Reviews

The Faraway Truth by Janae Marks

marieintheraw's review against another edition

5.0

This is one of my favorite middle grades I've read recently.

roseleaf24's review against another edition

5.0

I didn't realize this book, which I came across because it's getting Newbery buzz this year, would tie in so well with the nonfiction reading I've been doing lately. This middle grade novel is a personal tale of the mistakes that our justice system can make. Marks did an excellent job of putting this in the eyes of a twelve-year-old who has never known her father, though I think it likely that most twelve-year-olds now would have a slightly more developed view of Black Lives Matter than she does. This book both celebrates black joy, and brings racism to light.

jaylinv's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

qrb's review against another edition

adventurous emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Abandonment

readingrenbo's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

rebeccawantstoreadmore's review against another edition

hopeful informative medium-paced

4.0

rich2023's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring

4.0

This was a quick,easy, and sweet read. The only thing I would change is how Zoe talked to her mom.

layla_daisy2's review against another edition

emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

thekissballad's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

I enjoyed it. I liked that it took complicated topics and handled them in a way that's fitting for middle graders.

However, I also disliked how simplistic and easy everything seemed because of how it was written for those younger readers.

It's essentially a great story that can open up the room for discussions about the topics and issues presented.

sarahhopereads's review against another edition

hopeful informative inspiring slow-paced

• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0