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meghancrack's review against another edition
quick read, I can see how this would be a good read for MS or even 4/5th grades. A young girl wrestles with how she fits in, how her family is w/in her identity.
kamiqr12's review
lighthearted
reflective
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? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Miscarriage
caffeineaddict980's review against another edition
4.0
Amara wants to visit her Father's family in Harlem. When her Father finally takes her along on a business trip, she is excited about the experience and all the landmarks she will witness. Soon she realises that the trip isn't what she thought it would be, but as she learns more about Harlem and her Father's history, she finds that she can connect better to this other part of her life.
This was a quick and entertaining read about the notion of identity and also family ties, the chapter headings also have illustrations which is a great addition to the novel too!
This was a quick and entertaining read about the notion of identity and also family ties, the chapter headings also have illustrations which is a great addition to the novel too!
missemmacrabtree's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved this one. Powerful and real and very sweet. Also didn’t even make me feel super sad which is a plus because apparently I just keep picking sad books. 5/5 stars from me.
melodynbarclay's review against another edition
5.0
Such a heartwarming story! Truly one of the best middle grade novels I have read.
jwinchell's review against another edition
4.0
All Amara wants for her 12th birthday is to go to NYC to visit her dad’s family and leave behind rainy, tree-filled Portland for a while. Amara is hoping to learn some family secrets and stories for her Suitcase Project, which asks her to learn about her heritage, something she knows precious little about. Dad is going to NYC for his work with Nike anyway, so it’s a good chance for him to reconcile with his dad. Amara finds out that her dad and Grandpa Earl haven’t talked in 12 years, which coincides both when Amara was born and when Grandma Grace died. Tensions are high between dad and Grandpa while her city-savvy cousins show her all the stops in Harlem and Times Square. Amara is open to the tension, though, and asks lots of questions and learns things she never imagined she would about family, heritage, and her own self. This short novel is also a love letter to New York City and Oregon. Easily accessible short chapters and strong characterization make this a solid choice for upper and middle grade readers looking for modern realistic fiction about family.
mbrandmaier's review against another edition
3.0
Amara travels to New York City to meet her dad’s family and finds herself helping to heal old wounds.
larryanton22's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
relaxing
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
5.0
brandypainter's review against another edition
4.0
This is an excellent story of family and friendship for modern MG readers. Nothing earth-shattering or tragic happens. It is a story about girl trying to figure out her history and family's past. She has loving parents and a great home, but like every human ever, she is searching for her place in it all and trying to discover her identity independent of them and also how she fits with them. Renée Watson does an excellent job of developing character and place as she always does.