Rural Voices

August 1, 2020

Gr 9 Up-In this collection, 15 authors give a voice to rural America, which is often misunderstood. From upstate New York to the middle of Alaska, these stories span geographic as well as emotional landscapes. Although the obstacles and challenges faced in each tale vary, each voice feels authentic. From Sunny's deeply physical bond to achingly beautiful Taos, NM, to Jesse's struggle to accept himself in the face of his father's disappointment, readers will feel connected with each entry. The variety of formats, such as poetry and graphic stories, along with a variety of voices, helps keep the pages turning and interest high. From laughing out loud to holding back tears, readers who enjoy emotionally resonant books will not be disappointed. Those from similar geographic areas will be nodding their heads while every reader, regardless of location, will connect to the universal triumphs and tribulations of teen life. Fans of Rainbow Rowell will dive headfirst into this collection. VERDICT A great addition that explores an often misrepresented portion of readers.-Carrie Finberg, South Park H.S., PA

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August 15, 2020
A diverse selection of stories reflecting the different ways of life led by rural teens in the U.S. Despite stereotypes, the lives of teens in rural communities are varied. Editor and contributor Carpenter states her intention to present an alternative to the idea of rural America as a monolith, one that is frequently regarded with mockery and contempt. Featuring stories set in 12 states, the tales' formats include verse, graphic novel, memoir, as well as prose. Locales range from the southern and western sections of the country to Alaska and upstate New York. The teen protagonists, like the contributors, come from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and issues of class emerge in surprising ways. Some characters grapple with ideas about who they are in relation to their environments while others are clear about what they gain from their rural identities. The strength of the collection is how well it demonstrates the universality of themes such as belonging, family struggles, grief, the desire for individual growth, the meaning of home, and challenging injustice. At the same time, cultural specificity is highlighted and celebrated. The compilation successfully meets the challenge of serving as a cohesive whole while providing readers with enough variety of tone, pace, and voice to keep the reading experience interesting. A fresh and highly accessible contribution. (map, contributor biographies) (Anthology. 12-18)

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October 19, 2020
With carefully curated precision spanning poetry, comic, and prose, this anthology turns the spotlight on young adults living in rural areas of the United States. Providing an impactful opening is Monica M. Roe’s “The (Unhealthy) Breakfast Club,” highlighting the unlikely friendship among four scholarship students from below the poverty line at an elite school in South Carolina. In his poetry series “A Border Kid Comes of Age,” David Bowles poignantly examines what it means to be Latinx and bisexual. Veeda Bybee’s “Fish and Fences” delves into a small town in Idaho where the protagonist, a child of Laotian refugees, is often mistaken for a member of the only other Asian family in town. And Tirzah Price’s “Best in Show” is a standout, offering a resonant look at a Michigan teenager who feels she must defend her passion for pig showing while struggling to act upon her queerness. Themes including self-discovery, expression, and self-acceptance thread throughout. While some entries may hold less appeal than others, the wide range of representation ensures that readers will find an authentic voice to their liking. Ages 14–up.