A review by kaylani_simplyme
Blended by Sharon M. Draper

Wow!! I was really not expecting this book to hit me as hard as it did. My Eleven year old self has never connected to a book character more. I was going through the same thing as this character at this age and I totally felt seen by the book. I will say though that the cover of this book is very deceiving. I was not expecting this book to get as dark as it did. Trigger Warnings Below.

I don't think I have ever cried this month for a short little middle grade book. It was so real and raw but also wholesome and cute. There were so many wonderful things that I enjoyed about this story. The relationship between Isabella and her step brother Darren was so amazing to watch. I love the way that music and metaphor was added into this story. The talk about micro aggressions and racism as a whole was so refreshing but also quite powerful. It was an amazing experience all around. 

I can say that were was a bit of trouble with the pacing of this book at around the 200 page mark but with I could definitely look past that after reading to the end. What a fantastic novel that I think every kid this age should pick up. There are so many thing to learn about in here.

Trigger Warnings:
Hate Crimes, Police Brutality, Gunshot wounds, Racism

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