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Some Places More Than Others
Newbery Honor author Renée Watson explores a family’s relationships and Harlem—its history, culture, arts, and people.
All Amara wants is to visit her father's family in Harlem. Her wish comes true when her dad decides to bring her along on a business trip. She can't wait to finally meet her extended family and stay in the brownstone where her dad grew up. Plus, she wants to visit every landmark from the Apollo to Langston Hughes's home.
But her family, and even the city, is not quite what Amara thought. Her dad doesn’t speak to her grandpa, and the crowded streets can be suffocating as well as inspiring. But as she learns more and more about Harlem—and her father’s history—Amara realizes how, in some ways more than others, she can connect with this other home and family.
This is a powerful story about family, the places that make us who we are, and how we find ways to connect to our history across time and distance.
All Amara wants is to visit her father's family in Harlem. Her wish comes true when her dad decides to bring her along on a business trip. She can't wait to finally meet her extended family and stay in the brownstone where her dad grew up. Plus, she wants to visit every landmark from the Apollo to Langston Hughes's home.
But her family, and even the city, is not quite what Amara thought. Her dad doesn’t speak to her grandpa, and the crowded streets can be suffocating as well as inspiring. But as she learns more and more about Harlem—and her father’s history—Amara realizes how, in some ways more than others, she can connect with this other home and family.
This is a powerful story about family, the places that make us who we are, and how we find ways to connect to our history across time and distance.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published September 3, 2019
159 people are currently reading
5306 people want to read
About the author
Renée Watson
36 books1,655 followersRenée Watson is the author of the children’s picture book, A Place Where Hurricanes Happen (Random House, June 2010), which was featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. Her middle grade novel, What Momma Left Me debuted as the New Voice for 2010 in middle grade fiction by The Independent Children's Booksellers Association.
Renée’s one woman show, Roses are Red, Women are Blue, debuted at New York City's Lincoln Center at a showcase for emerging artists. Her poetry and articles have been published in Rethinking Schools, Theatre of the Mind and With Hearts Ablaze.
When Renée is not writing and performing, she is teaching. Renée has worked in public schools and community organizations as an artist in residence for several years, teaching poetry, fiction, and theater in Oregon, Louisiana, and New York City. She also facilitates professional development workshops for teachers and artists.
One of Renée’s passions is using the arts to help youth cope with trauma. She has facilitated poetry and theatre workshops with young girls coping with sexual and physical abuse, children who have witnessed violence, children coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and children who relocated to New York City after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Renée graduated from The New School, where she studied Creative Writing and earned a certificate in Drama Therapy.
Renée currently lives in New York City.
Renée’s one woman show, Roses are Red, Women are Blue, debuted at New York City's Lincoln Center at a showcase for emerging artists. Her poetry and articles have been published in Rethinking Schools, Theatre of the Mind and With Hearts Ablaze.
When Renée is not writing and performing, she is teaching. Renée has worked in public schools and community organizations as an artist in residence for several years, teaching poetry, fiction, and theater in Oregon, Louisiana, and New York City. She also facilitates professional development workshops for teachers and artists.
One of Renée’s passions is using the arts to help youth cope with trauma. She has facilitated poetry and theatre workshops with young girls coping with sexual and physical abuse, children who have witnessed violence, children coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and children who relocated to New York City after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Renée graduated from The New School, where she studied Creative Writing and earned a certificate in Drama Therapy.
Renée currently lives in New York City.
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October 18, 2019
Some Places More Than Others is basically the middle grade book I needed in my childhood and never had. I would’ve loved it. We have a black, female main character who is learning about her family history and what it means to be herself. And it is an absolutely fantastic book.
We have to start off with talking about the black representation which is done so well in this book. Not only do we get some moments with black hair, where Amara’s mother oils her hair, or when she discusses hair with her cousins and some hair shaming goes on… But we also get to see them eating Jamaican patties and drinking ginger beer, among other foods. We get to see a bit of church culture too. While religion is not heavy handed or very important in the book, we know they are church goers and get to see them going to different churches and laughing about pranks played when they were children in church. I liked seeing a little church culture and a lot of black culture in this book.
It always makes me happy to see education being presented as something a student is involved and inspired by. A lot of the happenings in this book are inspired by a school project that Amara gets, and it prompts her to look into her family history. It makes me happy to see education being shown in such a positive light! It then goes on to develop the theme of identity. Especially as Amara is at the age where she is growing up figuring out who she is independently to her parents.
