2023 book 42

 Rachel Neumeier’s Tano

The latest in the Tuyo series is from the point of view of Tano, the teen who was basically adopted by the protagonist of Tuyo and Tarashana, and starts right where the latter left off, with Tano figuring out his new place in the world, learning how non-abusive families function, etc. There is a lot here dealing with his abusive father, as well as some implied sexual abuse, so general content warnings. But despite that it’s still hopeful, just like its predecessors! Neumeier does the friendships and family relationships in these books so well—I love seeing Tano and the other three boys set off on a little quest, get into (serious) trouble, bond. The characters here talk a lot about generosity, and that feeling suffuses a lot of this book. Plus there’s a sweet lil PONY. A/A-.