Reviews

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Only show reviews with written explanations

bookshelfd's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging informative reflective 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? Yes

4.75

krob1020's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective 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? No

3.75

lauracooleyjohnson's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Wow. This is a powerful novel. It is a historical fiction, but well researched and grounded in the truthful story of two black girls, ages 12 and 14, who were sterilized in 1973 by a government approved program without their consent. The facts of this case are appalling and gritty, yet the novel portrays the outrage while also really bring about love and reconciliation. I had known about the Tuskegee human trials on black men, but was unaware of the rampant efforts to sterilize poor black women and even young children. And what’s worse? The author’s note cites very recent practices in US prisons and ICE detention centers that is still permitted under some archaic law. Wait, what? This STILL happens? I am dismayed at how much work we need to do for equal rights across race and gender. I love that novels help us FEEL these injustices in ways news headlines cannot.