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bhrtng's review against another edition
5.0
Realistic middle grade fiction about two brothers, one dark-skinned (Donte) and one light-skinned/white passing (Trey) and how differently they get treated at their predominantly white private school. After Donte gets escorted from school by the police for something his popular white classmate Alan did, he seeks to beat him at his own game by learning how to fence. Rhodes did an excellent job of showcasing the unfair treatment and punishment of Black children by schools and law enforcement without ever becoming too watered down or unrelatable for a middle grade audience. Donte's journey and character development was heart-warming and I loved his supportive friends and family. An excellent book all around and I even learned a bit about fencing and its non-white roots!
bunburyist's review against another edition
3.0
A boy moves to a new town and finds community and a love of fencing. He also experiences racism firsthand and has a brush with the school-to-prison pipeline. His motivation changes from revenge to enjoyment of the sport, and how he defines himself, and finding his place on a team.
Really great to see complex issues like social justice, racism, anger, revenge, self-mastry, and identity represented in a book for young kids.
Literary references: [b:Invisible Man|16981|Invisible Man|Ralph Ellison|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556482805l/16981._SY75_.jpg|170957], [b:The Three Musketeers|7190|The Three Musketeers (The D'Artagnan Romances, #1)|Alexandre Dumas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320436982l/7190._SY75_.jpg|1263212], and [b:The Count of Monte Cristo|7126|The Count of Monte Cristo|Alexandre Dumas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1611834134l/7126._SY75_.jpg|391568]
Really great to see complex issues like social justice, racism, anger, revenge, self-mastry, and identity represented in a book for young kids.
Literary references: [b:Invisible Man|16981|Invisible Man|Ralph Ellison|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556482805l/16981._SY75_.jpg|170957], [b:The Three Musketeers|7190|The Three Musketeers (The D'Artagnan Romances, #1)|Alexandre Dumas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320436982l/7190._SY75_.jpg|1263212], and [b:The Count of Monte Cristo|7126|The Count of Monte Cristo|Alexandre Dumas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1611834134l/7126._SY75_.jpg|391568]
annalisenak97's review against another edition
5.0
This was AWESOME. Donte is so triumphant and joyous in the face of injustice and being falsely accused in his white, MA prep school. This book almost reads like spoken word or a play. The emotion is really powerful and raw, and it's amazing to watch Donte step into his own power alongside his brother and teammates. Vital, empowering, and honestly informative-- I learned a ton about fencing!
reading_rachel's review against another edition
4.0
Read in a day — what a strong and powerful book. I can’t wait to get a copy to share with my students.
dormilonaluna's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
4.0
It’s an excellent middle grade book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Can I give this 10 stars? This MG book is a mix between Jason Reynolds’ Track series and Rhodes’ own Ghost Boys. I LOVED the white and Black brother part of the story because I’ve never read about mixed race siblings who don’t look alike due to their opposite skin color. Adding in fencing—a sport that is predominantly white—made this book unique and eye opening. Donte’s growth throughout the story is one all children can learn from. This book is the definition of empathy. I loved every page, every word.
calypsogilstrap's review against another edition
5.0
Love love love!!! Awesome book club and lit circle choice.
vanhooked_on_reading's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to this book on audio, and it’s a quick listen at 4.5 hours, but it’s definitely with every second. I loved seeing the family dynamics that take place in this book, especially when it comes to Donte and Trey. While the parents’ roles are important, Donte and Trey’s relationship was especially powerful as the brothers struggle to support each other in spite of misunderstandings a bit of sibling competition. In addition to that, the scenes with Donte’s coach as he learns fencing at the Boys and Girls Club were incredible, and I loved getting to hear Donte’s thoughts as he grew. This book also takes an interesting look at the school to prison pipeline in a way that is appropriate for its intended middle grades audience. I found myself really disappointed with the headmaster and school, even at the end of this novel. All in all, this book is quick, witty, and powerful, I would recommend it to any reader.
kllm07's review against another edition
3.0
Overall good message of inclusion. Sometimes a bit heavy on the fencing terminology. Read as audiobook.
mrs_bookdragon's review against another edition
5.0
This was amazing! I really liked learning more about fencing and I learned more about Alexander Dumas and how the Three Musketeers was changed to fit the western culture (White). I also loved the growth in Donte. This was a fantastic read.