This is the first comic-style book I've read. It's also the first book I've read about a girl who grew up in Iran. I never knew any of this. Just...speechless.

Amazing. Powerful.

This graphic novel is packed with history that many don't know, because we're not taught these things in school as we should be.

(I first learned about Japanese American internment camps when I read Silent Honour by Danielle Steel on my own when I was a teen. I recently read Displacement, another graphic novel also about internment camps with a current twist, and recommend that one, too.)

Asian hate is not new. It has sadly been a reality for many for a very long time. This story spans decades and includes several presidents. I highly recommend this graphic novel to everyone who is interested in real American history.

This book wasn't for me. I personally thought that a lot of it could be used as gatekeeping in the Pagan and Wiccan communities, which there already is a lot of that.

Also, there were a few things that bothered me. Based on what the author said in the part subtitled "Political Correctness," I'm not sure if the things that bothered me would ever bother the author, such as how "Transgenderism" was added to this subtitle: "The Big Box of Crayons: Bisexuality, Homosexuality, Transgenderism." That subtitle is in Chapter 7, which says, "All Acts of Love and Pleasure Are Sacred." I agree with that last statement. However, "transgenderism" is not a term the transgender community commonly use. It's a term used by anti-transgender activists to reduce who trans people are to "a condition" they have. (It's not a condition.) Also, this section was about sexuality. Even if "transgenderism" was replaced in the subtitle with another term for transgender people, it would still be inaccurate because gender identity and sexual orientation are different. A transgender person can be straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, etc.

The other thing that bothered me personally was in Chapter 9 "Love is the law, love under will." I found this chapter to exclude the experience of asexuals (individuals who have a lack of sexual attraction to others or have no desire for sexual activity, but many do still experience romantic attractions and want romance/love). Anytime love without physicality (or the absence of "desire for sexual manifestation") was mentioned, it was constantly referred to as the love someone has for close friends and family. As someone who is asexual, I would've liked for there to have been a nod toward asexuals somewhere.

I also noticed what another reviewer said about "squaw" and how the author said it was offensive because it means "female genitalia." My first thought when I read that was that it's an slur that has been used against Native women. The author doesn't mention that.

I think this book could use updating with the help of someone with an eye for these things (a sensitivity reader).

So much of this was written to favorably portray the colonists, the white men (tabba bone), and American soldiers, and the author kept repeating how much the Native peoples loved and were friendly to the United States. It rubbed me the wrong way. I also expected to read more of her struggles and adventures, but there’s a five year gap and the expedition is glossed over.

Not recommended.

I wasn't expecting the information about the folklore that followed each short piece. I had thought that the stories themselves were going to be a bit longer and delve into the folklore more. For me personally, I would've preferred some of the details from the folklore lessons to be intertwined with the actual stories. And then extra info could've been used as back matter.

I liked the siren story and really appreciated the detailed writing in the story titled Never Forget, which was my favorite. That story really showcased the author's skills. I could picture everything perfectly and would've loved to read more about those characters.

If you like fast reads and learning about folklore, this ebook is just the ticket for you!

3.5 stars

This is a very cute book for writers. It's written for young writers, but anyone at any age just starting out with writing could find a lot of great advice in this book. While all of the tips can be found in other books on writing (even in my own book for writers), I enjoyed the gentleness of Gail Carson Levine's teaching method. She also provides great examples and writing practices.

A great story about family and community and, of course, fry bread. I loved the pages at the end where the author provided more information about fry bread, history, and more. My mom makes fry bread. It’s different from the recipe in this book, which the author acknowledges. This book is a great addition to classrooms and schools.

This is an important story about boundaries when it comes to touching someone without their permission, especially a Black person’s hair. Hair is diverse. Hair is personal. Never touch someone else’s hair without asking for permission first. Not only is it rude, but hands are icky. When you touch someone’s hair without asking, you’re putting the germs and dirt on your hands on their hair. And always respect if someone says you can’t touch their hair.

This was a cute story with cute, bright illustrations.

This book was so sweet. It warmed my heart, and the illustrations were gorgeous. All eyes and all people should be celebrated. My sister is Asian and has eyes that kiss in the corners. My oldest nephew has round eyes like his dad but straight lashes like my sister, and my youngest nephew has eyes that kiss in the corners like his mom and curled lashes like his dad. I love all of their eyes.