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burnourhistory's review against another edition
hopeful
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
tamarafrances's review against another edition
4.0
4.5
So I realized as soon as I opened this book that it isn’t targeted for my age range, but it was still a fun read that at its core is a book on friendship and identity!
So I realized as soon as I opened this book that it isn’t targeted for my age range, but it was still a fun read that at its core is a book on friendship and identity!
fbeemcee's review against another edition
5.0
This was my first Brandy Colbert book, but it absolutely won't be my last. An entertaining, thoughtful book about growing up around a lot of people that don't look like you? Yeah...I know that feeling all too well.
Bonus points for one of my daughters getting invested enough to check it out from the library to read herself!
Bonus points for one of my daughters getting invested enough to check it out from the library to read herself!
blogginboutbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This is a fast read but one that examines a lot of different themes. Maybe too many, since all the different threads didn't really come together in a cohesive whole for me. Still, there's a lot to like about this diverse novel that addresses friendship, family, race, identity, bullying, etc. Overall, it's a warm, upbeat novel that promotes empathy and kindness. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars if I could; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
meghan111's review against another edition
5.0
Quite a thoughtful and emotionally intelligent realistic middle-grade novel about friendship. I didn't think I was still capable as an adult of being so immersed in a book written for this age group, but I thought this was spectacular and I really enjoyed the audiobook.
Alberta is the only Black girl in her grade in her small surfing and tourist town in California. She has two dads, both involved in the art world, and a subplot of the novel features her biological mother coming to visit while pregnant with another child. Alberta's family is one of the few Black families in her community. When she learns that a new family moving in as the owners of the B&B across the street are Black and have a daughter the same age as her, she is really happy. Alberta has a best friend, Laramie, but she and the new girl Edie quickly form a friendship. Edie is from Brooklyn and goth, and she and Alberta discover a cache of old diaries in the B&B. Meanwhile Alberta's best friend Laramie has started to hang out with a new popular crowd, including a slightly older girl who has said racist things to Alberta for years and acted like a bully.
The way race and racial prejudice is handled in this book is skillful. The way friendships are observed is also skillful - the friendship aspects reminded me of [b: Just as long as we're together|37731|Just as Long as We're Together|Judy Blume|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348783177l/37731._SY75_.jpg|3231118] by Judy Blume.
Alberta is the only Black girl in her grade in her small surfing and tourist town in California. She has two dads, both involved in the art world, and a subplot of the novel features her biological mother coming to visit while pregnant with another child. Alberta's family is one of the few Black families in her community. When she learns that a new family moving in as the owners of the B&B across the street are Black and have a daughter the same age as her, she is really happy. Alberta has a best friend, Laramie, but she and the new girl Edie quickly form a friendship. Edie is from Brooklyn and goth, and she and Alberta discover a cache of old diaries in the B&B. Meanwhile Alberta's best friend Laramie has started to hang out with a new popular crowd, including a slightly older girl who has said racist things to Alberta for years and acted like a bully.
The way race and racial prejudice is handled in this book is skillful. The way friendships are observed is also skillful - the friendship aspects reminded me of [b: Just as long as we're together|37731|Just as Long as We're Together|Judy Blume|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348783177l/37731._SY75_.jpg|3231118] by Judy Blume.
reading_rachel's review against another edition
4.5
I couldn’t stop listening to this book! I loved Alberta’s voice and following her character as she navigated friendships and secrets revealed about her neighborhood. There were so many elements that weave themselves together in this story that is perfect for middle school!
thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
It’s not often I read a middle grade novel that has it all, but I can definitively say that this one did. Alberta struggles with puberty, growing up, bullying, race, family and friend changes, following her passion and so much more in this coming-of-age novel that also includes historical fiction elements, a mystery and just a great middle grade novel in general. I’ll be recommending this one a lot in the fall.
mrs_bookdragon's review
5.0
Thank you Libro.fm for the audiobook for teachers and thank you NetGalley for an eARC. I could not stop reading this book. I loved the friendship theme, but what I loved most was the mystery thrown in when the two girls find some journals in Edie’s bedroom. They track down the owner and I was intrigued the entire time. I love books that have history tie-ins and a little mystery and this one was new and fresh and needed. It covers topics that need to be discussed about our nation’s history with racism and identity.
I am going to get a copy for my classroom!
I am going to get a copy for my classroom!
angiedkelly's review against another edition
5.0
Really loved this middle grade novel/mystery. I loved them investigating the journals found and using library resources (microfilm is mentioned! Be still my library heart) to help them uncover who the writer is. I also appreciated how the complexity of friendships both young and old were dealt. Well developed characters with a satisfying conclusion.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!