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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse
There is a brief flashback to a scene where Wesley was present during a fight between her biological father and her mother. Her biological father is shown to be abusive emotionally (and implied physically although not explicitly depicted) towards her mother. Wesley is not directly targeted but does witness the abuse in close proximity.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
A touching, powerful story told in the day of the life of an indigenous 6th grader. This was my first time reading Christine Day’s work, but it won’t be my last.
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This might not be the type of book people think of when they think “slice of life”, but I think the story really aligns with that category because it truly is a snapshot of the MC Wesley’s life on one particular day (in this case, Indigenous Peoples Day). We see a lot of growth over the course of that day, but the narrative is quiet in that there’s a lot of reflection and introspection as we learn about Wesley and she learns about herself. I thought this framing was effective, resulting in a slow-paced, character-driven story where I got a deep dive into Wesley’s character and became really attached to her.
Wesley undergoes a lot of character development in the day we spend with her. She becomes more sure of herself as she both expresses her indigineity and builds connections with those around her. It’s definitely a rocky road as she is faced with racism, self-doubt, and misconceptions. But ultimately, she ends her story feeling more confident and ready. As I said, I got attached to Wesley as a character and was fizzing at her happy ending.
An important theme in this book is community, manifesting in how Wesley depends on her community for connection and support following a terrible day. I’m a sucker for this theme and was a big fan of its execution here. After Wesley’s challenges it was cathartic for her character to be among people who understood and supported her. Community is fundamental to human life, but it seems many of my fellow white Westerners have forgotten this, so I love reading books when it is presented as as integral as it is.
Rep: Upper Skagit MC and SCs
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Racism
Minor: Death, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Sexism, Slavery, Violence, Grief, Abandonment, Colonisation
Moderate: blood quantum
Minor: residential schools, hunting, loss of a loved one
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I didn't love this as much as Day's previous books, but it was just because of the format, not the content. It takes place in a single day, but with many chapters flashing back and a lot of telling rather than showing. I really loved the ideas and concepts in the book, but I wish we had really been able to get to know Skye and Ella directly, rather than in a sum up by Wesley. Still, a lovely book. Day is an incredibly talented writer.
emotional
hopeful
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:
No
Wesley is excited for her big day and her writing debut! Wesley's poem about Indigenous People's Day will be printed in the school's newspaper, and she feels like she has worked up the courage to ask her crush to go to the school dance with her! From the moment Wesley steps on the morning bus, however, none of her plans seem to...well, go to plan.
This is a comforting story of finding self-worth, recognizing that your voice is important, and finding community to support you and show that you do belong. This is my first Christine Day novel, and I enjoyed the themes and messages it brought. I will be recommending this to middle-grade readers.
This is a comforting story of finding self-worth, recognizing that your voice is important, and finding community to support you and show that you do belong. This is my first Christine Day novel, and I enjoyed the themes and messages it brought. I will be recommending this to middle-grade readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Violence
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, Sexism
Minor: Racial slurs, Colonisation
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This. Book. Has so many fire quotes. I do feel like Wesley, Hannan, and the other tweens all talk and feel more like older teens than 12 year olds (they sound quite mature and wise for their young ages!), I don't actually mind it! The author clearly has a message to tell, and Wesley excels at showing that lesson. I think Grandpa Wilder is my favorite character. So much sass and rizz in one old man haha
So! Two quotes to leave you with:
1. "But lone wolves are usually the hungriest, Wesley. There is strength and safety in packs. In family and community." -Grandpa to Wesley
2. "It's impossible to know what other people are going through. You never really know who might be hurting. What pain and stories they might be carrying in their hearts. But it is always possible to be kind. To be the one who might lift someone up and out of their darkest moments. To be a helper."
🔥🔥🔥💯
So! Two quotes to leave you with:
1. "But lone wolves are usually the hungriest, Wesley. There is strength and safety in packs. In family and community." -Grandpa to Wesley
2. "It's impossible to know what other people are going through. You never really know who might be hurting. What pain and stories they might be carrying in their hearts. But it is always possible to be kind. To be the one who might lift someone up and out of their darkest moments. To be a helper."
🔥🔥🔥💯
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
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 received an ARC of “We Still Belong” from NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers in exchange for an honest review.*
This is my first Christine Day middle grade novel and I can't wait to read more from her.
We Still Belong does a beautiful job of sharing Indigenous Peoples' Day and why it is important. It provides a window into life as an indigenous person in America and how they continue to be silenced and marginalized. It is an important book, one that I look forward to sharing with my kids.
On a lighter note it also has a very light first crush theme throughout the book that was very cute, very wholesome.
This is my first Christine Day middle grade novel and I can't wait to read more from her.
We Still Belong does a beautiful job of sharing Indigenous Peoples' Day and why it is important. It provides a window into life as an indigenous person in America and how they continue to be silenced and marginalized. It is an important book, one that I look forward to sharing with my kids.
On a lighter note it also has a very light first crush theme throughout the book that was very cute, very wholesome.