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Read a Celeb Memoir — 2022 RAD Reading Challenge for Teens

Posted about 1 year ago by Jennifer Deuell
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Hey hey readers! Welcome back to my next installment of the RAD Reading Challenge…RPL Style! For those of you that are new here, I’ve taken on local book blogger Rachel Dawson’s 2022 reading challenge. But, I’m doing it with all YA books! It’s been fun so far and if you’d like to go back and read any of my prior posts, they’re all linked at the end. The prompt just completed was to “read a celeb memoir.” This one was tough! There aren’t that many celeb memoirs written for teen readers. So, for all you celebrities out there reading my blog posts…get to writing, there’s a need! I was, however, able to find a few and decided on They Called Us Enemy by George Takei.

You may know George Takei from the TV series Star Trek. He played  Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the starship Enterprise. He’s also an advocate for LGBTQ rights, the child of Japanese immigrants, and an author! They Called Us Enemy is a graphic memoir in whish Takei recounts his experience as a boy when his entire family was forced from their home and taken to live in an internment camp after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

If you aren’t familiar with this shameful part of our country’s history, or the legalized racism enforced by our Government on people of Japanese decent, Takei’s memoir gives an emotional first-hand account. From the horrors of the camps, to the feelings of betrayal our citizens felt, and the way these actions ripped families apart, Takei leaves no stone unturned. Sadly, this time in our nation’s history isn’t always taught in schools. I know I didn’t learn about it. It contradicts our so-called democratic ideals. IMHO, this should be required reading. It was so powerful and I’d recommend to anyone, but especially those who liked Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi or Maus by Art Spielgelman.

As I mentioned, finding celeb memoirs written for teens was challenging. Below are a few I would recommend. Some are technically written for adults but would totally be ok for teens to read. The others are “young readers” editions of adult memoirs which I absolutely love. They have all the good stuff but tend not to be as lengthy. These are perfect for when you don’t have a ton of time to read…like in the middle of the school year. Enjoy!

Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham

Becoming (adapted for young readers) by Michelle Obama

It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime (adapted for young readers) by Trevor Noah

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes

Proud: Living My American Dream (adapted for young readers) by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Looking for more celeb memoirs? Head on over to Rachel’s blog and check out what she recommends!

If you missed any of the previous RAD Reading Challenge blog posts, check them out here:

1- 2022 RAD Reading Challenge for Teens!

2- Read a Graphic Novel

3- Read a #booktok Rec

4- Read a Book With a One-World Title

5- Read a Book About Food

6- Read a Book With a Cover You Love

The links in this blog post are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Richmond Public Library of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. Richmond Public Library bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

 

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Deuell

Jenn Deuell is a Librarian with Richmond Public Library. She is a native of Fredericksburg, VA but has lived in Richmond for long enough that she now considers it home. She loves all things YA and can usually be found curled up at home with a good book (rainy day or not). Her other hobbies include traveling and spending time with family, including her husband, daughter Hannah, and two rescued pit bulls. For YA reading recommendations from Jenn, visit Bookologist.

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