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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.
flowerwineandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
LOVE this book so much I don't really know where to begin on this review.
-accurate representation of a character with OCD
-age appropriate plot about the hardships of having an alcoholic parent
-AMAZING accurate and important historical references
-hard family histories
-effects of childhood trauma in multiple examples
-racism and colorism
...and while all these important topics were brought up through Genesis' story, nothing felt forced and it didn't feel like a particularly heavy book either. It was a very fun read with cute friendships and a talent show and typical middle school nonsense!
Genesis really found herself through her history and the history of those like her, ie: Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. My heart broke for her, and then she was strong and brave enough to rebuild.
-accurate representation of a character with OCD
-age appropriate plot about the hardships of having an alcoholic parent
-AMAZING accurate and important historical references
-hard family histories
-effects of childhood trauma in multiple examples
-racism and colorism
...and while all these important topics were brought up through Genesis' story, nothing felt forced and it didn't feel like a particularly heavy book either. It was a very fun read with cute friendships and a talent show and typical middle school nonsense!
Genesis really found herself through her history and the history of those like her, ie: Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. My heart broke for her, and then she was strong and brave enough to rebuild.
emmavinkenoog's review against another edition
I don't really know what to rate this book because the story is very very good and powerful but I just didn't enjoy reading it that much. I think it's because it's a middle grade book and I typically really don't enjoy those. But this is definitely a great book for people who do!
meg_sm's review against another edition
4.0
Charming, sweet, and heartfelt. Manages to explore internalized racism, addiction, poverty, and mental health with seriousness yet while remaining an accessible and enjoyable read.
hannadekoning2001's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, heel heftig maar ook heel simpel en mooi
jwinchell's review against another edition
3.0
There was something about the drawn out descriptions of school days and long exchanges with teachers that made me restless and bored. Worthy topics, an important story, but it could have used hearty editing, IMO.
andeez's review against another edition
5.0
The beauty of this book will stick with me for a long time.
Genesis is sick of being evicted from place to place. Her alcoholic father will not pay the rent and every time she starts again, he promises he'll change. They finally move to a house in the Detroit suburbs - but is it too good to last?
Genesis makes real friends at her new school. She's never had friends before. Certainly not ones to take cheesey photos with. With the help of her choral teacher, she finds her voice and channels the spirits of Billie Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Etta James. Has she finally found a place she can be herself? If she wasn't struggling with her whole appearance, she might be happy.
This book covers alcoholic parents, mean girls, racism within the Black community, and nagging grandmothers. But it also dives into friendships and having each others' back.
Recommended for grades 5 and up.
Genesis is sick of being evicted from place to place. Her alcoholic father will not pay the rent and every time she starts again, he promises he'll change. They finally move to a house in the Detroit suburbs - but is it too good to last?
Genesis makes real friends at her new school. She's never had friends before. Certainly not ones to take cheesey photos with. With the help of her choral teacher, she finds her voice and channels the spirits of Billie Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Etta James. Has she finally found a place she can be herself? If she wasn't struggling with her whole appearance, she might be happy.
This book covers alcoholic parents, mean girls, racism within the Black community, and nagging grandmothers. But it also dives into friendships and having each others' back.
Recommended for grades 5 and up.
plant_child__'s review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.0
chickchick22's review against another edition
5.0
I cried. Tears streaming down my face. This was an amazing book. It really was a book on how to love yourself, how others can help. Just wow.