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Alisa
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Whitney Levis
This author is extremely careful with presentation. If you know the child already has first hand or even second hand experiences with trauma I think this is suitable as young as 8 or 9. If given to a younger reader I recommend ensuring they have a basic level of LGBT+ literacy as there is an expectation that they can understand, accept and move on with the story. I think for average readers middle school seems like a good time, it could be challenging for some younger readers to follow the three different types of communication that Jam uses. I intend to give it to my nephew in 5th grade but he is an avid and advanced reader and has LGBT+ literacy. It would be very easy for Emezi to have written a book that would require me to wait until 6th or 7th grade but it was so expertly written to obscure the details and have parts go over the heads of kids who are not ready to read and comprehend them.
I also recommend this for everyone older. Literally everyone. It invites us to consider a better world with restorative justice and what that world would be like for our children, while also showcasing how the fight for our communities is never fully over.
I also recommend this for everyone older. Literally everyone. It invites us to consider a better world with restorative justice and what that world would be like for our children, while also showcasing how the fight for our communities is never fully over.
Amanda
It is described by the publisher as the author's Young Adult Debut. The main character is at least 16 years old. I don't know how anybody gets Middle Grade from this as I don't see any MG reader I know understanding or liking this book. All the professional reviewers give it Grade 7 and up/Ages 12 and up.
Alina Borger
While it may have some appeal to the very lowest range of YA readers (13-14 yo kids), this novel is firmly middle grade (ages 8-12) It is a middle grade plot with middle grade concerns and middle grade voice. The parents and familial relationships as well as family loyalty form the core of the inner conflicts, and that is definitively middle grade. Will older readers dig it? Sure, if they like MG. A great read-alike is Patrick Ness's book A MONSTER CALLS.
Kylie
I felt it was pretty firmly YA, mainly because of the complexity of the storytelling, the age of the characters, discussion of sensitive topics, and the use of one f-word (which I've never seen in a middle grade novel). I think it could also work for upper middle grade readers, though.
Emily (booksellersdiary)
This novel is firmly a YA novel, discussing complex and violent themes. Will older MG readers enjoy it? Yes. The language is simple, and this makes it accessible for MG readers. But due to the nature of the plot and the sensitive twist I wouldn't recommend for readers under the age of 14-15. Younger readers should read with a parent or other adult, just in case there are questions.
Sylwia
This read very much like an academic novel written for middle graders, though of course older ages can enjoy it as well.
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Sep 22, 2019 10:48PM · flag