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natashaniezgoda's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
rakoerose's review against another edition
5.0
This book took my breath away on more than one occasion. Genesis is one of the strongest protagonists I think I’ve ever read about.
Mamas probably don’t want their kids to see them lose it. But I’m not about to leave her alone, either.
For young teens, self-loathing is often something they experience. For Genesis, it also stems from internalized racism and verbal abuse from her father. Her story is a heartbreaking one and also incredibly important. I hope there are young girls who see a girl who looks like them on the cover and find comfort that they are not alone. Own-voices novels continue to educate me and make it clear just how valued they should be in publishing.
I liked how Genesis was allowed to make mistakes, take responsibility for them, and begin again. That’s so much more valuable than having a protagonist who succeeds too easily. Humans make mistakes. Genesis made some big ones and learned from them. Such great messages for young ones to read!
I definitely want to see this included in more teacher’s plans. I want more kids to have access to narratives they’ll see themselves in. I can’t recommend this enough, as a book that lays harsh truths that fit the age range while also giving sweet, tender moments that showcase reality is not always good or bad.
Mamas probably don’t want their kids to see them lose it. But I’m not about to leave her alone, either.
For young teens, self-loathing is often something they experience. For Genesis, it also stems from internalized racism and verbal abuse from her father. Her story is a heartbreaking one and also incredibly important. I hope there are young girls who see a girl who looks like them on the cover and find comfort that they are not alone. Own-voices novels continue to educate me and make it clear just how valued they should be in publishing.
I liked how Genesis was allowed to make mistakes, take responsibility for them, and begin again. That’s so much more valuable than having a protagonist who succeeds too easily. Humans make mistakes. Genesis made some big ones and learned from them. Such great messages for young ones to read!
I definitely want to see this included in more teacher’s plans. I want more kids to have access to narratives they’ll see themselves in. I can’t recommend this enough, as a book that lays harsh truths that fit the age range while also giving sweet, tender moments that showcase reality is not always good or bad.
mlwilson1021's review against another edition
5.0
There is so much to love about Genesis Begins Again. The character development is excellent. I wanted to reach through the pages and hug Genesis so many times. This is such a great middle grade book to press into the hands of any student. I think it would make an excellent book club pick too. As a middle school teacher-librarian, I think this book is pure gold, and I’m eager to read more from teacher-writer Alicia D Williams.
udflyer's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Frustrating read, but good message at the end. Be happy with yourself
c_sandman's review against another edition
4.0
Wow! A powerful middle-grade novel that deals with some heavy topics. Beautiful and meaningful story about the struggles of growing up and one’s identity.
anxiouslybooked's review against another edition
4.0
This books was excellent! It is perfect for middle schoolers who are trying to figure out their identify, but it also deals with tough topics like alcoholism and socioeconomic status. I really enjoyed reading this one!
jencraun's review against another edition
4.0
What a beautiful voice, and gorgeous redemptive piece of young adult fiction. Main character, Genesis overcomes so much in this heart-rending story that tackles abuse, poverty, alcoholism, legacy, worth, racism, and friendship.
ranjanireviewsreads's review against another edition
Not in the right place for something so young. And anyway, when I go for middle grade I usually do fantasy, not contemporary so it's not my style
amypt46's review
4.0
Trigger warnings: self harm, alcoholism, racism, bullying, death of a sibling
This book was hard. Genesis is a middle schooler who is struggling, has an alcoholic dad and a difficult life. Reading her internal thoughts was often really challenging. However, the teachers who support her, the true friends she finds and her truth make this book worth pushing through all the hard. It was eye opening to hear this perspective. I hope little girls like genesis find the support they need to grow too.
This book was hard. Genesis is a middle schooler who is struggling, has an alcoholic dad and a difficult life. Reading her internal thoughts was often really challenging. However, the teachers who support her, the true friends she finds and her truth make this book worth pushing through all the hard. It was eye opening to hear this perspective. I hope little girls like genesis find the support they need to grow too.
tinynavajo's review against another edition
5.0
A moving story about a girl who is judged, picked on, teased, and so many other things because of the way she looks; for now kinky her hair is, how dark her skin is, how much she doesn't look like her mother. But when she moves to a new school, a school where she can start brand new, she learns that those friends who are true friends are those who like her for who she is, not for what she looks like. And she learns that she has to start believing in herself as well as loving herself if she wants to see herself for who she is. Genesis is a girl who I wish to be friends with, a girl who does all that she can to gain her father's love, but learns how to love herself.