Reviews

Finding Langston by Lesa Cline-Ransome

m_bell0428's review against another edition

4.0

"Finding Langston" by Lesa Cline-Ransome is about a boy named Langston who moves from Alabama to Chicago with his father after his mother passes away. While in Chicago, he faces a bully, Lymon, and finds happiness at a local library where he finds poetry by Langston Hughes. I thought this book is a great example of character development and the theme of "finding yourself" because in the book, Langston learns more about himself and his mother by reading Langston Hughes poetry, and he learns more about his father by eventually talking to him about the library and his mother. I would use this story to teach character development, and the students could focus on Langston, his father, or Clem: three characters that had amazing character growth throughout the story.

appaloosa05's review against another edition

4.0

As a fellow kid growing up in the city who found solace in my local library, I could certainly relate to Langston. The audiobook is an enjoyable listen.

ris_stitches's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective sad tense 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? No

4.75

bibliobrandie's review against another edition

4.0

There is so much story in this short historical novel. Langston is trying to find his way and his voice after the death of his mother. Langston and his father have just moved to Chicago and now he’s being bullied at school. The one place he feels safe and welcome is at the Hall Branch of the Chicago Public Library and within the pages of his books. This would be a great intro to the Great Migration or a study on Langston Hughes. This is a story of grief, belonging, identity... and also a love letter to libraries :) I look forward to reading the next two in the series.

heyitsliz's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

4.5

literaryk's review against another edition

hopeful reflective 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? No

4.0

A sweet story of a boy grappling with grief, moving, and bullying, but finding solace in the library and poetry.

vegprincess's review against another edition

5.0

So good! I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the trilogy.

aliyas_encanto's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative lighthearted sad fast-paced

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

5.0

I adored this book, so easy fall deeper in love with the city of Chicago and it's rich history. Langston's character was beautifully written, discussions of grief were relatable and heartbreaking. So glad that his character was able to find hope within the walls of the library and that it helped him navigate hithrough his grief.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death of parent and Death

Minor: Bullying

carey_78'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? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

alexdoyle's review against another edition

4.0

Read this for my EDUC class, it was cute and touching!