Take Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles
A Review By: SS
Brand-new kicks, ripped denim shorts, Supreme tee.
Wes Henderson has the best style in sixth grade. That—and hanging out with his crew (his best friends since little-kid days) and playing video games—is what he wants to be thinking about at the start of the school year, not the protests his parents are always dragging him to.
But when a real estate developer makes an offer to buy Kensington Oaks, the neighborhood Wes has lived his whole life, everything changes. The grownups are supposed to have all the answers, but all they're doing is arguing. Even Wes' best friends are fighting. And some of them may be moving. Wes isn't about to give up the only home he's ever known. Wes has always been good at puzzles, and he knows there has to be a missing piece that will solve this puzzle and save the Oaks. But can he find it...before it's too late?
Exploring community, gentrification, justice, and friendship, Take Back the Block introduces an irresistible sixth grader and asks what it means to belong—to a place and a movement—and to fight for what you believe in.
Review Notes:
Audio Book Publication Year: 2021
An installment in a Series? No
Narrator (s): Genesis Oliver, Chrystal D. Giles
This is a great story for middle grade students who are trying to find their voice in the world. My fifth graders were immersed in the story from the very beginning when Wes found himself stuck at a rally with his mother on a hot summer day. Like most children his age, he would rather be playing video games with his friends. Well, that is until he learns that his neighborhood is being threatened with gentrification. That was a cause he found worthy of his attention. As Wes becomes more involved with the process of “taking back the block,” readers are able to watch his character evolve and grow into a young leader in his community. This story touched on the topics of family, friendships, community, and social justice in ways that were relatable for the targeted audience.
I particularly liked how the author showed how Wes’s relationships were affected by the changes in his neighborhood and his reaction to those changes. I was also intrigued by how this story led to great discussions with my fifth grade book club. While discussing the assigned chapters at our weekly meetings, the students discussed having their families displaced for various reasons, having to change schools, and struggling to fit in (among other things). They were so engaged that several would read ahead each week and had to stop themselves from spoiling the books for the other members during the discussions.
This was my first time listening to a novel narrated by Genesis Oliver, and I think he did an excellent job. I don’t always like when adults narrate in children’s voices, but he did well with a cast of various characters.
Reading Recommendation? Yes!
Rating: NORTH STAR RATING
Content Warnings? None
