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A review by asparagusisreading
Angel of Greenwood by Randi Pink
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, Feiwel & Friends, and the author, Randi Pink, for sending me this e-arc copy of ANGEL OF GREENWOOD to read and review.
TW+CW: death, racism, child abuse, violence, blood, arson and fire, death of parent, bullying
ANGEL OF GREENWOOD by RANDI PINK is a historical young adult fiction novel following the two teen perspectives, Angel and Isaiah, that have opposing views on how black people should rise in power, when they take on summer job with their English Teacher. Over the summer, they work a mobile library that is a bike with only has three wheels and two seats. Even though Angel and Isaiah have different opinions and reasons why they took the summer job, they can't help but grow intrigued by the other and wanting to spend more time together, creating a budding romance. But then their life is changed on May 31st, 1921 when a white mob arrives in Greenwood armed with anger and vengeance leaving many people displaced, distraught, and decided on who their true enemies are.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and feeling a bit disappointed in myself for not reading it sooner. I think it's a wonderful read, giving readers some insight on some black history many probably haven't learned about in school. I didn't know about the Greenwood Massacre, aka Black Wall Street, and thanks to this book, I plan to take some time researching it and other books that is written about black history like this. I liked how the story was written because it felt like you were there. Everyone was living their life, gossiping, working, etc. when there was an unexpected event and your life is changing, flashing before your eyes. As the reader, it felt like I was watching the tragic events unfold before me. I don't typically read historical fiction but this book has me reconsidering. It is an emotional and impactful story that I will be thinking about for awhile.
I recommend this book to anyone that is interested in reading a historical fiction, reading about the Greenwood Massacre of 1921, or just interested in reading a story about two teenagers with opposing opinions on how black people should rise coming together to form a friendship and then a romantic relationship (the romance is not the main focus of the book.)
TW+CW: death, racism, child abuse, violence, blood, arson and fire, death of parent, bullying
ANGEL OF GREENWOOD by RANDI PINK is a historical young adult fiction novel following the two teen perspectives, Angel and Isaiah, that have opposing views on how black people should rise in power, when they take on summer job with their English Teacher. Over the summer, they work a mobile library that is a bike with only has three wheels and two seats. Even though Angel and Isaiah have different opinions and reasons why they took the summer job, they can't help but grow intrigued by the other and wanting to spend more time together, creating a budding romance. But then their life is changed on May 31st, 1921 when a white mob arrives in Greenwood armed with anger and vengeance leaving many people displaced, distraught, and decided on who their true enemies are.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and feeling a bit disappointed in myself for not reading it sooner. I think it's a wonderful read, giving readers some insight on some black history many probably haven't learned about in school. I didn't know about the Greenwood Massacre, aka Black Wall Street, and thanks to this book, I plan to take some time researching it and other books that is written about black history like this. I liked how the story was written because it felt like you were there. Everyone was living their life, gossiping, working, etc. when there was an unexpected event and your life is changing, flashing before your eyes. As the reader, it felt like I was watching the tragic events unfold before me. I don't typically read historical fiction but this book has me reconsidering. It is an emotional and impactful story that I will be thinking about for awhile.
I recommend this book to anyone that is interested in reading a historical fiction, reading about the Greenwood Massacre of 1921, or just interested in reading a story about two teenagers with opposing opinions on how black people should rise coming together to form a friendship and then a romantic relationship (the romance is not the main focus of the book.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Racism, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Grief, Violence, and Bullying