Scan barcode
sweetm917's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
beths0103's review against another edition
5.0
Jillian is experiencing growing pains in the form of life lessons. Her new baby sister was born deaf and she is dealing with some racial tensions in her family as well as in a newly forming friendship.
While this is a book written for kids, Gino is very open that it "is consciously written for white people as a catalyst to talk about modern racism and police violence in the United States," as they stated in the author's note at the end.
The part of the book that especially spoke to me was the tension-filled Thanksgiving dinner where Jilly is saddened to learn that some of her family members are racist. That was such a palpable moment in the story.
If I had one criticism of the book is that it's as subtle as a sledgehammer in addressing political issues, to the point where it feels a bit didactic in places. But the book has lovable characters and its greatest strength is that it models the necessity for white people to talk about race and in order to do that, we need to get uncomfortable and recognize that we're going to screw up. But doing and saying nothing speaks just as loudly as saying something offensive.
While this is a book written for kids, Gino is very open that it "is consciously written for white people as a catalyst to talk about modern racism and police violence in the United States," as they stated in the author's note at the end.
The part of the book that especially spoke to me was the tension-filled Thanksgiving dinner where Jilly is saddened to learn that some of her family members are racist. That was such a palpable moment in the story.
If I had one criticism of the book is that it's as subtle as a sledgehammer in addressing political issues, to the point where it feels a bit didactic in places. But the book has lovable characters and its greatest strength is that it models the necessity for white people to talk about race and in order to do that, we need to get uncomfortable and recognize that we're going to screw up. But doing and saying nothing speaks just as loudly as saying something offensive.
jbuvalentine's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
mys_librarian's review against another edition
4.0
The difference between 3 and 4 stars? Great back matter.
withthebanned's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed this novel. I think it would provide valuable insight to readers of all ages.
chchchazley's review against another edition
5.0
I wish there were a million stars. Alex Gino always makes me feel that way.
swayzerainey's review against another edition
4.0
It took me a little bit to get into this book. However, I really appreciated and enjoyed it by the end! This book includes diverse characters, including a several deaf characters. It reflected a real experience of young girl trying to understand intense events and people who are different from her.
mindfullibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Thx to @kidlitexchange for this review copy!
.
Still struggling with long typing sessions so I’ll sum this one up with a list:
• incredibly important messages re: inclusion/race/Deaf community/ASL/police brutality/microagressions
• middle grade with a message for ALL
• one of my top MG reads of 2018 and one of my very shortlist of top books of Fall 2018. If you read MG, teach MG, parent MG, librarian MG, this book needs to be on your radar.
.
Still struggling with long typing sessions so I’ll sum this one up with a list:
• incredibly important messages re: inclusion/race/Deaf community/ASL/police brutality/microagressions
• middle grade with a message for ALL
• one of my top MG reads of 2018 and one of my very shortlist of top books of Fall 2018. If you read MG, teach MG, parent MG, librarian MG, this book needs to be on your radar.
stevie_b's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
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? Yes
3.5
black_flamed_candle_b00ks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism