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snchard's review against another edition
5.0
This picks up in the same neighborhood with many of the same narrators as How It Went Down, but it's not exactly a sequel, as each could be read as a standalone. It covers a wide range of perspectives around the aftermath of a police officer killing an unarmed black child, and a lot of it is tough to read, but so realistic. This would be an amazing teaching tool for teaching current events and different perspectives to older teens.
madelinefmcguire's review against another edition
5.0
A black girl walking home from school in a big puffy coat doesn't stop for an officer when he tells her to, she's got headphones in and doesn't hear. The officer makes a snap decision and shoots installing killing the thirteen year old girl. This book follows what happens after different voices from around the community, twitter threads, and news reports all come together to give a complete view of the impact of a snap decision made by a white cop.
This book gave me full body chills. The fact that you all sorts of different people in the community makes the story well rounded and gives such a powerful image of the community. I also love the mixed media of the tweets and news segments. This would be a great book for anyone who likes The Hate U Give or just wants a book that deals with the issues of race we're facing.
This book gave me full body chills. The fact that you all sorts of different people in the community makes the story well rounded and gives such a powerful image of the community. I also love the mixed media of the tweets and news segments. This would be a great book for anyone who likes The Hate U Give or just wants a book that deals with the issues of race we're facing.
erinsbookshelves's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
tferrara26's review against another edition
5.0
An amazing book covering important ideas. I was at first confused by all of the perspectives, but then when i caught on the book blew me away.
falconerreader's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't realize this was a sequel at first, and kind of wish I'd re-read How It Went Down before diving in. So glad to see the strength and growth some of the characters showed! And Robb--oh, Robb. You are me, and we are embarrassing.
cryless_readmore's review against another edition
5.0
I have CHILLS. People are SLEEPING ON THIS BOOK.
It really hurts that this is actually how the world works. I tried to explain it to a family member, and they said "well, it isn't based on a true story, so why be upset?" I mean, it might as well be.
Anyways, long story short, read this book.
It really hurts that this is actually how the world works. I tried to explain it to a family member, and they said "well, it isn't based on a true story, so why be upset?" I mean, it might as well be.
Anyways, long story short, read this book.
steel_city_peach's review against another edition
4.0
Timely and Sad
This book picks up about two years after the events in book one. I enjoyed getting more of that storyline. I think this sequel was a little better than the previous book. The author still delivered the story from the prospective of numerous characters. It worked out better this time. I still felt like some of the dialogue lacked authenticity. It just wasn’t believable for contemporary teenagers to use some of the outdated slang. While it felt like a complete story that doesn’t call for another book, she failed to update us on how everything unfolded for one of the main characters. I would like to get more of his story.
This book picks up about two years after the events in book one. I enjoyed getting more of that storyline. I think this sequel was a little better than the previous book. The author still delivered the story from the prospective of numerous characters. It worked out better this time. I still felt like some of the dialogue lacked authenticity. It just wasn’t believable for contemporary teenagers to use some of the outdated slang. While it felt like a complete story that doesn’t call for another book, she failed to update us on how everything unfolded for one of the main characters. I would like to get more of his story.
ava17's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
aprilbooksandwine's review against another edition
5.0
I thought that Kekla Magoon's Light It Up was a richly told, heartbreaking story. It is a reflection almost of what happens all too often to Black people and Black children. Read my full review here Link goes live 4/21/2021
swirlnswing's review against another edition
4.0
This was a super solid read, told vignette style and eye opening from various points of view. A view from a scared witness, a view from a scared police officer who fired on (and killed) a child, a view from the head of a local gang, a view from a community organizer, a view from political pundits, a view from a white kid whose Black friends are impacted, a view from the best friend of the victim, told in rhyme and heartbreaking.
This will make you think. It will hurt your heart. It will make you rage.
This will make you think. It will hurt your heart. It will make you rage.