This book heavily features parents and family ties. I loved seeing how included her mum and dad were throughout the whole novel. Her parents clearly love her, and while they have their own imperfections and learning to do, I love that they put Amara first. Extended family were also at the forefront of the novel, especially when it comes to living far from home and meeting them for the first time. I had this exact experience when I met my cousins from Jamaica for the first time (I’d never been before so it was like tapping into a realm of family I’d never had access to!) and it was such a good portrayal. Love, forgiveness and reconciliation are some important themes here. And the storyline of forgiveness and love was handled very well.
I loved seeing New York in this novel. I’ve never felt a particular pull to visit, but now I want to go there. I had no idea that New York held so much celebration for black culture and black history. I usually see this city as a grey background to popular novels, but in this one the city comes to life through Amara’s tourist eyes. It made me feel strong, proud and I would love to learn more about some of the people mentioned who I didn’t know.
I was surprised that deconstructing stereotypes surrounding gender roles was also included in this book. It was presented in a very accessible way to younger children and explained so well. I love that, because it is something that children need to learn. Another theme that was handled so well. Watson can do no wrong in this book.
Lastly, I want to mention something that has no right to be in this review and I am going to include it anyway. Amara’s grandfather is very much a focus in this book. In one scene, he is with his grandchildren and teaching them about history, and hands them a dollar for their knowledge. In that moment it reminded me of something similar my own grandfather did. With the anniversary of his passing coming up he has been on my mind more and more, and it struck a chord with my emotions. This book was a true celebration of family and love to the smallest scenes, and I want to thank Watson for writing it. My younger self would’ve been overwhelmed with happiness.
This review and others can be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: https://oliviascatastrophe.com/2019/1...
We have to start off with talking about the black representation which is done so well in this book. Not only do we get some moments with black hair, where Amara’s mother oils her hair, or when she discusses hair with her cousins and some hair shaming goes on… But we also get to see them eating Jamaican patties and drinking ginger beer, among other foods. We get to see a bit of church culture too. While religion is not heavy handed or very important in the book, we know they are church goers and get to see them going to different churches and laughing about pranks played when they were children in church. I liked seeing a little church culture and a lot of black culture in this book.
It always makes me happy to see education being presented as something a student is involved and inspired by. A lot of the happenings in this book are inspired by a school project that Amara gets, and it prompts her to look into her family history. It makes me happy to see education being shown in such a positive light! It then goes on to develop the theme of identity. Especially as Amara is at the age where she is growing up figuring out who she is independently to her parents.
This book heavily features parents and family ties. I loved seeing how included her mum and dad were throughout the whole novel. Her parents clearly love her, and while they have their own imperfections and learning to do, I love that they put Amara first. Extended family were also at the forefront of the novel, especially when it comes to living far from home and meeting them for the first time. I had this exact experience when I met my cousins from Jamaica for the first time (I’d never been before so it was like tapping into a realm of family I’d never had access to!) and it was such a good portrayal. Love, forgiveness and reconciliation are some important themes here. And the storyline of forgiveness and love was handled very well.
I loved seeing New York in this novel. I’ve never felt a particular pull to visit, but now I want to go there. I had no idea that New York held so much celebration for black culture and black history. I usually see this city as a grey background to popular novels, but in this one the city comes to life through Amara’s tourist eyes. It made me feel strong, proud and I would love to learn more about some of the people mentioned who I didn’t know.
I was surprised that deconstructing stereotypes surrounding gender roles was also included in this book. It was presented in a very accessible way to younger children and explained so well. I love that, because it is something that children need to learn. Another theme that was handled so well. Watson can do no wrong in this book.
Lastly, I want to mention something that has no right to be in this review and I am going to include it anyway. Amara’s grandfather is very much a focus in this book. In one scene, he is with his grandchildren and teaching them about history, and hands them a dollar for their knowledge. In that moment it reminded me of something similar my own grandfather did. With the anniversary of his passing coming up he has been on my mind more and more, and it struck a chord with my emotions. This book was a true celebration of family and love to the smallest scenes, and I want to thank Watson for writing it. My younger self would’ve been overwhelmed with happiness.
This review and others can be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: https://oliviascatastrophe.com/2019/1...
August 22, 2025
موضوع کتاب روی "هویت یابی در نوجوانان" تاکید داره و خیلی خوب هم تونسته به شکل داستان، هر سه نوع هویت فردی، اجتماعی و خانوادگی رو پوشش بده.
داستان از این قراره که توی مدرسه از "آمارا" میخوان که یه چمدون پر از اطلاعات راجع به خانواده اش، وسایلی که به عنوان یادگاری از اونا داره، همراه با داستانی که پشت هر یادگاری است، تهیه کنه. برای همین آمارا از خانواده اش میخواد که اونو به شهری که قبلاً پدر و مادرش در اون زندگی میکردن و پیش پدربزرگش ببرن. در همین حین، آمارا متوجه میشه پدرش دوازده سالِ که با پدربزرگش صحبت نکرده؛ و روز تولدش هم مادربزرگش فوت شده.
