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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
I read this in about 24 hours because it was just too good to put down for very long. I would recommend this to everyone! And I wish I had some teenagers in my life I could convince to read it. This book tackles the topics of immigration and race in a really approachable way that demonstrates we all have a lot of learning and growing to do together. It was just so good and if you're reading this, you MUST pick up a copy!
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I wasn’t familiar with this book at all other than it was YA. I went in without reading the synopsis and never having heard of the author.
I grabbed it on audiobook and I am happy to report that this book is amazing. I did get a little bit of WTFOH vibe and I think that has to do with the same type of High School setting and both being about a teenage girl. Which is fine because I also loved that book.
The story follows Liliana Cruz as she transfers to a nearly all white school and starts to feel that she must change herself to fit in. She has hard choices to make and needs to decide if taking a stand is more important than hiding who you are.
This book is full of so many wonderful things and I highly suggest everyone read it!
I grabbed it on audiobook and I am happy to report that this book is amazing. I did get a little bit of WTFOH vibe and I think that has to do with the same type of High School setting and both being about a teenage girl. Which is fine because I also loved that book.
The story follows Liliana Cruz as she transfers to a nearly all white school and starts to feel that she must change herself to fit in. She has hard choices to make and needs to decide if taking a stand is more important than hiding who you are.
This book is full of so many wonderful things and I highly suggest everyone read it!
I absolutely loved this YA contemporary because I could really relate to Liliana. As first generation Canadian Latinx, I can relate to a lot of these questions and nuances you go through as a teenager, and even as an adult tbh.
I appreciate that Jennifer De Leon kept us in a grey zone most of the time, because as we all know, people are rarely all good or all bad (expect one who shall not be named and frustrated me to no end). Going through this change with Liliana was hard though. As much as I can relate to her experience, I couldn't bare reading through those horrible experiences her and other METCO students had to go through. They were hard to read, and even harder to accept that it's not the exception for students of colour (in North America anyways). I wish the side characters were even more fleshed out, for example the other METCO students, to have other conversations. That being said, some did show character development, which gave the ending a sense of hope, on top of the main character's character development and how she came out of those experiences.
It has to be said that the writing sometimes felt a bit too teenage-y for me which sometimes made me roll my eyes, but hey, I'm just being an old millennial so I def did not take out any points for that. I did however have mixed feelings with the ending : On one hand, other than getting detention, what is really Mike's punishment for those hateful memes ?? I feel like it was glossed over because we just know there will be no other punishment, and the only positive outcome is seeing that Dustin 'is just not like them' and finally decided in the end that he shouldn't be friends with a racist jerk. Seriously though, are we supposed to accept the fact that Dustin cheated on his gf with a METCO girl, who was the side chick, and may have dated others ? I don't know, there was a lot set up, and then quickly swept under the rug with that one good action. Also, I felt like it was far-fetched that the cool 'wall' to answer those questions was the solution to a crowd yelling 'White Lives Matter' .... I don't know, that scene was disturbing, with the spitting and throwing of stuff, but had no follow-up ? Really?? Anyways, enough ranting on the ending. The last page or so ended the whole book in a positive note which I was grateful for.
I definitely cannot wait to read what else Jennifer De Leon will write next !
I appreciate that Jennifer De Leon kept us in a grey zone most of the time, because as we all know, people are rarely all good or all bad (expect one who shall not be named and frustrated me to no end). Going through this change with Liliana was hard though. As much as I can relate to her experience, I couldn't bare reading through those horrible experiences her and other METCO students had to go through. They were hard to read, and even harder to accept that it's not the exception for students of colour (in North America anyways). I wish the side characters were even more fleshed out, for example the other METCO students, to have other conversations. That being said, some did show character development, which gave the ending a sense of hope, on top of the main character's character development and how she came out of those experiences.
It has to be said that the writing sometimes felt a bit too teenage-y for me which sometimes made me roll my eyes, but hey, I'm just being an old millennial so I def did not take out any points for that. I did however have mixed feelings with the ending :
I definitely cannot wait to read what else Jennifer De Leon will write next !
hopeful
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is definitely one of those books that reminded me that it was YA, however, while that at times too me out for a moment I can imagine that young readers would absolutely love it.
There is something so fierce and daring about our main character. The way that she doesn’t allow obstacles to get in her way, the way she is constantly measuring herself up to other, to whiteness, to an education system that does not want her to succeed.
This book reminded me of the harmfulness we do children by only allowing them quality education based on post codes and generational wealth. The robbing of communities of their bright minds and then placing them in white schools instead of providing resources to school. Moreover, then we look at these children and if they don’t perform as expected due to the micro aggressions they’re faced with, the feeling of being alone, the fact that they probably wake up at 5 or 6 in the morning compared to the peers we place the blame on them on their communities. Because they should feel honoured, privileged that a predominately upper class white school would choose them, this is a favour to you, appreciate it, don’t forget it and they keep that over our heads at every moment
There is something so fierce and daring about our main character. The way that she doesn’t allow obstacles to get in her way, the way she is constantly measuring herself up to other, to whiteness, to an education system that does not want her to succeed.
