Scan barcode
citrus_seasalt's review against another edition
4.0
My first book I’ve read by Cynthia Leticia Smith! I’m no fan of Peter Pan retellings, but I enjoyed the personalities (and sisterhood) added to Wendy and Lily. Their POV chapters were distinguishable, as well. (I would’ve, however, liked for the other characters’ personalities to feel as strong.)
Although this kept the main events of Peter Pan intact, it was very clear from the twists of the story that it was rewritten from a more critical (and mature) standpoint. Sometimes, this brought to light some rather horrific implications. I can see this being intense for the target demographic, even with the fourth wall breaks adding both a reminder of the fictitious-ness and adding some humor (but, there was once or twice where I thought they were redundant). Nevertheless, this kept some high-stakes adventure and fantasy, like the original.
My criticisms, though: First, without warning, sometimes there would be switches to other characters thoughts. I found it mildly annoying, as it sometimes resulted in timeline jumps. (Also, Wendy’s naïveté and quickness to turn on her sister, even pre-Fairy Dust, felt a little immature for a thirteen-year old.) Secondly,Peter’s redemption was a mess. While I am glad the other kids didn’t forgive him, and the narrative still acknowledged he wasn’t entirely selfless when trying to better himself, the narrator was too easy on him for essentially kidnapping and/or killing kids for nearly a century. (Plus, Belle still forgave him.)
But overall, I still thought this was a solid, engaging read that can hopefully spur critical discussion. I’ll see Indigenous reviewers thoughts to see if I missed anything.
Although this kept the main events of Peter Pan intact, it was very clear from the twists of the story that it was rewritten from a more critical (and mature) standpoint. Sometimes, this brought to light some rather horrific implications. I can see this being intense for the target demographic, even with the fourth wall breaks adding both a reminder of the fictitious-ness and adding some humor (but, there was once or twice where I thought they were redundant). Nevertheless, this kept some high-stakes adventure and fantasy, like the original.
My criticisms, though: First, without warning, sometimes there would be switches to other characters thoughts. I found it mildly annoying, as it sometimes resulted in timeline jumps. (Also, Wendy’s naïveté and quickness to turn on her sister, even pre-Fairy Dust, felt a little immature for a thirteen-year old.) Secondly,
But overall, I still thought this was a solid, engaging read that can hopefully spur critical discussion. I’ll see Indigenous reviewers thoughts to see if I missed anything.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Racial slurs, Racism, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Death
Minor: Transphobia
allikay14's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Minor: Animal death, Racial slurs, and Death of parent
elle4352's review against another edition
DNF'd at 147. Usually I cut at 100 pages if I'm not feeling a book, but I wanted to like this one so I gave it a few more pages. Ultimately, I had to tap out. The plot is pretty slow, nothing truly exciting has happened yet. More then that, the writing is just WAY too much telling, almost no showing and while this book is a middle grade read, it's supposedly recommended for 8-12 yrs. I can't imagine any middle schooler or even a fifth grader with zero concept of context clues and this book just spoon feeds you every single thought and motive and explanation for everything. I'm also not a fan of retellings with Peter as the bad guy.
jk_nojoke's review against another edition
5.0
Such an interesting take on Peter Pan! Cynthia Leitich Smith tackles the racism in the original story with finesse and adds a lens to the character of Peter Pan that you can't unsee. I have handed this to kids looking for Peter Pan read-alikes and I will never stop!
ireitlitam's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
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
5.0
mdevlin923's review against another edition
3.0
Step-sisters Lily and Wendy, normally best friends, are struggling with their relationship in the wake of their parents' arguments. The two girls will be split up (one to New York City and one to Tulsa), and their parents might divorce. The night before Wendy is supposed to leave, Peter Pan and fairy Belle arrive and whisk Wendy and her brother off to Neverland. Lily, determined to save them, follows. When they arrive at Neverland, they realize not everything is right. The two sisters must work together to save themselves, their brothers, new friends they have met, and the island itself.
A modern retelling of Peter Pan with a focus on respect for the land and all the people and creatures who inhabit it. A nice focus was placed on Native peoples, and some of the wrongs that were in Barrie's original work are questioned. I really like the concept, but there was something about the writing that made me feel like I was always missing something in the text.
A modern retelling of Peter Pan with a focus on respect for the land and all the people and creatures who inhabit it. A nice focus was placed on Native peoples, and some of the wrongs that were in Barrie's original work are questioned. I really like the concept, but there was something about the writing that made me feel like I was always missing something in the text.
bibliobrandie's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this modern retelling of Peter Pan. Smith weaves meaning into the large supporting cast, especially the Native kids, and shows Peter for the tyrant and a menace to Neverland that he is. I liked the focus on blended families. Good for younger readers.
juneberry0123's review against another edition
adventurous
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
b_jud's review against another edition
adventurous
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
4.5
Interesting update of a classic tale. I like some of the additions to the lore, and the Native/Indigenous perspective was sorely needed.