A review by dmwpg
Watch Us Rise by Ellen Hagan, Renée Watson
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Watch us Rise follows Chelsea and Jasmine as they navigate oppression in their nyc social justice high school
It’s a bit formulaic at times, feeling like it’s trying to hit so many social justice topics in one book, but it’s still a very fun read filled with many charming characters, and it’s nice to find YA that is not entirely centered on the girl-gets-boy trope
It should come with a warning about a Dad with Cancer storyline that hits almost immediately and is central to Jasmine’s arc throughout
It’s a bit formulaic at times, feeling like it’s trying to hit so many social justice topics in one book, but it’s still a very fun read filled with many charming characters, and it’s nice to find YA that is not entirely centered on the girl-gets-boy trope
It should come with a warning about a Dad with Cancer storyline that hits almost immediately and is central to Jasmine’s arc throughout
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Sexual harassment