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bookishgabrielle's review against another edition
3.0
This book tackles so many big and important things that naturally, it isn't going to be totally successful at all of them. The "girl changes herself for a guy" is obviously a classic trope, and my jaded self is skeptical that someone in Tye's position would still really want anything to do with Nala after all her lying. But I did appreciate the social critique about the alienation of wokeness. This is definitely something I struggle with, more on Imani/Tye's side of things (although hopefully not as bad!), but hearing Nala's perspective in this story gave me some food for thought about how conviction for social change can sometimes come off *too* judgemental to the point where it turns people off to your message, almost on principal (because no one likes feeling shamed). Overall, a solid YA novel with very relevant themes to this point in history.
susiedunbar's review against another edition
4.0
LOVED the message. Loved the truthfulness of the relationships. And I loved the Harlem/NY setting and vibe. I didn’t love the writing style, though. But that’s okay. It’s a good book to recommend to girls especially.
the_loudlibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for the advance Kindle copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. When Nala agrees to go to an open mic night with her cousin-sister-friend Imani for a teen activist group in Harlem, she doesn’t expect to meet adorable Tye. As she gets to know him, Nala finds herself pretending to be what she thinks he wants, instead of herself. Meanwhile, Imani seems to grow resentful of Nala, who lives with Imani’s family. When Tye discovers her lies, Nala has to be real with herself and learn to love who she is, despite her fear of the future. Perfect for grades 7+, and it’s out 2/2!
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. When Nala agrees to go to an open mic night with her cousin-sister-friend Imani for a teen activist group in Harlem, she doesn’t expect to meet adorable Tye. As she gets to know him, Nala finds herself pretending to be what she thinks he wants, instead of herself. Meanwhile, Imani seems to grow resentful of Nala, who lives with Imani’s family. When Tye discovers her lies, Nala has to be real with herself and learn to love who she is, despite her fear of the future. Perfect for grades 7+, and it’s out 2/2!
elilovesbooks10's review against another edition
3.0
Looking back, this was an easy read but made me frustrated more than a couple of times.
ruthel11's review against another edition
funny
relaxing
fast-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
yesiolvera's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lifeofaliterarynerd's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fun, thoughtful, and beautiful look at how people engage in community differently. Nala is ready for a summer of fun and relaxation, while her cousin Imani is dedicated to her activism group. And when Nala meets a cute new boy Tye, she misrepresents her interests to have something in common with him. I don't think the romance was the focus of the story, or even Nala's relationships with her family (though I would have appreciated more with her estranged mother), but it's really a look at yourself, your interests, and what you want to do. And for that, I think it succeeded. I was a little disappointed by the ending - I felt it was a bit abrupt, and I wanted a bit more, but I did like the story overall.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
evilplants's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
thebookheaux's review against another edition
4.0
This is a book i would want my daughters to read. It was refreshing and interesting. I recommend this book to all the teens going thru that period of transformation between a teen and an adult.