CAN WE GET A MOVIE OF THIS RIGHT NOW?!? The perfection that is this book needs to be captured on film ASAP. Liz’s voice, and those of all the secondary characters, was pitch perfect, nuanced, endearing, down to earth, everything. (Also, Alaska Jackson was a PHENOMENAL narrator and I hope she continues to bring books to life. Her voice gave me Rashida Jones vibes and I loved it.) I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this story and the journey Liz took, and can’t wait for more from the author. I’m trying to come up with a more professional take to wrap things up but eff it this was just real cute and so well written and the perfect balance of rom com and depth and I cried at the end. Heart eyes.

Great for upper elementary, especially as a read aloud and/or lead in to a classroom assignment similar to the one Malian does at the end. Heart warming without shying away from hard truths. May also be good for helping kids work through their experiences in the pandemic.

I occasionally lost the thread in this book, but overall this is a must-read for educators that has earned its reputation as a classic. There were so many nuggets that were both a revelation and an implication to the system/well-intentioned leaders. It provides a great framework for teaching marginalized populations, especially as a person of privilege. I highlighted lots of passages and will be returning to them for reminders.