Reviews

Take Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles

alyshkalia's review

emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Police brutality

Moderate: Racism

Minor: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Bullying

waywardtomes's review

challenging emotional funny informative inspiring fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

naturemamareads's review

emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted medium-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? No

4.25

charleyroxy's review

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

thebeesknees79's review

5.0

Received an ARC from @netgalley for an honest review. I have a soft spot for MG novels. People don’t realize how much skill it takes to navigate adult topics with young adults. This novel deals with gentrification, and how 6th grader Wes handles it when it comes knocking at his door. This has a distinct preteen voice, and is perfect for middle schoolers.

jentrythelibrarian's review

hopeful informative medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

barberchicago_books's review

5.0

Thank you to Random House Kids, for the eArc of Take Back the Block, which I loved. Authors that tackle current issues like gentrification, in their own voice and using their own life experience, are powerful for kids to read. Gentrification is a complex issue that negatively affects people of color all across the country. Giles did an incredible job not only explaining what gentrification is, but also helping young readers see the effects it has through her characters' experiences.
I hope my students take Wes' lead and use their voices to help the "arc of moral universe bend toward justice." I will definitely be adding this realistic fiction middle-grade novel to my classroom library and booktalking it with my students.

sdertinger's review against another edition

5.0

YES, YES, and YES. All elementary and middle school libraries and classroom libraries need this debut from Giles. Wes Henderson is a little anxious about the start of the school year. He'll be in sixth grade and wants nothing more than to make sure his outfits are spot on. He has the best style in school, and he doesn't want to worry about anything else, but his parents are always dragging him to protests. School starts off in a way that he was not expecting, too. He has a friend who is slowly distancing himself, another who is moving to an uppity school, and another who is now living in a rough hotel. What gets even worse is a real estate developer makes an offer to buy Kensington Oaks—Wes' neighborhood. No one is taking immediate action (not even the parents), so it is up to Wes and his friends to do something. A mix of Black Joy, activism, justice, community, family, and friendship. Such a refreshing read that gives hope! I will book talk and share this book like crazy!

deniselynn's review against another edition

5.0

Great middle-grade story about social justice.

destdest's review

informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-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

3.5

Slowwww start but becomes charming once you get into it. Take Back the Block makes gentrification, community organizing, and activism digestible and simple for young kids. 

Also, love the cover! 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Police brutality