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posies23's review against another edition
4.0
This short novel follows the life of Maleeka, a 7th grader dealing with bullies, family issues, and school. Her life gets even more complicated when a new English teacher comes to school -- one without any preconceived notions about who Maleeka is and what she's capable of.
Written in a compelling voice, this book has a lot to talk about, and it isn't nearly as "preachy" as some YA books that tackle similar topics.
Even though there aren't any car chases or explosions, I think most pre-teens and teens would get a lot out of this book, especially if they were able to discuss it with others.
Written in a compelling voice, this book has a lot to talk about, and it isn't nearly as "preachy" as some YA books that tackle similar topics.
Even though there aren't any car chases or explosions, I think most pre-teens and teens would get a lot out of this book, especially if they were able to discuss it with others.
elemomi's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jagrimm's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kyzclaw's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
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? Yes
4.75
bookreviewswithkb's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
a beautiful young adult novel about the complicated nature of trying to make the right decisions and sometimes making the wrong ones, the push and pull of peer pressure, about wanting to be liked but also wanting to be seen, about living into your fullest potential. about ultimately loving yourself for who you are, in the skin you’re in
ahpotts's review against another edition
5.0
This book has a great narrative voice. I had no trouble at all believing in the characters & was especially impressed with the interactions between the kids- very realistic. Can’t wait to get this into students’ hands.
jaldep91's review against another edition
3.0
Great quick afternoon read! I feel like this book is a great metaphor for the lives of teenagers struggling in not only inner cities, but all over the world. No matter how hard many of them try, there is always the devil on their shoulder making them do things that they know aren't right.
There are so many pressures to be "cool". In our struggle to be strong, independent, and fit in, we often find ourselves having to follow others and become sheep. Maleeka was facing this. She always wanted to do the right thing, but she had a struggle of finding out the difference between the right moral thing, and the right "social status" thing to do, and was pressured into doing the wrong things.
This is a great middle grade book for children to read when they want a lesson on peer pressure.
There are so many pressures to be "cool". In our struggle to be strong, independent, and fit in, we often find ourselves having to follow others and become sheep. Maleeka was facing this. She always wanted to do the right thing, but she had a struggle of finding out the difference between the right moral thing, and the right "social status" thing to do, and was pressured into doing the wrong things.
This is a great middle grade book for children to read when they want a lesson on peer pressure.
annalisenak97's review against another edition
5.0
This was awesome. Watching Maleeka grow and develop and realize her own worth in this story and revel in her blackness was absolutely fantastic. The characters in this book are all so well fleshed out and they leap off the page.