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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
I wish I would have liked this book. I love learning about different cultures and places that I would love to travel to someday. Unfortunately, even though this book was supposed to be about Polynesian culture in New Zealand and the Panthers (rights activist group), the story was mostly set on a girl who was in school trying to earn money to buy gogo boots, but spent her money on everything else but the boots (this storyline could have taken place really in any country). I didn't really learn much, except from the authors note at the end.
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you to Edelweiss and Levine Querido for this ARC.
So cute! Really heartwarming, and TIL about the Polynesian Panthers.
So cute! Really heartwarming, and TIL about the Polynesian Panthers.
funny
informative
lighthearted
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:
No
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
fast-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:
Complicated
A really good story, and about an important topic, it's like a 2 for 1. I loved the writing, it was exactly as I wrote in my diary as a kid. I loved watching Sofia's coming of realization and wanting to help bring justice.
Definitely a must-read. It takes place in 1976 New Zealand, which already has an interesting historical backdrop as it is, but the issues regarding police brutality, racism, anti-immigrant sentiment, and the land back movement of Indigenous people (in this case, the Māori) are still relevant today.
Update: I must comment on certain reviews that didn’t like this book because the narrator felt too young and immature. Um, she’s friggin’ 13 years old! Sorry she’s not the deep, stodgy philosopher/always aware activist you want her and all 13-year-olds to be.
Update: I must comment on certain reviews that didn’t like this book because the narrator felt too young and immature. Um, she’s friggin’ 13 years old! Sorry she’s not the deep, stodgy philosopher/always aware activist you want her and all 13-year-olds to be.
informative
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:
Complicated
Starts a bit slow, but is a really wonderful story that also brings to light a part of history I didn’t know about. Well done, good for tweens.
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
challenging
hopeful
informative
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
I learned a tremendous amount from this children's book. Although fiction, it is based on real-life events. I had never heard of the Polynesian Panthers or the racial discrimination and atrocities endured by Pacific Islanders in New Zealand. This story centered around Sofia and her family; each character was written so well and I loved how the book was in turns funny and serious. In just a short novel, the author expertly explores themes of racial injustice, family, friendship, and growing up through the eyes of a just-turned-13-year-old girl.