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in_and_out_of_the_stash's review against another edition
4.0
A book that should be read by all the white people. And then all the immigrants/immigrants' children so they know plenty believe in magic.
librarianoliviarae's review against another edition
2.0
Wonderful lessons about being yourself and accepting others, especially immigrants. Falls short about midway through - the magic lacks development and the witch's goal to make everyone in Brooklyn the same is unexplained...we don't know why she is evil. Overall, the main character's voice didn't capture me past her first few chapters.
ngreader's review against another edition
3.0
The story of this book was so compelling and provides a great way for readers to understand the importance of diversity, especially for an individual (the importance of heritage languages and family). It's a great way to talk about assimilation and how we treat and value immigrants and why people might do or say the things they do. It's also really great for understanding Haitian culture and storytelling.
However, this clearly read as a debut novel. There were elements that were not very well explained (how can Rocky talk to literally everyone?) and the time element was jumpy (in one point, I had no idea if we were remembering something or if this was the present day and at another point it jumped from the present day to three months later with no good reason or transition). For that reason, I would put this as more older elementary , about 4th -5th grade readers, because I feel like the tone was far more juvenile than a middle school reader would enjoy. I would say younger middle school readers might enjoy this, but overall, it gave a more older elementary vibe than a middle school one.
contained no cursing or romance, did contain magic and good and bad witches and family disappearing (they come back tho)
However, this clearly read as a debut novel. There were elements that were not very well explained (how can Rocky talk to literally everyone?) and the time element was jumpy (in one point, I had no idea if we were remembering something or if this was the present day and at another point it jumped from the present day to three months later with no good reason or transition). For that reason, I would put this as more older elementary , about 4th -5th grade readers, because I feel like the tone was far more juvenile than a middle school reader would enjoy. I would say younger middle school readers might enjoy this, but overall, it gave a more older elementary vibe than a middle school one.
dswhite's review against another edition
3.0
Heavy handed message of being true to yourself. I found this book okay but lacking in a lot of areas. Did not become engaging until half way through the book. Even then not my first choice.
carrie123's review against another edition
2.0
This book started off good and had potential. A girl from Haiti comes to the US in hopes of a better life and opportunity. She is teased for being different by her peers so she desperately wants to be American like everyone else. She then meets a witch who offers to grant her 3 wishes. The story would have been better without the witch and all the magic.
I’m sure some middle graders will like this book if they like fantasy.
I’m sure some middle graders will like this book if they like fantasy.
katieproctorbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I can’t decide between 3-4 stars. The premise was so good, but it was definitely written for younger middle grade so much of the story and its lessons were spelled out in a very obvious way.
shellysbookcorner's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you Versify and Amazon Vine for my review copy.
Gabrielle left Haiti to come to America for better opportunities. Her parents want her to do well so they can all do better as a family. That’s a lot of pressure if you ask me for a ten year old. Gabrielle has a hard time fitting in no matter how hard she tries and is often teased and made fun of by other classmates.
A witch offers her three wishes, but they come with consequences. As the story progresses Gabrielle realizes that there is nothing wrong with her being Haitian and that she is American like everyone else even if she wasn’t born here. You don’t have to lose your identity or change your culture to be American.
This was my first time reading this author and even though it’s a middle grade book, I found myself nodding along as I read along. This book covered several topics such as racism, classism and what it truly means to be an American, which I loved.
Notable quote:
“And what a Black woman needs to know-regardless of where you were born-is this: America, your color walks in the door before you do. Always.”
Gabrielle left Haiti to come to America for better opportunities. Her parents want her to do well so they can all do better as a family. That’s a lot of pressure if you ask me for a ten year old. Gabrielle has a hard time fitting in no matter how hard she tries and is often teased and made fun of by other classmates.
A witch offers her three wishes, but they come with consequences. As the story progresses Gabrielle realizes that there is nothing wrong with her being Haitian and that she is American like everyone else even if she wasn’t born here. You don’t have to lose your identity or change your culture to be American.
This was my first time reading this author and even though it’s a middle grade book, I found myself nodding along as I read along. This book covered several topics such as racism, classism and what it truly means to be an American, which I loved.
Notable quote:
“And what a Black woman needs to know-regardless of where you were born-is this: America, your color walks in the door before you do. Always.”
itspeachie's review against another edition
4.0
RATING: 4 stars
I would have given this book 5 stars if the writing and plot were better. However, I enjoyed some of the bits of humor and the general story. Arnold tackled the themes of wanting to fit in and be more "American" very well! And she also incorporated Haitian culture and magic, which I thought was a nice blend of realism and fantasy. I loved her messages of embracing your true self and culture, as the granddaughter of Korean immigrants. Overall, this was a pleasing read, if a bit lacking in quality!
I would have given this book 5 stars if the writing and plot were better. However, I enjoyed some of the bits of humor and the general story. Arnold tackled the themes of wanting to fit in and be more "American" very well! And she also incorporated Haitian culture and magic, which I thought was a nice blend of realism and fantasy. I loved her messages of embracing your true self and culture, as the granddaughter of Korean immigrants. Overall, this was a pleasing read, if a bit lacking in quality!
knbattle's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
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
4.0
amber_hastings's review against another edition
Really wanted to love this book but I found the prose a bit stilted and the main character lacked oomph. It had a lot of promise and great introductory chapters, but I feel the magic system wasn't compelling or convincing enough.