306 reviews for:

Mirror Girls

Kelly McWilliams

3.92 AVERAGE

stephisbranded's review against another edition

5.0

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This book was a lovely, surprise. At the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement there are twin sisters- Charlene "Charlie" and Magnolia. Charlene is black and lives in New York- outspoken in her fight for rights and tough as nails. Magnolia is passing for white and living in Georgia on an old slavery plantation with her frills and chills of a grandmother. They were separated at birth after their parents are killed for being in a biracial relationship. What brings them together is the death of both of their grandmothers and an ominous curse in their blood.

This book gave me chills. It was beautiful and heart wrenching and I just feel like any words I say about it won't do it justice. I love that this takes place in the 50's, but also has fantasy/ghost elements in it too. It felt gothic and creepy and just perfect for the story. A must-read.

lora_hogan's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-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: Yes

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I see some 2 star reviews here and can only think they are because this book made you uncomfortable.  While my uncle may have marched with the freedom riders, I’m still a white woman. A white woman, from a line of white women. And, while not a native, I currently live in Georgia. If this book makes you feel uncomfortable, READ MORE. LEARN MORE. 

I loved the fantasy elements for crossing generations and showing (through magic) the power of truth, love and fighting against all odds.

darr76's review against another edition

3.5

dark reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Hate crime, Racism, Murder

Moderate: Physical abuse, Police brutality

Minor: Forced institutionalization

fern_raegan's review against another edition

3.5

dark mysterious medium-paced

cook_memorial_public_library's review against another edition

4.0

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A 2022 staff favorite recommended by Karen. Check our catalog: https://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__S%20mirror%20girls%20mcwilliams__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=gold

hbreight's review against another edition

3.0

dark 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: Yes

msseviereads's review against another edition

4.0

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Enjoyed. Will be purchasing for middle school classroom library.

leahjanespeare's review against another edition

4.0

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I think this will probably be comped to The Vanishing Half because it follows twin girls, Black, one who is white passing, the other not. Their lives wildly diverge as they are raised very differently through the 1950s in the American south. There is also a touch of magic weaved in, which was a cool addition. This is wildly different than McWilliam’s debut and I look forward to seeing what she writes about next. 

mal_reads_books's review against another edition

4.75

dark emotional informative mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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An engaging, easy to follow, eye-opening story. It was thought-provoking and gave me insight into Southern culture.

Seeing the bond develop between the sisters was heartwarming. I was interested in Magnolia's story and her choice in whether to continue living as "white" or to be open with her black heritage.

As much as I enjoyed this book, the ending felt too abrupt. I wish it had taken more time for character development and

to show more of Magnolia's life after she made her choice.

I recommend this book, especially for teen readers. Even as an older reader myself, I gained a lot from this. It offers plenty of themes for an engaging discussion.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Hate crime, Racism, Death of parent

Moderate: Racial slurs, Police brutality

Minor: Child death, Slavery, Murder

flowersfavouritefiction's review against another edition

3.0

adventurous dark sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes