petticoats completely changed the way I see and expect things from historical fiction. This are very feminist stories with a lot of diversity that challenged a lot of my preconceived ideas and made me learn so much about US history but also the political context of a lot of other countries and how the people from those countries arrived to the US and the experiences that they went through when they got there. There are so many of these stories that are erased of the mainstream history but you can tell that all of these authors did a lot of research and knew what they were talking about, which is one of the most important things for me. Also, the majority of these stories were #ownvoices.
Daughter of the Book by Dahlia Adler: 4.25 ☆. The MC was a Jewish girl who wanted to become a teacher. It was empowering and the author's note gave a lot of context to what was happening. I adored the way it was written and I fell in love with the characters in just a few pages.
You’re a Stranger Here by Mackenzi Lee: 2.75☆. It talked about Mormon history and how they came to settle in the United States and the persecution that they had to endure when they first arrived. We see a lot of the history and their customs through the eyes of a teenage girl. It was very interesting but I feel like I couldn't really get into it.
The Magician by Erin Bowman: 3☆. This was about a girl who was crossdressing was a boy who gets by as a stevedore on the Colorado River, she makes money with her ability to remember cards while playing. It was a very sad story and it's hinted that Ray may identify as non-binary. This is not my type of story, but I could see the value in the historical aspects. The plot was a bit boring at times.
Lady Firebrand by Megan Shepherd: 4☆. This was such an interesting story! It's about a disabled white girl and a freed black girl who unite forces to be spies for the Union. I really enjoyed the way this was written and I appreciate the importance that they gave in how women from all races helped the union during the Civil War times.
Step Right Up by Jessica Spotswood: 4.25☆. This is about a girl who wants to run away from her abusive uncle by running away with the circus. The writing and pacing was super well done and it drew me as soon as I started to read. I loved how the circus was described and I was rooting for these characters in this short story.
Glamour by Anna-Marie McLemore: 5☆. Obviously, this was my favourite story in the entire collection. There's nothing that I've read by her that I haven't given 5 stars to. It even felt like it wasn't part of this collection because it was so much better than the other stories. It took place in 1923 and it's about a Mexican American girl who whitewashes herself because she has aspirations of being an actress and it's also about a disabled trans boy. It's a short story but it felt like a complete book (I wouldn't mind an entire book of this as well). It talks about racism, queerphobia, ableism and the way Hollywood doesn't give space to minorities. Of course the writing was gorgeous, I fell in love with the characters and as always the way AMM treats her characters with so much respect and love is my favourite thing about this. The Author's Note made me cry. This story will stay with me forever and I'm so happy I read it. If you've read Evelyn Hugo and loved it, this story is for you.
Better for all the World by Marieke Nijkamp: 4☆. It's an #ownvoices story about an autistic girl who wants to become a lawyer. She's following the Carrie Buck case, who was sterilised because she had a mental illness. It was very painful to read but was beautifully constructed. Eugenics disproportionately affected women of colour and this story definitely makes you think the way history has treated people with disabilities.
When the Moonlight isn’t Enough by Dhonielle Clayton: 3☆. It's about a black family that is immortal. The daughter wants to grow up and go to the war to help as a nurse. I adore how it intertwined fabulism and magic with elements of historical fiction but I feel like it would have worked better as a longer book. There were things that didn't make sense and I feel it would have been better if it would have had more room to explain how everything worked.
The Belle of the Ball by Sarvenaz Tash: 4☆. It's about a girl who wants to write comedy at a time where there weren't a lot of women in comedy. I really enjoyed the I Love Lucy references and how it talked about the importance of representation in media. I've never read anything by this author but now I definitely want to. Especially after reading her Author's Notes!
Land of the Sweet, Home of the Brave by Stacey Lee: 4.5☆. It's about an Asian-American girl (Chinese father, biracial Japanese mother who was born in Hawaii) who decides to participate in the contest to be the new "Sugar Maiden". This was so much fun to read. I love how the main character was written and I connected with her immediately. I love how I learned so much about the history of Asian people in Hawaii that I had no idea about. It was a very well accomplished story.
The Birth of Susi Go-Go by Meg Medina: 4.75☆. This is about a Cuban-American girl whose parents were exiled from Cuba during the command of Fidel Castro. She is thinking about her life in the US after she finds out her grandparents are coming from Cuba as well. I absolutely adored this story. I feel like I have an instant connection with Latinx stories and I love seeing more in historical fiction. I definitely want to read more by Meg Medina now.
Take Me With U by Sara Farizan: 2.5☆. This was probably my least favourite story and that might be because I'm very wary of Sara Farizan since she has a history of being bi and transphobic in her books. But this is about an Iranian girl who immigrated to the US during the war in Iran and it's about her love of music. I really appreciated all that we're taught about history especially about Iran. But this as very short and I felt like I didn't have time to connect with the characters of care about them. It was an ok story.