Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson

High School Fiction

VG/M. Jackson, Tiffany. Let me hear a rhyme.  Katherine Tegen Books, 2019. 380p. 978-0-06-284032-5. 17.99.

It’s the summer of ’98, and rather than heading off to Coney Island to enjoy the beach and fireworks like they always do right before the school year starts, Quadir and Jarrell are instead attending their best friend’s funeral.  To others, Steph may have just been another nameless victim of street violence, but to them he was their brother, someone they could always count on to have their back. However, as close as they were, Quadir and Jarrell are still surprised to find the depth of Steph’s musical talent.  When they discover his prerecorded music, they approach Jasmine, Steph’s sister, with an outrageous plan.  The three decide to promote Steph’s music under the alias “The Architect”, pretending Steph is still alive in order to get him signed onto a record label. Jasmine agrees, only if the two help her uncover the truth about her brother’s murder.  The stakes are high for the all three, and the situation ever more dangerous as they move closer to the truth.  Will they be able to help Steph achieve his dreams even after death and find justice for him? For fans of Angie Thomas. Recommended for all YA collections.

Camille Campos, LAPL, Benjamin Franklin Branch Library 

This One Summer

Graphic Novel

E/A Tamaki, Jillian and Tamaki, Mariko. This One Summer. First Second, 2014. 319p. 978-1-59643-774-6. 17.99.

Rose and Wendy meet every summer at Awago Beach, the summer vacation spot for both of their families. In past years, they would swim and hang out and eat popsicles and basically just be kids. But this year, everything is starting to change. Author and illustrator team Jillian and Mariko Tamaki beautifully capture the awkwardness and anxiety of the start of adolescence. Rose’s crush on the older teen who works at the convenience store is subtle and brilliantly observed. Also, the boredom of long summer days and Rose’s powerlessness as her parents’ marriage becomes strained are exquisitely rendered.  Haunting, funny and true, this graphic novel should be strongly recommended to all teens. Philip Levie, LAPL, Panorama City Branch Library