داستان از این قراره که توی مدرسه از "آمارا" میخوان که یه چمدون پر از اطلاعات راجع به خانواده اش، وسایلی که به عنوان یادگاری از اونا داره، همراه با داستانی که پشت هر یادگاری است، تهیه کنه. برای همین آمارا از خانواده اش میخواد که اونو به شهری که قبلاً پدر و مادرش در اون زندگی میکردن و پیش پدربزرگش ببرن. در همین حین، آمارا متوجه میشه پدرش دوازده سالِ که با پدربزرگش صحبت نکرده؛ و روز تولدش هم مادربزرگش فوت شده.
November 7, 2019
Bookriot Giveaway win!
3.5 Stars!
Some Places More Than Others is a middle grade book so I am obviously not the target audience for this book, being as I am a 33 year old woman with no kids. Some Places More Than Others is a good book. Very simplistic but it is a middle grade book, so its perfect for the target age group.
Nine or ten year old me would have loved this book. I know I would have given it 5 stars and I would have made my mom take me to the library to get the rest of Renee Watson's books.
Recommended for 9- 13 year olds and their parents.
3.5 Stars!
Some Places More Than Others is a middle grade book so I am obviously not the target audience for this book, being as I am a 33 year old woman with no kids. Some Places More Than Others is a good book. Very simplistic but it is a middle grade book, so its perfect for the target age group.
Nine or ten year old me would have loved this book. I know I would have given it 5 stars and I would have made my mom take me to the library to get the rest of Renee Watson's books.
Recommended for 9- 13 year olds and their parents.
April 26, 2019
Newbery alert! This one is special.
December 29, 2019
Fantastic!
Read
January 12, 2022Some Places More Than Others was a good read, but after What Momma Left Me I was slightly underwhelmed. Momma was simple but powerful at the same time. This one was a tad simpler and a slightly less powerful. It teaches important lessons - that honesty and truth are important values, that relationships need communication to function, that parents aren't perfect. I finished this book on the tube and had to hold back tears, so there were definitely parts that I loved. But overall it did not manage to captivate me as much as her other book.
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March 21, 2021
I ADORED THIS BOOK. I shamelessly confess to tearing up many times in the second half and yearning to know my own family’s history as Amara learned hers. The need for that connection is summed up in this quote:
"I want to feel like that. Like I am connected to something, like there’s a history keeping me moving, living. Like the journey I am on has many footprints, many stories coming with me (pp. 103-104)."
Renée Watson’s Some Places More Than Others is a quiet, immersive, and resonant novel that encourages us to listen to more stories about our families. This novel inspires forgiveness, yearning for our history, and the need to maintain family (and chosen family) bonds. Most importantly, Watson’s recent release is a love letter to the city of New York!
Read my full review on my blog.
"I want to feel like that. Like I am connected to something, like there’s a history keeping me moving, living. Like the journey I am on has many footprints, many stories coming with me (pp. 103-104)."
Renée Watson’s Some Places More Than Others is a quiet, immersive, and resonant novel that encourages us to listen to more stories about our families. This novel inspires forgiveness, yearning for our history, and the need to maintain family (and chosen family) bonds. Most importantly, Watson’s recent release is a love letter to the city of New York!
Read my full review on my blog.
May 17, 2020
I took a bath and devoured this book in one sitting, which was just what I needed. This was such a deeply loveable book.
November 26, 2019
This is an excellent story of family and friendship for modern MG readers. Nothing earth-shattering or tragic happens. It is a story about girl trying to figure out her history and family's past. She has loving parents and a great home, but like every human ever, she is searching for her place in it all and trying to discover her identity independent of them and also how she fits with them. Renée Watson does an excellent job of developing character and place as she always does.
September 26, 2020
"...some things are intangible, and yet, you carry them with you." p.26
"I'm proud of our people, how we've survived what should have destroyed us." p.130
"...I think about how much I love words. How mighty powerful they are." p. 182
"I'm proud of our people, how we've survived what should have destroyed us." p.130
"...I think about how much I love words. How mighty powerful they are." p. 182
September 26, 2019
I read this in less than a day. Nice book about family and forgiveness for middle school readers.
Read
August 17, 2019Amara wants nothing more than to go to New York City with her dad for her 12th birthday. She's hoping to meet her family there and get to know the places where her father grew up. But, Amara's mom isn't keen on her daughter going. A school assignment, wherein Amara is asked to build a suitcase that gives insight into her heritage and family history, might be the catalyst to make it happen. It's not, as Amara's mother relents outside the assignment, but the assignment makes an opportunity for Amara to really learn and connect with her New York City family and heritage.
