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purplepenning's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
A+ Realistic middle grade fiction with a timely message about the importance of diverse books, the misguided intents of book banning (based on a true event), and the power of graphic novels. Lina is a middle schooler trying to find her feet in a new life as an immigrant, daughter, big sister, long-distance granddaughter, friend, English learner, artist, bath bomb designer, graphic novel enthusiast, and voice against selfishly ill-informed xenophobic censorship. It's … a lot. But she handles it with courage, some excellent help, and humor in a story that's relatable, revelatory, and entertaining.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Racism, Xenophobia, Grief, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Classism
Minor: Death and Miscarriage