Reviews

Wave by Diana Farid

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avajade's review

adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book is actually hard for me to write about because it is just so beautiful in all the right ways. It is full of so many emotions, beautiful writing, important topics, characterization, and 80s references. The author’s inclusion of such a specific setting and pop culture references could have easily turned off a reader, but Farid seamlessly blends it into Ava’s story to where it is all part of one amazing package. A package that includes a lot but that is because a 14 year old Persian girl growing up in California would have dealt with a lot: identity, self-love vs. loathing, immigrant experience, expectations, friendship, hobbies, school, racism, family… and on top of that Ava has Phoenix’s and (my favorite character) Room 509’s health to think about, her own broken leg, surfing, music, and a single parent. Add to all of this plot poetry that is robust in its rhythm and variety in a way that makes reading the book an experience, a wonderful reading experience.

Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=24140

thenextgenlibrarian's review

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4.0

“Words are like. medicine, when the right ones are given, and the right ones are heard.”

readsknitsrepeats's review

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5.0

4.5 Beautifully written novel in verse with gorgeous illustrations.

cjmedinger's review

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4.0

A nice book in verse, and a good own voices story.

thenextgenlib's review

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4.0

“Words are like. medicine, when the right ones are given, and the right ones are heard.”

miszjeanie's review

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4.0

Wave by Diana Farid is a lyrical, captivating, and heartwrenching middle grade verse novel about first crushes, surfing, and the grief of losing a friend. This is also a great way to introduce kids to older technologies from the 80s and learn about volunteering at a hospital. Ava is a flawed, relatable protagonist and I adored her friendship with Phoenix and Naz and her overall character growth throughout the story. Just have the tissues nearby!

Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/wave-by-diana-farid/