softstuff513's review
3.0
I’ll be honest I was kinda glad when it was over. It felt like the pacing was a little slow. Finally picked up again in the last 2 hours (was listening on audio book). And it ended really cute and sweet. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I didn’t start it on a long flight and fall asleep halfway through! I think that’s where I got lost confused and the pacing was thrown off. Definitely a great book for middle schoolers tho! I’m so happy it exists and we are getting such great representative middle grade books written!!!!
aclopez6's review
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book!
Going into this book, I was a bit biased, as Mark Oshiro’s book “Anger is a Gift” was so strong and impactful, and I was excited to read “The Insiders. Overall, “The Insiders” is a solid middle grade/children’s book about belonging, change, and finding a safe/brave space in and outside of school.
The book centers on Hector Munoz (he/him). Hector decides to wear glitter on his first day at his new school to let people know what they are in for, as he is extremely proud of his drama background, and being gay. Once he gets to school he sits at the table with the Misfits, a group of students who don’t quite fit into any other mold, and who have all been bullied. Hector is targeted by the school bully, and while at first he accepts this as part of being new, the trauma begins to impact him, and he feels unsafe at school. During one particularly bad day, a door appears, leading to a Room containing his favorite beverage (Abuela’s horchata) and a place to hide.
Strangely enough, the Room has no care for time zones or time itself, and one day Hector comes across Juliana (she/her), who lives in Charleston, SC, and finds that she is also using the room as a safe space. The bullying at Hector’s school intensifies, and Hector begins to spend more and more time in the Room. One day, after having pudding thrown at him, Hector enters the Room and finds that it has expanded. AND there is now a third person, Sal (they/them) from Phoenix, AZ. The three grow a strong friendship full of real struggles, but also real progress, which will have the reader hooked.
Overall, I would recommend this book to middle school and (younger) high school audiences, and would keep it in the classroom. I think for the right student, this book could be highly relatable and support them in reflecting on their place in the world.
Going into this book, I was a bit biased, as Mark Oshiro’s book “Anger is a Gift” was so strong and impactful, and I was excited to read “The Insiders. Overall, “The Insiders” is a solid middle grade/children’s book about belonging, change, and finding a safe/brave space in and outside of school.
The book centers on Hector Munoz (he/him). Hector decides to wear glitter on his first day at his new school to let people know what they are in for, as he is extremely proud of his drama background, and being gay. Once he gets to school he sits at the table with the Misfits, a group of students who don’t quite fit into any other mold, and who have all been bullied. Hector is targeted by the school bully, and while at first he accepts this as part of being new, the trauma begins to impact him, and he feels unsafe at school. During one particularly bad day, a door appears, leading to a Room containing his favorite beverage (Abuela’s horchata) and a place to hide.
Strangely enough, the Room has no care for time zones or time itself, and one day Hector comes across Juliana (she/her), who lives in Charleston, SC, and finds that she is also using the room as a safe space. The bullying at Hector’s school intensifies, and Hector begins to spend more and more time in the Room. One day, after having pudding thrown at him, Hector enters the Room and finds that it has expanded. AND there is now a third person, Sal (they/them) from Phoenix, AZ. The three grow a strong friendship full of real struggles, but also real progress, which will have the reader hooked.
Overall, I would recommend this book to middle school and (younger) high school audiences, and would keep it in the classroom. I think for the right student, this book could be highly relatable and support them in reflecting on their place in the world.
beyoubefreereadbooks's review
5.0
This is my new favorite book. I love this more than words can express, but really, truly every moment was fantastic. I am ABSOLUTELY adding this to my classroom shelves and my home shelves.
magicandbees's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
pipn_t's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
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? No
4.5
nanceoir's review against another edition
5.0
F R I E N D S H I P
Seriously, this book is so delightful. I might have cried for a lot of it, but that's just from the pure cinnamon roll-ness of everything. I've barely read anything through this pandemic, but I fairly devoured this book; it's so good!
Seriously, this book is so delightful. I might have cried for a lot of it, but that's just from the pure cinnamon roll-ness of everything. I've barely read anything through this pandemic, but I fairly devoured this book; it's so good!
robinks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
5.0
It must have been a while since I’ve read middle grade, but the adults and Hector really frustrated me at times. That being said, Oshiro accurately depicted some real life situations for young folks. I also appreciated how colorful and detailed Oshiro’s descriptions were.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Racism, Transphobia, and Bullying
Moderate: Islamophobia, Outing, and Xenophobia
Minor: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
flamingo11's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.5
amazingracerose's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Very fun just a little too middle grade