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shelbymarie516's review against another edition
This setting is so interesting for a "kids" book. I really love the historical context and the strong young girls she portrays. The sisters and the events surrounding them over multiple weeks and trips so far are really well written. Wish these had been around when I was in middle school as an additional material for the events of the 60s and 70s.
appaloosa05's review against another edition
I like how this book brings in so many of the current events of the time period in which it is set, but also is very much about the sisters and their story. This helps keep it relatable for present day readers.
shelhamm9's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.0
roseleaf24's review against another edition
3.0
Good, not great. Excellent job of capturing the difficulties of sixth grade, and how the time period would affect an 11 year old.
liliantreacy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bickie's review against another edition
3.0
Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern return to Brooklyn after a summer with their mother in Oakland where they have befriended the Black Panthers and learned about oppression. Big Ma, the grandmother with whom they live, is horrified at the "grand Negro spectacle" they make of themselves in the airport. As Delphine navigates the 6th grade, with a new teacher, trash-talking boys, shifting girl friendships, and the Valentine's Day dance, her family manages the introduction of her father's girlfriend=>fiance=>wife and the rocky return of Uncle Darnell from the Vietnam War. Ages 10+
c_rewie6's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
kitsuneheart's review against another edition
5.0
After a summer learning from the Black Panthers and their poetess mother, sisters Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern return to Brooklyn for the school year. Delphine gets an early surprise when her teacher joins an exchange program, and a teacher from Zambia heads the classroom. Even more of a shock is when their Uncle Darnell returns from Vietnam! And, most shocking of all, their father has a GIRLFRIEND! Add in the Jackson 5, sibling clashes, tentative young romance, and Big Ma clashing with the girls' new Black Panther views, and this makes for one packed book.
Framed by a series of letters between Delphine and her mother, "P.S. Be Eleven" is simultaneously a reminder to not try and grow up too fast, and also that growing up is going to happen, whether you want it to or not. While I didn't find it laugh-out-loud funny, it definitely made me smile frequently. A suitable sequel, and a well-earned Coretta Scott King winner.
The audiobook of this is quite well done, so if you enjoy listening to your booklist, go on and give it a try!
Framed by a series of letters between Delphine and her mother, "P.S. Be Eleven" is simultaneously a reminder to not try and grow up too fast, and also that growing up is going to happen, whether you want it to or not. While I didn't find it laugh-out-loud funny, it definitely made me smile frequently. A suitable sequel, and a well-earned Coretta Scott King winner.
The audiobook of this is quite well done, so if you enjoy listening to your booklist, go on and give it a try!