layawaydragon
Written on Dec 31, 2017
I would feel better if I knew if this was ownvoices or not. But I can't find anything about the author and I have to side with caution.
It was an interesting read. For about half way, I kept thinking "What am I reading?" but the kids kept me going. The intervening threads were interesting and helped break up the school narrative. Then the Big Bad appeared and it got exciting.
However. However. However.
The bigot gets reformed and forgiven, but Ellis never finds his culture or parents despite said bigot knowing some information that could help easily track them down. Ellis ends with the "happy" acceptance, but it feels fake and hollow, too cheesy really with the "I'm me" message. Why not tie up that end instead of waxing poetic over the dude who rejected him because of his heritage? It said right in the beginning the dude felt bad about his parents getting hit by a car. Why mention that but not follow through?
And what about Mason and his family that they were stealing bread for? It's not okay that they continue to struggle and be hungry, but there's no resolution or mention of it again!
Two Stars for keeping my interest and finishing it, but the important threads are left dangling and reinforces colonization.