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A review by careinthelibrary
A Soft Place to Land by Janae Marks
3.0
A Soft Place to Land was good but unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it like I did From the Desk of Zoe Washington. This was one of my highest anticipated releases of this year and while it wasn't bad, it just didn't click for me.
I'm grateful that this book does not centre Black pain and trauma. Those stories matter too, of course. But it's great seeing one that doesn't. The protagonist is Black but beyond a few brief mentions of micro-aggressions and the feeling of being "the only Black kid in the class", there is no presentation of Black trauma. That's such important representation for young readers!
Great DAD representation. This parenting duo are both so tender and supportive of their kids but this dad especially. There are lots of books with great moms, but this dad is so sensitive and compassionate. It's not at the expense of their mom either, but she just happens to not be around as much (though she still gets to have special moments with Joy).
I will still keep my eyes open for future books by Janae Marks because she's a talented author who knows how to write kids well.
content warnings: brief mentions of racism and micro-aggressions, anxiety, financial insecurity, discussion of cancer/death/grief (of a parent that passed before the events of the novel).
I'm grateful that this book does not centre Black pain and trauma. Those stories matter too, of course. But it's great seeing one that doesn't. The protagonist is Black but beyond a few brief mentions of micro-aggressions and the feeling of being "the only Black kid in the class", there is no presentation of Black trauma. That's such important representation for young readers!
Great DAD representation. This parenting duo are both so tender and supportive of their kids but this dad especially. There are lots of books with great moms, but this dad is so sensitive and compassionate. It's not at the expense of their mom either, but she just happens to not be around as much (though she still gets to have special moments with Joy).
I will still keep my eyes open for future books by Janae Marks because she's a talented author who knows how to write kids well.
content warnings: brief mentions of racism and micro-aggressions, anxiety, financial insecurity, discussion of cancer/death/grief (of a parent that passed before the events of the novel).