tishreads's review against another edition
4.0
This books strikes the right balance of typical middle school drama (boys, friends, changes) with mystery and racial issues. It’s an enjoyable read with deeper messages that will be enjoyed by any reader who loves this genre.
fionak's review against another edition
4.0
Started slow but great otherwise. I would happily read a sequel if Alberta wanted to make another appearance.
crabber's review against another edition
4.0
4/5
Super cute and absolutely charming. All plot holes were satisfied and despite the antagonists not being that good, everything else pulled trough. Loved the bit of mystery however hoped there was more of a payoff to it. Would have loved to see more of surfing as well as Oliver but hey book was really good.
Super cute and absolutely charming. All plot holes were satisfied and despite the antagonists not being that good, everything else pulled trough. Loved the bit of mystery however hoped there was more of a payoff to it. Would have loved to see more of surfing as well as Oliver but hey book was really good.
jaybelzebabe's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
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
4.0
joi_love_and_books's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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? No
3.75
leslielikesthings's review against another edition
4.0
I don't read a lot of middle grade, but this was solid with an endearing and sympathetic main character. There was some friendship drama that gave me major flashbacks to my own seventh grade experiences - it was definitely realistic, though that made it a bit painful.
carstensena's review against another edition
5.0
This may be a perfect book. And it's certainly an excellent audiobook production. I didn't realize there was an historical angle to the story and I loved that part especially--the excitement the girls felt as they researched and discovered a slice of history in their own...backyard. Loved the beach-town setting, the friendship dramas, the good parents, the surfing. Colbert gets 7th graders!
servemethesky's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this charming middle grade novel! The characters are wonderful, the setting is great, and the story is top notch. It’s super thoughtfully written, and addresses racism in sensitive and meaningful ways. I also loved that Alberta had two dads and there’s no homophobia throughout the novel, just tons of love. What a great book! I hope tons of people read it.
michaelion's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
4.25
So cute. I, too, am a Black girl from California. I love when kids books aren't cringe. This one doesn't talk down to it's audience so extra points.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Racial slurs, Abandonment, and Grief
beanzzz_com's review against another edition
lighthearted
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
4.0