This Side of Home

Young Adult reads centered around social justice issues.

One of my biggest goals for this upcoming school year is to stay on top of my reading.  It's so important for me to be able to suggest books to students and do book talks for my classes, and unfortunately, I was so bogged down with starting at a new campus this past school year, that my Young Adult reading kind of slipped away from me.

Another goal is to recommend more books to my students that deal with social justice issues. One of the most powerful books I read this past year was The Hate U Give, and it reminded me of how powerful books can be in helping to shape young readers' ideas about the world in which they live, as well as inspire them to take action in it. 

Thankfully, Google is eager to provide a variety of lists of "Young Adult novels about social justice issues."  (Which I literally typed into the search bar.)  They had the four pictured above at my local library, so I decided to start with these, in no particular order. 

As they are meant for younger readers, I'm moving through them fairly quickly.  I've already finished This Side of Home and stated Return to Sender. 

This Side of Home
by Renee Watson

This Side of Home actually reminded me a bit of The Hate U Give.  The novel is set in Portland, Oregon, and focuses on a teenage girl named Maya (named after Maya Angelou).  She and her twin, Nikki, are seniors at their local high school.  

The story begins with their best friend and neighbor, Essence, having to move, because her family can no longer afford the rent on their house.  Essence's moving is the catalyst in a larger conversation about the gentrification going on in Portland.  Maya is frustrated by the changes happening in her city--about the new businesses and restaurants popping up, and the amount of history all this "newness" is washing away.  Nikki, on the other hand, is excited by all of the changes. 

When a white family moves into Essence's old home, Nikki immediately becomes friends with their teenage daughter.  Over time, Maya becomes close with the son of the family, who is also a senior at her school.  Throughout the book, Maya struggles with the relationships she has with others of similar and different races from her own.  She struggles with her own identity within her culture, as well as the feelings of pride and shame she feels towards other members of the African American community.  

Maya's sister is a perfect foil for her.  Nikki quickly makes the white girl next door her new best friend. She is happy to shop in the new boutiques and eat strange foods at new restaurants.  For much of the story, Maya is staunchly against these new experiences. 

What I liked most about this book was the questions it raised about identity.  As a third-generation Mexican American, I often wonder about my place in my culture.  I don't usually feel "Mexican enough," even though race and ethnicity don't seem like something you should have to prove.  

4/5 stars on Goodreads.  I would highly recommend this book, especially as it is the rare Young Adult gem that is actually appropriate enough for younger readers as well.