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A review by paiges_on_pages
Not Your Average Jo by Grace K. Shim
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
“Not Your Average Jo” by Grace K. Shim follows Riley Jo, a determined Korean American teenager with dreams of becoming a musician. When she enrolls in a prestigious arts boarding school in Los Angeles, she joins a band with hopes of making it big.
However, Riley Jo faces discrimination from her bandmates who believe she is “too Asian” to be the lead singer, sidelining her in favor of her classmate Bodhi. Despite the setbacks, Riley refuses to give up on her indie rock aspirations and decides to take matters into her own hands by writing an original song.
As tensions rise and truths are revealed through a documentary made by another student, Riley Jo must navigate the challenges of the music industry and find the courage to step into the spotlight on her own terms at the spring concert.
Through the eyes of Riley, we witness the challenges she faces as a Korean American teenager navigating the music industry and high school life. As she strums her way through the challenges of microaggressions, racial bias, and nepotism, readers will be rooting for her to take center stage and rock out with her authentic self.
Shim’s narrative is both relatable and thought-provoking, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of adolescence and the importance of staying true to oneself. While the Gen Z lingo was a bit too much at the beginning, it did seem to die down as the story continued.
With its relatable characters and toe-tapping plot, “Not Your Average Jo” is a captivating read that will resonate with young teens seeking a meaningful and inspiring story!
Thank you to Kohima Books for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
However, Riley Jo faces discrimination from her bandmates who believe she is “too Asian” to be the lead singer, sidelining her in favor of her classmate Bodhi. Despite the setbacks, Riley refuses to give up on her indie rock aspirations and decides to take matters into her own hands by writing an original song.
As tensions rise and truths are revealed through a documentary made by another student, Riley Jo must navigate the challenges of the music industry and find the courage to step into the spotlight on her own terms at the spring concert.
Through the eyes of Riley, we witness the challenges she faces as a Korean American teenager navigating the music industry and high school life. As she strums her way through the challenges of microaggressions, racial bias, and nepotism, readers will be rooting for her to take center stage and rock out with her authentic self.
Shim’s narrative is both relatable and thought-provoking, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of adolescence and the importance of staying true to oneself. While the Gen Z lingo was a bit too much at the beginning, it did seem to die down as the story continued.
With its relatable characters and toe-tapping plot, “Not Your Average Jo” is a captivating read that will resonate with young teens seeking a meaningful and inspiring story!
Thank you to Kohima Books for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.