Some Places More Than Others

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

http://chaosinthekitchen.com/2011/12/copycat-cheesecake-factorys-shepherds-pie-b...

Lunch and Books š¤¨ to my alternative school

ASAP (Alternative Suspension Accountability Program) ā€“ Students who are suspended and expelled can complete their schoolwork at Escape while working towards peace, restoration, and personal growth. Volunteers are integral in working side-by-side with students.

@kspenmoll some of your donated books went today

Tamra Great work! š’ 3y

56 likes1 comment

JenlovesJT47

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

pick

I grabbed this for the #MGbuddyread but somehow forgot about it, oops š¬. Better late than never! I enjoyed being a tourist along with Amara in NYC and now I‘m craving one of those Jamaican beef patties, I shan‘t lie. I would have loved this book as a kid. I do think the character development left much to be desired, but overall, this was enjoyable. 3.75 āļø¸

#MiddleGradeFiction
#NYC

58 likes1 stack add

amber_ldsmom

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

so-so

This one was borderline between ā€It was okayā€¯ and ā€I liked it.ā€¯ Ultimately, I think it just wasn‘t the right time for me to read this one. I really liked the idea of the Suitcase Project, though. I might give my own kids that assignment. #mgbuddyread

megnews

megnews I really like that as an assignment too. 3y

37 likes1 comment

Daisey

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

pick

I‘m a bit late, but with all the great reviews I read, I had to make time for this #MiddleGrade book. I truly enjoyed it, especially the amazing sense of place. I am not at all a city person, but it even made me want to visit New York City. I also appreciated the little bits of Christian faith in the story and the wonderful message of finding your own place while understanding your family history.

#MGBuddyRead

63 likes2 stack adds

mrp27

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

pick

I forgot to post my review of this months #mgbuddyread. Although this didn‘t entirely wow me I did enjoy it and the themes of family, identity and place were great ones to explore. Twelve year old Amara is given a school suitcase project that coincides with a trip to her father‘s hometown in Harlem. There she discovers more about herself, her father and family as a whole.

megnews

27 likes

Kristin_Reads

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

pick

4āļø¸ || Really enjoyed this middle-grade story about family and home. It‘s a quick and thoughtful read. š’—Thanks for hosting #MGBuddyRead, @megnews !

megnews Glad you joined in! 3y

55 likes1 comment

BarbaraJean

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

pick

This was a beautiful little MG novel exploring themes of family, heritage, and understanding & reconciliation. 12-year-old Amara travels from Oregon to NYC to finally meet her dad‘s side of the family, and learns more about her own family history as well as the broader heritage she‘s introduced to in Harlem. I enjoyed the family story being told against the backdrop of NYCā€”such a strong sense of place. A great pick for #MGBuddyRead!

megnews

45 likes

Roary47

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

pick

Amara discovers her roots from her dads side of the family that live on the other side of the country. It also includes the suitcase project for readers to discover their own roots by interviewing your relatives. Really nice story for young readers. I‘ve never been to New York City for long enough, but I got anxiety when they were talking about where they were. I got lost in the pages. #MGBuddyRead

10 likes

megnews

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

#MGBuddyRead

Peddler410, erzascarletbookgasm, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, Butterfinger, Kristin_Reads, Roary47

Butterfinger I WANT TO SEE HARRIET TUBMAN. In real life. That is why I haven't googled yet to see it. It just sounded amazing. And the Schomburg Center. 3y

megnews @Butterfinger I haven‘t seen that one but the Frederick Douglass statue is powerful. Right outside NW corner of Central Park. 3y

Butterfinger Great questions @megnews 3y

See All 25 Comments

megnews @Butterfinger thanks! Thanks for discussing. 3y

Deblovestoread I always love a book set in Oregon and NYC is on my bucket list. I want to see all of these things and more. 3y

mrp27 I loved all the NYC scenes, made me nostalgic for home, I lived in NY for over 10 years and it makes me regret lost opportunities to see and do more that I never got to do when I lived there. Great discussion and thanks for hosting! 3y

megnews @Kdgordon88 I think you‘ll love nyc. I‘ve gone 5 times since my first trip in 2014. Was supposed to go last summer but covid hit. I‘ve booked a refundable hotel for June. I hope I feel comfortable enough to go. I absolutely love it. 3y

megnews @mrp27 I‘ve wished to live in nyc for a year so I could spend weekends seeing all the things I want to see and get it out of my system. There‘s something about the energy, people from all over. I don‘t find locals rude like their reputation says. I ā¯¤ļø¸ NY! 3y

mrp27 There is something definitely magical and energetic about NYC, and no, we are not rude! I‘ve loved it from the very first time I visited. I was born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles so I‘m a California girl at heart but NY also became my 2nd home and very much a part of my identity. Have you read Here is New York by EB White? I think it captures the spirit of NY perfectly. 3y

megnews @mrp27 yes I have read it and I agree! 3y

Roary47 I wasn‘t aware how much history there was in New York. I passed through the city on a trip with my parents so I never had a chance to really see much. Now I have a list of somethings that would be interesting to see if I go again. I also liked the family element. I have family like Amara‘s that I don‘t talk to or see much which is a definite lost opportunity now that I‘m older. 3y

megnews @Roary47 I‘ll add to your historical sites to see in nyc: Ellis Island, the Tenement Museum, African Burial Ground, NY Transit Museum are a few I love. 3y

