A Million to One is historical fiction set aboard the Titanic, where a group of four multi-faceted talented girls are hoping to execute a heist of an artifact engraved with jewels. Josefa, Hinnah, Violet, and Emilie are motivated for varying reasons ranging from family and a sense of belonging to vengeance. The group dynamic fluctuates, leading the reader to hope that the girls are not only successful in achieving the heist, but also in preserving friendships and surviving the coming disaster.

This story is told from multiple perspectives, which all feel distinct. The short chapters with a time stamped countdown add to the already immersive fast pacing and a feeling of tension. Admittedly, I don’t know if the Titanic’s sinking has as much of a cultural impact to modern teens as it did for folks that remember the release of the 1997 movie adaptation, however I believe this would be an enjoyable read for those extensively familiar or not. The romance between Josefa and Emilie is a memorable one and a highlight amidst the impending disaster. The found family dynamic between Hinnah and Violet is one that any fan of that trope can appreciate. Thankfully teen girls in 2023 don’t have to worry so much about having chaperones as folks in 1912 did, but concerns around personal safety especially in regards to unpredictable boys that have been turned down persists. Themes of broken trust between longtime friends and the hope of not getting caught after breaking rules are timeless. In this story, Black and Brown girls are finally given voice in an iconic setting and wearing wonderfully described period attire. This bittersweet ending will stay with me a long time. 

As a side note, I’d recommend anyone that is particularly interested in Emilie’s complex feelings surrounding the theft and potential destruction of an artifact, read Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li. This comparison title is more adult oriented as the characters are older (young 20’s) and language more descriptive, however there is cross appeal in heists conducted by marginalized characters and inclusion of a sapphic relationship. 

Favorite quote: “Emilie didn’t know when the two of them fell asleep. Somewhere in the middle of the night, with Josefa’s hands clasping hers, and ink trailing the floor of the cabin” (Jaigirdar, p. 178).

 

 If this review sound like it's of a specific structure, it's because it's the first one for my Young Adult Resources course.
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Annie on my Mind is realistic fiction set in early 1980’s Brooklyn NY, told from the perspective of Eliza Winthrop, a high achieving first-year college student looking back on her tumultuous senior year attending a private school; the year she fell in love. While admiring architecture exhibits at one of Manhattan’s many museums, her life is changed upon meeting Annie Kanyon. Annie and Liza’s friendship sparks into something more romantic, as both girls are faced with struggles including college admissions, student government, suspension, and of course identity. After spending an idyllic week in domestic bliss at a teacher’s home while cat-sitting, their secrets are revealed, having further reaching impacts than either girl could have anticipated. 

This classic YA fiction is a must read. The only aspects of this story which date it are technology, such as calling a crush at the school’s telephone booth. The themes and plot points are still relevant to modern teens as they have so much pressure and responsibility thrust upon them. What really struck me were how Liza and Annie spent a majority of their earlier dates roleplaying as fantasy knights or getting in snowball fights with other kids. Teens exist in an interesting space where they’re discouraged from playing too childishly, alongside being expected to preserve the image of a perfect professional while applying to universities. The subplot of Ms. Stevenson and Ms. Widmer’s case is especially heartbreaking in a time when LGBTQ+ elders are still accused of grooming kids. This story nails the feeling of wanting to find literature that better represents the gay experience, as Liza finds in exploring Ms. Stevenson and Widmer’s home. This title is also important for teens that do not necessarily identify in the LGBTQ+ umbrella, in that it’s clear to see the difference in treatment by school administration between Sally and Walt compared to Liza and Annie. 

Favorite quote: “The encyclopedia writers ought to talk to me, I thought as I went back to bed; I could tell them something about love.” (Garden, p. 143).

Rating: 5/5 Stars! I cried so much!

Awards: Margaret E. Edwards Award 2003 (ALA)

Citation: Garden, N. (1982). Annie on my Mind. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.