erinsbookshelves's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
stephaniejalowiec's review against another edition
5.0
Outstanding, uniquely told from the second person, middle grade novel set in the 60s. Ariel is struggling with her family’s prejudice towards her sister’s husband while managing to find her voice at school (despite having dysgraphia). This book has all the feels.
shrrawat's review against another edition
5.0
So when I first read the first impression, I was under the impression that the author would explore the intercultural/interracial relationship that defines the book. Instead, the author explores the internal conflict of those left behind after all the shunning and shaming takes place for said relationship. Normally, I would lose interest (after all, there is only so many pages of cognitive dissonance that one can take), but Hiranandi's protagonist, Ariel, is so likable that you can't help but fall in love with her.
The prose is immersive, and the second-person perspective, while jarring at first, actually grew on me as the story went on. We got to see how Ariel came to terms with realizing that how she sees the world is not how others see it, and that love can come in many shades, religions, and forms that are not always apparent. I devoured this story in one sitting, and I have a feeling that a lot of other young readers will do the same.
The prose is immersive, and the second-person perspective, while jarring at first, actually grew on me as the story went on. We got to see how Ariel came to terms with realizing that how she sees the world is not how others see it, and that love can come in many shades, religions, and forms that are not always apparent. I devoured this story in one sitting, and I have a feeling that a lot of other young readers will do the same.
alexcooper88's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry and Racism
grace_ace's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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? No
4.0
booksbybrady's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
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
4.75
pib003's review against another edition
5.0
Ariel asks the questions that everyone should ask of themselves, their loved ones, and the world around them. I'm so grateful that this character models change-making behaviors for young readers.
kbucheit's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kristinakg's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
medium-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
5.0
eme20's review against another edition
4.0
I might change this to 5 stars!! It was inCREDIBLE. The second pov was a little jarring at first- I don’t think I’ve ever read a book in second pov that wasn’t one of those choose your own adventure books I used to read way, way back in the day. But I loved how each issue was handled- how you see the trauma and internalized prejudice of the parents through Ariel’s perspective. I loved the poems, and the nuance of each character so thoughtfully shown. This would be a great way to teach my kids characterization. Definitely adding this to my recommended reads for my students!!