Justina Ireland

Ophie knew better than to ask such a thing, to wonder why it was that all the grown folks said nice things about people even when they were lies. She just took it as part of the unspoken rules of life, the same as don’t back-talk elders and clear off the sidewalk for white folks to get by. Things that had always existed, that she couldn’t question or argue, any more than she could argue with the rain.”

This book was touching and harrowing in the way that only middle grade books can be. The combination of writing for children while never simplifying or sugarcoating the truth and the innocence and joy of a child’s perspective are fantastic here.
My only downside would be that the middle mystery part felt rather obvious, but that might be because I am an adult.… (mer)

I really need to stop reading YA; it really just isn't for me.
That being said, this one's not bad. MC Jane is compelling flawed, if a little inconsistent, and the side characters Jackson and Katherine are distinct and mostly interesting. Outside of those three, the character work is a little thin; twists are easily predictable based on who is good looking (and therefore ultimately sympathetic to our heroes) and who is ugly (and therefore evil, sometimes comically so).
The plot is likewise a little aimless, lot of time waiting around for something to happen, and the plans that our heroes put in place never really come to anything, though the pacing is fast enough that it isn't much of a problem.
Overall it's a fun, easy read, and the novelty of the premise (and the characters, to some extent) is admirable and refreshing. Not a whole lot of depth, but what can you expect.… (mer)