katreadsalot's review against another edition
5.0
This was so amazing! Jason Reynold's blurb says it all - this story broke something old and built something new in me. I loved how art was infused into the story. The poetry is incredible. I plan to reread this on audio.
boxofcats's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Heartbreaking but beautifully written. The US prison system is very different to the UK but attitudes towards inmates can be similar, and this book felt very immersive. Would 100% recommend.
_p0ssum_'s review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
teryndemaree's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
page_twist's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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
4.0
crystal_reading's review against another edition
5.0
Review copy: Digital ARC via Edelweiss
This novel in verse is simply stunning. The poetry is powerful and the story itself is heartbreaking and is still hopeful. This book definitely points out some of the major issues with the criminal justice system. It also shows that the education system is also harmful to young people of color. As a teacher, that was a hard aspect to read about. Amal's teacher's and even his lawyer fail to see his humanity.
I will be recommending this book to many, many people because Amal is an artist and this book itself is a piece of art.
This novel in verse is simply stunning. The poetry is powerful and the story itself is heartbreaking and is still hopeful. This book definitely points out some of the major issues with the criminal justice system. It also shows that the education system is also harmful to young people of color. As a teacher, that was a hard aspect to read about. Amal's teacher's and even his lawyer fail to see his humanity.
I will be recommending this book to many, many people because Amal is an artist and this book itself is a piece of art.
madzie's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75