This book reminded me of the harmfulness we do children by only allowing them quality education based on post codes and generational wealth. The robbing of communities of their bright minds and then placing them in white schools instead of providing resources to school. Moreover, then we look at these children and if they don’t perform as expected due to the micro aggressions they’re faced with, the feeling of being alone, the fact that they probably wake up at 5 or 6 in the morning compared to the peers we place the blame on them on their communities. Because they should feel honoured, privileged that a predominately upper class white school would choose them, this is a favour to you, appreciate it, don’t forget it and they keep that over our heads at every moment
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Right from the beginning, Liliana's character jumps from the page. It feels like she's talking directly to you. Don't Ask Me Where I'm From is a story of (re)invention. Liliana is simultaneously trying to figure out who she is all while balancing the conflicts within herself. Who is Liliana and who is Lili? As she begins to carve out spaces for Lili, Liliana tries to figure out what kind of person she wants to be. Don't Ask Me Where I'm From tackles a myriad of timely issues: people of color who are asked to be the representative of their marginalization, the challenges reconciling a dual identity of being Latina and also American, how people of color struggle to speak up without being labeled as difficult, and many more.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/blog-tour-review-dont-ask-me-where-im-from-by-jennifer-de-leon-giveaway/
Right from the beginning, Liliana's character jumps from the page. It feels like she's talking directly to you. Don't Ask Me Where I'm From is a story of (re)invention. Liliana is simultaneously trying to figure out who she is all while balancing the conflicts within herself. Who is Liliana and who is Lili? As she begins to carve out spaces for Lili, Liliana tries to figure out what kind of person she wants to be. Don't Ask Me Where I'm From tackles a myriad of timely issues: people of color who are asked to be the representative of their marginalization, the challenges reconciling a dual identity of being Latina and also American, how people of color struggle to speak up without being labeled as difficult, and many more.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/blog-tour-review-dont-ask-me-where-im-from-by-jennifer-de-leon-giveaway/
This is a book that I had heard about briefly but that was it. I’m so glad that I read it because it is on my list of top books for 2020. That being said I have so much to say about this book and I don’t think this review will even begin to cover how seen this book made me feel.
There were so many moments in this book in which I connected to Liliana. This is a book that I so much wish was around when I was a high schooler feeling so out of place in my school for advanced studies program, or when I transferred to a predominantly white private college from community College. I felt so out of place amongst the others but I never had words to express why and how do you talk to your parents about it when they think this is to give you a better chance later.
Something this book made me think about was how my degree gave me opportunities but I’m in the same neighborhood. The bus ride that Liliana takes every morning reminds me of the ride I take daily to work and where I can see things change as if I’m visiting another world. A world that reminds me that I’m only a visitor there, my time in it is temporary and then I’ll go back to my reality.
I loved the portion in which the connection between the story and the title happen. It reminds me of what I want to respond sometimes when people ask where I’m from. It reminded me of what it feels like to say “um from here” , and then clarify “but my parents are from Mexico and El Salvador” and then to have people insist that it couldn’t be possible.
I love the complexity of this book and everything that it discusses. I like the different topics that are brought up such as: immigration, segregation, social economic class, racism, etc. I think Jennifer De Leon does a great job at introducing these topics throughout the story and having the characters learn through different interactions with each other.
I think that the book wrapped up great and I like how it points out that the racism at the school isn’t fixed but its a start. I thought that it was important that the book recognized one event wasn’t going to solve everything and things wouldn’t change overnight. I enjoyed how one event started a dialog and how that event started change not just for the school but in the way Liliana viewed her community and other METCO kids.
Characters: Throughout this book you get introduced to many different characters and I loved that each of them was unique. Each character had a role in the story and the interactions that they have with Liliana help in her development.
I liked that you got to see both people from her city, people in the METCO program, and people at her new school. It was great to see so many different characters with different life experiences.
I really enjoyed Liliana’s relationship with her mom, her family and her best friend, Jade. It was nice to see how her mom thought of Jade as family and the difference in how she treated Jade and Liliana’s white friends.
Writing Style: This story is told in first person, all in Liliana’s perspective. I thought it was great to see how she was experiencing everything rather than to have multiple views. It was nice to see how her view affected the story and how she changed through different events. I also thought it was good because it left little room for sympathy towards anyone else.
There were so many moments in this book in which I connected to Liliana. This is a book that I so much wish was around when I was a high schooler feeling so out of place in my school for advanced studies program, or when I transferred to a predominantly white private college from community College. I felt so out of place amongst the others but I never had words to express why and how do you talk to your parents about it when they think this is to give you a better chance later.
