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pib003's review
5.0
I want to validate this poor child so badly. The microagressions! This was an excellent story, highly recommended
kalynwebb's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
twiinklex's review
4.0
What a fantastic book that I devoured in one day!
I really liked how the story is split into 3 Acts; we get to see Aoi not only grow as a 12-year-old girl but also develop as a character. She's such a relatable and likeable protagonist whose journey I enjoyed following every step of the way.
The microaggressions and racism experienced by Aoi and her family made me so angry! I had to remind myself that the story is set in the late 80s to feel less boiling mad. At the same time, the book also feels like contemporary fiction because things like that are still happening today and people continue to face the same crap. Sure, we've made progress in the last few decades — but there's still a long way to go.
I would have given this a higher rating if not for the last few chapters, which felt a bit too fast-paced. Some of the characters were forgiven too easily and I wanted them to be more challenged. Then again, the 1980s setting is something to consider. I also didn't understand Ben's inconsistency i.e. what was up with the earlier flirting?
This is a beautifully written middle-grade novel that I would highly recommend to everyone regardless of age. Don't miss the author's note.
I really liked how the story is split into 3 Acts; we get to see Aoi not only grow as a 12-year-old girl but also develop as a character. She's such a relatable and likeable protagonist whose journey I enjoyed following every step of the way.
The microaggressions and racism experienced by Aoi and her family made me so angry! I had to remind myself that the story is set in the late 80s to feel less boiling mad. At the same time, the book also feels like contemporary fiction because things like that are still happening today and people continue to face the same crap. Sure, we've made progress in the last few decades — but there's still a long way to go.
I would have given this a higher rating if not for the last few chapters, which felt a bit too fast-paced. Some of the characters were forgiven too easily and I wanted them to be more challenged. Then again, the 1980s setting is something to consider. I also didn't understand Ben's inconsistency i.e. what was up with the earlier flirting?
This is a beautifully written middle-grade novel that I would highly recommend to everyone regardless of age. Don't miss the author's note.
kpunch87's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
chrissiemwright's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
leahbrarian's review
3.75
Brown succeeds in everything she sets out to do, spinning a story about racism, microaggressions, the pressures of stereotypes both from within and without, and the power and pitfalls of dreaming, all with a bright, engaging main character at the center. I did think that Ben's heel turn came a little abruptly and could have used some more foreshadowing, although that did allow it to act as a real gut punch, and although the time jump was a bit sudden, I appreciated the way that Annie balanced politeness and strong self-respect in terms of her friendships as the book ended.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
wordnerd153's review against another edition
4.0
Entertaining coming of age story about a Japanese American girl living in Kansas in the late 80s who becomes aware of racial discrimination and micro aggressions through her participation in sports and theater.
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