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bibliobrandie's review against another edition
5.0
Lisa Cline-Ransome's books are so well researched, her characters are so well developed, and her writing is just wonderful. I am such a fan and found this third installment to the Finding Langston series nothing less than perfect. I love her look at bullying and I remember a friend saying to me that she didn't want her own child to be bullied but she also didn't want them to be the bully or the quiet bystander. Cline-Ransome explores all of these possibilities with this trilogy. This book would be a great introduction to the the Port Chicago Disaster and the way that Black servicemen were treated. Also could tie in the court case on mutiny and Thurgood Marshall, the Great Migration, and the Harlem Renaissance. I hope that Cline-Ransome has another book up her sleeve about Erroll.
rikkir77's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
ascheunemann's review against another edition
5.0
Cline-Ransome handled big topics like domestic abuse, masculine vulnerability, and family loss all while maintaining the perspective of a young boy. Although Clem's life experience was entirely different than my own, I found myself processing some of these items and how they have impacted my life right along Clem as he navigated the process of learning what you stand for and how to face your fears.
tammys_take's review
4.0
I really liked Clem’s coming of age story and how he grew to find his voice, his courage, and his identity. Strong family bonds help Clem’s family through the tragedy of losing his father in the Port Chicago disaster. The aftermath of rebuilding their lives, and finding hope & love through the grief, was touching.
chrissyz's review against another edition
4.0
"Just because I am scared doesn't mean I can't feel brave too"
Being Clem by Lesa Cline-Ransom is the third and final book in the Finding Langston trilogy,set in the 1940's in Chicago. Though it can be read as a stand alone, it will mean more if the stories of Lymon and Langston are read as well. The story felt a little disjointed at times but the last quarter flowed much better and the author's note detailing the historical events tied it all together and enhanced the story's impact. I would recommend these for older middle grade as the subject matter can be a bit heavy but it is filled with many points of discussion and wonderful lessons to be learned about how we let our circumstances define us and how we all have worth if we just find someone willing to want to do the work to help us see it.
I listened to the audio book, which I often don't enjoy but the narrator, Dion Graham really brought the characters to life and I would recommend it. Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for a chance to listen to this one!
Being Clem by Lesa Cline-Ransom is the third and final book in the Finding Langston trilogy,set in the 1940's in Chicago. Though it can be read as a stand alone, it will mean more if the stories of Lymon and Langston are read as well. The story felt a little disjointed at times but the last quarter flowed much better and the author's note detailing the historical events tied it all together and enhanced the story's impact. I would recommend these for older middle grade as the subject matter can be a bit heavy but it is filled with many points of discussion and wonderful lessons to be learned about how we let our circumstances define us and how we all have worth if we just find someone willing to want to do the work to help us see it.
I listened to the audio book, which I often don't enjoy but the narrator, Dion Graham really brought the characters to life and I would recommend it. Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for a chance to listen to this one!
cboddie's review against another edition
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
5th-7th
paperbacks_and_ponytails's review
3.0
I liked this book, but definitely preferred the first two the most in the series. I did like how Clem learned ro face his fears and also seeing his perspective with his friendship with Langston from the first book.
jolee's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
stenaros's review against another edition
4.0
Clem's father is killed in the Port Chicago disaster (an event I learned about by reading Steve Sheinkin's book The Port Chicago 50) and we spend a few years with him and his family as they adjust. Langston, from Finding Langston shows up halfway through, and I seem to have missed a book, but that character is present too.
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Read for Librarian Book Group