This is a book about family. Amara's father hasn't talked with his father since she was born, and Amara promises her mother that she'll see to her dad and grandfather communicating again. Why they had a falling out has never been explained to Amara, but it will become clear when they're in the city.
In addition to being a story about family, this is a love letter to Harlem. It's a love letter to the history of art, writing, and creativity in the Black community, not only as it relates to Amara and her family, but also to Harlem more broadly.
There are, of course, wonderfully 12-year-old mishaps (Amara decides she wants to go on a trip herself without telling anyone, gets on the wrong train and finds her phone battery dead, but eventually finds her way back home). I loved, too, how Amara got to meet her cousins and see how they interacted as sisters, as she herself is about to be a big sister.
There's a nice thread here, too, about privilege. Amara comes from a stable family -- upper middle class -- and seeing how her cousins live in a tiny apartment and without two parents working (their father is in jail) raises her awareness of being part of the "haves."
Watson really nails voice and this middle grade book is no difference.
This is a book about family. Amara's father hasn't talked with his father since she was born, and Amara promises her mother that she'll see to her dad and grandfather communicating again. Why they had a falling out has never been explained to Amara, but it will become clear when they're in the city.
In addition to being a story about family, this is a love letter to Harlem. It's a love letter to the history of art, writing, and creativity in the Black community, not only as it relates to Amara and her family, but also to Harlem more broadly.
There are, of course, wonderfully 12-year-old mishaps (Amara decides she wants to go on a trip herself without telling anyone, gets on the wrong train and finds her phone battery dead, but eventually finds her way back home). I loved, too, how Amara got to meet her cousins and see how they interacted as sisters, as she herself is about to be a big sister.
There's a nice thread here, too, about privilege. Amara comes from a stable family -- upper middle class -- and seeing how her cousins live in a tiny apartment and without two parents working (their father is in jail) raises her awareness of being part of the "haves."
Watson really nails voice and this middle grade book is no difference.
August 24, 2020
Wow! What a wonderful book about family relationships, and finding out about one’s roots. I was especially impressed with the idea of “The Suitcase Project”. If this book had been around when I was homeschooling my boys, I would definitely have had them do that! I would like to do the Suitcase Project myself!😃
I will be highly recommending this book to middle-grade readers and teachers!
I will be highly recommending this book to middle-grade readers and teachers!
August 21, 2019
All Amara Baker wants for her twelfth birthday is to accompany her father, a Nike executive, on his next business trip to New York so she can get to know his side of the family better. Maybe she can even learn why her dad hasn't spoken to his dad since the day she was born, which also happened to be the day her father's mother, Grandma Grace, passed away. But Amara's mother, nearing the end of her pregnancy, is not willing to let her go.
Adding to Amara's desire to know that side of her family is an assignment by her teacher called the Suitcase Project. Students are expected to create a time capsule that explores their past, present and future with items that represent who they are, where they are from and what their dreams for the future are. But just when Amara gives up hope of getting to New York, her mother changes her mind and says she can go. And maybe, just maybe, while she is there, Amara can get her dad and grandpa talking so they can mend their rift.
Until arriving at her grandfather's Harlem brownstone, Amara had only spoken to Grandpa Earl, a former basketball coach, on the phone for special occasions. And although her father manages to avoid him, Grandpa Earl and Amara immediately bond. Amara is excited to see the places where her dad grew up in Harlem, and Grandpa Earl can't wait to show her his favorite places, too. No sooner does the week begin, and her dad runs into an old friend who spills the beans about her dad writing poetry in high school, something Amara didn't know about him.
Over the next few days, Amara begins to learn what happened between her dad and Grandpa Earl, even as she begins to formulate how she will present the family history she is discovering on this visit, in part by snooping, in part from Grandpa Earl talking to her and in part from being taken.
to iconic places in Harlem that represent so much of African American history, in a way she has never experienced it at home in Beaverton, Oregon.
But Amara also spends a lot of time with her cousins, Nina, 16, and Ava, 14. She and Ava don't really get along. Sightseeing for Ava is going to H&M, not visiting the murals, statues, and other places she sees all the time. After a family visit to the cemetery where Grandma Grace is buried, the tension between Amara and Ava comes to a head when Ava refuses to "babysit" her cousin again. Angry, Amara decides to make her own way to the East Village and find a place called the Nuyorican Cafe, a place, she had discovered while snooping in her dad's old bedroom, where her dad had wanted to read his poetry on open mic night when he was in high school. But when she finds herself in the Bronx at the Yankee Stadium stop on the subway, Amara realizes she's gone the wrong way. But maybe it's the right way for past hurts and anger to finally be dealt with.
