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jennifer1001's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse and Domestic abuse
There is a brief flashback to a scene where Wesley was present during a fight between her biological father and her mother. Her biological father is shown to be abusive emotionally (and implied physically although not explicitly depicted) towards her mother. Wesley is not directly targeted but does witness the abuse in close proximity.ashylibrarian's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
Wesley is excited for her big day and her writing debut! Wesley's poem about Indigenous People's Day will be printed in the school's newspaper, and she feels like she has worked up the courage to ask her crush to go to the school dance with her! From the moment Wesley steps on the morning bus, however, none of her plans seem to...well, go to plan.
This is a comforting story of finding self-worth, recognizing that your voice is important, and finding community to support you and show that you do belong. This is my first Christine Day novel, and I enjoyed the themes and messages it brought. I will be recommending this to middle-grade readers.
This is a comforting story of finding self-worth, recognizing that your voice is important, and finding community to support you and show that you do belong. This is my first Christine Day novel, and I enjoyed the themes and messages it brought. I will be recommending this to middle-grade readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Violence
Moderate: Sexism, Racism, and Misogyny
Minor: Racial slurs and Colonisation
thekissballad's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
READ. THIS. BOOK. [4.75/5]
We Still Belong follows Wesley (12-yo, fmc) throughout the course of a day. She had high hopes and expectations, but the day doesn't go exactly to plan. However the day has its own suprises.
There's so much I love about this book - I read it in one sitting - that it's hard to put into words.
Wesley and her family were easy to love and connect to, even with some of the harsher realities they faced, shared via flashbacks that thankfully don't take you out of the story.
I really enjoyed the diversity and inclusiveness, and that it's subtle yet poignant. And its use to remind that stereotypes shouldn't be believed because there's more to people than their outward appearance.
We Still Belong also touches on real events and circumstances that Indigenous Peoples faced, and in many ways still do. I'm glad they were touched upon, but done in a gentle way so that readers of all ages and ethnicities can really engage with these facts & realities.
My only critique is that there were a few instances where Wesley and her peers acted / spoke as if they were much older than twelve-years-old. While every child is different, these moments did briefly take me out of the story even though the messages and these moments were greatly important.
Thank you NetGalley, Heartdrum/HarperCollins, and Christine Day for allowing me to read We Still Belong in exchange for an honest review.
We Still Belong follows Wesley (12-yo, fmc) throughout the course of a day. She had high hopes and expectations, but the day doesn't go exactly to plan. However the day has its own suprises.
There's so much I love about this book - I read it in one sitting - that it's hard to put into words.
Wesley and her family were easy to love and connect to, even with some of the harsher realities they faced, shared via flashbacks that thankfully don't take you out of the story.
I really enjoyed the diversity and inclusiveness, and that it's subtle yet poignant. And its use to remind that stereotypes shouldn't be believed because there's more to people than their outward appearance.
We Still Belong also touches on real events and circumstances that Indigenous Peoples faced, and in many ways still do. I'm glad they were touched upon, but done in a gentle way so that readers of all ages and ethnicities can really engage with these facts & realities.
My only critique is that there were a few instances where Wesley and her peers acted / spoke as if they were much older than twelve-years-old. While every child is different, these moments did briefly take me out of the story even though the messages and these moments were greatly important.
Thank you NetGalley, Heartdrum/HarperCollins, and Christine Day for allowing me to read We Still Belong in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Slavery
readingwithkaitlyn's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Violence
Moderate: Abandonment, Sexism, Racism, and Misogyny
Minor: Grief, Racial slurs, Slavery, Death, Pregnancy, Ableism, Colonisation, and Genocide
Residential schools mention, divorce mention.
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