A review by sdertinger
Take Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles

5.0

YES, YES, and YES. All elementary and middle school libraries and classroom libraries need this debut from Giles. Wes Henderson is a little anxious about the start of the school year. He'll be in sixth grade and wants nothing more than to make sure his outfits are spot on. He has the best style in school, and he doesn't want to worry about anything else, but his parents are always dragging him to protests. School starts off in a way that he was not expecting, too. He has a friend who is slowly distancing himself, another who is moving to an uppity school, and another who is now living in a rough hotel. What gets even worse is a real estate developer makes an offer to buy Kensington Oaks—Wes' neighborhood. No one is taking immediate action (not even the parents), so it is up to Wes and his friends to do something. A mix of Black Joy, activism, justice, community, family, and friendship. Such a refreshing read that gives hope! I will book talk and share this book like crazy!