crystal_reading's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed reading this even though it wasn't what you would call a comfortable read. There were some very intense portions. I appreciated seeing a story that revolved around siblings because it doesn't seem like that happens very often. I also liked that the romances are not tied up in neat shiny bows. They are realistic and messy.
jamiecoyne's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
kyanitecourage's review against another edition
4.0
Trigger warnings for suicidal ideation, improper medication use, teen alcohol drinking, teen sex, underhanded racism, biphobia, and mental illness stigma.
This book was really endearing. And I loved all the issues and representation Colbert brought to the table. Bisexual, black, Jewish girl who worries about her white, bipolar step-brother while they both crush on the same girl. But she’s dating a half black, half Korean guy with Ménière’s disease, who uses hearing aids. Little and Lion’s sibling relationship is amazing, as well as their relationships with their parents. There is a wide cast of characters with different backgrounds. There’s a LOT of love in this book, in many forms, but love doesn’t magically make everything perfect (though it certainly helps).
This book was really endearing. And I loved all the issues and representation Colbert brought to the table. Bisexual, black, Jewish girl who worries about her white, bipolar step-brother while they both crush on the same girl. But she’s dating a half black, half Korean guy with Ménière’s disease, who uses hearing aids. Little and Lion’s sibling relationship is amazing, as well as their relationships with their parents. There is a wide cast of characters with different backgrounds. There’s a LOT of love in this book, in many forms, but love doesn’t magically make everything perfect (though it certainly helps).
blakehalsey's review against another edition
5.0
Damn, this was everything I wanted it to be. Messy, beautiful, completely satisfying.
juliana_aldous's review against another edition
3.0
The story was very readable and tackled subjects for teens such as microaggressions, gender, and mental health. But maybe, too many for one book?
Some issues are treated with respect but then others are completely glossed over. The job does a good job of dealing with bipolar symptoms. There is talk of suicide but it is handled well and again informative. And I appreciated a scene where microaggressions are called out--that was completely informative. But then others--six kinds of tequila can appear at a party and jello shots are passed around with no consequences or questions. The teens are sexually active, but they seem to be going through the motions. The main character is working out her own gender/sexuality, but she felt a bit jaded already by the whole thing.
I read this because this book was tagged for banning in Texas schools. I decided to read a number of books on the list because I hate the idea of banning any books and loathe the idea that librarians and educators are not qualified to know which books should be available for teens.
Some issues are treated with respect but then others are completely glossed over. The job does a good job of dealing with bipolar symptoms. There is talk of suicide but it is handled well and again informative. And I appreciated a scene where microaggressions are called out--that was completely informative. But then others--six kinds of tequila can appear at a party and jello shots are passed around with no consequences or questions. The teens are sexually active, but they seem to be going through the motions. The main character is working out her own gender/sexuality, but she felt a bit jaded already by the whole thing.
I read this because this book was tagged for banning in Texas schools. I decided to read a number of books on the list because I hate the idea of banning any books and loathe the idea that librarians and educators are not qualified to know which books should be available for teens.
calliecachat's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
I loved the way this book portrayed heavy topics like mental health, sexuality, race, and religion in a way that is approachable to young adults.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
pajge's review against another edition
3.0
you can definitely tell brandy colbert is a middle grade author but this was still good
sheabuckley's review against another edition
4.0
This book touches on so much. Race within family and beyond, sexuality, mental health, non-blood related nuclear family relationships, religion, and more. At points it felt like maybe it was trying to accomplish too much, but theres reality in that too, so it didn't bother me too much. There were parts that were simply hard for me to read because of how intense it was, especially concerning mental health and "all or nothing" secrets.
littlemisslibrarian's review against another edition
3.0
Some parts went too fast and not explained enough; meanwhile, other portions went by too slow and stated way too many times. The book may have flowed better if the chapters alternated between the perspectives of both Little & Lion instead of just Little.