The Operation Awesome theme for the #atozchallenge 2021 is book reviews (even though we're a blog about the publication journey, not a book review blog-- the team loves to read!). I've selected books by Debut Authors that I've interviewed on this blog.
Operation Awesome #20Questions in #2020 of #NewBook Debut Author Kitty Felde -- see the interview here!
#WeNeedDiverseBooks #DebutAuthorThis is a good book for young people. It covers the difficulty of moving, loss, and the pain of being apart from family. It shows the value of hard work, making friends, patriotism, and research. It's interesting as a mystery book for young people, as the mystery being solved is a curiosity rather than a dangerous crime. I received a free copy of this book from the author; nevertheless, this is an honest, fair, and unbiased review. This author was interviewed by me for the Operation Awesome blog in Feb 2020. I would recommend this book for young people age eight and up who enjoy a mystery, have endured family dramas such as moving or loss, or are looking for a book with a strong female Latinx main character. I do not often read books in this genre or audience-age.
There is a long mention about two Washington Monuments on a National Mall model. Google offered nothing, but the book does eventually answer the mystery. What isn't clear is why Gabby believes the age for a learner's permit is six months more than what any website I've found lists it to be (the book was published in 2020).
I read the whole book because I wanted to know how the mysteries would be solved. I would read another book from this author, especially if it were a sequel to this one. It's mostly realistic fiction, has a mostly happy ending, is a tear-jerker at times, has good twists, is fun and entertaining, and is diverse. The title makes sense because it has the main character's name and the location to which she's moved.
"Papa said Capitol Hill was safer than Fort Knox with Capitol policemen on every corner." - This line may bother those who think about the attack on January 6, 2021. (And those who prefer the gender-neutral term of police officers instead of policemen.) Likewise, there's a line about the statue of Ulysses S. Grant seeming to protect the Capitol from any Confederate soldiers. Probably a reference to the Battle of Fort Stevens, but it could trigger some people because of the 2021 attack.
Chapter 19 and 25 are heartbreaking, especially if you've lost a close family member. The themes of this book are about the importance of family, believing in yourself, and the value of being brave and honest. The plot is well written and makes sense.
Like any good mystery book, it was hard to put down because I wanted answers. I could relate to the painful feelings of loss experienced by the main characters. The book gave me an appreciation for what it's probably like for the children of Congress. The settings were all well done and absolutely vital to the story. The goals were difficult for Fina, but her older sister seemed to deal with much more insurmountable problems.
The current Congressman for the 10th District of Pennsylvania, where Hershey is located, is Scott Perry. (In case anyone is curious upon reading the book.)
Hey fellow Pennsylvanian @RepScottPerry -
— J Lenni Dorner (@JLenniDorner) March 12, 2021
Just wondering if your office in DC hands out Hershey bars as souvenirs?
I read "Welcome to Washington, Fina Mendoza by Kitty Felde" and it made me curious.
GOODREADS
What 2021 debut authors have books with Latinx main characters?
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