Reviews

Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty by G. Neri

krissyronan's review

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3.0

An interesting take on the gang violence that was prevalent in the 90s. It forced me to both sympathize and despise those sucked into the culture.

knit3314's review

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5.0

This graphic novel told the real life story of an 11-year old boy who was many things to many people. He was a gang member of the Black Dis piles in Southeast Chicago and he was his Granny’s angel. He was known for kind acts and known for thug behaviors in his immediate community. He found himself in a situation that showed just how juvenile his mind and understanding of life and actions are.
I believe this is a boo that young kids should be exposed to because it is a reality for many in certain areas of our nation. It’s important for young people to know about these situations young people’s find themselves and how, possibly why.
An important work.

heisereads's review

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4.0

This graphic novel is one I know my students will read and pass on to each other to share the story. The story is an intriguing look at young kids pulled into gangs and the neighborhoods in Chicago that struggled with gun violence. It makes you think, and leaves you wondering. It is a non-fiction story of Yummy's life, as much as can be pieced together from reports, told by a fictional narrator with some elements filled in to make the story based on assumptions. This would be a great story to pair with [b:All American Boys|25657130|All American Boys|Jason Reynolds|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1434640126s/25657130.jpg|45479026], which I happen to be reading with my 8th graders right now.

catladyreba's review

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4.0

What a heartbreaking book. Even more devastating because it is based on true events and stories like this one are still happening today.

shogins's review

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3.0

life is so depressing

patrgarcia2's review

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inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

hamandaj's review

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5.0

I wish my students could read this. It is such a short book but full of so many excellent questions.

rjozinga's review

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3.0

This graphic novel details the short life of Robert "Yummy" Sandifer. Yummy gets involved in a gang, the Black Disciples, who have him do much of their dirty work. During an assignment, something goes terribly wrong and Yummy accidentally shoots and kills an innocent 14-year-old bystander, Shavon. Yummy goes on the run, with the police on his trail and the Black Disciples moving him and trying to keep him safe. Eventually, it gets to be too much and they end up killing him and leaving him under a bridge. This story is based on true events but is told from the perspective of Yummy's classmate Roger, a fictional narrator. It is a very fast read and the illustrations are incredible. Reluctant readers will definitely enjoy this book. I would recommend it for ages 13 and up.

rhistutz11's review

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dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

3.5

k_b00kish's review

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4.0

Graphic novel account about a young Chicago gang member, showing the tragedy of gang violence from family and community perspectives. This work should be considered required reading for all ages to aid in understanding urban gang violence culture and guns.