A review by avabudavari
Candidly Cline by Kathryn Ormsbee

4.0

What a happy, sweet little book this was. I think sometimes people forget that queer people exist in the south too, and that we were kids once, and that queer kids deserve to live happy and joyful lives no matter where or who they are. I love the relationships Cline shared with all of the women in her life and seeing the progression of her confidence and sense of self as the story went on. Every single character in this book has an arc. It was amazing to see such a complex and realistic portrayal of a mother in a kid's book. And of course, all of the music in the book was so wonderful, from the references to women country singers to the songs that Cline writes herself. I also appreciate how much Brandi Carlile was brought up in this story because I am obsessed with her. I loved this so so much. This book was like a giant ray of sunshine and felt so comforting. Queer middle grade is so healing, and this is going to help a lot of queer little girls out there. Preorder your own copy of Candidly Cline!