A review by jillianelis_
The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen by Isaac Blum

challenging emotional funny reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I first saw this book on the list of 2023 Youth Media Award winners and was really drawn to it for some reason. Shortly after the YMA list came out, I read an excerpt on Overdrive and could not stop laughing. Hoodie's snarky narration reminded me so much of Cam from A Heavy Dose of Allison Tandy, which was perhaps my favorite debut of 2022 - what can I say? I'm a sucker for coming-of-age tales with wisecracking teen narrators. 

While I felt like this book was missing something, I still couldn't put it down. I just wanted to spend more time with Hoodie, his friends, and his family. A quick read, but a story that will really stick with you after you close the book. 
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