e-Audio, 06:28:04
Narrated by: Jolene Kim
Release Date: May 14, 2024
Published by: Harpercollins
Read from: May 15-23, 2024
Stand-alone
Source: Library’s Libby
Content Warning: N/A
For Readers Interested In: Indigenous Hawaiians, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Racial/Ethnic DiversityAfter accidentally wishing on a family heirloom to hear what boys are thinking, Clara wakes up the next day able to do just that. Every idea, every worry, every generous or petty thought crossing their minds—somehow, they now form a chorus of voices in hers.
But why couldn’t her newfound powers have arrived sooner? Then, maybe, she could have stopped her ex–best friend Leo from betraying her and ditching her for the more popular kids. At least her dad is open to the idea of moving her off O‘ahu and out to Arizona to be with him.
If Clara can use what she hears to solve her problems, then her powers might just be able to make up for lost time—but instead, she ends up making a bigger mess of everything! While scrambling to fix her mistakes, Clara must question old friendships, enter into new ones, and try to figure out what makes a home, and if she is willing to leave hers behind.
*MY THOUGHTS*
The only thing I needed to know about this book was that it was set in Hawaii. And it was written by a Native Hawaiian? Bet. I needed it in my hands as soon as I could get it. And let me just tell you, I could definitely tell the difference between this and a non-Native.
Ok so the coolest thing about this was obviously her gift. I mean as a grown person I can’t say I’d enjoy that gift now lol But it was cool for her. However, I can see how it got her in trouble. Especially dealing with all she was dealing with before she realized her powers. Those kids were terrible. And let me just say I don’t blame her in the least for what she did because Lordt they were mean. I do wish we learned more about the other gifts and where they might have come from tho. We get literally no back story and it drove me crazy.
I loved the setting tho. I have never been to Hawaii, and this was definitely going to be my way to get there. All the plants that her grandmother had and all the green stuff on their property, it sounded so lush and cool! I wish I could have seen it in person or gotten a better like description of what it looked like, but I remembered this was a MG book and I knew that wasn’t happening. It was great for what it was tho. I also liked the other aspects of the Native Hawaiian culture, like the language. And the way the author taught us some of the words from the language that was at one point illegal. It was a cool thing to learn because I never knew that little tidbit of history. One thing I love about reading is all the things you learn.
The plot itself was very slow tho. And she spent a large portion of this book mad at everyone. She was mad at her old friend. And then her new friend. And then she was mad at the dad and her grandma and the rest of the kids in her grade. And while that is actually the way most tweens are, I wanted some type of growth. It was mostly just her broody and moody the whole time.
This was cute, but I still wish there was a bit more if you know what I mean? Definitely a welcome reprieve from recommending books by non-Native Hawaiians. I now have a Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander rec from every age group! And that makes me so, so happy. Elevate and uplift all marginalized voices!
Overall, I give this
