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utopiaandmelancholy's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
A delightful middle-grade fantasy book, taking me back to the kinds of things I enjoyed reading when I was younger. I really enjoyed the world building based on Thailand, and the parallels to Les Miserables. I loved the agency given to these young activist characters, with their differing backgrounds, and while I found the messaging a little heavy-handed, it's an important and worthwhile moral of social justice. A straightforward read with great characters and a heartwarming message.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Forced institutionalization, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, and Police brutality
jennajlh's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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
A magical, whimsical retelling of Les Miserables in a fantasy Thai setting, it is one of the most beautiful books I have read in years. While MG, this book tackles tough modern themes like classism, mass incarceration, and homelessness head on in age-appropriate ways.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Forced institutionalization, and Classism
Moderate: Racism, Police brutality, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Death of parent