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emily_mh's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This was such an enjoyable read. The MCs Barana and Abby were superb, being determined, passionate, creative, and realistic, but each in their own different way. Both narrative voices were also entertaining. The friendship Barana and Abby shared was sweet, and I liked how it was built on a shared goal. I think perhaps the friendship was a little quick to form given Abby’s nervousness around making friends, but this wasn’t a biggie.
Fitzgerald described the setting vividly; I felt fully transported by its beauty and summery feel. And the turtles! I learned so much about them and loved reading about them doing turtle-y things like laying nests and swimming.
The plot was well-structured and crafted. The mystery aspect relating to the poachers’ identities was unexpected yet such a great addition to the story.
Above all, this book showcases the duty we have to the environment and the relationship we have with it, and how capitalism can force us to neglect both. It also demonstrates the power middle-graders can wield for change through the courageous and dedicated actions of Barana and Abby. I loved that the author included a section at the back giving readers actionable, achievable steps to help look after turtles from wherever they may be reading.
This was one of my most anticipated middle grade releases of 2023 and I’m so stoked it was such a great read. I would highly recommend!
Rep: Honduran MC, white/Honduran-American MC, Honduran SCs, Honduran-American SC, Chinese-American/white-British SC
Fitzgerald described the setting vividly; I felt fully transported by its beauty and summery feel. And the turtles! I learned so much about them and loved reading about them doing turtle-y things like laying nests and swimming.
The plot was well-structured and crafted. The mystery aspect relating to the poachers’ identities was unexpected yet such a great addition to the story.
Above all, this book showcases the duty we have to the environment and the relationship we have with it, and how capitalism can force us to neglect both. It also demonstrates the power middle-graders can wield for change through the courageous and dedicated actions of Barana and Abby. I loved that the author included a section at the back giving readers actionable, achievable steps to help look after turtles from wherever they may be reading.
This was one of my most anticipated middle grade releases of 2023 and I’m so stoked it was such a great read. I would highly recommend!
Rep: Honduran MC, white/Honduran-American MC, Honduran SCs, Honduran-American SC, Chinese-American/white-British SC
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence and Violence
Minor: Death, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Major: animal endangerment Moderate: hurricane Minor: climate change