Reviews with content warning for Police brutality - King e as libélulas

he just like me fr

But seriously, this is the second middle grade Callender book I've read and the only issue I have so far is the kids feel so young. King is uhh 13? In eighth or ninth grade? He feels much younger. I don't remember what I was like when I was in eighth and ninth grade, not fully, but I know I was a bit more mature. Then again, I am from a big city, and in hindisght I probably thought I was more mature than I was, but there are some things in the book where I thought "Okay now baby boy you should know about that by now." It's all perspective though I guess.

This book is perfect for readers of the same age, not old 20 year old hags like me. There's a little black 13 year old child who's gonna read this book and make it their entire personality. If it came out nine years ago, that child could've been me. And then when they turn twenty they'fe gonna look back and reread the book again for the first time in years and go, "Damn... he just like me fr."

Kacen Callender you will always be famous! ❤️ Call me.

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alibader's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful sad tense 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

This is such an important and moving read. The main characters are so well-rounded and very well written, the themes of grief and finding yourself is so important - especially for middle-grade readers.

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zombiezami's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful mysterious 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? It's complicated

5.0

I enjoyed this novel, and I feel like it will be very enriching for the target age group. It was so beautiful and sensitive.

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alylentz's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful mysterious sad slow-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

3.0

Great messages for this age group. Slow pacing--may be a struggle for readers who are used to more action-driven stories or decisive characters.

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amberinbookland's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

A book about loss. A book about love. A book about acceptance.

Content warnings: domestic abuse, death/grief, and homophobia.

This book is so beautiful. The writing, the story, the characters and the messages all touched my heart and I am so happy to know that these kind of stories are available to children today.

I was so impressed by how the author approached complex issues without completely simplifying or smothering them with an 'happily ever after'.

Life isn't easy. Everyone isn't going to accept you. You are going to make mistakes and not everyone will forgive you. But as King's Father said, "even if they don't...you'll be alright. You'll go on living."

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