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ftmemobrew89's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Xenophobia
Moderate: Classism, Misogyny, and Racism
Minor: Racial slurs
kwaeisig's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Bullying, Classism, and Racism
ashleyreads88's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Graphic: Classism, Racism, and Death
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Alcohol, and Racial slurs
drlove2018's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Sexual assault
emandrea's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Cursing, and Classism
gwynn0715's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Alcohol and Classism
Minor: Racism, Racial slurs, Sexual harassment, and Death
sunlit_music's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Ibi Zoboi puts a modern twist on a classic tale and adds depth, humour, insightful thoughts on classism and racism in modern day America.
The main leads are likeable and deep, while side characters such as Madrina, Zuri's parents (her Mama and Papi) shine with love, liveliness, and wisdom. Zuri's sisters are fun and hilarious, and Darius' brother Ainsley is charming and kind.
Zuri's poems in the book are filled with sincerity and passion - she loves her neighbourhood, she's not ashamed to be from Bushwick, and she's openly proud of her Haitian and Dominican heritage. Reading about her pride in her different cultures, her cuisine, music, dancing, religion, and people is beautiful to see.
Her neighbourhood in Bushwick isn't perfect, but it's filled with community, love and support - people constantly visiting each other, checking on one another, celebrating, having parties, taking care of their neighbours. It's one of the best things about this book that I truly love.
I also like how characters are shown to have more depth and kindness than I first thought. Darius is much kinder than he seems, and Warren isn't as nice as he appears. Carrie also turns out to have a decent side in the end, looking out for Layla - one of Zuri's younger sisters - when Warren hits on Layla.
Both Darius and Zuri unlearn prejudices about each other, and Zuri and her family also deal with grief and
Another highlight is watching Zuri and her sister Janae blossom and shine with happiness when they visit their dream universities. They have goals of going to college and supporting their families, and it's truly delightful watching their parents and sisters support them in this.
This story is filled with positivity and love, and worth looking out for. Definitely one of the best YA books out there. :)
Minor: Racism, Grief, and Classism
maple_dove's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Racism, Death, and Classism
Moderate: Alcohol and Grief
Minor: Violence
Underage drinking (moderate), Gentrification (graphic), Police tension (moderate--but brief)cozylifewithabby's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
Graphic: Classism, Racism, and Cursing
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Bullying, and Alcohol
shelbybelby's review
- 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
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Death, and Racism
Minor: Violence