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noyastan's review against another edition
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship
Minor: Racism, Sexual harassment, and Alcoholism
harukoreads's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I ADORED this middle grade book about a biracial Japanese American girl struggling with friendships, boys, family, and racism.
As an OwnVoices biracial Japanese American reader, I was immediately drawn to this book when I heard the author (who identifies as monoracial Japanese American, from what I can tell) said she wanted to write this for her mixed kids. Mixed rep in books for kids is so important! I really appreciated how Keiko embraced her multicultural heritage and never questioned her right to identify as she wanted, and I also liked how the racism of saying "You're half, do you even count?" was immediately called out.
I also really liked how fetishization and racism was called out with one of Keiko's love interests, who makes assumptions about her based on her race multiple times over the course of the book. Although it takes Keiko a while stop making excuses for him, it made sense for her character arc and ultimately she asserts herself in a very satisfying way.
The main focus of this story is about Keiko learning to stop being a people pleaser, and that sometimes it's okay to say no or even end friendships over abusive behavior. This was a really powerful message for a middle grade book and, I think, handled in a realistic way. I could see this being really valuable for young readers grappling with friendships, crushes, and racism.
As an OwnVoices biracial Japanese American reader, I was immediately drawn to this book when I heard the author (who identifies as monoracial Japanese American, from what I can tell) said she wanted to write this for her mixed kids. Mixed rep in books for kids is so important! I really appreciated how Keiko embraced her multicultural heritage and never questioned her right to identify as she wanted, and I also liked how the racism of saying "You're half, do you even count?" was immediately called out.
I also really liked how fetishization and racism was called out with one of Keiko's love interests, who makes assumptions about her based on her race multiple times over the course of the book. Although it takes Keiko a while stop making excuses for him, it made sense for her character arc and ultimately she asserts herself in a very satisfying way.
The main focus of this story is about Keiko learning to stop being a people pleaser, and that sometimes it's okay to say no or even end friendships over abusive behavior. This was a really powerful message for a middle grade book and, I think, handled in a realistic way. I could see this being really valuable for young readers grappling with friendships, crushes, and racism.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism
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