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azajacks's review
4.0
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morganperks's review
challenging
dark
tense
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Death, Death of parent, Colonisation, Abandonment, and Grief
Moderate: Racism and Pregnancy
libscote's review against another edition
3.0
I thought it was okay. I enjoyed the story and I love novels in verse. I found the ending to be a bit unbelievable and that is really affecting how I view the book. Additionally, I am always cautious when Debbie Reese doesn't recommend a book based on stereotypes, and while I don't think this one was egregious as others, it didn't live up to her standards. I will be thinking more on this one.
couillac's review against another edition
3.0
Caroline Starr Rose brings the Roanoke mystery to life in this accessible slice of historical fiction. Alis, a newly arrived settler from England, and Kimi, a member of the local Roanoke tribe, find friendship in spite of the conflict between the adults in their communities. I wasn't bowled over by this book - Kimi and Alis are quick to call themselves friends but this reader felt that the narrative lacked any real explanation for this or any sense of connection between the two. Additionally, neither girl comes across as a particularly strong personality, and the plot follows fairly predictable paths similar to Helen Frost's Salt among others. At the same time, the complexities of the relations between the settlers and the local Native American population, as well as the tensions within both communities, are nuanced and resist easy solutions and a sense of black and white. Furthermore, I appreciated the sense of children being caught up in adult mistakes, and the different ways in which the child characters interacted with and came in conflict with the adults in their lives. Overall, it's a solid if unremarkable historical fiction choice that offers an interesting interpretation of a fascinating piece of history.
hsquared's review against another edition
3.0
This novel-in-verse tells the story of two girls--a 16th century Roanoke girl named Kimi, and an English settler named Alis--who against all odds form a friendship. Though not as tightly written as Kwame Alexander's The Crossover, another novel-in-verse from this year, the fictional story of the mysterious failed settlement of Roanoke, Virginia is solidly told and engaging.
Review was from an e-galley received from NetGalley as part of Penguin's Young Readers Author program.
Review was from an e-galley received from NetGalley as part of Penguin's Young Readers Author program.
megnews's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
tamarayork's review
4.0
Books in verse have to be really great for me to like them, because this format typically isn’t my bag. This book read like prose with tons of line breaks to me, more than poetry. The format just didn’t enhance the story. That being said, I liked the duel perspective of a native girl and settler on Roanoke Island. As historical fiction, it was very good. As book in verse, it was just okay.
beccah85's review
4.0
I loved this book & I would give it 5 stars but the style of writing is not what I'm used to so it was not quite as pleasant a read for me. Ironically, I was reading this over Columbus Day weekend & I thought a lot about how wrongs were committed by both indigenous people & colonists. Overall I would recommend it - just be aware that the writing style is unique. :)