Did You Miss It? | February 2023 Releases

Keeping up with new book releases is an extremely difficult task. Even as a voracious reader, I'm unable to keep up with every single youth title that releases each week. "Did You Miss It" is a new review based series that takes time to explore and highlight youth titles that may have gone unnoticed. Each month, I will showcase 2 to 3 titles from the previous month providing both a summary and my own personal thoughts. This month's post features two of my favorite reads from February! I hope you enjoy!

Not An Easy Win by Chrystal D. Giles (Released February 28th)

Summary: Nothing's gone right for Lawrence since he had to move from Charlotte to Larenville, North Carolina, to live with his granny. When Lawrence ends up in one too many fights at his new school, he gets expelled. The fight wasn't his fault, but since his pop's been gone, it feels like no one listens to what Lawrence has to say. Instead of going to school, Lawrence starts spending his days at the rec center, helping out a neighbor who runs a chess program. Some of the kids in the program will be picked to compete in the Charlotte Classic chess tournament. Could this be Lawrence's chance to go home? Lawrence doesn't know anything about chess, but something about the center--and the kids there--feels right. Lawrence thought the game was over . . . but does he have more moves left than he thought?

My Thoughts: This is definitely a love letter to the South. There were so many pieces and parts that reminded me of how I grew up for several years in a small country town in the South. While a great portion of this book focuses on the bullying that Lawrence faces at school and the consequences of getting expelled, Giles does weave in valuable discussions about the impact of poverty on youth. As an adult, it made me reflect on my experiences growing up in a household where financial stability wasn't always consistent. The inclusion of chess within the framework of the plot was absolutely brilliant. It's such a powerful and fulfilling game and to see Lawrence build the connection to it and the other kids who played chess was beautiful. Through the game, Lawrence has the opportunity to experience the sense of community that he's been searching for in school.

Baba's Gift by Ariana Shaeen Amini & Christina Maheen Amini; Illustrated by Elaheh Taherian (Released February 21st)

Summary: Baba enchants his six daughters with his stories, transporting them to his childhood in Iran as they play on the flowering vines of the Persian carpet in California. He tells the story of a determined young man who comes to the United States, the challenges of leaving his Persian family, and the unfolding of his new American life. This picture book is written in the voice of two daughters telling the story of their Baba (“father” in Farsi). It weaves together the love of two countries with the love of family.

My Thoughts: "When a child is delighted in, she finds herself delightful." Grab your tissues! This delightful biographical picture book made tears come to my eyes. It is the perfect read aloud for those who enjoy intergenerational stories, stories of immigration, love, and family. Written in honor of their father, Ariana and Christina detail the journey he made from Iran to the United States for better educational opportunities. While he didn't know anyone when he arrived to the United States and frequently felt as though he was "living in two worlds", he continued to put his best foot forward to create a better life for himself and future family. The story also captures the curiosity that his six daughters have about his life while living in Iran. These small bits of information provide interesting facts for those who want to learn more about a culture outside their own. Paired with beautiful, warm, and vibrant illustrations, this is a book that you do not want to miss!