In this remix of Jane Austen's classic, Pride and Prejudice, Zoboi desribes the vibrant black community of Bushwick, New York and its gentrification. This novel also challenges the definition of "being black," as Ainsley and his brother move into Bushwick as wealthy black boys who never lived in the "hood." Over time, protagonist Zuri comes to accept that the brothers' wealth does not negate their black identity. Zoboi positively showcases Haitian and Dominican cultures and black relationships. Fans of The Hate U Give will love this book about a young black girl learning to deal with the changes in her community.
Young reviewer Mimi
To be honest, this book put a smile on my face. It’s a wonderful family story told through letters and emails bewteen two girls who go from enemies, to friends, to sisters. I really liked the language of it, especially since it really did seem to capture how two 12 years olds speak to each other. It’s a really lovely book, and I think that it shares a really good message about what it means to be a family.
Young reviewer Frannie
Isabella is mixed: she has a white mom and a black dad. When Isabella's parents get divorced, things get complicated. Every week she sleeps in a different bed in a different house. I enjoyed this book because I could relate to how Isabella was feeling when her parents divorced and how she didn't feel whole anymore. I especially recommend this book to readers who have a mixed/African American heritage or have divorced parents because they will be able to connect with Isabella.
Young reviewer Mya
Val and Veronyka are two sisters who want to be Phoenix Riders more than anything else in the world. Since their grandma’s death, Val and Veronyka have been inseparable. But when Val betrays her sister, Veronyka decides she’s going to pretend to be a boy to join the Phoenix Rider’s ranks. A beautifully written book about what it means to love someone in spite of their faults, this novel will probably appeal to fans of Disney's Mulan. I honestly believe readers need an entire series about Val and Veronyka.
Young reviewer Frannie
I love this book because it is about friendship and finding a home. I enjoyed the plot because Silke was trying to find somewhere to call home, but she was already there. I recommend this book to people who like adventure because this book is full of it: from Silke's family being forced to flee their homeland, to the crown princess asking her to spy on the Elfenwald royal family.
Young reviewer Mya
Kid Spy is a hilarious book about Mac B., who becomes a secret agent for the Queen of England. She needs him to help get back her Coronation Spoon, which she thinks the King of France stole. The author says it's non-fiction, and it sounds like a real spy mission. Trust the author and enjoy the story. I recommend this book to kids who like funny mysteries and books by Jeff Kinney.
Young reviewer Emeline
This a book about a girl who is lonely. When she comes home from school, she finds a ring, and it brings a monster to her house. She has to figure out where to keep the monster. I loved this book, and I hope you do, too!
Young reviewer Christopher