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aprivateislander's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
theoceanrose's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
chloesbook's review
4.0
Enticing read. It was nice to read about a teenager from a different culture (than mine). Love the main character, she had a strong voice. This book tackled some very important issues like segregation and the civil rights movement, still very relevant nowadays.
beautifullybookishbethany's review
4.0
I think Girlcott would be extremely accessible to tweens and teens as a path to discussing the history of segregation and the importance on non-violent resistance. Despite the heavy content, the tone of the book is very light and it is a quick, enjoyable read with a strong message. Set in 1959 Bermuda, Girlcott is the story of Desma, a black teen girl planning her 16'th birthday party, complete with a sleepover and trip to the cinema, when an anti-segregation boycott threatens to ruin all her plans. For the first time in her life, Desma begins to understand the realities of segregation and the ways that it affects her family and her community.
Desma is smart, brave, and an eminently relatable teenage heroine. I didn't know anything about the history of segregation in Bermuda and had never heard about this very real cinema boycott, but this was a fascinating introduction. Unlike the United States, Bermudian segregation was de facto and almost invisible to the outside viewer. Yet it affected lives in insidious ways. Girlcott is a celebration of women and of peaceful political resistance. I found it to be both fun and powerful, an apt message for the moment. This would be a great book to put in the hands of young teens, and then watch out to see what they do with it! It is also worth noting that Desma loves math and dreams of becoming an actuary. STEM representation like that is always great to see!
Desma is smart, brave, and an eminently relatable teenage heroine. I didn't know anything about the history of segregation in Bermuda and had never heard about this very real cinema boycott, but this was a fascinating introduction. Unlike the United States, Bermudian segregation was de facto and almost invisible to the outside viewer. Yet it affected lives in insidious ways. Girlcott is a celebration of women and of peaceful political resistance. I found it to be both fun and powerful, an apt message for the moment. This would be a great book to put in the hands of young teens, and then watch out to see what they do with it! It is also worth noting that Desma loves math and dreams of becoming an actuary. STEM representation like that is always great to see!
neareads's review
4.0
When I was little Mrs. Maxwell came to my school to tell us Bermudian folk tales. I’m so glad she finally wrote her own story. I loved it. It perfectly captures some of the ideals and thoughts of that time. In some ways the mindsets have not changed much. That fear or expectation that black Bermudians be satisfied no matter how raw of a deal they are getting is still present today. Definitely told in Maxwell’s very unique and very Bermudian voice it was a joy to read.
almostokay's review
4.0
Set in 1959 Bermuda, Girlcott is a coming of age story about a 15-(soon-to-be 16) year old whose life is going pretty well. She's about to receive a scholarship with the hopes of going to college to become an actuary and she's planning the best 16th birthday celebration-- except there's going to be a boycott by a secret group for anti-segregation of cinemas, where she plans to take her whole class as part of her plans. The book itself follows Desma including her family, her best friend, Eilleen, her classmates and community. I think Girlcott is a digestible story for teens about segregation, and how common and "accepted" it was to not challenge the oppression for the sake of peace. It does also tackle peaceful resistance and how effective it can be. The book is the perfect type of book that doesn't isn't too heavy to read but still done well to bring across the importance of the issues presented.
It was enlightening to read about the history of segregation in Bermuda especially since it is based on the real Theatre Boycotts.Girlcott highlights women, women in STEM, people of colour who deserve a higher education and the very real effects of segregation.
Desma's family is a great family. Her dad's optimism, hard work, and passion are inspiring; her mom's words of wisdom always had me thinking and Eileen is the amazingly smart, loyal and supportive. The myriad of character personalities really helped to show the various reactions to segregation and to the opportunity to end it.
This would be a great book to put in the hands of young teens. A great book, a great message and a pleasure to read.
It was enlightening to read about the history of segregation in Bermuda especially since it is based on the real Theatre Boycotts.Girlcott highlights women, women in STEM, people of colour who deserve a higher education and the very real effects of segregation.
Desma's family is a great family. Her dad's optimism, hard work, and passion are inspiring; her mom's words of wisdom always had me thinking and Eileen is the amazingly smart, loyal and supportive. The myriad of character personalities really helped to show the various reactions to segregation and to the opportunity to end it.
This would be a great book to put in the hands of young teens. A great book, a great message and a pleasure to read.
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