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kaynova's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The plot was great. I loved the discovery of the letters and the truth behind it. This feeling of never being accepted unless you conform into something society wants you to be, which shows differently in Alberta and even Edie who are totally different the stereotypes of what people presume black girls are. Alberta is a surfer who’s vegan and doesn’t mind getting her hair wet and Edie likes wearing dark clothes, comics, and classic literature. They don’t have to be anything else but even in modern times, it feels that way, which brings me to my biggest issue about this book.
I wished Laramie thought more about her words and actions and I also wished Alberta wasn’t so forgiving for some of the microaggressions that was thrown out there. I know this is juvenile fiction book, so it can’t be as harsh when it comes to friendships but if you’re going to be friends with a BIPOC person, it’s better to educate yourself. There were moments where I was so happy to hear Alberta push back on those comments, but Laramie never really apologized or own up to it. And a part of their friendship plot weighed heavy on this mean and racist girl who’s Alberta’s neighbor and I didn’t like how that was handled. If you’re hanging out with my opp, we are not friends!
But again, I had to remind myself that this is a juvenile fiction book and I am an adult who thinks differently then 12 year olds. I do think this is a phenomenal book to get in touch about history and how our history is everywhere around us, and how friendships are important. So I hope someone gives this a read or give it to a group of students as a reading recommendation.
Moderate: Pregnancy and Racism
michaelion's review
- 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
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Racial slurs, Abandonment, and Grief
erinrebecca922's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Minor: Racism
kat_smith24's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Minor: Racism
missrosymaplemoth's review
4.0
Graphic: Bullying and Racism
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Gaslighting
mandkips's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Racism, Bullying, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Homophobia and Death
nytephoenyx's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Racism
Minor: Toxic friendship and Death
knifewifestan's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Bullying, Toxic friendship, Racism, and Gaslighting
Minor: Homophobia
linesiunderline's review against another edition
- 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
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!
Moderate: Bullying and Racism
oliviasuzanne's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Minor: Racism and Homophobia