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Explorations of Mathematical Models in Biology with Maple

Mazen Shahin

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Explore and analyze the solutions of mathematical models from diverse disciplines As biology...

Data Science in R: A Case Studies Approach to Computational Reasoning and Problem Solving

Deborah Nolan and Duncan Temple Lang

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Effectively Access, Transform, Manipulate, Visualize, and Reason about Data and Computation Data...

Reliability Engineering: A Life Cycle Approach

Edgar Bradley

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Reliability Engineering - A Life Cycle Approach is based on the author's knowledge of systems and...

ClareR (5996 KP) rated Sistersong in Books

Aug 9, 2021

Sistersong

Lucy Holland | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry, LGBTQ+, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)

10.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

Sistersong is a stunning story, steeped in the mythology of Ancient Britain. It’s set in Dumnonia (a real place - I googled it. It was in SW England where Cornwall, Devon and some of West Somerset are now), at a time of great change and fear. Christianity is making itself known, and the Saxons are a very real threat. King Cador has lost his magical connection to his Land, due to the threats and sermons of a priest called Gildas. With this loss comes the danger of the Dumnonians being unable to protect themselves effectively, and the land not providing food for them.

Cadors three daughters do still have that magical connection. The story is told from their perspective. The eldest, Riva, has been badly burnt in the past, and whilst she can heal others, she can’t heal herself.

Keyne, although born female, has never felt female and longs to be recognised as a man.

Sinne, the youngest, lives for love and flirtation.

When an emissary from another kingdom arrives, he drives a wedge between Riva and Sinne. They see their chance at escape from the Hold. Whilst this is happening, Keyne trains with Myrdin, in the hope that he’ll be recognised as next in line to the throne.

I loved this book - it has all of my favourite elements in a story: mythology, history, magic, lies, deceit, the love of family and siblings, along with the themes of duty and identity. It really packs a punch. The world building is fantastic, and thoroughly immersive. Highly recommended!

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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World in Books

Oct 14, 2019

Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World

Ashley Herring Blake | 2018 | Children, Contemporary, LGBTQ+

10.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

Ivy Aberdeen is struggling with feeling invisible in her family—her mom is busy with Ivy’s new twin brothers. Things get worse when a tornado destroys their home, displacing the family. In the aftermath, Ivy—an artist—loses a notebook filled her most precious drawings. When they start showing up in her locker with notes attached, Ivy realizes the note-leaver may be on to what Ivy can barely voice herself: she has crushes and dreams about girls. Can Ivy make herself seen and follow her heart?

"How was Ivy supposed to know how to handle all these feelings... all these feelings at all, if everything she saw and read about and heard was all boy-girl, girl-boy?"

I genuinely don’t know what we did to deserve Ashley Herring Blake, but we are lucky. She’s become one of my favorite authors. This unique middle grade novel (Ivy is 12) is yet another beautifully written book from Blake that tells a story so many kids need to hear.

And Ivy. Oh Ivy. I loved this kid. She goes through so much, and we see her present tough, real feelings. She’s artistic, resilient, and witty. And, oh yeah, she likes girls. It’s just the best sort of representation in the world, you know? I wish this was on the shelves and being read in every middle school.

This book is lovely, real, and tells an invaluable story. It’s so funny and sweet, and I honestly would recommend it for everyone.