A review by literarynessie
The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed
I listened to this on audiobook but I absolutely need to get myself a physical copy.
Every description is written with intention.
The prose flows seamlessly.
The nostalgic voice felt so real and honest.
This is an example of what YA literature should be. When people say YA isn't valid or they can't find good YA, I would strongly encourage them to consider The Black Kids. This book has set the bar high for what I look for in a YA novel. Reading this story felt like opening up a time capsule. I found myself relating to Ashley. While I was born in the 1990s, the MC grows up in the 1990s. The events that unfold when we're young impact us forever. Throughout the story, we feel the Rodney King riots hanging over Ashley's world like a storm cloud. Many people think that riots and protests only happened during MLK Jr's time. This story serves as a reminder that work is never done. I'll be honest and say that this was not an easy ready but I was wholly absorbed. I listened to the audiobook and I hope to reread the physical copy.
Every description is written with intention.
The prose flows seamlessly.
The nostalgic voice felt so real and honest.
This is an example of what YA literature should be. When people say YA isn't valid or they can't find good YA, I would strongly encourage them to consider The Black Kids. This book has set the bar high for what I look for in a YA novel. Reading this story felt like opening up a time capsule. I found myself relating to Ashley. While I was born in the 1990s, the MC grows up in the 1990s. The events that unfold when we're young impact us forever. Throughout the story, we feel the Rodney King riots hanging over Ashley's world like a storm cloud. Many people think that riots and protests only happened during MLK Jr's time. This story serves as a reminder that work is never done. I'll be honest and say that this was not an easy ready but I was wholly absorbed. I listened to the audiobook and I hope to reread the physical copy.