This is a book everyone should read.

Beautifully written and thought-provoking, This Side of Home takes a refreshingly honest look at how cultural changes affects not only the relationship between twin sisters Maya and Nikki, but everyone around them, regardless of the color of their skin.

What I Liked:
~ The sisterly bond between Maya and Nikki, how they challenged and supported each other.
~ Their longtime friendship with Essence as well as the ones they formed with the new kids.
~ Maya and Nikki's parents, because they are FANTASTIC.
~ The conversation between Maya and Nikki that takes place on pages 234-235 (in the ARC version) was eye-opening and made me want to wrap both girls up in a hug.
~ Tony.
~ Gentrification plays a key role in the changes that take place and while it tends to be a hot topic, Renée Watson depicts both sides of the discussion without demonizing either one.

Favorite Quote(s):
I know how I felt always being portrayed as the victim. I'm sure being seen as the perpetrator feels just as awful.

"Am I a hypocrite?" I ask.
"You're a black girl who fell in love with a white boy."
"And a black girl who cares about race and class issues."
[She] leans back in the chair. "You can be both."

Mom tells me, "Some people will like you and some won't. What's more important is: Do you like yourself?"