Book Review: Some Places More than Others by Renee Watson

 

Some Places More Than Others by Renée Watson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was reading not too long back about the need for more books that celebrate and elevate Black Joy and the concept that while Black people's lives in America have certainly been irrevocably shaped by racism, slavery, and White Supremacy, their lives are not only that and not defined by suffering. While we need books that acknowledge our country's painful past and the fight for civil rights, we also need books that show the great joy and love in Black people's lives, that celebrate Blackness.

Renee Watson is a masterful conveyor of Black Joy.

In exploring family (the one we are born into and the one we choose), union and reunion, and reconciliation and forgiveness, Watson crafts a story of warmth and joy. We follow almost-twelve-year-old Amara and her father on their visit to New York City from their home in Beaverton, Oregon where her dad works for Nike and her mom designs clothing that she sells in a boutique. Amara is exploring her New York roots for the first time - meeting her grandfather and cousins in person - and learning about the world of her father's childhood. As Amara makes connections with her East Coast family, she learns more about herself.

The book has a interest subplot with the suitcase project that Amara completes for school, which requires her to share her family story through decorating a suitcase. I love that Watson includes information on how to do this great project, including interview questions to ask family members, writing prompts, and ideas for items to include in the suitcase. I would love to do a book club with students and include the project.

I actually read this book as part of a ProjectLIT Middle Grades book club, and I cannot wait to discuss it with the other participants.

Want to read more about Black Joy? Check out these links:

https://kleavercruz.com/the-black-joy...
https://bookriot.com/books-celebratin...
https://www.blackjoyparade.org/
http://blackyouthproject.com/black-jo...





View all my reviews