Susan Tan

I love that this book tackles tough subjects with really excellent characters -- and that there is support waiting to help Mo and her family when they are ready to take it. Her uncle's quiet attention is a real stand-out in this book -- he listens, notices, offers space and music. I appreciate how there really isn't a resolution to her awful Stepdad's awful behavior. He's a terrible human being, who does terrible things, and that does not change or get better. Her mom's devastated depression is also just presented as a reality that Mo and Cece have to figure out how to negotiate. Hard times happen. Mo is anxious for good reasons. There's a great message here on endurance and resilience. Love the supernatural aspects of the book and how they are subjective. Love the librarian and her critical mind spotlighting racism. Love the friendship dynamics and blow-up and resolution. Just a lot of really good stuff with characters that make me want to keep reading.… (more)