Some Places More Than Others is a really well-crafted coming-of-age novel that explores who we are and how we fit into the world of family and into the wider world, past and present. For Amara, New York and her family there are a whole new world and she can't get enough of it. And everything excites her, unlike her cousins who take it all for granted, not understanding Amara's need to linger and take pictures of what she's seeing for the first time:
"...I am starting to understand by Big T is always saying there's no place like New York. No place else that constantly reminds us that we are important, they we come from a people who sacrificed and fought and protested for us to be able to walk these streets free. What is it like to be reminded of this everyday?" (pgs. 102-103) Watson's message is very clear here - do not forget who you are and where you come from.
I think that Amara is a well-intentioned, but flawed character who nevertheless really understands what her week in New York means for her life, as she says "I want to feel like...there's a history keeping me moving, living. Like the journey I am on has many footprints, may stories coming with me." (pg. 103) Her awakening is such a wonderful part of this story.
I also felt that in Watson's hands, Harlem becomes another exciting character in Amara's identity quest. She has captured all it's beauty from the quiet reverence of the Schomburg Center to the hustle and bustle of 125th Street, and the streets named for famous African Americans - Frederick Douglas Boulevard, Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard, Malcolm X Boulevard, among others. And by the time you finish this novel, you will really appreciate the title of this novel.
Be sure to read Amara's poem at the end of the novel to find out what she puts in her Suitcase Project.
What would you put in a Suitcase Project?
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was an EARC received from NetGalley
Adding to Amara's desire to know that side of her family is an assignment by her teacher called the Suitcase Project. Students are expected to create a time capsule that explores their past, present and future with items that represent who they are, where they are from and what their dreams for the future are. But just when Amara gives up hope of getting to New York, her mother changes her mind and says she can go. And maybe, just maybe, while she is there, Amara can get her dad and grandpa talking so they can mend their rift.
Until arriving at her grandfather's Harlem brownstone, Amara had only spoken to Grandpa Earl, a former basketball coach, on the phone for special occasions. And although her father manages to avoid him, Grandpa Earl and Amara immediately bond. Amara is excited to see the places where her dad grew up in Harlem, and Grandpa Earl can't wait to show her his favorite places, too. No sooner does the week begin, and her dad runs into an old friend who spills the beans about her dad writing poetry in high school, something Amara didn't know about him.
Over the next few days, Amara begins to learn what happened between her dad and Grandpa Earl, even as she begins to formulate how she will present the family history she is discovering on this visit, in part by snooping, in part from Grandpa Earl talking to her and in part from being taken.
to iconic places in Harlem that represent so much of African American history, in a way she has never experienced it at home in Beaverton, Oregon.
But Amara also spends a lot of time with her cousins, Nina, 16, and Ava, 14. She and Ava don't really get along. Sightseeing for Ava is going to H&M, not visiting the murals, statues, and other places she sees all the time. After a family visit to the cemetery where Grandma Grace is buried, the tension between Amara and Ava comes to a head when Ava refuses to "babysit" her cousin again. Angry, Amara decides to make her own way to the East Village and find a place called the Nuyorican Cafe, a place, she had discovered while snooping in her dad's old bedroom, where her dad had wanted to read his poetry on open mic night when he was in high school. But when she finds herself in the Bronx at the Yankee Stadium stop on the subway, Amara realizes she's gone the wrong way. But maybe it's the right way for past hurts and anger to finally be dealt with.
Some Places More Than Others is a really well-crafted coming-of-age novel that explores who we are and how we fit into the world of family and into the wider world, past and present. For Amara, New York and her family there are a whole new world and she can't get enough of it. And everything excites her, unlike her cousins who take it all for granted, not understanding Amara's need to linger and take pictures of what she's seeing for the first time:
"...I am starting to understand by Big T is always saying there's no place like New York. No place else that constantly reminds us that we are important, they we come from a people who sacrificed and fought and protested for us to be able to walk these streets free. What is it like to be reminded of this everyday?" (pgs. 102-103) Watson's message is very clear here - do not forget who you are and where you come from.
I think that Amara is a well-intentioned, but flawed character who nevertheless really understands what her week in New York means for her life, as she says "I want to feel like...there's a history keeping me moving, living. Like the journey I am on has many footprints, may stories coming with me." (pg. 103) Her awakening is such a wonderful part of this story.
