Diversity Spotlight Thursday is a weekly feature hosted by Aimal @ Bookshelves and Paperbacks. Each week, you discuss three books featuring diverse characters or authors, that fall into each of following three categories:
- A diverse book you have read and enjoyed
- A diverse book that has already been released but you have not read
- A diverse book that has not yet been released
Ms. Marvel: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson
Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City — until she’s suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! When Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she unlocks a secret behind them, as well. Is Kamala ready to wield these immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to bear? Kamala has no idea, either. But she’s comin’ for you, Jersey!
I loved the first book in the Ms. Marvel series, and we have volumes 2 – 5 out from the library right now! You can find my review here.
Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
In Caitlin’s world, everything is black or white. Things are good or bad. Anything in between is confusing. That’s the stuff Caitlin’s older brother, Devon, has always explained. But now Devon’s dead and Dad is no help at all. Caitlin wants to get over it, but as an eleven-year-old girl with Asperger’s, she doesn’t know how. When she reads the definition of closure, she realizes that is what she needs. In her search for it, Caitlin discovers that not everything is black and white—the world is full of colors—messy and beautiful.Kathryn Erskine has written a must-read gem, one of the most moving novels of the year.
It’s not often you come across a book that is from the perspective of a girl with Asperger’s. A story that also covers the aftermath of a school shooting, and how on family deals with it. I plan on reading this one before the end of the month for #diversitydecbingo.
Sixteen-year-old Starr lives in two worlds: the poor neighbourhood where she was born and raised and her posh high school in the suburbs. The uneasy balance between them is shattered when Starr is the only witness to the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil, by a police officer. Now what Starr says could destroy her community. It could also get her killed. Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this is a powerful and gripping YA novel about one girl’s struggle for justice. Movie rights have been sold to Fox, with Amandla Stenberg (The Hunger Games) to star.
A book inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement? Yes, please!
4thhouseontheleft 
I don’t usually read comic books bit a female Muslim superhero?? GIMME NOW! This is the first time I’m hearing about Mockingbird and it sounds very interesting, books about girls with Asperger’s really is hard to find, another book added to my tbr. Thank you for the recommendations!
I used to never read comic books, but they are really starting to grow on me! Ms. Marvel is easily a favorite. I’m looking forward to reading and reviewing Mockingbird very soon!
I’m about to read Mockingbird for the diversity december bingo – very excited to do so, because, as you said, it is very rare that we get a book about a girl with Asperger’s.
I have The Hate U Give on my TBR too, like the minute I saw it. I’m looking forward to reading it soon!
I adore Ms Marvel! I’m so glad to see other bloggers promoting her series. Thank you!
I haven’t heard of Mockingbird. But once I read the description, I knew I had to read it! You’re right that we don’t see a lot of female characters with Aspergers . I am fascinated.