Scan barcode
criticalgayze's review
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.5
My thanks to the publisher, FSG Young Readers/Fierce Reads, and Netgalley for early access to this title in exchange for review consideration.
This is such a powerful book that I think is a must-have for high school classroom libraries.
At first, I thought that the poems in this novel-in-verse were a little too narrative, but they grew on me over time. I do think some pieces are stronger than others, but I think they also build a solid narrative whole.
I really like that the author uses side of the page as a means to delineate the two narrative voices, instead of poem style or structure. This allows the author to play a little more and creates an extra intensity in the pieces. Formatting WAS a little interesting here, and I will be interested to see the final form of the novel when it drops in print next week. (I will be picking up a physical copy, which is very rare for me with eARCs.)
I do think the ending does fizzle out a little, but it is a minor quibble with what is otherwise a very strong piece.
Quotes:
I see your old name like a moth, dusty-winged and glowing. The name escapes out the open window and into the soupy August night into forever.
I hate the idea that war could be a game, but I love when you win.
This is such a powerful book that I think is a must-have for high school classroom libraries.
At first, I thought that the poems in this novel-in-verse were a little too narrative, but they grew on me over time. I do think some pieces are stronger than others, but I think they also build a solid narrative whole.
I really like that the author uses side of the page as a means to delineate the two narrative voices, instead of poem style or structure. This allows the author to play a little more and creates an extra intensity in the pieces. Formatting WAS a little interesting here, and I will be interested to see the final form of the novel when it drops in print next week. (I will be picking up a physical copy, which is very rare for me with eARCs.)
I do think the ending does fizzle out a little, but it is a minor quibble with what is otherwise a very strong piece.
Quotes:
I see your old name like a moth, dusty-winged and glowing. The name escapes out the open window and into the soupy August night into forever.
I hate the idea that war could be a game, but I love when you win.
I search trans, the prefix and the dictionary says the word can mean “across” and “beyond” and “through” and “changing thoroughly” all of which are things lots of people in high school seem to be but especially “changing thoroughly.”
I’m really thankful for that pin— for the symbols we have to show other queer people where we are.
It’s customary that first-time reenactors die first so our death was predetermined but it still feels heavy.
I have such a body.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming and Transphobia
Moderate: Homophobia and Outing
Minor: Child abuse and Sexual content
More...