New Crayons

New Crayons is hosted and created by Color Online. In this meme we discuss what new books we got for the week. Crayons being a metaphor for multicultural literature.

This week I got a fantastic package from Random House UK. Thank you so much!

City of Ghosts by Bali Rai

It's 1919 and Amritsar is a city on the brink of rebellion. Riots, violence and tension spill onto the streets ...Bissen Singh fought bravely for the British Empire during World War One. Now he waits patiently for news from England. Gurdial, a young orphan, is desperate to marry Sohni, the daughter of a rich and evil man. And Jeevan, Gurdial's oldest friend, is swept up in the revolution and changing beyond all recognition. Bissen, Gurdial and Jeevan are looking to the future whilst trying to escape ghosts from the past. But as the fight for Amritsar reaches a terrifying climax, their lives will be changed for ever. This is an epic story of love and life, war and death from multi-award-winning author Bali Rai.

-Historical fiction set in India that is not during the time of Gandhi? Win. I love Gandhi, but I want to see more historical fiction about India not set during his time (like Secret Keeper which is set in 1970s India. Climbing the Stairs was set during his time but it mostly focused on the role of women and the impact WWII had on India so I count it as more unique). And it's described as EPIC. Plus Lauren recommends it and really that's enough for me.

The Young Chieftain by Ken Howard

Release Date: September 2, 2010

Has life ever ganged up on you? That's just what happens the day Jamie MacDoran's dad is killed. Suddenly, Jamie and his mum find themselves burying him on a remote Scottish island that's nothing like their LA home. There, in the run-down family castle, Jamie hears rumours of power and inheritance. He begins to discover that he's not just your average LA skater boy. But how far is he willing to go to prove it?

-Black boy in Scotland? Sold. I'm serious, I've often wondered if there are any Black people in Scotland or Ireland. I finished the book already (I LOVE long car rides) and it was great. A wonderful vacation to Scotland. Review coming soon

Bang, Bang, You're Dead by Narinder Dhami

When a mysterious gunman takes a class hostage, the rest of Mia's school is evacuated. But Mia is determined to stay behind. She knows it's a life or death situation but there's something she fears more than dying. Mia thinks she might know who the gunman is, and, if she's right, then she may be the only one who can save her schoolmates...

-This sounds like an intense read, although it looks short. I'm looking forward to it, I want to know who the gunman is! And will everyone turn out OK?

I also got Naughts & Crosses but I can't find find a picture of the new cover. I don't have time to take a picture either. If anyone knows where I can find a picture of the new cover (purple font, brown hand and white hand form an X), let me know. I like this new cover so much better! Also if anyone is interested in a very battered copy of Naughts & Crosses, (with the old cover) let me know.

What new books did you get this week? Any books by/about PoC?

*I just got back from a family emergency. I haven't had a chance to check my mailbox so I'm not sure if I got any more new books this week.

Summaries from Amazon.co.uk

PS I will announce the winners of the Yummy giveaway on Wednesday. I may pick the winners later tonight and email them.