Home: Binti

Home: Binti is by Nnedi Okorafor. The second novella in the science fiction series centered around Binti and her family. Binti returns to Earth with the Meduse Okwu so that she can complete her pilgrimage and make peace with her family. From the moment they arrive on Earth however, things do not go as planned. Her family is less than pleased to see her and when the Desert People (her father's tribe) arrive to escort her into the desert, events converge which will force Binti to chose her own future and stop an interstellar war. You won't be able to wait for the final installment. 

Ratings: 9 out of 10 - 9th grade - V (Violence). 

The Vixen Scream & Other Bible Stories

The Vixen Scream & Other Bible Stories is by Nancy Stohlman. A weird, strange, and yet entrancing selection of flash fiction. The stories are unique and at the same time are intertwined in a bizarre way. If you like bizarro fiction then this might be for you. Prepare to be perplexed and entertained. 

Ratings: 7 out of 10 - 10th grade - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).

How to Read Poetry Like a Professor: A Quippy & Sonorous Guide to Verse

How to Read Poetry Like a Professor: A Quippy & Sonorous Guide to Verse is by Thomas C. Foster. An excellent primer on how to understand and read poetry. All of Foster's books are marvelous and this one is no exception. A must read for teachers, but very helpful for students and lay-people are well. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10. 

Cool Salsa

Cool Salsa is edited by Lori M. Carlson. A wonderful selection of poems by a variety of Hispanic authors including Sandra Cisneros, Gary Soto, Pat Mora, Oscar Hijuelos, and many others. The English version of the poem is juxtaposed with the Spanish version. A great way to introduce fun poetry and another culture to a young audience. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.