A review by thewordwitch
Growing Up with Aloha by Juliana Kolesova, Kirby Larson

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

2.0

This is my first foray into the Beforever line, and in comparison to the other AG series I have read, this longer book format feels lacking. I don't get the chance to witness Nanea grow over a longer period of time of have the opportunity to meet the characters and get to know them. For all of the plot tangents and storylines thrown into this book, the pacing feels slow. Also, I feel like a lot of the Hawaiian culture was left out, and instead we get a very safe view of the events going on in Hawaii. The racial conflict is minimal, and it all just feels lacking to me.