I also felt that in Watson's hands, Harlem becomes another exciting character in Amara's identity quest. She has captured all it's beauty from the quiet reverence of the Schomburg Center to the hustle and bustle of 125th Street, and the streets named for famous African Americans - Frederick Douglas Boulevard, Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard, Malcolm X Boulevard, among others. And by the time you finish this novel, you will really appreciate the title of this novel.
Be sure to read Amara's poem at the end of the novel to find out what she puts in her Suitcase Project.
What would you put in a Suitcase Project?
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was an EARC received from NetGalley
November 9, 2019
I loved this book. It's a really beautiful novel about family, history, and culture. Watson lets us into Amara's soul, where we discover how the places our hearts call home are the most important. I love Renée Watson, and I recommend this book to readers who like diverse characters and rich plots!
June 27, 2020
Longer review to come, but this book is EVERYTHING! Parents, teachers, children should all put this on your tbr list immediately!
August 31, 2019
Amara grew up outside of Portland, Oregon, which she does love, but she's always been so curious about her dad's hometown of New York, specifically Harlem. After pestering and bothering her parents about this, they finally agree she can accompany her father on a business trip to the city, when she's assigned a project at school about family and where she comes from. This way she can finally meet her grandfather and cousins. Along the way she discovers her father and his father haven't spoken since she was born. And she's horrified to learn her grandmother died the same day that she was born.
Once in Harlem, her cousins don't turn out to be perfect, and she doesn't understand the city. She does go to see some things she really wants, like The Apollo, and also some more off-the-beaten path attractions like the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. She does get to know her family better, and if she plays her cards right, she might even get her dad and grandfather talking again. She learns a lot about herself, her family's history, and where she comes from both geographically and metaphorically.
I think the thing I liked the most about this book, is that through Amara's eyes, it will encourage kids to see, perhaps for the first time, that their parents are humans, who once were kids, who might have difficult relationships with their own parents. Kids often idealize and dehumanize their parents into perfect automatons of parenthood, instead of seeing them as flawed, 3-dimensional people. This isn't a front-and-center issue and it's something only adults can appreciate, but I do think it's important, especially today. It was easy to read, compelling, and filled to the brim with new experiences for Amara. She even has a first-time experience of getting into a fight with her cousin and being accused--as a black girl by another black girl--of being privileged. Which she is, although she's never seen her life that way. This is a multilayered book.
Once in Harlem, her cousins don't turn out to be perfect, and she doesn't understand the city. She does go to see some things she really wants, like The Apollo, and also some more off-the-beaten path attractions like the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. She does get to know her family better, and if she plays her cards right, she might even get her dad and grandfather talking again. She learns a lot about herself, her family's history, and where she comes from both geographically and metaphorically.
I think the thing I liked the most about this book, is that through Amara's eyes, it will encourage kids to see, perhaps for the first time, that their parents are humans, who once were kids, who might have difficult relationships with their own parents. Kids often idealize and dehumanize their parents into perfect automatons of parenthood, instead of seeing them as flawed, 3-dimensional people. This isn't a front-and-center issue and it's something only adults can appreciate, but I do think it's important, especially today. It was easy to read, compelling, and filled to the brim with new experiences for Amara. She even has a first-time experience of getting into a fight with her cousin and being accused--as a black girl by another black girl--of being privileged. Which she is, although she's never seen her life that way. This is a multilayered book.
August 4, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for an eARC of this book.
Wow. I'm really blown away by how much story is packed into a little over 200 pages. This is the kind of book I want to see more of in #mglit, but it takes a very talented author to do it as well as Renee Watson has in SOME PLACES MORE THAN OTHERS.
I've heard a number of people say that we need more stories that focus on the lives of Black characters that aren't rooted in slavery, pain, and stereotypes. This is the story of a young girl who wants to know where she came from, where her dad came from, where her family is from and how she fits into it. It takes us to Harlem where he meets her grandfather and cousins in person for the first time, and she experiences New York with the intention of learning about her history. It's powerful without being heavy, and addresses so much about family, history and culture. I'd love to see a sequel and watch the development of these new relationships.
Highly recommended, and one of the most unique and important books I've read this year.
Wow. I'm really blown away by how much story is packed into a little over 200 pages. This is the kind of book I want to see more of in #mglit, but it takes a very talented author to do it as well as Renee Watson has in SOME PLACES MORE THAN OTHERS.
I've heard a number of people say that we need more stories that focus on the lives of Black characters that aren't rooted in slavery, pain, and stereotypes. This is the story of a young girl who wants to know where she came from, where her dad came from, where her family is from and how she fits into it. It takes us to Harlem where he meets her grandfather and cousins in person for the first time, and she experiences New York with the intention of learning about her history. It's powerful without being heavy, and addresses so much about family, history and culture. I'd love to see a sequel and watch the development of these new relationships.
