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anxiouslybooked's review against another edition
4.0
This books was excellent! It is perfect for middle schoolers who are trying to figure out their identify, but it also deals with tough topics like alcoholism and socioeconomic status. I really enjoyed reading this one!
jencraun's review against another edition
4.0
What a beautiful voice, and gorgeous redemptive piece of young adult fiction. Main character, Genesis overcomes so much in this heart-rending story that tackles abuse, poverty, alcoholism, legacy, worth, racism, and friendship.
ranjanireviewsreads's review against another edition
Not in the right place for something so young. And anyway, when I go for middle grade I usually do fantasy, not contemporary so it's not my style
amypt46's review against another edition
4.0
Trigger warnings: self harm, alcoholism, racism, bullying, death of a sibling
This book was hard. Genesis is a middle schooler who is struggling, has an alcoholic dad and a difficult life. Reading her internal thoughts was often really challenging. However, the teachers who support her, the true friends she finds and her truth make this book worth pushing through all the hard. It was eye opening to hear this perspective. I hope little girls like genesis find the support they need to grow too.
This book was hard. Genesis is a middle schooler who is struggling, has an alcoholic dad and a difficult life. Reading her internal thoughts was often really challenging. However, the teachers who support her, the true friends she finds and her truth make this book worth pushing through all the hard. It was eye opening to hear this perspective. I hope little girls like genesis find the support they need to grow too.
tinynavajo's review against another edition
5.0
A moving story about a girl who is judged, picked on, teased, and so many other things because of the way she looks; for now kinky her hair is, how dark her skin is, how much she doesn't look like her mother. But when she moves to a new school, a school where she can start brand new, she learns that those friends who are true friends are those who like her for who she is, not for what she looks like. And she learns that she has to start believing in herself as well as loving herself if she wants to see herself for who she is. Genesis is a girl who I wish to be friends with, a girl who does all that she can to gain her father's love, but learns how to love herself.
flowerwineandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
LOVE this book so much I don't really know where to begin on this review.
-accurate representation of a character with OCD
-age appropriate plot about the hardships of having an alcoholic parent
-AMAZING accurate and important historical references
-hard family histories
-effects of childhood trauma in multiple examples
-racism and colorism
...and while all these important topics were brought up through Genesis' story, nothing felt forced and it didn't feel like a particularly heavy book either. It was a very fun read with cute friendships and a talent show and typical middle school nonsense!
Genesis really found herself through her history and the history of those like her, ie: Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. My heart broke for her, and then she was strong and brave enough to rebuild.
-accurate representation of a character with OCD
-age appropriate plot about the hardships of having an alcoholic parent
-AMAZING accurate and important historical references
-hard family histories
-effects of childhood trauma in multiple examples
-racism and colorism
...and while all these important topics were brought up through Genesis' story, nothing felt forced and it didn't feel like a particularly heavy book either. It was a very fun read with cute friendships and a talent show and typical middle school nonsense!
Genesis really found herself through her history and the history of those like her, ie: Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. My heart broke for her, and then she was strong and brave enough to rebuild.
emmavinkenoog's review against another edition
I don't really know what to rate this book because the story is very very good and powerful but I just didn't enjoy reading it that much. I think it's because it's a middle grade book and I typically really don't enjoy those. But this is definitely a great book for people who do!
meg_sm's review against another edition
4.0
Charming, sweet, and heartfelt. Manages to explore internalized racism, addiction, poverty, and mental health with seriousness yet while remaining an accessible and enjoyable read.
jwinchell's review against another edition
3.0
There was something about the drawn out descriptions of school days and long exchanges with teachers that made me restless and bored. Worthy topics, an important story, but it could have used hearty editing, IMO.