New Crayons & Next Week Update

New Crayons is when I share what new books I got this week. Thanks to Susan at Color Online for this idea. So on Saturday I had an adventure in going to Barnes & Noble. I haven't been in a B&N in years. I honestly couldn't remember why, since when I first walked in, I thought it was a beautiful store. Cozy and elegant. Then, as I started searching for the books on Susan's Unofficial List of Great YA Fiction about or by women of color, I remembered why. They didn't have many. Halfway, through the list I gave up. I just wandered the YA section, looking for books with African American people on it. lol. I found two books that had been brought to my attention from Our Teen Voices blog. They were:

The Ultimate Test (The Lipgloss Chronicles) by Sheila M. Goss

The Diva’s Creed: All for one, one for all; never let the other fall.
Ever since they met in their elite private school, Britney, Jasmine, and Sierra have lived by these words, but now that they’re entering their freshman year in a public high school, their bond is about to be put to the ultimate test.
The daughters of wealthy Texas socialites, these girls are used to getting whatever they want, so it’s no surprise to them when the gorgeous DJ takes them under his wing. Drama soon comes their way in the form of Tanisha, a jealous older student who thinks DJ’s attention should be focused solely on her.
Even Tanisha’s threats can’t intimidate these girls as they form a united front against her. They’re tighter than ever—until a sticky situation complicates everything. Jasmine and Sierra both fall head over heels in love with DJ. Could this really mean the end of their friendship? from thelipglosschronicles.com

This sounds very chick lit, but I'm going to give it a chance, because I've liked some chick lit in the past. Especially becasue I believe toc should have as many genres and options as white readers. So if someone wants to read chick lit about teens of color, they should have a wealth of options.

Denim Diaries: 16 Going on 21 by Darrien Lee

This story explores the lives of sixteen-year-olds Denim Mitchell and Andre Patterson, who have shared an intense bond ever since they were kids. Denim yearns to date Andre, known by his friends as Dre. However, Denim's parents are doing everything in their power to keep the heat of the passion between the two teens under wraps. Dre, a rising basketball star and budding artist, has a glorious future ahead of him. Unfortunaately, rumor has it that he's involved in activities that could ruin his chances of ever hooking up with Denim or achieving his dreams of going to college and the NBA. Denim realizes her relationship with Dre could be shattered if her parents find out that she violated their trust. One lie, one party, and one bullet chance the course of both of their lives forever.

I'm really usnure about this one. It's urban lit, which I'm not a big fan of and I'm annoyed that I had to type up the whole summary, since I couldn't find a description anywhere. Not a good sign. Don't judge, don't judge, I keep telling myself!

Tears of A Tiger by Sharon Draper

Tigers don't cry, or do they? After the death of his longtime friend and fellow Hazelwood Tiger, Andy, the driver of the car, blames himself and cannot get past his guilt and pain. While his other friends have managed to work through their grief and move on, Andy allows death to become the focus of his life. In the months that follow the accident, the lives of Andy and his friends are traced through a series of letters, articles, homework assignments, and dialogues, and it becomes clear that Tigers do indeed need to cry. from sharondraper.com

I've read previous books of Sharon Draper's (Copper Sun & Fire From the Rock), both of which I liked, so I'm eager to read this one.

So I'm disappointed with the lack of AA teen choices that B&N offered, but now I know. I just need to stick to amazon.com and Borders.

Upcoming This Week: a review everyday

Male Monday: I debut a new post of mine where I review books with a male toc main character. Hopefully this will debut Monday, (if I can get to the library for the book I want to review for tomorrow) when I review Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher or the Hoopster by Alan Sitomer. If i don't have the book or I'm too busy (my drivers test is tomorrow), the review will go up next Monday.

Teaser Tuesday/Review: Idk what the teaser will be from, probably Flygirl. Review of It Chicks by Tia Williams

Waiting on Wednesday/Review: Books I'm waiting for to come out or books that are already out and I'm just saving up for them. Review of When the Black Girl Sings by Bill Wright

Throwback Thrusday: When I review a book that's pre 2007. Trouble Follows by Monica McKayhan.

Friday:TBA. Either Belle by Beverly Jenkins (teenage Kimani Tru version) or The Fight by L.Divine

Saturday:Whichever book I didn't review Friday

Sunday: New Crayons post. DIVAS:Diamond by Victoria Christopher Murray

It's gonna be an exciting week! :)