Highly recommended, and one of the most unique and important books I've read this year.
August 8, 2019
"Shelly's Book Corner received a review copy from Amazon Vine and voluntarily provided an honest review. This does not affect the opinion of the book or the content of the review.''
This was a well written coming of age story. Amara visits the best place ever aka New York City and learns all about herself and family. This story took me on a trip down memory lane as I lived in the Bronx when I was younger and remember the 4 train fondly. I also want to visit the Schomburg Center after reading this story. This story is geared towards kids but I think adults will be able to appreciate this story as well. This was my first time reading Renee Watson and it was a very nice read and I would recommend this story to people of all ages.
This was a well written coming of age story. Amara visits the best place ever aka New York City and learns all about herself and family. This story took me on a trip down memory lane as I lived in the Bronx when I was younger and remember the 4 train fondly. I also want to visit the Schomburg Center after reading this story. This story is geared towards kids but I think adults will be able to appreciate this story as well. This was my first time reading Renee Watson and it was a very nice read and I would recommend this story to people of all ages.
September 13, 2019
Really great book! Wonderful family story of love and forgiveness...can span grade levels.
May 6, 2024
Amara is a middle schooler who (like all children) wants to know where and who she comes from. Her parents are so closed mouth she didn’t even know her grandmother passed the same day she was born!
With the help of a timely school project (the suitcase project), she convinces her parents to allow her to go to NYC to visit her paternal side for her birthday. And while she’s there, she learns not only about her family but also about herself!
This was an excellent read. While I plan to recommend it to all my middle schoolers, I’m also going to see if we can get a class set for our library. I would love to do the suitcase project in my own class!
With the help of a timely school project (the suitcase project), she convinces her parents to allow her to go to NYC to visit her paternal side for her birthday. And while she’s there, she learns not only about her family but also about herself!
This was an excellent read. While I plan to recommend it to all my middle schoolers, I’m also going to see if we can get a class set for our library. I would love to do the suitcase project in my own class!
Read
July 5, 2020This is a novel I'd recommend to every middle grade student. It should also be in every class library. Loved the MC, Amara and her exploration of her family's history, Black history, and of Harlem with her cousins, grandfather, and father.
A quick, engaging read!
A quick, engaging read!
February 9, 2021
This book just melted my heart! Such a heartwarming story about 12 year old Amara, her suitcase project and discovering her roots in NYC. It made me nostalgic for the first time I visited NYC and Amara's story was so heartfelt. A perfectly cozy, warm read full of feels ✨
July 5, 2019
I feel like I can just give any Renee Watson book 5 stars before I even start it. I love her writing and story telling so much. This book is middle grade, but perfect for anyone to read.
Amara is getting ready to turn twelve years old. All she wants is to go see her family in Harlem. She's never met her grandpa or cousins. Only her aunt has visited in Oregon. Amara's mom is pregnant and doesn't like New York.�� Her father who works for Nike is always going on business trips. He grew up in Harlem, but hasn't spoken to his father in twelve years. Amara's mom is against the trip even though her dad is going to New York for work anyway. She then gets a school assignment to make a suitcase filled with what makes her, her history and interviews, etc. This is the perfect chance and now that she knows her dad and grandpa haven't talked, Amara is determined to help their relationship.
Amara's mom finally gives in and she goes with her dad to Harlem. They are staying in his old house, but he stays away most of the time with work. Amara wants to see everything she can in New York, but also wants to learn her family's history and the history of Harlem. She gets stuck with her two cousins often, but they don't care about the history. They don't understand why Amara wants to take pictures of the things they see every day. She starts spending time with her grandpa who fills her in on a lot of the past. Amara also finds out that her grandpa wanted her father to be someone he's not. That stood out to her because her mom is always pushing her to wear dresses and she hates them.
There is a lot of history in the book that I loved reading about. Harlem sounds like an incredible place full of history, ancestry, and family values. I loved reading about how Amara really began to understand her roots and that she actually appreciated everything. While she was mature for her age, she does get in over her head.
"We pose in front of Harriet Tubman, and I am starting to understand why Big T is always saying there's no place like New York. No place else that constantly reminds us that we are important, that we come from a people who sacrificed and fought and protested for us to be able to walk these streets free. What is it like to be reminded of this every day?"
"Just the idea that people like Harriet Tubman, Adam Clayton Powell, and Langston Hughes were thinking that one day someone like me would exist in a free world makes my heart pound, my eyes water."
Warnings for miscarriage and fertility issues. The book has some tough topics at times, but they're all handled so well (the fallout from the family, thinking a boy needs to play sports, etc.) There is also the death of Amara's grandma that is talked about. As usual, kids say some stupid and mean things, but nothing horrible. Mostly jealousy.
