Reviews

This Is My America by Kim Johnson

serenacecelia's review against another edition

5.0

This book is a must read and extremely important for young people to read, especially with the devastating incident with George Floyd and the ONGOING civil rights movement. I think that we need to see the perspective of what it's like to be Black in the United States. Eye opening book. The ending was a happy one, but despite that, we don't hear these happy endings often. Very important story. It should be required reading in schools.

grace_tokarski's review against another edition

challenging hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

peppster's review against another edition

emotional hopeful tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

hcpanda's review against another edition

5.0

As I read this book, I was so hooked and invested. And the more I read the more my heart ached and my temper rose. I ended the book thinking “that was a really good book”. Then I read the author’s notes and ended up saying “wow. That was a great book”

antonella_taylorsversion's review against another edition

4.25

 "A school shooter can come out alive, but a Black kid in handcuffs on the ground can be shot, unchecked. An AK-47 in a white hand has more rights than a Black kid with Skittles." 

I was outraged, sickened, and sad throughout the book. It tackles serious and uncomfortable issues that need to be discussed. Let's just say that by the end of the book, I was sobbing 

scary_galaxy's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective tense 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

4.0

booksandbubbles815's review against another edition

5.0

A must read.

bethanyeveleth's review against another edition

5.0

Johnson’s story is so raw, powerful, and informative. She expertly balances trauma and racism with Black joy and hope. A really amazing read that would pair well with a study of Just Mercy and/or with the podcast Ear Hustle to help humanize incarcerated people, bring light to the tragic and heinous imperfections of the justice system and encourage action. A truly unforgettable read that should be on everyone’s shelves.

bethanyruth's review against another edition

5.0

I can't recommend this book highly enough. It is timely, appropriately and realistically devastating, and a perfect read for anyone who is looking to understand current events in the Black community from a young person's perspective.

*I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

pastel_yellow_hearts's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Honestly a really good book, considering it's YA. Very easy read even though it's about hard topics. Learned more about this messed up country I live in, which is always depressing but important.