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4.45 AVERAGE
4.45 AVERAGE
adventurous
fast-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
it’s been a while since i read a middle-grade book, but i loved how this one made space for so many complex and diverse emotions, the reality of growing up queer.
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Enjoyable, and definitely some of the most realistic queer rep I’ve read in a middle grade(also, a book that has a gay character but doesn’t give them a love interest?! Kudos), but it still has some of the trademark “wobbly on its footing” execution of a debut novel. The magic elements were infrequent, which was a bit of a bummer with the cover, and Murray’s thoughts could be repetitive (which was worsened by the marine life metaphors throughout, imo).
Regarding the magic itself, though, I was interested by how Murray’s abilities seem to be more about a connection to the ocean rather than fully controlling it. (And how she sometimes talked to the ocean like a friend or sentient entity!) And the scenes of Murray trying to reconnect with her magic through her time with Dylan were cute. It showed their understanding of each other.
The book references were fun, especially to other queer MG! I read about as much as Murray, so I added the books she mentioned to my TBR if they weren’t on there already.
I thought the found family/community plotline was handled well: you as the reader could tell why Murray felt safety with these different people and places. While Murray and some of the characters are affected by queerphobia(her parents are conservative. That’s plot-important), there is a surprising amount of queer joy and (platonic/familial) love. I especially appreciated her friendships with Blake and Dylan. (Oh, the joy of being queer kids with somewhat similarly funky gender stuff and unintentionally helping each other express themselves bc of the simple understanding you have…) But I also liked Murray’s bond with Patrick, even if some circumstances meant that Patrick couldn’t always be there for her. I think it would’ve been fun to get to meet more characters, though! Especially in the roller rink.
Overall, this was sweet, albeit not perfect.
Regarding the magic itself, though, I was interested by how Murray’s abilities seem to be more about a connection to the ocean rather than fully controlling it. (And how she sometimes talked to the ocean like a friend or sentient entity!) And the scenes of Murray trying to reconnect with her magic through her time with Dylan were cute. It showed their understanding of each other.
The book references were fun, especially to other queer MG! I read about as much as Murray, so I added the books she mentioned to my TBR if they weren’t on there already.
I thought the found family/community plotline was handled well: you as the reader could tell why Murray felt safety with these different people and places. While Murray and some of the characters are affected by queerphobia(her parents are conservative. That’s plot-important), there is a surprising amount of queer joy and (platonic/familial) love. I especially appreciated her friendships with Blake and Dylan. (Oh, the joy of being queer kids with somewhat similarly funky gender stuff and unintentionally helping each other express themselves bc of the simple understanding you have…) But I also liked Murray’s bond with Patrick, even if some circumstances meant that Patrick couldn’t always be there for her. I think it would’ve been fun to get to meet more characters, though! Especially in the roller rink.
Overall, this was sweet, albeit not perfect.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I really, really loved it :) so sweet, and such an important book for so many people
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was so lovely! I loved the touch of magical elements and watching Murray find a safe space where they could be themselves. Would recommend to middle-grade readers who enjoy realistic fiction focusing on families and friendship, and those who are interested in poetry.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Transphobia, Religious bigotry
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Yes
I read an early edition of this book - it's a beautiful middle grade verse novel about a girl finding a new family after the home she knew gets destroyed. It's about finding yourself, the small kind of magic that found family holds.
A magnificent story of friendship, drag, and dealing with disasters you don't have the words for.
I love love love it
Merged review:
I read an early edition of this book - it's a beautiful middle grade verse novel about a girl finding a new family after the home she knew gets destroyed. It's about finding yourself, the small kind of magic that found family holds.
A magnificent story of friendship, drag, and dealing with disasters you don't have the words for.
I love love love it
A magnificent story of friendship, drag, and dealing with disasters you don't have the words for.
I love love love it
Merged review:
I read an early edition of this book - it's a beautiful middle grade verse novel about a girl finding a new family after the home she knew gets destroyed. It's about finding yourself, the small kind of magic that found family holds.
A magnificent story of friendship, drag, and dealing with disasters you don't have the words for.
I love love love it