Publisher's Weekly Review
Winston (Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution) delivers a nuanced telling about a Black family in crisis via this harrowing, compassionate read. After having been placed in separate foster homes, "all because Mama went out one night and decided not to come back for nine days," 12-year-old Sharkita has just been reunited with her five-year-old sister, Lillieana, and her eight-year-old brother, Lamara, who was born with fetal alcohol poisoning. Though her mother promises things will be different this time, Sharkita--whose classmates bully her for her "shark teeth," or hyperdontia--is prepared to single-handedly care for her siblings like she always does. Surprisingly, however, Mama allows her to join her school's newly founded majorette squad, instead of requiring Sharkita to return home immediately after school to tend to her siblings like she used to. Joining the majorettes sparks a flicker of normalcy, but Sharkita still contends with anxiety stemming from her mother's neglect that feels like a shark swallowing her whole ("I didn't know which was worse--a life with her or one without"). Driven by an emotionally intelligent and complex protagonist, this courageous story about strength in the face of neglect, and the bravery to demand what is best for one's family and oneself, is potent and powerful. Ages 9--11. (Jan.)
Horn Book Review
Sharkita is always waiting for the other shoe to drop, although her life finally feels like it is on the right track. Her mom is now employed and sober, and Kita has been reunited with her two younger siblings, Lamar and Lilli. Letting her guard down slowly, she tries to be a regular middle schooler hanging out with friends and even trying out for the twirl squad. Unfortunately, the stability of her family begins to unravel, and a series of events lands the siblings in foster care once again. After an assault leads to her hospitalization, Kita finds she needs to summon her courage to start over, and hopefully this time will be different. A heart-wrenching tale of family disruption, this story is one of adaptation and resilience. However, the trauma of separation that the protagonist is forced to endure fills her with anxiety. Despite the efforts of such helpful adults as the new assistant principal, she constantly attempts to put on her bravest face to protect the fragile snippets of peace at home. Winston's (The Braid Girls, rev. 7/23) story will resonate with some while offering others a window into a life of abuse and upheaval. Monique HarrisJanuary/February 2024 p.102 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
A Florida middle schooler tries to hide her problems at home as she attempts to have a normal school experience. Sharkita Lloyd is fearful that something will happen to disrupt her family life again. Her mother's neglect landed Kita and younger siblings Lilli and Lamar in separate foster homes for the summer. Mama seems to be trying her best, but Kita continues to do more than her share of caregiving, a difficult task, especially given that 8-year-old Lamar has fetal alcohol syndrome. Mama's fierce temper also keeps Kita on edge, doing all she can to make her happy. As she begins seventh grade, Kita ponders all the experiences she's missed. She's also self-conscious about her appearance due to dental issues that have led to bullying. The new assistant principal extends an invitation to her new dance team, but as much as Kita wants to join and become a baton twirler, she fears her mother's irresponsibility will make it impossible. Even as Kita allows herself to relax, engage with friends and school activities, and believe in her family's future, her worst fears come true. The cast is primarily African American, and cultural touchstones are woven throughout. This is an outstanding depiction of the impact that family stressors can have on a household's youngest members. Winston skillfully shares Kita's story, allowing readers to understand and empathize with her plight. The supporting characters are well drawn and add both richness and texture to the narrative. A deeply satisfying tale with an irresistible protagonist. (Fiction. 9-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Nothing is more important to seventh-grader Sharkita (Kita) than keeping herself and her younger siblings, Lilli and Lamar, out of foster care, but Mama doesn't make that easy. Beautiful and magnetic, Mama is a loving parent when she wants to be, but too often she chooses drinking and partying over her children, leaving Kita to care for the littles alone--sometimes for days on end. Lately, though, Mama has been behaving responsibly enough for Kita to feel a glimmer of hope that things might be different this time. She allows herself to join her school's new majorette squad as a twirler, something that would've been impossible if she had to look after Lilli and Lamar. Devastatingly, Kita's hopes go up in smoke when Mama leaves the littles home alone while Kita's out with friends, resulting in the siblings being sent to separate foster families. Winston dives deep into the stark realities some children face in unstable homes, and the immense pressure that that unfairly puts on young people. As unfortunate as Kita's home life is, she is surrounded by caring adults who see the signs that Kita's family is in crisis and do everything in their power to support her, even when she isn't yet ready to accept their help. A powerful, ultimately uplifting potrtait of breaking a toxic cycle and embracing a better future.
