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birdieex's review against another edition
- 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
I fell in love with Yadriel and Julian a soon as they appeared on the page and I highlighted so many quotes the made me laugh. The characters are so strong and I was so absorbed in the world that I had trouble wanting to put the book down.
As a trans adult who was that trans teen fighting for their identity to be seen, that aspect affected me deeply. It was hard to see Yadriel's struggle since I related so much, but it was so beautifully written.
One of my favorite books by far! Can't wait to read more!
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Transphobia, Xenophobia, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Outing, Abandonment, Dysphoria, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Cursing, Violence, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Alcohol, and Deportation
Minor: Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Car accident, and Cultural appropriation
Women are discouraged from a certain job in the community.christinereads1823's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Death and Blood
Moderate: Transphobia, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death, Deadnaming, Homophobia, Car accident, Cultural appropriation, Colonisation, and Deportation
offthecarousel_'s review against another edition
- 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
5.0
This LGBT coming-of-age story was extremely compelling and had a good ratio of mystery mixed with character development. The romance felt gradual and believable (what feels like a rarity for stories with MCs in high school) and was very cute.
A great book for trans representation and I believe both of the main characters are neurodivergent as well (anxiety and ADHD). I'm excited for the sequel.
I described Yadriel and Julian to my friends as "an anxious grumpy/reckless sunshine vibe." They're so fun!
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Child death, Death, Transphobia, Grief, and Deportation
Minor: Deadnaming, Mental illness, Car accident, and Classism
jackiie's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Deadnaming, Death, Transphobia, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Car accident and Death of parent
psitstorrie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Graphic: Death, Transphobia, Blood, Murder, Abandonment, Dysphoria, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Deadnaming, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death and Car accident
classicalhell's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Transphobia and Blood
Moderate: Deadnaming, Car accident, Death of parent, and Dysphoria
Minor: Animal death, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Kidnapping, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Deportation
wrappingpaper's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
I liked the use of Spanish and I absolutely adored Julian’s character.
I also loved the lgbt rep in this story and the (spoiler) ending with the dad accepting him was really sweet. I would recommend this book however if it feels like it’s dragging at first don’t worry because i felt that and it does get better.
Good cute read that touches on important topics and will leave you smiling!!
Graphic: Transphobia, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Animal death, Deadnaming, and Alcohol
Minor: Car accident
njh_books's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Reading this story also over the dates they happened added a bit of extra magic to it. Finishing the story in the early morning/late night hours of Dia de Muertos was like being in the story.
I enjoyed all the friendship shown in the story and the interactions the characters had. It felt so realistic and also just kids being kids in the circumstances they find themselves in. Maritza was wonderful and I enjoyed the scenes with her dogs.
Julian and Yadriel are quite cute and the playful teasing is fun. The slowly blooming relationship was reminiscent of teenage years and I loved that Yadriel's mom, Camila, got to meet him in the epilogue. The reunion with his mom was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.
Apparently the book should have sequel in 2024, so looking forward to that!
Graphic: Child death, Death, Torture, Transphobia, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Deadnaming, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Car accident and Alcohol
aerietta's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Death and Blood
Moderate: Bullying, Transphobia, Grief, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Minor: Animal death, Child death, Deadnaming, Physical abuse, Violence, Medical content, Kidnapping, Car accident, Murder, Cultural appropriation, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
lunep's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Death, Transphobia, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Deadnaming, Physical abuse, Xenophobia, Medical content, Death of parent, and Deportation
Minor: Body shaming, Bullying, Grief, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Classism