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melbsreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content warnings: 9/11, homelessness, terrorist attack (in the past), PTSD, mental health, Islamophobia, grief, death (in the past), bullying
Oh, my heart. It had never entirely occurred to me that kids today have to actively be taught about 9/11. Like, probably I'd half thought about the fact that Australian kids don't automatically know about it, but it hadn't occurred to me that it would be part of the curriculum in the US, especially in New York.
Anyway, this was extremely hard hitting, with Deja not only dealing with her own homelessness but with learning about 9/11 and Islamophobia. I would desperately love for her to get therapy at some point, but I fully understand why that's NOT part of the story. She's a very prickly protagonist, but the story was really effectively told and while I don't know that I can say it's an enjoyable read, it's an important one and I'm really glad I picked it up.
Oh, my heart. It had never entirely occurred to me that kids today have to actively be taught about 9/11. Like, probably I'd half thought about the fact that Australian kids don't automatically know about it, but it hadn't occurred to me that it would be part of the curriculum in the US, especially in New York.
Anyway, this was extremely hard hitting, with Deja not only dealing with her own homelessness but with learning about 9/11 and Islamophobia. I would desperately love for her to get therapy at some point, but I fully understand why that's NOT part of the story. She's a very prickly protagonist, but the story was really effectively told and while I don't know that I can say it's an enjoyable read, it's an important one and I'm really glad I picked it up.
jkprie001's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
aeprice38's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
audramea675's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? No
3.25
shelbynik's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
3.0
bickie's review against another edition
4.0
Deja starts 5th grade at a new school now that her family has moved into a homeless shelter in Brooklyn, which is ironically in a better part of town. The school actually has playground equipment. Deja's life experience has been focused on taking care of her little brother and sister, making sure they get to day care on time, are fed and clean, and stay out of the way when Pop gets into one of his dark moods. Deja's mother is the only breadwinner in the family and tries to take care of her husband as well as the children, but Deja shoulders a lot of responsibility for a 10-year-old. An inquiry project at the beginning of the school year about the destruction of the twin towers eventually opens Deja's eyes to the importance of history and to the common bonds we all share as humans, Americans, New Yorkers, etc. The language is accessible, though some of the scenes where Deja imagines being there when the towers fell are difficult emotionally. Best for age 10-12
elizabethwillett's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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
2.75
nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This book takes a tragic event from fifteen years ago and shows how it still affects our nation today, a concept that many middle graders don’t grasp—fifteen years ago can often feel like ancient history to a kid this age. One major plus is that the book tackles diversity in significant ways, showing how 9/11 affected not only those who were directly involved but also the mindset toward people of middle eastern descent. The three main characters, Deja, Ben and Sabeen, all have different ethnicities and backgrounds, and I loved the friendship that they shared. The book also sheds light on the issue of homelessness since Deja is homeless.
This is a perfect book for the classroom because it’s set in one, and the kids are really trying to think critically about history and why it matters to them. My only worry would be that this focus might turn readers outside of the classroom off a bit because it might make the book feel too “educational.” Still, the themes are important and well thought out.
One other note: This book describes the events of 9/11 in some detail. Deja watches a video of the tragedy and is horrified to see things like people jumping from the windows of the buildings. I’m actually not sure my (ultra-sensitive) twelve-year-old will be able to read this book because of these somewhat graphic (for kids) descriptions. Parents and teachers should be aware that this book may not be appropriate for all kids because of this.
I give this book 4/5 stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via #BEA16 in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
This book takes a tragic event from fifteen years ago and shows how it still affects our nation today, a concept that many middle graders don’t grasp—fifteen years ago can often feel like ancient history to a kid this age. One major plus is that the book tackles diversity in significant ways, showing how 9/11 affected not only those who were directly involved but also the mindset toward people of middle eastern descent. The three main characters, Deja, Ben and Sabeen, all have different ethnicities and backgrounds, and I loved the friendship that they shared. The book also sheds light on the issue of homelessness since Deja is homeless.
This is a perfect book for the classroom because it’s set in one, and the kids are really trying to think critically about history and why it matters to them. My only worry would be that this focus might turn readers outside of the classroom off a bit because it might make the book feel too “educational.” Still, the themes are important and well thought out.
One other note: This book describes the events of 9/11 in some detail. Deja watches a video of the tragedy and is horrified to see things like people jumping from the windows of the buildings. I’m actually not sure my (ultra-sensitive) twelve-year-old will be able to read this book because of these somewhat graphic (for kids) descriptions. Parents and teachers should be aware that this book may not be appropriate for all kids because of this.
I give this book 4/5 stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via #BEA16 in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
hsegdash's review against another edition
4.0
Simple writing for young readers. Great for perspective and how people were affected by 9/11. Spoke about people jumping.
carolineinthelibrary's review against another edition
5.0
This book is so important. There is a generation of kids coming into school and learning about 9/11 for the first time. They may or may not know how this history relates to them. Deja learns the importance of history to the world but also to her family. She learns about 9/11 for the first time and comes to understand that history is always a part of who we are as a country and as people. I loved this book and the message it sends. I think this would be a great assigned reading for kids who are learning all the dynamics of 9/11 and the way it has shaped our world today.