A review by brennieree33
Can't Take That Away by Steven Salvatore

4.0

Carey's story was such a wonderful one, and one that I'm so glad I read. I loved all of the characters, other than Max, Mr. Jackson, and other homophobic members of the school staff, but I wasn't supposed to like them so it's fine. The dialogue that the teen characters had felt very real and not at all like "hello fellow kids," which I really appreciate. The Savage Six's rally for change really make me feel inspired and empowered, and really gave me hope that someday we can all rally together and realize that we're not all that different from each other, and that it shouldn't matter how others live their lives as long as they aren't harming anyone or anything. Some people need to realize this.

TW: discrimination, homophobia (I believe that’s the correct word for this situation but I’m not entirely sure), riots, assault and attacks because of homophobia, the American school system, bullying

Spoiler

The good:
- I love how even though Carey is the underdog, they're not a perfect character. They still screw up, they still hurt people, but they realize their flaws and works to make up for them. Sometimes with underdog characters they're portrayed as perfect in comparison to the oppressors, but this wasn't a problem here and I'm so glad, as normal people aren't perfect. They have flaws, regardless of their moral standpoint.
-I love that they’re just casually screaming in the park