A review by zikeyag
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

emotional funny informative mysterious 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? No

5.0

Wow! Just wow! This book was crazy. It was slightly predictable but besides that it spoke so loud! The racial injustice and systematic racism present in the school system is so real and so right NOW. This has been happening for years and is still happening now. We are still trying to fix it and build a community for BIPOC to feel protected and valued. We are still trying to create a space where our children can get a great education without being judged by the color of their skin. We have HBCUs, but we need more! 

The author stated that she wrote this during a dark time in her life and although she didn’t experience the extreme of Aces, she did experience similar feelings. I think a lot of us have at some point. I think with her being in such a dark place while writing this story, she truly brought to the light the dark and ugly treatment of BIPOC in schools and how our education and experiences can be altered depending on the school we go to and who we are around.

The character development was strong due to the dual POVs. That really gave me time to get to know the characters and sort of predict their next move or thoughts. I enjoyed the ending. I feel complete. 
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