I actually thought this was a stunning novel about a young boy struggling to find his place with his whakapapa always on his mind, the weight of expecI actually thought this was a stunning novel about a young boy struggling to find his place with his whakapapa always on his mind, the weight of expectations of his family, and how adrift he feels in his new school surroundings. It was a really good exploration of how youth can become disconnected from the past as they work to adapt to the harsh realities of a new environment. The more time Te Arepu spent away from his home and family, the more he began to identify as Devon. There are some graphic sex scenes, issues with consent, adult figures exploiting teens, and frequent drug use. I thought the characters were utterly engaging and loved the way they connected with each other both in his home town and at the boarding school. In parts the writing was wonderful however, I couldn't get enough sense of when this story took place with some mixed messages throughout. Still thoroughly enjoyed this one....more
That was a particularly difficult and gut wrenching read. I suppose that this is a YA novel but it tackles, very graphically, bullying and suicide. I That was a particularly difficult and gut wrenching read. I suppose that this is a YA novel but it tackles, very graphically, bullying and suicide. I expect this to be an incredibly triggering book for vulnerable people so I would suggest talking to a trusted adult first so a discussion can take place around whether it is suitable to read. This book does not hold back and you really are right there experiencing everything that led to this incredibly talented young man's suicide and the aftermath for his family. It is for this reason I am not hiding the content warnings as i think they need to be read. Raw and brutal.
CW: Suicide - described, horrific "jokes" made about suicide, vicious online bullying, physical assault, homomisia, traumatic levels of guilt, gaslighting, catfishing, anxiety, depression, body-shaming, racial slurs, racism...more
Well this beautifully written middle-school verse novCW: (view spoiler)[Fatmisia, racism, body shaming, child abuse, horrific bullying (hide spoiler)]
Well this beautifully written middle-school verse novel was both hurtful and healing.
"Fat Girl Rules I learned at five: No cannonballs. No splashing. No making waves. You don't deserve to be seen or heard, to take up room, to be noticed. Make yourself small."
Jeepers there were some difficult moments in this book and Lisa doesn't pull any punches during the sustained bullying campaign against our main character, Ellie. The worst aspect was the shameful behaviour of her mother. I wanted to reach through the pages of this book, grab her and...ummm...politely suggest she take a positive parenting course. *crickets chirping* This novel can be quite confronting so I would probably let potential readers know to discuss anything that makes them uncomfortable with the nearest trusted adult if they feel upset by the content.
And a quote from the book for my fellow librarians:
I breathe in the smell, hungry to read the words. "You'll like this one," she says. "I've been looking forward to seeing you so you could check it out." She's the first person to smile at me today. The first to make me feel wanted. Understood. I blink back tears. It's unknown how many students' lives librarians have saved by welcoming loners at lunch."
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