I listened to this YA novel - a Printz honoree novel while driving around town. It obviously fit into my water theme, or so I thought. In reality, there was very little water in this novel. Despite the cover that really seems to promise quite a lot of water.
In short this is a coming of age novel with a bit of a twist. It's strongest point is that the author really really relays what it's like to be a kid, especially one who's grown up in relative safety. Cerulean - our protagonist- is impulsive, with a narrow focus and hasn't been outside of their neighborhood and family much. Living in NYC they know that bad things happen, but they've been brought up in a very stable family. Cerulean is rebellious, and feels all the feelings, and is especially unhappy that their younger sibling gets to attend a special black focused school while they are stuck in the local public school. Cerulean is ready to move to California with friends after graduation, but a conflict with a teacher leads Cerulean to leave school- unnoticed by their parents due to family events that take the focus off the children. Is Cerulean ready to live off the grid, like they dream of? You'll want to read to find out.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel. It is very well written and engaging. The ending to me was a bit open ended and kind of... not want I'd hoped for exactly but, I can see how it would appeal to the young adult readers it's intended for! I can see this being a valuable novel for young adults, and a valuable one for adults who've forgotten what it's like to be a teen in a strange and changing world!
First Published : 09/2024
Pages: 288
Available as an Audio Book :YES
Trigger Warnings: medical situations, poverty, bullying, drugs/alcohol,
Not a full TW list, please read responsibly.
This looks like a good one for my book club which is mostly teachers! Thanks!
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