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

4.0

TAKE BACK THE BLOCK is an inspiring, empowering story about the importance of speaking out and working to further causes you believe in. The characters are a likable bunch, easy to root for. For the most part, the kids speak and act like kids, which isn't always true in MG books. My only beef is the romance-y bits between Wes and Alyssa. West JUST turned ELEVEN—I really don't think a romantic subplot (even as minor as it is) rings very true. It felt odd to me. As far as plot goes, TAKE BACK THE BLOCK takes a bit to get warmed up, but once it does, it moves along at a fair pace. Upbeat and uplifting, the story teaches some valuable lessons about being a friend, serving others, the power of found family, and the importance of putting one's energy behind worthy causes. With a mostly Black cast, it's also a diverse read about the kind of community that is severely underrepresented in MG literature. All of these elements combine to make this book an engaging, enjoyable, and thought-provoking read.