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A review by laleha
Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I read glowing professional reviews for this book some years ago and had it on my TBR for ages. I remembered a little bit from those reviews, but mainly that there seemed to be a lot going on representatively and that the reviews believed Colbert did it believably.
I agree. Suzette (titular Little) had challenges at school, relationship questions, and a strong attachment to her brother, Lionel (titular Lion).
What I didn’t remember was Lion’s bipolar disorder diagnosis and Little’s misplaced sense of being her brother’s keeper. Lion’s struggles with learning to balance who he was, who he believed he was, and who he wanted to be were realistic and (for me) gutting.
I’m ultimately happy with the book’s resolution, especially Little’s actions. But I saw a lot of my son in Lion and it made me miss him and hurt.
I agree. Suzette (titular Little) had challenges at school, relationship questions, and a strong attachment to her brother, Lionel (titular Lion).
What I didn’t remember was Lion’s bipolar disorder diagnosis and Little’s misplaced sense of being her brother’s keeper. Lion’s struggles with learning to balance who he was, who he believed he was, and who he wanted to be were realistic and (for me) gutting.
I’m ultimately happy with the book’s resolution, especially Little’s actions. But I saw a lot of my son in Lion and it made me miss him and hurt.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness