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betweentheshelves's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Not only does this book tackle tough topics in a very engaging way, all of the characters were well-rounded and made it easy to get into the book. Buford connects race to football for Russell and shows how certain actions impact Black people specifically. This book should definitely be included in all teen collections because it's important and impactful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Racial slurs, and Racism
Moderate: Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Car accident
Minor: Child death, Death, and Domestic abuse
kayladaila's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.75
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Inkyard Press in exchange for an honest review.
There’s a quote about books being mirrors; windows, or sliding glass doors. This book was a sliding glass door. Russ lives in a small town in Louisiana where he is a senior on his school’s football team. He is looking to get a scholarship away from his hometown when his best friend and team’s quarterback is arrested for no reason, changing both their life trajectories. I’ve read Nic Stone and Angie Thomas, but Kneel was different. Russ’s experience in a rural setting is one I’ve never read before, and there’s an added layer of frustration to the isolation these characters experience within their small town.
These characters were very well developed and the writing for the overall story was so profound. I have so many passages I want to quote. I am not at all a sportsball person, so parts of this book went over my head, but I was still able to grasp the story. The fact that I finished reading the book and immediately want to take action is telling. This book is absolutely moving.
There’s a quote about books being mirrors; windows, or sliding glass doors. This book was a sliding glass door. Russ lives in a small town in Louisiana where he is a senior on his school’s football team. He is looking to get a scholarship away from his hometown when his best friend and team’s quarterback is arrested for no reason, changing both their life trajectories. I’ve read Nic Stone and Angie Thomas, but Kneel was different. Russ’s experience in a rural setting is one I’ve never read before, and there’s an added layer of frustration to the isolation these characters experience within their small town.
These characters were very well developed and the writing for the overall story was so profound. I have so many passages I want to quote. I am not at all a sportsball person, so parts of this book went over my head, but I was still able to grasp the story. The fact that I finished reading the book and immediately want to take action is telling. This book is absolutely moving.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Police brutality, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Car accident
Minor: Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, and Grief