Burn Baby Burn


Bibliography
Medina, Meg, 2016. BURN BABY BURN. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9781536200270.

Plot Summary
Nora López is seventeen years old and ready to escape her family life in New York. She was no longer able to handle her unpredictable brother, exhausted mother, absent father, and never-ending problems. Little does Nora know, 1977 had an interesting year planned out. Nora was only ready for her upcoming high school graduation, 18th birthday, and going disco dancing with her best friend, Kathleen. No one was prepared for what lie ahead; a cruel winter, extremely hot summer, a blackout, increase in crime/arson and a serial killer on the loose. Forced to grow up too quickly, Nora's year is filled with tough decisions that may hurt her family relationships but be beneficial for her peace of mind. 

Critical Analysis
Medina writes a story about Nora López, a strong, coming of age girl living in Flushing, Queens during one of its most dangerous years. In 1977, Nora and her best friend Kathleen are ready to graduate high school and hit discotheques, ready to prove they were grown women and could handle anything. Young adults will be able to relate to Nora, as many are already faced with responsibilities of supporting and trying to protect their families. Older sisters especially will know the struggle of wanting to take care of their younger siblings and feel responsible for their actions. Nora is feeling mixed emotions about witnessing her younger brother begin a life of crime and abuse; stuck between wanting to focus on herself but also protect her family. Medina somehow is able to successfully blend Nora's story into the current events of New York in 1977. With the unpredictable weather taking over the city, a blackout, nonstop crime, arson, and a serial killer named Son of Sam targeting young couples. New York has always been portrayed as glamorous, but in this story, it's dangerous and intense. It's a real portrayal of what the world can be. As Nora, her loved ones, and citizens of New York navigate this complicated period of time, somehow, they overcome the danger and the city continues to flourish. 

Review Excerpt(s)
2016 Longlist for the National Book Award for Literature for Young People
2016 Kirkus Award Finalist
2017 Los Angeles Book Prize Finalist
Starred review in BOOKLIST: "Powerfully moving, this stellar piece of historical fiction emphasizes the timeless concerns of family loyalty and personal strength."
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "An important story of one of New York City's most dangerous times."
Starred review in THE HORN BOOK: "A vividly evoked coming-of-age story."

Connections
- For fans of historical fiction wanting to read about the infamous, dangerous year of 1977 in New York.
- Young readers interested in reading about a suspenseful summer in the 1970's, from the point of view of a coming of age, seventeen year old girl.
- Readers who can relate to feeling the pressure of keeping a family together, older siblings will understand Nora's conflicted feelings in this story. 
- Similar book recommendations: 
Medina, Meg, 2013. THE GIRL WHO COULD SILENCE THE WIND. ISBN 9780763664190.
Stone, Nic, 2018. DEAR MARTIN. ISBN 9781101939529.

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