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nerdysread's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Cute book. Good MCs and I loved the relationship between Jake and his parents. Some things were « ???? ». And the narrator sounded weird sometimes too
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Gaslighting, and Homophobia
Moderate: Hate crime
Minor: Death of parent and Religious bigotry
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Small Town Pride to review! I'ved loved Phil Stamper's YA books, so I was definitely interested in reading his debut middle grade. Stamper definitely nails the voice, and I think middle grade readers will fall in love with Jake.
From the plot to the characters to the setting, I think everything about this book fits the middle grade audience perfectly. Jake is desperate to make a difference in his town, but only being in middle school means that he needs help from adults. And his parents absolutely step up! I love to see a queer middle grade book where the parents are nothing but supportive. Even if their large gestures of love might draw the wrong attention. The positive intent was there.
There are also a lot of queer middle grade readers who will find themselves in towns like Jake. It's so encouraging to see that even if the loudest people are the least supportive, there will be others that support them. Outside of Jake, Stamper does a good job fleshing out the surrounding characters, and I especially loved the evolving relationship between him and Brett. It was so middle school, and it was so perfect.
This will honestly be the perfect book to read going into Pride Month. Definitely pick it up when it comes out at the end of the month!
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I would say that Phil Stamper's middle grade debut is a success! Stay tuned for a full review to come soon!
I would say that Phil Stamper's middle grade debut is a success! Stay tuned for a full review to come soon!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Biphobia
Minor: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Hate crime
kaylaphaneuf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Biphobia
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Hate crime, Lesbophobia, Child abuse, Transphobia, and Emotional abuse
There’s a lot more positive than negative in this book but that doesn’t mean moments of homophobia don’t exist as the centric plot revolves around Jake trying to start a pride parade in a conservative village/town.
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