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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Yes! More of this please! A contemporary realistic novel, less than 300 pages, with a Native main character. The story of Wesley is compelling and rings true. I love seeing her as a fully-drawn character - a gamer, a daughter, a granddaughter, a cousin, a friend, a hope-to-be girlfriend, a musician, a writer, all trying to find her place at home, school, and in her community. I really love how she sees Indigenous People's Day as a thing to be celebrated, rather than debated - finding joy in her heritage as she learns more about it.
Now, if we could have one pitched at elementary school students, I would really be thrilled. Maybe Baby Zoe could fast-forward to be a 4th grader? Or a prequel for Wesley? I would love a book between this one and JoJo Makoons, please.
Now, if we could have one pitched at elementary school students, I would really be thrilled. Maybe Baby Zoe could fast-forward to be a 4th grader? Or a prequel for Wesley? I would love a book between this one and JoJo Makoons, please.
A lovely story about a middle school girl who writes a poem for the school newspaper about Indigenous People's Day and gets an odd reaction from her English teacher and had a crushing blow to her intended romance on the same day! We learn that her tribe excludes membership if their parentage is less than ⅛...but we do get a happy ending!
This was such a lovely, bighearted middle grade novel about Wesley, a young Indigenous girl who loves poetry and is trying to highlight her heritage for Indigenous Peoples' Day. I loved the emphasis in this book on different kinds of families (Wesley lives with her single mother and other extended family members) and ways of belonging.
The author also tackles important topics about not feeling 'good enough' as relating to tribal membership. Wesley's mother is only part Indigenous and her father was white so she doesn't qualify as "Native enough" to be an official member of the Upper Skagit tribe. Despite this, the book still does a great job showing there is more than one way to feel belonging. There is also great allyship from Wesley's friends and her crush, despite the lack of official school support for her poetry.
Part of the new Heartdrum imprint, this was another fantastic #ownvoices title that highlights Indigenous characters and culture. Great on audio with notes by both the author and editor of the series. Highly recommended, especially for fans of books like Rabbit chase by Elizabeth LaPensée.
The author also tackles important topics about not feeling 'good enough' as relating to tribal membership. Wesley's mother is only part Indigenous and her father was white so she doesn't qualify as "Native enough" to be an official member of the Upper Skagit tribe. Despite this, the book still does a great job showing there is more than one way to feel belonging. There is also great allyship from Wesley's friends and her crush, despite the lack of official school support for her poetry.
Part of the new Heartdrum imprint, this was another fantastic #ownvoices title that highlights Indigenous characters and culture. Great on audio with notes by both the author and editor of the series. Highly recommended, especially for fans of books like Rabbit chase by Elizabeth LaPensée.
cute cute story with real hardship and heartbreak intermixed. "for the kids who yearn to belong" indeed <3
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A MG novel perfect to read during Indigenous People’s Day or Indigenous People’s Month.
This was such a great read and it was so cool how the story took place over only a day! So many great topics were addressed-indigenous peoples day, family, culture, friendship-as well as some fun topics (first love).
Amazing.
I finished this book with tears in my eyes, and the sort of wonder 'whoa' Doesn't even begin to describe.
I finished this book with tears in my eyes, and the sort of wonder 'whoa' Doesn't even begin to describe.
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No