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bibliobrandie's review against another edition
4.0
Samira's voice is really strong and an important edition to middle grade fiction. I learned so much about the Rohingya people and their continued struggle to find a home. Set on the Kutupalong refugee camp in Bangledesh, Samira and her family have fled their native homeland of Burma (now Mynmar) due of violence. She want's to go to school and learn to read and later, to learn to surf. The pacing is a bit slow but I hope that readers will stick with it to learn more about this part of the world.
hollyxbear's review against another edition
5.0
I received an advance copy of this novel from NetGalley in return for an honest review. This novel was wonderful. There is a great lack of books about refugees, let alone Rohingya refugees. The lives of the characters are relatable in some ways and seem so bizarre or out of place in others. This book reads like its from another time with the situations they are in along with the lack of technology when it really take place in current times. Seeing a cell phone mentioned is what showed me that this was modern. This fact can be very eye opening for children. They way this novel is written also stands out to me since it is written in prose. This writing style will reach more children I believe since the words are so digestible. Overall I loved this book and cannot wait to show my library patrons.
woodiefrog's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.0
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Death and Xenophobia
Minor: Genocide
emily_claire11's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ahpotts's review against another edition
3.0
Definitely middle grade. Introduction to ideas of refugees without too much violence - discussion of Rohingya and more - but I didn't feel deeply connected to the characters & wonder if, perhaps, the writing in verse kept me at arm's length? Not sure - it's a good book & I would give it to my younger students for sure, but it didn't move me deeply.
thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
A MG novel in verse about a local surf club for girls.
mrs_bookdragon's review against another edition
4.0
A great book with important themes for middle grade readers. This book would bring awareness to some of the tragedy in Burma, inequalities between refugees and natives in Bangladesh (and relationships with refugees worldwide), and inequalities between girls and boys in poverty. I liked how everyone took care of each other and the ending was inspiring.
thenextgenlib's review against another edition
4.0
A MG novel in verse about a local surf club for girls.
gkaltam's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
slow-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
4.0
Moderate: War and Gun violence