I just read GATHER by Kenneth M. Cadow. It deserves every award and honor it has received--e.g , @whippoorwillaward.bsky.social. Its protagonist, Ian, reminds me of someone @jeffzentner.bsky.social might have created, which is a compliment to both authors. Highly recommend. #YALit #AdolLit

I just read SONG OF FREEDOM, SONG OF DREAMS by @sharigreen.bsky.social, a #VerseNovel and work of #HistoricalFiction set in East Germany in 1989. The title is perfect in so many ways; and the "Author's Note" and "Acknowledgments" are as beautiful as the book's poems. #YALit #AdolLit

I just read A SECOND CHANCE ON EARTH, a #VerseNovel by Juan Vidal. What a terrific tale of triumph over, and through, grief; a celebration of friends and dads and extended family; and a tribute to culture and literature and language. #YALit #AdolLit

I just read EYES OPEN by @lynmillerlachmann.bsky.social, a beautiful #VerseNovel. I like #HistoricalFiction that subtly teaches me something I didn't know (here, revolts again dictatorship in Portugal in the late '60s) via realistic characters caught up in historical events. #YALit #AdLit

I just read REZ BALL by @byrongraves.bsky.social. It was named a Whippoorwill Award honor book for 2024. Smooth interweaving of northern MN rurality, Ojibwe culture, sports, video gaming, grief, and other elements of adolescent life. #AdolLit #YALit

I just read WHERE THE HEART SHOULD BE, a Kirkus-starred #VerseNovel by @sarahcrossan.bsky.social It's a compelling work of #HistoricalFiction with a clever title that works both literally and figuratively. #AdLit #YALit #Kirkus

having mown the lawn > mowing the lawn

Okay, friends, the veranda is ready for the summer. Stop by and have a slush with us.