The Nix by Nathan Hill

Antonio Sanchez Ortiz

Plot Summary:

This book takes place during different time periods, the 1960s,1980s, and 2011. We also have different perspectives of different people throughout the book who all have different problems. We see Samuel dealing with problems such finding out why who his mom really was, trying to earn the love of his childhood crush, and dealing with problems at his job as a teacher. While seeing his mom, Faye, deal with problems such as a dad that was never happy for her, finding real love, and fitting in with social norms.

Critical Evaluation:

This book deserves 9.8/10 since the many perspectives of people it gives us during the book. Also since we see how there is many subplots are connected onto the one big subplot of Samuel finding out more about his mom. We also get to see life during different time periods and many based things that happened in the book happened in real life like the 1968 protest of the democratic convention. Overall, this book this goes deep about issues about love, politics, and family, while keeping you wanting to read more.

Burn Baby Burn by Meg Medina

Gordon Jack

Plot Summary
It's 1977 and New York City is in chaos. A record heat wave is scorching everyone. Arsonists are burning buildings for the insurance. A serial killer named Son of Sam is killing young couples kissing in cars. And then there's a city wide blackout. Amidst all this, Nora struggles with her own crises. Her mom just got laid off from work, her father spends all his time (and money) with his new family, and her brother is becoming increasingly violent and abusive. Can she keep her family together, while the city seems to be falling apart?

Critical Evaluation
This historical novel from Meg Medina is easily a 10 out of 10. I don't know which was more engaging: being taken back in time to one of the worst summers in New York history, or taken into Nora's chaotic family. The city's and Nora's troubles keep escalating with every page, making this a suspenseful and completely satisfying read. Nora is such a strong and sympathetic character, I wanted to see her succeed despite the odds against her.