megpancoast's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
4.25
sandraagee's review
4.0
This is a timely and important book. Thankfully, it's also a really, really good book.
I listened to the audio. There's a full cast who narrates the dialog, one person for each student. One of these narrators is Jacqueline Woodson's son, and she does a really nice interview with him at the end of the audiobook where they ask each other questions.
I listened to the audio. There's a full cast who narrates the dialog, one person for each student. One of these narrators is Jacqueline Woodson's son, and she does a really nice interview with him at the end of the audiobook where they ask each other questions.
lsm239's review
5.0
Harbor Me is one of the most moving, impactful books I have read. What a great way to introduce elementary age students to issues like white privilege, immigration, and broken families. The story introduces us to Esteban, Tiago, Holly, Amari, and Ashton through Haley's voice, as she plays us the recordings they made together in the ARTT room (A Room To Talk). Esteban's father has been taken by ICE. Haley's father has been in prison since her mother died in a car crash when she was three years old. These are the two major problems influencing the story, though we learn about each child's struggles. Holly is misunderstood because she can be loud and blunt and hyperactive. Amari's childhood ends abruptly when his father tells him it's not safe for him to play with water guns and nerf guns because of the color of his skin. Tiago experiences racism because he and his family speak Spanish. And Ashton, as the only white kid in the school, must learn about how the color of his skin grants him privilege.
The cover art chosen for this book is beautiful and understated, showing the silhouettes of the six children and emphasizing the way they "harbor" each other by their closeness and body language.
This book is a fantastic way to teach kids about these real life issues in an age appropriate way. It will also help kids feel less alone if they are experiencing some of the same struggles as the characters. In the upper elementary grades, I would definitely have this book in my classroom library, and maybe use it as a read-aloud.
The cover art chosen for this book is beautiful and understated, showing the silhouettes of the six children and emphasizing the way they "harbor" each other by their closeness and body language.
This book is a fantastic way to teach kids about these real life issues in an age appropriate way. It will also help kids feel less alone if they are experiencing some of the same struggles as the characters. In the upper elementary grades, I would definitely have this book in my classroom library, and maybe use it as a read-aloud.
cstanovich's review
5.0
Such simple language, but such heavy content from the eyes of middle schoolers. Was not the most “I have to keep reading” but very very beautiful and so important!!
afro8921's review
5.0
I absolutely love the idea of being a safe harbor for someone. As a librarian, I believe that libraries are safe harbors. The students in this story battled their own perception of themselves and each other to create a unique safe harbor. Each character had such rich complexity! I absolutely loved the story line.
aniseekim's review against another edition
5.0
poignant, personal, and powerful. the three p’s. also, I had been meaning to read this book since I was 11, so it was a strangely emotional experience for me all around.
carstensena's review
4.0
I expect this will be a perfect 5th & 6th grade book club selection in my school. Gracefully addresses so many big issues that kids that age are dealing with right now. And then the emotional impact...
heatherbermingham's review
4.0
Six kids, all with various struggles, meet and talk for an hour every day at school, no adults. Before long they start sharing their stories. Touches on racism, immigration/deportation, incarcerated and absent parents. A quick, easy read and a good, middle grade-appropriate introduction to lots of different societal ills.
alykat_reads's review against another edition
5.0
I loved the diversity and discussion about diversity in this book. A lot of big issues tackled in a YA novel.
mmchampion's review
5.0
Wow! If we took the time to really listen to each other, we’d all be better off. A great YA book to remind all of us that our stories matter and they connect us as human beings. Looking to get this into the hands of students (or at least teachers) soon.