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michaelion's review
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.25
So cute. I, too, am a Black girl from California. I love when kids books aren't cringe. This one doesn't talk down to it's audience so extra points.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Racial slurs, Abandonment, and Grief
missrosymaplemoth's review
4.0
I liked the writing style and enjoyed the storyline. Once the journal subplot started, I found the book hard to put down. I loved Alberta’s character, and I don’t think I’ve ever read a book about an LGBT+ adoptive family of color. Well deserved as a Rebecca Caudill nominee.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Racism
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Gaslighting
mandkips's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Bullying, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Homophobia and Death
knifewifestan's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Toxic friendship, Racism, and Gaslighting
Minor: Homophobia
linesiunderline's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
5.0
Brandy Colbert has a deft touch. It is impressive to me that she is able to build a story for a middle grade audience that at times addresses tough realities - racism, bullying, claiming one’s identity - without ever veering towards being preachy or heavy handed.
This novel is subtle and layered and is often funny and packed with heart. I loved Alberta’s family so much. Their relationships sprung off the page and never felt too good to be true. Also, all of the struggles related to middle school were so realistically brought to life. Meanwhile, the mystery of the journals adds a whole extra element as Alberta and Edie confront an aspect of Black history in a way that feels very personal and impactful.
Also it’s always so satisfying when the place in a story feels easy to imagine, like a place you’d want to visit. Sign me up to go to Ewing Beach anytime to take surfing lessons from Alberta. I’ll stay at the B&B and spend some quality time with these sweet characters.
A winner. I’m off to read more by this author!
This novel is subtle and layered and is often funny and packed with heart. I loved Alberta’s family so much. Their relationships sprung off the page and never felt too good to be true. Also, all of the struggles related to middle school were so realistically brought to life. Meanwhile, the mystery of the journals adds a whole extra element as Alberta and Edie confront an aspect of Black history in a way that feels very personal and impactful.
Also it’s always so satisfying when the place in a story feels easy to imagine, like a place you’d want to visit. Sign me up to go to Ewing Beach anytime to take surfing lessons from Alberta. I’ll stay at the B&B and spend some quality time with these sweet characters.
A winner. I’m off to read more by this author!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Racism
happily_undignified's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was a delightful mid-grade book that highlighted the importance of representation and friendship, while including a slow burn mystery that wrapped everything up nicely at the end.
I enjoyed getting to know the main character, Alberta, and her family. I liked her confidence in who she was and the fact that she doesn't seem to feel like she needs to change for anyone. Edie was an interesting character and I immediately related to her goth girl book nerd vibes.
The author touched on some difficult topics like bullying, racism, and rocky relationships in a kind way that showed the support systems of the characters.
I enjoyed getting to know the main character, Alberta, and her family. I liked her confidence in who she was and the fact that she doesn't seem to feel like she needs to change for anyone. Edie was an interesting character and I immediately related to her goth girl book nerd vibes.
The author touched on some difficult topics like bullying, racism, and rocky relationships in a kind way that showed the support systems of the characters.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism and Bullying
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