*quotes taken from advanced copy and may change before final publication*
I gave this book 5 stars. Thank you to Bloomsbury Kids for sending me a copy for review.
Amara is getting ready to turn twelve years old. All she wants is to go see her family in Harlem. She's never met her grandpa or cousins. Only her aunt has visited in Oregon. Amara's mom is pregnant and doesn't like New York.�� Her father who works for Nike is always going on business trips. He grew up in Harlem, but hasn't spoken to his father in twelve years. Amara's mom is against the trip even though her dad is going to New York for work anyway. She then gets a school assignment to make a suitcase filled with what makes her, her history and interviews, etc. This is the perfect chance and now that she knows her dad and grandpa haven't talked, Amara is determined to help their relationship.
Amara's mom finally gives in and she goes with her dad to Harlem. They are staying in his old house, but he stays away most of the time with work. Amara wants to see everything she can in New York, but also wants to learn her family's history and the history of Harlem. She gets stuck with her two cousins often, but they don't care about the history. They don't understand why Amara wants to take pictures of the things they see every day. She starts spending time with her grandpa who fills her in on a lot of the past. Amara also finds out that her grandpa wanted her father to be someone he's not. That stood out to her because her mom is always pushing her to wear dresses and she hates them.
There is a lot of history in the book that I loved reading about. Harlem sounds like an incredible place full of history, ancestry, and family values. I loved reading about how Amara really began to understand her roots and that she actually appreciated everything. While she was mature for her age, she does get in over her head.
"We pose in front of Harriet Tubman, and I am starting to understand why Big T is always saying there's no place like New York. No place else that constantly reminds us that we are important, that we come from a people who sacrificed and fought and protested for us to be able to walk these streets free. What is it like to be reminded of this every day?"
"Just the idea that people like Harriet Tubman, Adam Clayton Powell, and Langston Hughes were thinking that one day someone like me would exist in a free world makes my heart pound, my eyes water."
Warnings for miscarriage and fertility issues. The book has some tough topics at times, but they're all handled so well (the fallout from the family, thinking a boy needs to play sports, etc.) There is also the death of Amara's grandma that is talked about. As usual, kids say some stupid and mean things, but nothing horrible. Mostly jealousy.
*quotes taken from advanced copy and may change before final publication*
I gave this book 5 stars. Thank you to Bloomsbury Kids for sending me a copy for review.
August 10, 2021
Love love loved this book! I had so much fun looking up all the cool landmarks in Harlem and I want to visit ASAP.
July 7, 2019
This is a wonderful coming of age story about a young girl who is exploring her roots (both her family and her race). Amara is Black and lives in Portland, Oregon with her mother and father. Amara is a sneakerhead; luckily her father works for Nike and she gets new shoes on a regular basis. Amara's life is about to change; she has a new sister on the way. She's afraid of being displaced by this new baby and struggling with the fact that she doesn't know her extended family very well. A school project about family heritage and her twelfth birthday cause her parents to allow her to finally visit Harlem with her father to meet her grandfather for the first time...whom her father hasn't spoken to for 12 years. Secrets will out and Amara will discover who she is in relation to her family. This beautiful, moving exploration of identity captivated me; I read it in one sitting! Out 9/3/19! Perfect for all elementary and middle school libraries. Grades 4+. 4.5/5
January 29, 2020
Amara stands on the precipice of becoming a pre-teen she decides her family needs to exapand further than just a new baby, and include, her New York family most of whom she's never met. Mom finally agrees, and Amara soon discovers that a 12 year rift exists between her dad and her granddad. During their visit Amara discovers more about the father she, loves, the family she yearns for, and a history that helps solidify her purpose. This story shows how the humility, persistence, forgiveness and the willingness of a child, can lead adults into following their example and bring necessary change to a family.
April 17, 2019
I ended up loving this book! It took me a little bit, but I really fell in love once Amara visited New York. I loved watching her meet her extended family and start to understand where her . dad came from. I think Watson did an excellent job bringing up the concept of establishing your own identity as a young adult and how that can conflict with your parents' identities. Although short, I think this book has a lot to discuss and would be a great conversation starter for my 6th graders.
August 25, 2019
SOME PLACES MORE THAN OTHERS by Renée Watson was one of my favorite reads this year. I felt like I was with Amara on every step of her trip to NYC. I loved getting a peak into her family and the rivers and roots that made up her life. Being with her made me want to find out more about what's in my suitcase. My students are going to relate to Amara's story and journey to find out more.
July 4, 2019
Would be a wonderful read aloud to launch identity work in the classroom.
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