Something this book made me think about was how my degree gave me opportunities but I’m in the same neighborhood. The bus ride that Liliana takes every morning reminds me of the ride I take daily to work and where I can see things change as if I’m visiting another world. A world that reminds me that I’m only a visitor there, my time in it is temporary and then I’ll go back to my reality.
I loved the portion in which the connection between the story and the title happen. It reminds me of what I want to respond sometimes when people ask where I’m from. It reminded me of what it feels like to say “um from here” , and then clarify “but my parents are from Mexico and El Salvador” and then to have people insist that it couldn’t be possible.
I love the complexity of this book and everything that it discusses. I like the different topics that are brought up such as: immigration, segregation, social economic class, racism, etc. I think Jennifer De Leon does a great job at introducing these topics throughout the story and having the characters learn through different interactions with each other.
I think that the book wrapped up great and I like how it points out that the racism at the school isn’t fixed but its a start. I thought that it was important that the book recognized one event wasn’t going to solve everything and things wouldn’t change overnight. I enjoyed how one event started a dialog and how that event started change not just for the school but in the way Liliana viewed her community and other METCO kids.
Characters: Throughout this book you get introduced to many different characters and I loved that each of them was unique. Each character had a role in the story and the interactions that they have with Liliana help in her development.
I liked that you got to see both people from her city, people in the METCO program, and people at her new school. It was great to see so many different characters with different life experiences.
I really enjoyed Liliana’s relationship with her mom, her family and her best friend, Jade. It was nice to see how her mom thought of Jade as family and the difference in how she treated Jade and Liliana’s white friends.
Writing Style: This story is told in first person, all in Liliana’s perspective. I thought it was great to see how she was experiencing everything rather than to have multiple views. It was nice to see how her view affected the story and how she changed through different events. I also thought it was good because it left little room for sympathy towards anyone else.
I really enjoyed this one, but think I was a bit too old for this novel. I loved the Latinx representation and the conversations the characters had towards the end.
TW: depression, racism
*Thanks to the publisher for an ARC of this one*
TW: depression, racism
*Thanks to the publisher for an ARC of this one*
Liliana is a 15-year-old Latinx Bostonian whose life drastically changes when she gets accepted into Metco, a program that aims to desegregate the ultra-white and wealthy suburban schools in Massachusetts by busing ~inner-city~ students of color. Liliana is already dealing with so much when the story starts--her mother's depression, her father apparently leaving, taking care of her little brothers, and her best friend ditching her to spend time with her boyfriend. At her new school, Liliana suddenly finds herself a minority among her many ignorant peers, who frequently ask her, "Where are you from?" and "What are you?"
I was hooked on this fast-paced story from the start. Liliana's angst is real (and justified!) and made me want to keep reading. The secondary characters were also very vivid and believable and sometimes really infuriating. De León really captures this moment in history so well...
This is a timely and necessary story that highlights the issues many of our mixed-status students face during this unfortunate time in American history, when people's livelihoods are at stake and our own president is spewing hatred and misinformation. I am thrilled that this book exists because as a Boston public school teacher, I have met many Lilianas--students who are forced to grow up, speak up, and take on a lot of responsibilities at a young age. Liliana's story is one of courage, resiliency, and power. Kids like her deserve to see themselves reflected in books... and kids who are not like her need to read these important stories in order to educate themselves (and not say ignorant nonsense). I also appreciated De Leon's ability to balance storytelling with the history of colonization, war, and immigration in Central and North America. Readers will no doubt be captivated by the story but they'll also learn the reasons why people flee their countries and sacrifice so much in order to have better lives.
Although I received a free e-arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, I will be purchasing a physical copy of the novel for my classroom library because this story is a must-read.
I was hooked on this fast-paced story from the start. Liliana's angst is real (and justified!) and made me want to keep reading. The secondary characters were also very vivid and believable and sometimes really infuriating. De León really captures this moment in history so well...
This is a timely and necessary story that highlights the issues many of our mixed-status students face during this unfortunate time in American history, when people's livelihoods are at stake and our own president is spewing hatred and misinformation. I am thrilled that this book exists because as a Boston public school teacher, I have met many Lilianas--students who are forced to grow up, speak up, and take on a lot of responsibilities at a young age. Liliana's story is one of courage, resiliency, and power. Kids like her deserve to see themselves reflected in books... and kids who are not like her need to read these important stories in order to educate themselves (and not say ignorant nonsense). I also appreciated De Leon's ability to balance storytelling with the history of colonization, war, and immigration in Central and North America. Readers will no doubt be captivated by the story but they'll also learn the reasons why people flee their countries and sacrifice so much in order to have better lives.
Although I received a free e-arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, I will be purchasing a physical copy of the novel for my classroom library because this story is a must-read.
I really enjoyed this story. A latinx student is accepted into a special program that takes her to a more prestigious school and she is faced with a lot of race issues along the way. It’s beautifully written, I listened to this on audiobook and the narrator did an excellent job.