A review by chaptersofchase
What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris

emotional hopeful inspiring sad 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? Yes

3.5

Thank you, Tiny Reparations Books, for the gifted copy of What the Fireflies Knew {partner}

Genre: Fiction
Format: 🎧
Pub Date: 2.1.2022
Star Rating: β˜†β˜†β˜†.5

"Sometimes you gotta give up something you want to get something you need."

In this beautifully written debut, we follow Kenyatta (KB) as she embarks on a summer with her sister at their grandfather's. The two girls are sent to live with their grandfather while their mother seeks help to deal with the untimely loss of her husband. During this summer, KB discovers just what family means and finds herself face-to-face with some difficult realities.

The entire book is told from the perspective of KB, but I wish the reader had a chance to hear from Nia and their mother. It would've added a whole different dimension to this story and, in a way, given it a more profound impact on the reader. Because, when it comes down to it, every character offered a lesson to learn what it means to lose yourself, find yourself again, and forgive those that let you down.

πŸ‘§πŸΎTold from the perspective of eleven-year-old KB
✨ Debut novel
β˜€οΈ Told over one summer
πŸ™ƒ Ending left me asking, "that's it?"

❌ Drug addiction, overdose, sexual assault, racism, depression

If you've read this one and wish you could've heard from KB, Nia, and their mother, I recommend reading Black Cake, as it offers a multi-generational narration. 

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