Isabel Quintero
From Twinkle, With Love by Sandhya Menon
Twinkle feels that she is a "nobody." Ignored by her parents, she longs to be noticed at school. An opportunity to shine comes when Twinkle is asked to direct a movie for the local arts festival. Film geek Sahil has offered to help produce her filmmaking debut. They brainstorm an imaginative story concept, turning the classic Dracula into a gender-reversal version. But Sahil clearly wants more than just a business relationship. Twinkle has an ongoing crush on Sahil's athletic superstar twin brother Neil. When she begins receiving anonymous emails from a secret admirer, Twinkle assumes (hopes) that the sender is Neil. Menon uses a series of imaginary emails that Twinkle sends to famous women of filmdom in this story of finding where one's heart lies. |
Rain is Not My Indian Name by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Fourteen-year-old Cassidy Rain Berghoff, still mourning the death of her best friend, agrees to photograph the local newspaper's story of this summer's Indian Camp, organized by her Aunt Georgia. Prominent members of this mostly white Kansas community protest the use of public funds for Indian Camp. Rain's heritage includes Muscogee Creek-Cherokee, Scots-Irish and Irish-German-Ojibway. Her mother refers to the loving, close-knit family as her "patchwork tribe." After introductory pages detailing her friend's tragic death, readers follow Rain's chronological description of nine days: June 26 to July 4. Smith begins each chapter with a journal excerpt which gives the narrative intimacy and poignancy. Rain uses her camera to help her face the world after her heartbreaking loss, acknowledge her heritage, and bring closure and peace to her heart. |
Photographic: The Life of Graciela Iturbide
by Isabel Quintero ill Zeke Peña
Quintero and Peña employ a mixed media approach to this biographical graphic novel illuminating the life and work of Graciela Iturbide. The pastiche of eloquent text, artfully arranged sequential panels, and photographs blend together seamlessly. Quintero's glorious text is rich with layers of meaning. Peña's realistic line drawings combined with black and white photographs and artful panel and page design provide a stellar reading experience. This biography is much more than a chronology. It is a celebration of art, creation, and culture. "I photograph and exist in the in-between: those spaces where unknown worlds, real and imagined intersect." |
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