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popgoesbitty's review against another edition
3.0
A beautiful book. I don't have much more to say. It is a young adult novel, which usually aren't my favorite, but I would encourage any teen to read it. As for adults, I would recommend this one if you'd like to read a book about slavery that's on the less graphic side.
My only issue is I felt the perspective of the white indentured girl to be unnecessary. Both girls were almost always together, so the narrative didn't really change. I often found myself wondering whose section I was even reading. I would've much preferred for it to stay on Amari's side.
My only issue is I felt the perspective of the white indentured girl to be unnecessary. Both girls were almost always together, so the narrative didn't really change. I often found myself wondering whose section I was even reading. I would've much preferred for it to stay on Amari's side.
kghouston1994's review against another edition
5.0
It was amazing and I loved it . One of my favorite fictions about slavery. It held alot of detail and I could imagine everythhing that went on .
edshara's review against another edition
5.0
This book was Amazing!! At times, I had to put it down and walk away, before I could continue. It would have been so easy to focus on the evil that is so present in the book but the author constantly made sure, the reader, understands that the main focus is on "hope" throughout the book.
With everything that Amari witnessed and endured throughout her journey she was able to cling to hope and build necessary friendships. Even though this is a fictional account, I know, that so many of the events in this book are heartbreakingly accurate for the time period. Amari's perseverance and resilience as well as her vulnerable moments were beautifully crafted into an excellent story. I loved how she found her strength even in her weakest moments.
Polly was a breath of fresh air. Her and Amari's friendship reminded me of the friendship between similar characters in one of my favorite books, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. I liked the fact that Polly didn't like Amari or other slaves in the beginning, yet overtime, she came to love them and have compassion for them, even though that wasn't the norm at the time.
I would have kept reading, had Ms. Draper had more of the story to tell, however, some of the loose ends were wrapped up. I used my imagination to fill in my other curiosities. I also enjoyed some of the historical information that was given in the book. It was like we got a great story and a small history lesson all in one.
I would say this is a must read. I wouldn't try to find out anymore about this book than the synopsis provides, otherwise, I think you'll lose some of the "Oh My Goodness" factor. But trust me if you like historical fiction or want something diverse to read, READ THIS!! It is excellent!!
With everything that Amari witnessed and endured throughout her journey she was able to cling to hope and build necessary friendships. Even though this is a fictional account, I know, that so many of the events in this book are heartbreakingly accurate for the time period. Amari's perseverance and resilience as well as her vulnerable moments were beautifully crafted into an excellent story. I loved how she found her strength even in her weakest moments.
Polly was a breath of fresh air. Her and Amari's friendship reminded me of the friendship between similar characters in one of my favorite books, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. I liked the fact that Polly didn't like Amari or other slaves in the beginning, yet overtime, she came to love them and have compassion for them, even though that wasn't the norm at the time.
I would have kept reading, had Ms. Draper had more of the story to tell, however, some of the loose ends were wrapped up. I used my imagination to fill in my other curiosities. I also enjoyed some of the historical information that was given in the book. It was like we got a great story and a small history lesson all in one.
I would say this is a must read. I wouldn't try to find out anymore about this book than the synopsis provides, otherwise, I think you'll lose some of the "Oh My Goodness" factor. But trust me if you like historical fiction or want something diverse to read, READ THIS!! It is excellent!!
ihateava's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
vandelay's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.0
mmotleyu's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed hearing Amari's story of slavery in first person alternated with Polly's. A good ya look at a teen's experience being purchased for the master's son's 16th birthday present. Polly is an indentured servant whose fate becomes intertwined ed with Amari's. 2015 - 16 battle book.
kjwit's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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? Yes
5.0
It was such an eye-opening book written by the granddaughter of a man who used to be a slave. The book was written in the perspective of two fifteen-year-old girls. One white, one black. The black girl is Amari who has lost everyone and everything she loved and the white girl, Polly, is an indentured servant and orphan. There is so much character development that these girls display as they overcome experiences that many people could never imagine.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Slavery, Sexual harassment, and Child abuse
Moderate: Rape, Gun violence, and Child death
carmeneend's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0