Best Movies of 2024 with NY Times Film Critic Alissa Wilkinson

The Nickel Boys is a powerful and disturbing novel that delves into the horrors of Nickel Academy, a segregated juvenile reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida. The story follows Elwood Curtis, a bright and idealistic young man who is falsely accused of stealing a car and sent to Nickel Academy. There, he and his friend Turner navigate the brutal and corrupt environment, marked by physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. The novel explores themes of systemic injustice, human perseverance, and the lasting impact of trauma. It alternates between the 1960s and the present, as the dark history of Nickel Academy is uncovered and its survivors come forward to share their experiences.

Anora is the first book in the Elven Princess series by Tessa Escalera. It follows the journey of a 12-year-old elven princess as she navigates the onset of war. The series is designed for middle-grade readers and explores themes of adventure, magic, and personal growth.

Conclave, written by Lawrence D. Klausner, is a novel that explores themes and settings that were relevant at the time of its publication in 1981. The book is known for its engaging narrative, although specific details about the plot are not widely available. It is a work of fiction that has been cataloged and sold through various bookstores and libraries.

In 'Wicked', Gregory Maguire delves into the life of Elphaba, the green-skinned girl who becomes the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. The story begins with Elphaba's childhood, marked by her unique appearance and her father's missionary work in Quadling country. As she grows older, Elphaba attends Shiz University, where she meets Galinda, who will later become Glinda. The novel follows Elphaba's journey through her involvement in resistance against the Wizard, her personal struggles, and her eventual transformation into the Wicked Witch. Maguire's narrative explores themes of social class, political oppression, and the nature of evil, creating a rich and vivid world that challenges the traditional view of Oz.

When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she finds herself alone on a remote, wild island after a shipwreck. With no idea how she got there or what her purpose is, Roz must adapt to her harsh surroundings by learning from the island's hostile animal inhabitants. She befriends the animals, including an orphaned gosling named Brightbill, and becomes a part of the island community. However, her mysterious past eventually comes back to haunt her, forcing her to make difficult choices that impact her new family and the island itself. The novel explores themes of technology vs. nature, community, and personal responsibility.

This book is a delightful holiday tale that captures the essence of Christmas. It is designed for young children and is noted for its wonderful illustrations. The story is a beautiful and different take on the traditional Christmas narrative, making it a great addition to any child's holiday reading list.

There is limited information available about the specific content of 'It's a Wonderful Life' by Belinda Gannaway. It is one of her published works, but detailed descriptions or summaries are not provided in the available sources.

This songbook is a matching folio for the soundtrack of The Muppet Christmas Carol. It includes 11 well-loved Muppet carols and features 8 pages of color photos. The book is designed for piano, vocal, and guitar, making it a great resource for musicians and fans of the Muppets.

White Christmas is a classic Christmas musical film starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. The film follows two World War II veterans who form a singing duo and travel to Vermont for a Christmas show. The film features memorable musical numbers, including the title song, and a heartwarming story of friendship and romance. White Christmas is known for its nostalgic charm and its depiction of a traditional Christmas celebration. The film's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to evoke feelings of warmth and joy. It remains a beloved holiday classic.