Scan barcode
signediza's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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? N/A
4.0
zoes_human's review against another edition
4.0
An exceptional middle-grade, realistic and contemporary novel that touches on complicated topics such as absentee fathers, single mothers, multicultural families, and cultural difference. The characters are complex with flaws and strengths. The narration was fantastic, and I plan to seek out more work by these readers. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is both personal and a spoiler. See below if interested.
Mimi's dad has been absent from her life since she was 5, and she is now 11. The book gives a happy sort of ending where she connects with her dad, she reaches closure about why he left, and he promises to stay in touch from now on. Nice for lovers of happy endings, but not so great for kids with actual absentee parents. Parents who skip out for 6 years don't come back. Oh I'm sure there's a few heartwarming real-life stories out there, but the reality for most of us is that the parent stays gone. We don't get a conversation with them that reaches closures. They don't come back and stay in touch. They disappear forever and it's up to you and any remaining family to sort through the damage. It's not helpful to kids in this situation to "spare them" by holding out false hope. What's helpful is understanding that some parents abandon their kids forever and that it is absolutely about them and not you. i wish this book had gone that route, because that would have helped a lot of kids to see that represented.
beccallynn's review
3.75
Read this book for the Round the World Challenge and I’m glad I did! Such a sweet story of two kids realizing they’re more alike than they thought and learning from each other.
alice_hesse's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
kirstysbookishworld's review against another edition
3.0
Knowing where you come from and actually seeing it are two very different things. At least for Mimi. She leaves the US, not wanting to visit her grandparents. Mimi wasn’t always my favourite character, she was so judgemental and honestly selfish but she was also kind and generous.
As for Sakina she is this smart level-headed servant girl who thinks Mimi is going to make her summer difficult, which isn’t technically a lie. She’s got too much on her shoulder I myself would have crumbled under the weight.
Between them they build this friendship that bridges the gap between what makes them strangers to besties. I feel like this book tried to tackle some heavy topics but honestly I don’t feel they were handled well, they were never discussed in detail once they’re had their fight. I wish there had been more on parents communicating with their kids. Kids Learning not to judge someone by the place they live and so much more.
As for Sakina she is this smart level-headed servant girl who thinks Mimi is going to make her summer difficult, which isn’t technically a lie. She’s got too much on her shoulder I myself would have crumbled under the weight.
Between them they build this friendship that bridges the gap between what makes them strangers to besties. I feel like this book tried to tackle some heavy topics but honestly I don’t feel they were handled well, they were never discussed in detail once they’re had their fight. I wish there had been more on parents communicating with their kids. Kids Learning not to judge someone by the place they live and so much more.
careinthelibrary's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
Fun! A good concept, executed well. I liked the characters and the writing style. I'll try another from this author, probably next year for Middle Grade March.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Chronic illness, Classism, and Medical content
jenmccredy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.0
ashleyeila's review against another edition
emotional
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
4.5