Reviews

The Insiders by Mark Oshiro

bibliobrandie's review

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3.0

I liked the themes and the characters but it was too long with too much going on. I also hate the trope of the bully who torments all the students but all the teachers think he's an angel. Like this boy is spitting loogies on people's lunch and no teachers know that he's a bully. Come on! No running in the hallways Mr. Munoz lady drove me crazy. She was over the top mean. And I hate the gotcha moment.

thepetitepunk's review

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4.0

We need books like this—creative, diverse, and memorable. I’ve made it my personal mission to find books about feeling like an outsider while growing up that feature main characters who aren’t just rich cishet white boys (Holden Caulfield, I love ya, I really do, but I need to move onto others) and this book certainly checks that box.

Touching, warm, a tad frustrating for the right reasons, and overall, strong. Strongly recommended for any audiences!

jfrostking's review

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adventurous challenging emotional lighthearted 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

4.25

andreannechat's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

4.0

aidanfw's review

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5.0

A great book for LGBTQIA+ youth especially, but would be helpful for all to read. Gives great examples of how to overcome adversity, apologize and own your actions, and how one can find friendship in unlikely places.

anicepate's review

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hopeful inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

bike_mike's review

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted 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

3.5

This isn’t my genre, to be sure! I’m older than Hector’s abuela, but the themes resonate across the years. Remind me of challenges in my middle school years, then as a parent, and now as an older adult. If you’re a YA reader you’re in for a treat. If you’re older this might just put you in touch with the pain and promise of growing up.

blueschala's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

a_reads_books's review

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4.0

4.5
This was a beautiful middle grade book with emphasis on friendships, family and finding that the best way to face the world is to just be yourself
cw: bullying homophobia

snorpy's review

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emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense 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? It's complicated

4.5