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booksnorkel's review against another edition
5.0
What a strong and powerful book. Touching on a little bit of everything, in such a way to invite discussion and research this is a book that is dynamic. If this is a book that you have been thinking about reading please take this as your sign to read this book.
It is a perfect classroom book for grades 4th-7th you can do a lot with this book and the classroom projects practically write themselves. An amazing quick read that makes me want to see what else this author has.
It is a perfect classroom book for grades 4th-7th you can do a lot with this book and the classroom projects practically write themselves. An amazing quick read that makes me want to see what else this author has.
teaandlibri's review against another edition
3.0
The book sounded interesting and cute (it is middle grade) as three sisters travel from Brooklyn to Oakland California where they spend the summer with their mom. Their mom, however, is less than excited to see them and sends the girls off to a summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The three navigate being so far from home with someone who they don't really know and being in this camp.
It wasn't for me. While I respect all of the things the book is/was trying to do and it does cover a very important time period (I don't think I've ever come across a book that discusses the summer camps run by Black Panthers, although I knew they existed from histories I've read), overall I just felt it was kinda "eh" in execution.
I did also enjoy things like the bond between the sisters, the character growth, and what is likely a reasonably realistic portrayal of their mom: a lot of people felt she was cold, abusive, inhuman, etc. but I'm not entirely sure whether that's biased because of, well, the subject matter plus the book is probably slanted in its POV of who is telling this story. This is not a shot at Black Panthers as a group or its members: you can find people like Cecile in other groups, too.
Also, they did have a nice moment together in the end, so it's possible that as a first book in the series it's meant to show a growing of the relationship to at least a little something warmer.
Worth a read and good to have in a school or family library? Absolutely. Will I be continuing this series? Nah. But definitely would recommend this book in the middle school age group.
It wasn't for me. While I respect all of the things the book is/was trying to do and it does cover a very important time period (I don't think I've ever come across a book that discusses the summer camps run by Black Panthers, although I knew they existed from histories I've read), overall I just felt it was kinda "eh" in execution.
I did also enjoy things like the bond between the sisters, the character growth, and what is likely a reasonably realistic portrayal of their mom: a lot of people felt she was cold, abusive, inhuman, etc. but I'm not entirely sure whether that's biased because of, well, the subject matter plus the book is probably slanted in its POV of who is telling this story. This is not a shot at Black Panthers as a group or its members: you can find people like Cecile in other groups, too.
Also, they did have a nice moment together in the end, so it's possible that as a first book in the series it's meant to show a growing of the relationship to at least a little something warmer.
Worth a read and good to have in a school or family library? Absolutely. Will I be continuing this series? Nah. But definitely would recommend this book in the middle school age group.
diane21's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this remarkable gem of a book. Those three fierce, smart, beautiful little girls are going to stick with me for a long time.
fleurdelis's review against another edition
5.0
Interesting read.
This book is great because the messages and thoughts within it are still relevant today. It’s a great way to introduce children to the reality of being black in America, but through a child’s eyes.
This book is great because the messages and thoughts within it are still relevant today. It’s a great way to introduce children to the reality of being black in America, but through a child’s eyes.
michellew123's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
mjoyner's review against another edition
5.0
This is the first time I've come across a historical fiction about the Black Panthers, and I loved it! Appropriately thoughtful in its subject matter, and the precocious narrator charmed me to no end. A tiny, underappreciated work of art.
and_cats's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-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
4.0
carolynaugustyn's review against another edition
4.0
2017 Reading Challenge- Read a historical fiction; BookRiot's 2017 Read Harder Challenge- Read a book where all POV characters are people of color
This book had a whole lot of feelings in it. I was surprised by how powerful and important and real this book was, especially for a middle-grade book. Not that I was expecting something watered down but I certainly wasn't expecting a whole lot of heavy feelings and topics. I really felt like I learned about the time period and the scene-setting was fantastic. I really look forward to reading more of the books in the series- I really loved the characters and seeing their growth gave me joy.
This book had a whole lot of feelings in it. I was surprised by how powerful and important and real this book was, especially for a middle-grade book. Not that I was expecting something watered down but I certainly wasn't expecting a whole lot of heavy feelings and topics. I really felt like I learned about the time period and the scene-setting was fantastic. I really look forward to reading more of the books in the series- I really loved the characters and seeing their growth gave me joy.
notesonbookmarks's review against another edition
4.0
Very cute sisterly middle grade story interwoven with historical fiction about the black panther movement.