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4.24 AVERAGE
4.24 AVERAGE
Read for Librarian Book Group
Amelia is the only Black girl in her grade until Edie's mom buys the B&B across the street. There's good friendship transitions and bonus diary entries from "long ago" (the 1950s.)
Amelia is the only Black girl in her grade until Edie's mom buys the B&B across the street. There's good friendship transitions and bonus diary entries from "long ago" (the 1950s.)
4.25
third book in my reading books by black authors with black main characters for black history month project !!
this is actually a middle grade book i spotted at the library and was really interested in after i saw it was also by brandy colbert whose other book, little and lion, i have on my tbr list. i was also thrilled to see the high average rating, and i wasn’t disappointed at all. this book felt like a breeze to get through despite it being 355 pages :0 it was just so good. i loved the mystery aspect which was totally unexpected for me. i also really adored the characters. i was not disappointed and may be picking up more of colbert’s work in the future.
third book in my reading books by black authors with black main characters for black history month project !!
this is actually a middle grade book i spotted at the library and was really interested in after i saw it was also by brandy colbert whose other book, little and lion, i have on my tbr list. i was also thrilled to see the high average rating, and i wasn’t disappointed at all. this book felt like a breeze to get through despite it being 355 pages :0 it was just so good. i loved the mystery aspect which was totally unexpected for me. i also really adored the characters. i was not disappointed and may be picking up more of colbert’s work in the future.
3 - "liked it"
Ok I don't know why I didn't realize this book is actually for middle schoolers but I just loved the diversity and reading about navigating those awkward middle school days that I just kept on reading. I finished this in one night because it was a light and easy read.
Like I said it's a middle-school book so there isn't as much depth as I'd like for someone my age but it's pretty good. There's racial issues to tackle which is good for young readers who need that type of eye-opener. The mystery of the journal isn't complicated as well.
Overall, simple & diverse.
Ok I don't know why I didn't realize this book is actually for middle schoolers but I just loved the diversity and reading about navigating those awkward middle school days that I just kept on reading. I finished this in one night because it was a light and easy read.
Like I said it's a middle-school book so there isn't as much depth as I'd like for someone my age but it's pretty good. There's racial issues to tackle which is good for young readers who need that type of eye-opener. The mystery of the journal isn't complicated as well.
Overall, simple & diverse.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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
I'm a huge fan of Brandy Colbert, and this middle-grade book did not disappoint! I love the complexities of friendship that were addressed as well as the diversity represented. It was enlightening to read a story about a black girl who was one of the only black girls in her town because I haven't and will never experience that as a white girl.
There were so many small details and storylines that made the book and characters feel real and well-rounded. Things like developing romantic relationships, trying new things, the family being vegetarian, starting your menstrual cycle, balancing old friendships with new ones, experiencing different family dynamics, and so much more.
This is an important book for anyone to read, and I'd highly recommend it! And to venture into Brandy Colbert's other works as well.
There were so many small details and storylines that made the book and characters feel real and well-rounded. Things like developing romantic relationships, trying new things, the family being vegetarian, starting your menstrual cycle, balancing old friendships with new ones, experiencing different family dynamics, and so much more.
This is an important book for anyone to read, and I'd highly recommend it! And to venture into Brandy Colbert's other works as well.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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
Handles several subjects well. Middle school friend changes, adding new friends, being different from other kids.
People assume they are related. Mean girl keeps saying Alberta is “different”.
Fact that she has two dads is almost a nonissue. Having a surrogate mom does pique interest, and Alberta appreciates kids who just take stuff in stride.
Passing: How bad would it have to be to leave your whole family behind and not be able to return?(mom basically disowns her.)
People assume they are related. Mean girl keeps saying Alberta is “different”.
Fact that she has two dads is almost a nonissue. Having a surrogate mom does pique interest, and Alberta appreciates kids who just take stuff in stride.
Passing: How bad would it have to be to leave your whole family behind and not be able to return?(mom basically disowns her.)
Quite a thoughtful and emotionally intelligent realistic middle-grade novel about friendship. I didn't think I was still capable as an adult of being so immersed in a book written for this age group, but I thought this was spectacular and I really enjoyed the audiobook.
Alberta is the only Black girl in her grade in her small surfing and tourist town in California. She has two dads, both involved in the art world, and a subplot of the novel features her biological mother coming to visit while pregnant with another child. Alberta's family is one of the few Black families in her community. When she learns that a new family moving in as the owners of the B&B across the street are Black and have a daughter the same age as her, she is really happy. Alberta has a best friend, Laramie, but she and the new girl Edie quickly form a friendship. Edie is from Brooklyn and goth, and she and Alberta discover a cache of old diaries in the B&B. Meanwhile Alberta's best friend Laramie has started to hang out with a new popular crowd, including a slightly older girl who has said racist things to Alberta for years and acted like a bully.
The way race and racial prejudice is handled in this book is skillful. The way friendships are observed is also skillful - the friendship aspects reminded me of [b: Just as long as we're together|37731|Just as Long as We're Together|Judy Blume|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348783177l/37731._SY75_.jpg|3231118] by Judy Blume.
Alberta is the only Black girl in her grade in her small surfing and tourist town in California. She has two dads, both involved in the art world, and a subplot of the novel features her biological mother coming to visit while pregnant with another child. Alberta's family is one of the few Black families in her community. When she learns that a new family moving in as the owners of the B&B across the street are Black and have a daughter the same age as her, she is really happy. Alberta has a best friend, Laramie, but she and the new girl Edie quickly form a friendship. Edie is from Brooklyn and goth, and she and Alberta discover a cache of old diaries in the B&B. Meanwhile Alberta's best friend Laramie has started to hang out with a new popular crowd, including a slightly older girl who has said racist things to Alberta for years and acted like a bully.
The way race and racial prejudice is handled in this book is skillful. The way friendships are observed is also skillful - the friendship aspects reminded me of [b: Just as long as we're together|37731|Just as Long as We're Together|Judy Blume|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348783177l/37731._SY75_.jpg|3231118] by Judy Blume.
cute story but i probably wouldve enjoyed a little more if i was the same age as the mc
I don't always like reading middle grade novels as an adult reader, because sometimes they are just too simplistic to be satisfying--again, to me as an adult reader. These books are intended for younger readers and often those readers do need and want a simpler story with an easier resolution. But for me, when middle grade novels are at their best they can speak to the messiness of coming of age and figuring yourself out, and that's what Brandy Colbert is doing here. PLUS ALSO a mystery that is both something that could plausibly be solved by middle schoolers without being either totally dumb or totally solved by unrealistic plot device of some sort.
Highly recommended for tweens AND adults!!
Highly recommended for tweens AND adults!!
I’ve really enjoyed the Brandy Colbert books I’ve read - she has a great way of writing realistic fiction that feels authentic and not melodramatic. This middle grade novel was sweet and poignant.