Changed by the Rain: Life after a Brain Injury by Candice C. Kirkbride

Pages: 96

Intended Audience: Mature Tweens and up

Genre: Memoir

Notes for Parents: Some mature content

The Back Cover

At the tender age of 15, Candice Kirkbride's life changed forever. Happiness is at the front of her mind everyday despite the challenges she continues to face. She does not want to be defined by that one fateful night. She has dedicated herself to inspiring others to find happiness in their life. Candice's message touches each person differently. Whether it's through her story of recovery, overcoming adversity or forgiving those who have wronged her, she has experienced so much in her young life. Life story, poems and strategies, this book will help inspire you to changed your life as Candice has hers.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

The author was struck by a car driven by an intoxicated driver and sustained serious head injuries as a result. Now, more than 15 years after her accident, she writes about her injuries, her recovery, and the new person she has become. This book is self-published.

What’s good?

This is an important story about a young woman’s journey of recovery after a traumatic brain injury. Compelling and emotional, the author describes with honesty the stark realities she had to face immediately after the accident, and the new life she has had to acclimate to as a result. While she has met the enormous challenges with determination and resiliency, her responses to situations weren't always perfect. Often her frustration, confusion, and defiance got the best of her. Each chapter begins with one of the author’s original poems. A small selection of photographs is included. There are sad parts, and funny parts, and some astute observances about the importance of having a strong support group.

Best Part: "Love life because life loves you!"

What isn’t good?

For the most part the story is chronological, so when the author back-tracked or jumped forward occasionally, I found it a bit disorientating. I also found myself wanting more details about how other people were reacting to her, but understandably she stuck to only telling her side of the story.

Worst part: There are some punctuation errors and missing words that should have been caught in the editing process.

Recommendation ☺☺☺☻☻ (3/5)

This is a fast, accessible, easy-to-read memoir that is revealing without being too graphic. It serves as a mild cautionary tale for teens, as well as an inspirational story of strength and courage. It’s also a powerful illustration of how fragile the human brain can be. The author’s poetry is simple and quite beautiful, and her storytelling will engage teens and adults alike. Recommended.

Kirkbride, Candice C., Changed by the Rain: Life after a Brain Injury. Bloomington, IN: iUniverse, 2016.

Stronger Than You Know by Jolene Perry

Pages: 244

Intended Audience: Mature teens

Genre: Real life / Abuse

Notes for Parents: Contains mature content not appropriate for sensitive readers.

The Back Cover

Joy’s fifteen. Her normal life began just three months ago.

Before that was another life that she doesn’t like to remember. When the police came, it was supposed to be over.

But now, living with her aunt and uncle in this new family where everyone tries to understand, it’s not over. Joy’s got a whole list of reasons why she’s crazy—the panic attacks, the meds she’s on, and the hard-to-breathe feeling she gets when she has to talk to someone new, especially when the person is nice.

Yet hope has a way of taking hold, and Joy just might be able to hold on…

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

According to the author’s website, this story was, in part, inspired by an actually story about a five-year-old boy who lived a similar life but was killed in a fire. She says after learning the details about the young boy, she woke up one morning with the same line running in her head over and over. “I read somewhere that happiness is fleeting, but joy sticks with you, holds on to you, and fills you up. The fact that my name is Joy is sort of a lesson in irony.”

What’s good?

This is the rarely told story of what happens after the abused child is rescued and placed in a stable home. The first-person narrative makes this feel like a very personal story, and Joy is strong, authentic character despite her unusual and unfortunate circumstances. Tough subjects are broached as Joy navigates through issues of trust and abandonment, knowing she’s broken, and trying desperately to heal. The chapters are short and the pace is even. The plot is simple and the writing is well-done. A nice, budding romance threads through the more serious themes of abuse, fear, resilience, rebuilding, support, family, and love.

Best Part: Uncle Rob

What isn’t good?

Nothing really happens. This is definitely an emotional rollercoaster for the main character and the supporting characters that are trying to gain her trust, but that’s about as much action as there is. While there are moments of heightened tension, none really pan out to be anything concrete. Joy’s imagination is much more exciting than what’s happening around her.

Worst part: No action.

Recommendation ☺☺☺☻☻ (3/5)

Short chapters, an even pace, and a simple plot make this a quick and easy read. It’s very emotional with lots of inner conflict, and a little outward tension, but no real action to speak of. The characters are well-drawn and the subject matter is approached delicately, but without fear. Recommended.

