raechsreads's review against another edition
4.0
A story about Maisie, who finds herself struggling to re-center herself following a knee injury. It was such a heartwarming read. I found myself rooting for her and her family.
rozesntea's review against another edition
5.0
If I didn’t read before bedtime, I would have read this in one sitting. This is a middle-grade read, but honestly it is a wonderful read for any age. It explores family, mental health, Seattle and Makha history. I think anyone who lives in Seattle should read this to bring more awareness to the peoples who were here before many of us. Day really reminds us that no matter what age we are, we’ll always go through a period of pain and loss, that we might not know if it’ll be okay in the end and that’s okay. It also reminds us to humanize our younger folx and how much more inquisitive and aware they truly are.
dianablanco's review against another edition
5.0
What a beautifully written book that takes a tender voice to anxiety and feeling alone & lost in adolescence. The backdrop is an indigenous middle school girl navigating the overwhelming change in her life as a result of an injury. The book isn’t dark. The story isn’t broody. It is careful. It is thoughtful and it is rooted in family. Highly recommend as a mother or father/daughter buddy read.
andrealage's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.0
bethgiven's review against another edition
5.0
Maisie, a seventh-grade Native American girl living in the Pacific Northwest, is struggling. Months earlier, an accident sidelined her from the thing she loved most: ballet. What's more, she can't seem to shake the heavy, isolating feeling that has settled in recent weeks. She's struggling in school, snapping at her parents, ghosting her friends. When her family vacations to the Olympic Peninsula for the long weekend, Maisie's despair only deepens. Thankfully, supportive family and friends are there to help her work through her challenges.
This short middle grade novel checks all the boxes for me. I loved the beautiful setting; I visited the Seattle area for only a few days in 2019, but I daydream about it all the time! I enjoyed the likable characters; Maisie's family is just the best. The storyline was so relatable; children and adults alike have all had to deal with loss, whether it's the loss of plans and dreams, like Maisie, or the loss of a loved one, like her mother suffered through. The book introduced me the Makah tribe and their traditional whale hunt; I really enjoyed learning about that (there are even more details in the author's note at the end). And there's even a scene at a library, which is presented as a place of hope and healing, and that warms my library-loving heart.
Even though it's short, this book tackles a lot of issues (besides the ones I mentioned earlier, there's activism, social media and technology use/abuse, the connection between our physical and mental health, the war in Afghanistan, creative writing, our connection with nature, and the positive role of therapy). But rather than scattering the story, I feel like the complexity adds to its richness. This book was an enjoyable listen during this dreary time of year. I just loved it, and I'm excited to recommend it to my daughter and nieces!
This short middle grade novel checks all the boxes for me. I loved the beautiful setting; I visited the Seattle area for only a few days in 2019, but I daydream about it all the time! I enjoyed the likable characters; Maisie's family is just the best. The storyline was so relatable; children and adults alike have all had to deal with loss, whether it's the loss of plans and dreams, like Maisie, or the loss of a loved one, like her mother suffered through. The book introduced me the Makah tribe and their traditional whale hunt; I really enjoyed learning about that (there are even more details in the author's note at the end). And there's even a scene at a library, which is presented as a place of hope and healing, and that warms my library-loving heart.
Even though it's short, this book tackles a lot of issues (besides the ones I mentioned earlier, there's activism, social media and technology use/abuse, the connection between our physical and mental health, the war in Afghanistan, creative writing, our connection with nature, and the positive role of therapy). But rather than scattering the story, I feel like the complexity adds to its richness. This book was an enjoyable listen during this dreary time of year. I just loved it, and I'm excited to recommend it to my daughter and nieces!
drsuzbark's review against another edition
3.5
Clean upper elementary/early middle school book about overcoming trials and includes Native American history.
emperor_e's review against another edition
5.0
This book has well written characters, and is written beautifully. Maisie’s character is believable, and her brother Connor is the sweetest. I would recommend this book.