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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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