Perry, Jolene. Stronger Than You Know. Chicago: Albert Whitman & Co., 2014.

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier

Pages: 240

Intended Audience: Tweens and up

Genre: Graphic novel / Supernatural

Notes for Parents: Contains scenes with ghosts and discussions about terminal illness.

The Back Cover

There’s something different about this town…Catrina and her family are moving to the coast of Northern California because her little sister, Maya, is sick. Cat isn’t happy about leaving her friends for Bahia de la Luna, but Maya has cystic fibrosis and will benefit from the cool, salty air that blows in from the sea. As the girls explore their new home, a neighbor lets them in on a secret: There are ghosts in Bahia de la Luna. Maya is determined to meet one, but Cat wants nothing to do with them. As the time of year when ghosts reunite with their loved ones approaches, Cat must figure out how to put aside her fears for her sister’s sake – and her own.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This is a bit of a deviation from her other graphic novels as it contains some supernatural elements.

What’s good?

Bold, colorful artwork and excellent storytelling drive this graphic novel about a young girl with a terminally ill sister who moves with her family to a town where ghosts are welcomed instead of feared. The relationship of the two sisters is realistic and relatable. Older sister Cat is protective, full of anxiety, and often skeptical, while younger sister Maya, who has cystic fibrosis, is energetic, adventurous, and full of optimism. Their contrasting personalities weave brilliantly into the mystery surrounding their new town. Spanish-American culture, namely (Día de los Muertos Day of the Dead) celebrations, and the rumor that ghosts frequent the small California town, act as a catalyst that allows both sisters to deal with their fears about death.

Best Part: Maya’s optimism.

What isn’t good?

I’ve read other reviews that suggest there are issues in this novel with cultural appropriation and inaccuracies with the portrayal of a child with cystic fibrosis. I don’t know enough about any of those things to be able to agree or disagree, but I think it’s safe to say that there are some inconsistencies included and liberties taken in both respects. Some suspension of disbelief is definitely required, and the information in the novel should not be considered culturally, historically, or medically dependable.

Worst part: None.

Recommendation ☺☺☺☺☻ (4/5)

This was an easy-to-read, engaging story with several heart-stopping and heart-warming moments. The real purpose of Día de los Muertos may have been downplayed, and the portrayal of life with cystic fibrosis may have been a little outdated, but the heart of the story – the relationship between the two sisters – was beautifully told. Definitely recommended.

Telgemeier, Raina. Ghosts. New York: Graphix, 2016.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by Jack Thorne, J.K. Rowling, and John Tiffany

Pages: 308

Intended Audience: Tweens and up

Genre: Fantasy / Play

Notes for Parents: The content is similar to other Harry Potter stories. It includes some frightening scenes.

The Inside Cover

Nineteen years after the Battle of Hogwarts…

It was always difficult being Harry Potter, and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Minister of Magic, a husband, and a father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: Sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This is a special rehearsal edition of a script of the first Harry Potter story to be presented on stage.

What’s good?

It was wonderful to see some of the characters we all know and love from the Harry Potter series. It was like seeing old friends when Harry, Ginny, Hermione, and Ron were at the platform seeing their kids off to Hogwarts. This story centers around Harry’s and Ginny’s oldest son, Albus, and Draco Malfoy’s son, Scorpius. The two boys have an adventure that almost changes history. The plot is simple, with a few twists and turns to make it interesting. There’s adventure and danger, and plenty of bad decisions to get the boys into trouble. The story also explores how difficult it is to be the son of a famous wizard.

Best Part: Scorpius Malfoy

What isn’t good?

Diehard fans will not like the inconsistencies, and if you look hard, there are many. The story is written in script format, which I found easy to read, but others may find it takes away from the feel of the original stories. A few characters, namely Draco and Ron, didn’t feel genuine, while several, especially Neville and Hagrid, were noticeably absent from the story.

Worst part: Draco and Ron

Recommendation ☺☺☺☻☻ (3/5)

I enjoyed it. Despite the many inconsistencies I’ve seen reported in other reviews, I didn’t really notice. There were a few odd scenes that had me rolling my eyes, but nothing really bothered me too much. The script format definitely gave the story a different vibe, but considering it focused on mostly new characters, I wasn’t put off by it. It was fun, engaging, and a quick and easy read. Recommended.

Thorne, Jack, J. K. Rowling, and John Tiffany. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. New York: Arthur A. Levine, 2016. (Hardcover)