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

5.0

Thank you to Random House Kids, for the eArc of Take Back the Block, which I loved. Authors that tackle current issues like gentrification, in their own voice and using their own life experience, are powerful for kids to read. Gentrification is a complex issue that negatively affects people of color all across the country. Giles did an incredible job not only explaining what gentrification is, but also helping young readers see the effects it has through her characters' experiences.
I hope my students take Wes' lead and use their voices to help the "arc of moral universe bend toward justice." I will definitely be adding this realistic fiction middle-grade novel to my classroom library and booktalking it with my students.