Reviews

The Only Black Girls in Town by Brandy Colbert

leslielikesthings's review

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4.0

I don't read a lot of middle grade, but this was solid with an endearing and sympathetic main character. There was some friendship drama that gave me major flashbacks to my own seventh grade experiences - it was definitely realistic, though that made it a bit painful.

carstensena's review

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5.0

This may be a perfect book. And it's certainly an excellent audiobook production. I didn't realize there was an historical angle to the story and I loved that part especially--the excitement the girls felt as they researched and discovered a slice of history in their own...backyard. Loved the beach-town setting, the friendship dramas, the good parents, the surfing. Colbert gets 7th graders!

servemethesky's review against another edition

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5.0

I absolutely loved this charming middle grade novel! The characters are wonderful, the setting is great, and the story is top notch. It’s super thoughtfully written, and addresses racism in sensitive and meaningful ways. I also loved that Alberta had two dads and there’s no homophobia throughout the novel, just tons of love. What a great book! I hope tons of people read it.

michaelion's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

So cute. I, too, am a Black girl from California. I love when kids books aren't cringe. This one doesn't talk down to it's audience so extra points.
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beanzzz_com's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-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

4.0

southernbellebooks's review against another edition

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5.0

For a middle grade book, I loved everything it had to offer. The writing was fantastic and the underlying messages were great for young teenagers.

erinrebecca922's review against another edition

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inspiring lighthearted mysterious 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

4.25

Fun fact: this book has been banned from schools! This made me want to read it even more.
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daniellemohlman's review against another edition

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hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

kat_smith24's review against another edition

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funny inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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myfatsiamesecat's review against another edition

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4.0

A thoughtful, happy read!

I really enjoyed Alberta’s story, and I will be purchasing this for my St. Louis school library and will be reading everything else Ms. Colbert writes! I love that the nuances of behaviors and conversations around race are deep, yet detailed simply enough for everyone who is reading to understand why what is happening is wrong. I also enjoy that Alberta is a 12-year-old girl who knows and feels that she is still a kid and acts like one. Many students feel a lot of pressure to grow up quickly and it is so refreshing to read a book where the main character wants to slow down. A lot of positivity in this book that just works!