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sunflower_lavender's review against another edition
fast-paced
4.5
really good book, I knew nothing about this and it was fascinating to see both sides of the case.
xdtaytayxd's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
5.0
imscrem's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
This book managed to touchingly portray a court case that reflected on a myriad of issues that America was facing at the time and, in large part, continues to face. It told the story in an engaging way that kept me hooked the whole time and curious to find out more about the issues. The sheer unfairness of it all was shocking to read about so directly. At the same time, I like to think that we are making progress — since the incident, much legislation has passed acknowledging nonbinary individuals, and even within the book it is clear that the state of California has reformed aspects of its prison system. Still, there remains much to be done.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Medical content, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Death of parent, and Classism
Minor: Homophobia and Transphobia
emmabeckman's review against another edition
4.0
So I really liked a lot of things about this book. I didn't realize it was YA until I was halfway through and I looked up the author. I think that's a really good thing because it means that the writing is condescending, it doesn't make things simpler for a younger audience. The writing was definitely pretty casual, but that created a good tone for the whole book instead of just making it seem like only young adults could read this book.
I also really liked how it told both sides of the story and didn't reduce either side to right or wrong. However, I was conflicted about what this book was trying to argue. I think that's good overall because it means that any young adults that read it will be left with a lot to think about (and discuss with parents/teachers/friends). But I think the author felt like they couldn't pick a side to argue for because they were writing for young (impressionable) adults and picking a side would have led to intolerance for the other side.
Anyway. It was especially interesting to me because I'm from the Bay Area, but I didn't really remember the incident from when it happened even though I was a senior in high school. So it was a good read!
I also really liked how it told both sides of the story and didn't reduce either side to right or wrong. However, I was conflicted about what this book was trying to argue. I think that's good overall because it means that any young adults that read it will be left with a lot to think about (and discuss with parents/teachers/friends). But I think the author felt like they couldn't pick a side to argue for because they were writing for young (impressionable) adults and picking a side would have led to intolerance for the other side.
Anyway. It was especially interesting to me because I'm from the Bay Area, but I didn't really remember the incident from when it happened even though I was a senior in high school. So it was a good read!
milomarkle's review against another edition
4.0
Such a well-written book! I really appreciated how the author made an effort to show us every perspective that was involved, and the entire book made me think hard about my own opinion of the subject matter. Overall, an incredible and important book.