ashleyj_reads's Reviews (370)

This book was in a stack of possible materials for next year’s curriculum. The cover caught my eye and the synopsis on the back intrigued me. When I finally got to read it, I just jumped in.

It is an easy read - I finished it in a weekend - but is completely consuming. I couldn’t wait to see what Neftalí would do with his future, his uncle and brother, and especially his father.

I had no idea, until I finished the story and read the author’s note, that the book is based on the life of a real person. I finished this book feeling inspired and proud.

I hope we teach this to our students in the coming year(s)!

There were parts of the story that were hard to read (slow) but I enjoyed the book very much.

Amazing. Simply amazing!
Draper is an author who knows how to put you in the scene and make you share the emotions with all of the characters, not just the heroine.

This book is perfect for all readers, especially those who need or want to learn more about the Black community and the troubles they face on a daily basis.

Twilight-esque? Absolutely.
Did the somewhat overused themes and character traits annoy me? At times, yes.
Pacing issues? You bet.
Predictable? Very, but not entirely. There were some good twists I didn’t expect.
Writing/editing errors and plot holes? Affirmative.

Was I hooked within the first few pages? One hundred percent.
Did I already purchase Crush so I can keep going? Yes, and I can’t crack it open soon enough. I need to know what Jaxon is going to do!

A fun, hysterical, and brilliantly written character growth book!

The stories of each student and the teachers are heartwarming and would make any parent or teacher proud. I would love a follow-up to learn how the students do with the rest of 8th grade and their transition to high school.
Bonus: As a teacher, I appreciated the accuracy of the educational politics!