Representation: Asian main characters
Trigger warnings: N/A?
Score: Six points out of ten.
This review can also be found on The StoryGraph.

Looks like a good book!
Update: I actually enjoyed this novel. The main character was actually really complex for he had relatable struggles and even character development. He had flaws like when he stubbornly shouted at people when he feels frustrated and average grades but he was still enjoyable to read. I liked the dynamic between Cory and Sunna since they argued at first but eventually got along once he realised that she was good at the yo-yo. Sunna was relatable as well as she felt that her brother was stealing the spotlight most of the time.

I can understand that the dance leader wants to push everyone harder but that made the group very annoyed, which I didn't like but eventually that was resolved. Also Cory's parents were proud of him once for having no friends only to get better grades? Maybe it's a sacrifice he has to make but he didn't feel grateful for that since he didn't want to be alone forever but that was resolved as well. If you want a novel with character development this is the book for you. ( )

I think this is a really cute book that middle schoolers will enjoy. That said, I felt like some of the plot lines were weird/shallow/inconsistent -- there was a lot of interpersonal drama that felt a little overblown. It's also a lot of story and a bunch of it is non-verbal -- which, hey, cool, but also it left me wanting more -- more character and plot development, most believable reasons for drama, just more to the story and more resolutions onscreen instead of away.

I saw the reviews from various Muslim folx pointing out inconsistencies with Islamic culture -- that's a big flag for me as I am a non-Muslim person who recommends books to Muslim children, and I'd rather not screw that up by handing them a story line that could potentially cause them strife. I agree with the reviewers that the author has done a wonderful job of inclusion but needed sensitivity readers. I look forward to more from this creator in the future and I hope that message is supported by their publishers. ( )

Recommended Ages: Gr.

Plot Summary: The main character (a boy) is on the dance crew and they are working really hard to win the competition. It becomes a little difficult for the boy and he often does his own dance moves. Meanwhile, the boy's parents are upset about his grades. After he makes a tutor storm out of the house, he is grounded which means he can't dance with his friends. At lunch one day he sees his tutor (and lab partner) doing really cool tricks on the yoyo. The tutor uses the yoyo as motivation to help him learn and his grades improve. Now he wants to participate in a yoyo contest, and he wants his tutor and now friend to do it too. Will he find a way to practice with the dance crew again? Will he find a way to get his tutor/friend to forgive him for signing her up for the yoyo contest without asking her first?

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Recurring Themes: friendship, yoyo, dancing, schoolwork, tutoring, focus, devotion, family

Controversial Issues: none

Personal Thoughts: Even though the characters are in 8th grade, this book is appropriate for elementary. It's a wholesome story about the changes in friendship that happen naturally. I appreciate that they don't win the yoyo contest.

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4.5 ( )