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kimbongiorno's review
5.0
THIS was SO GOOD.
It's a romance. It's a coming of age. It's an exploration of power and racism in a small town.
It's just such a great teen read.
It's a romance. It's a coming of age. It's an exploration of power and racism in a small town.
It's just such a great teen read.
jenbruton's review
3.0
Cute story, with an important external conflict. A bit heavy handed—but good and important.
emburklin's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
cmloia's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
I went in thinking this would mostly be a YA romance story (I haven't been reading book synopses much lately), but it ended up having a lot more depth than that, touching on racism, harrassment (in many forms), and freedom of press to name a few. Plus, there was still a cute young love romance plotline. My biggest knock for the book was the transitions sometimes felt choppy and abrupt.
syncstarlight's review
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
telltalepage's review
5.0
I always learn a little something when I read an ownvoices book. (I know we're not supposed to be using that term anymore, but it's the only thing that fits currently.) And I definitely learned a lot reading this.
I actually thoroughly enjoyed this. I loved Lou as a protagonist, especially as she started to realize her own flaws. I felt a huge hit of "YEP I FELT THAT" from the scene where she realizes she's a self-centered friend, especially after basically ignoring Shelby after getting together with Joey. Big college flashbacks for me
I actually thoroughly enjoyed this. I loved Lou as a protagonist, especially as she started to realize her own flaws. I felt a huge hit of "YEP I FELT THAT" from the scene where she realizes she's a self-centered friend, especially after basically ignoring Shelby after getting together with Joey. Big college flashbacks for me
ericad's review
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
shannanh's review
5.0
This was my first book by this author, and it won't be my last after reading this book. I absolutely loved the flow of this story, as well as the characters and the way they grew. This was such a cute story that had me all in my feels, and I can't wait for the next book from this author.
erine's review
4.0
A mild teen romance with a nicely strong main character. Louise the new kid falls in with the hot jock, and they date for some time. Louise ignores some of his distasteful behavior, but when he makes some casually anti-Native remarks, Louise is done. She’s not perfect, she’s not really popular, but she’s reasonably assertive and self-aware enough to apologize when it’s warranted.
There’s some typical school storylines, with neglected friendships and various bullying situations. But where Smith shines here is in addressing some of the complexities of bigotry. Prejudice can be malicious and intentional, or casual and thoughtless. Privilege is complicated, and just because you have one kind doesn’t mean you have all the privilege. Famous historical figures (specifically here L. Frank Baum) can be super popular, but also be super racist. Good intentions are great, but listening and taking action is better.
Louise’s Muscogee (Creek) heritage runs into Joey’s Lebanese heritage and Sylvia’s poverty. There is no oppression Olympics, just acknowledgement that we all have sensitivities and disadvantages.
Note: Cynthia Leitich Smith went to U of M Law school.
There’s some typical school storylines, with neglected friendships and various bullying situations. But where Smith shines here is in addressing some of the complexities of bigotry. Prejudice can be malicious and intentional, or casual and thoughtless. Privilege is complicated, and just because you have one kind doesn’t mean you have all the privilege. Famous historical figures (specifically here L. Frank Baum) can be super popular, but also be super racist. Good intentions are great, but listening and taking action is better.
Louise’s Muscogee (Creek) heritage runs into Joey’s Lebanese heritage and Sylvia’s poverty. There is no oppression Olympics, just acknowledgement that we all have sensitivities and disadvantages.
Note: Cynthia Leitich Smith went to U of M Law school.