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A review by cryptidkay
The Street Belongs to Us by Karleen Pendleton Jimenez
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Okay so this book dealt with questioning gender identity and changing bodies in one of the best ways I’ve ever seen. I loved the sudden shift from Alex only being referred to by name to suddenly being reminded of their assigned gender and all the issues that can come with it. Wolf’s explanation of gender is amazing and extremely accessible for kids on the cusp of puberty. The way they handle policing and the inherent racism associated with that institution was softer than it could have been but I think it’s a good introduction for kids who may have picked this book up for other reasons to be introduced to the concept of racial profiling and institutions treating others differently especially when it comes to underprivileged youth.
The mental health stuff though. This is where the book turns for me. Wolf is getting help with his issues but Alex and his Nana are super not. I really dislike having Nana be both a huge cultural touchstone and educator while also being tossed into the crazy grandparent trope dealing with PTSD and dementia.
While the references to MASH and Rambo were funny (to a 90s kid) I don’t know if they’re going to be the necessary touchstone to the story for modern audiences that they are to their parents. That being said, I think this is one of those books that is going to be read completely differently between adults and kids. I can see kids loving the kid-friendly artwork and seeing a story that touches on history and friendship and a fun summer. As an adult I was horrified by the way things are brushed off or treated but I can see those things as an adult. It was a good read though. I had a lot of thoughts.
The mental health stuff though. This is where the book turns for me. Wolf is getting help with his issues but Alex and his Nana are super not. I really dislike having Nana be both a huge cultural touchstone and educator while also being tossed into the crazy grandparent trope dealing with PTSD and dementia.
While the references to MASH and Rambo were funny (to a 90s kid) I don’t know if they’re going to be the necessary touchstone to the story for modern audiences that they are to their parents. That being said, I think this is one of those books that is going to be read completely differently between adults and kids. I can see kids loving the kid-friendly artwork and seeing a story that touches on history and friendship and a fun summer. As an adult I was horrified by the way things are brushed off or treated but I can see those things as an adult. It was a good read though. I had a lot of thoughts.