Scan barcode
emily_mh's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- 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
3.75
I'll begin with the positives! This book had a great music camp backdrop - American summer camps are one of my favourite kinds of setting and this trope was executed really well here, with details of events, routines, and different facilities. The book also shows so much respect for middle-graders in that it exhibits how they can be dealing with a lot and that their problems deserve attention and care. Andi and Zora, much like many real-life middle-graders, are facing some really dark situations so I think this kind of book can offer a lot of solidarity and hope. Finally, the writing style was excellent. Lockington used some really beautiful language, ESPECIALLY in the "Interludes" from the camp's POV.
Unfortunately I do have a couple of criticisms to talk about, too. The first is that there was too much retrospection. This really took my out of what was happening in the present to the point where I would forget what the MCs were doing in present time while they were reflecting on the past. It felt like so much happened in the past compared to the present, which really restricted room for character development. I also thought the story was heavier on Andi's POV. It's not that I didn't like Andi (her POV was actually my favourite), but it had the consequence of that I didn't know Zora as well, which also meant her character development felt more rushed.
Despite these negatives I'm still really interested in any future books Lockington may write!
Unfortunately I do have a couple of criticisms to talk about, too. The first is that there was too much retrospection. This really took my out of what was happening in the present to the point where I would forget what the MCs were doing in present time while they were reflecting on the past. It felt like so much happened in the past compared to the present, which really restricted room for character development. I also thought the story was heavier on Andi's POV. It's not that I didn't like Andi (her POV was actually my favourite), but it had the consequence of that I didn't know Zora as well, which also meant her character development felt more rushed.
Despite these negatives I'm still really interested in any future books Lockington may write!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Self harm, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Bullying, Car accident, Panic attacks/disorders, and Racism
Minor: Xenophobia, Drug use, Classism, Vomit, Sexual harassment, Medical content, Drug abuse, Alcohol, Fatphobia, Excrement, Pregnancy, Deportation, Body shaming, Ableism, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: disordered eating Minor: forced separation from family, 1 l*z slur
More...