Reviews with content warning for Racism - Root Magic

Reviews tagging 'Racism'

Root Magic by Eden Royce

27 reviews

twstdtink's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

A truly amazing book that should be in every middle school library. I was initially drawn to Root Magic because of its banned/challenged status, but I soon found myself immersed in its rich characters, beautiful setting, and vibrant cultural backdrop. Royce weaves a tale of family bonds, highlighting the enduring legacy of the Gullah-Geechee people that echoes across generations. Even though this wasn't about my heritage, it resonated with me, and it wasn't easy to part with these characters at the end.

This book does contain paranormal elements that might be too intense for some young readers. There is also talk about racism, police brutality, and the assassination of JFK. The book takes place in the 1960's and I feel all subject matter is relevant and important to the story.

Content Warnings

kristinajean's review against another edition

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dark emotional medium-paced

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

4.75

Content Warnings

saracat's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense 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

4.75

This book gave me so much to think about. And I definitely got close to tears a few times as well. It was a powerful story. The author’s note at the end talking about Gullah people and some of their family enforced how important this and stories like it are.

I loved the main character Jez, but the adult in me sometimes wanted her to not take certain risks or actions without her mother or uncle there. But, I think if I would a kid reading this, that would never cross my mind. And she is an amazing kid. I just think that despite not having my own kids, I can relate to the concern her mom and uncle showed.

I also loved how Jez’s compassion and kindness are highlighted in the story. But also show how her anger, hurt, and frustration don’t leave her immune from having darker thoughts at times as well.

The way Royce brought the novel full circle was very beautiful. I definitely want to see if they’ve written anything else.

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therainbowshelf's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective tense 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

5.0

Step into young Jezebel’s life as she and her twin brother start learning root magic, and experience a vibrant story exploring Gullah life and culture, friendship, and history. I absolutely loved this. Every choice Jezebel makes feels authentic to her character, and we’re brought on an emotional ride filled with friendship, grief, the terrors of racism, and magic.

Content Warnings

dominicangirl's review against another edition

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dark emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Content Warnings

lit_with_lauren's review against another edition

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dark mysterious 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? No

4.0

Content Warnings

careinthelibrary's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional informative mysterious sad medium-paced

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

4.0

Root Magic is great! I liked the two siblings and the whole cast of characters. The history that was incorporated into the story was fantastic and done naturally. I appreciated this one and will look forward to reading something else from this author in the future. Some really cool imagery and a world that I won't soon forget.

Content Warnings