Chrissyreadit @megnews I never make it to those places because there‘s always so much to do. One thing I always think is amazing is Shakespeare in The Park. 3y

Chrissyreadit @Butterfinger me too! 3y

Chrissyreadit @megnews it should be great- I was in NYC last week and stayed in SoHo- lots of outdoor eating set up and I was so sad I could just spend the days having fun. Was there for my daughters work. I love NY people. I think people are friendly for the most part. 3y

Chrissyreadit One thing that kind of surprised me was how widespread the gentrification is and how middle class neighborhoods are disappearing. And the wealthy apts do not have curtains- very interesting!!!! Clearly not worried about thrives or privacy. 3y

Butterfinger I have been to NYC twice and find the people very helpful. I love the place, but I still wouldn't let my 12 year old go without me. I guess I am too country. 3y

Kristin_Reads @Butterfinger I‘m with you on that! I‘m a mom and have only been to nyc once. I found it exciting but overwhelming! 3y

JaclynW I have been to NYC several times and absolutely adore it. There is so much to see and do. @megnews and @mrp27 mentioned the energy and I completely agree. I love historical sites and museums, all the cultural stuff, the parks, the architecture, the food!! I could go on and on. My daughter actually wants to go to NYC for college. She applied to NYU but didn't get in (maybe next year??). 3y

JaclynW I really enjoyed this story. I liked Amara's growth. I loved the suitcase project!! I think that is such a fun idea. I liked that it gave tips for this at the end of the book. The idea of looking into not only your family history, but the broader perspective of how we all came to be and what came before us is so fascinating to me. There is a lot to be learned here. This book also REALLY made me want to travel to NYC again. I need to see more!! 3y

JaclynW @megnews Thank you for the questions and the book suggestion!! I loved this one! 3y

amber_ldsmom @megnews Can you add me to the #mgbuddyread tag list? Didn‘t realize I missed the discussion. 3y

megnews @amber_ldsmom yes! I‘m so, so sorry! I don‘t know how I missed you. 3y

amber_ldsmom @megnews Thanks! No problem. š™‚ 3y

SaturnDoo @megnews NYC has never really been a place I want to visit. I have a dear friend that lives 30 mins from the city and I have turned down multiple opportunities but his door is always open. It just seems to overwhelming for me. I'm a small town girl at heart and big bustling busy cities like that make me nervous and anxious. Maybe some day I will go. 3y

35 likes25 comments

megnews

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

#MGBuddyRead

Peddler410, erzascarletbookgasm, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, SaturnDoo, Lmstraubie, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, Butterfinger, Kristin_Reads, Roary47

Butterfinger That was so sad. It was almost a little too late for a reconciliation and I blame the old man. He should have been ashamed of what he did. 3y

megnews @Butterfinger I understand Amara‘s mom wanting them to reconcile but I felt bad for Amara feeing she was responsible for that outcome. 3y

Deblovestoread I think an important step was made toward healing. But reversing years of hurt takes time and attention. Grandpa should have known better and it should never have been Amara‘s job to force a reconciliation. 3y

See All 18 Comments

mrp27 That was a lot of pressure to put on someone so young that can‘t always understand family dynamics. It seemed hopeful that they were on a better path after visiting Grandma Grace gravesite together. 3y

BarbaraJean I definitely think it will be better going forward. There's a lot of fault on the grandfather's side, but I felt really sad at how the son shut him out for so long, when he'd made an effort to understand and change. @Kdgordon88 @mrp27 Absolutely--I was frustrated at how Amara's mother kept asking her to get them to talk. That's not the kid's responsibility!! 3y

Roary47 I think that first step was her dad seeing it from the other side. Amara mentioned that she feels her mom is like her grandfather to her dad. This I think opened his eyes to what his dad was really trying to do was try to relate and he was frustrated that he couldn‘t. Now that they made steps to heal their relationship I think they will start to repair. 3y

Chrissyreadit @Butterfinger @megnews @Kdgordon88 @mrp27 @BarbaraJean @Roary47 I agree with everyone- it was not Amara‘s job to heal the rift. Honestly, why didn‘t the Aunt work on it? The disconnect was sad because they both are good men. And it was a good perspective that we need to love our children for who they are not who we want them to be. 3y

megnews @Chrissyreadit good point about the aunt. 3y

mrp27 @Chrissyreadit Agreed, great point about the aunt. 3y

Kristin_Reads @megnews Exactly! That was unfortunate to put Amara in the middle as a peacemaker. The mom asking Amara privately to make sure her dad did xyz to help repair the relationship. That‘s not Amara‘ responsibility! 3y

Kristin_Reads @BarbaraJean I totally agree! 3y

JaclynW @megnews I too thought that was a huge responsibility for Amara!! She shouldn't have had to feel the pressure of making things work out between these two adults!! That is the adults job. Yikes!!
3y

JaclynW @Chrissyreadit Excellent point about the aunt!! Seriously!! 3y

JaclynW I did feel hope that things were moving towards a more progressive path. And it did seem like it was due to what Amara had said. But really, this is something that grown, mature people should be able to figure out on their own. (grow up!! right??) 3y

Chrissyreadit @JaclynW I think it was the weakness in the plot. It would have been lovely to see a parallel with dad and grandpa growing close due to Aunt and Amara and cousins growing close due to grandpa. I also think the link in relationship with Amara and Mom could have fleshed out- imagine if Amara had conversation with Grandpa about it or Aunt or even cousin..... to me that would have added a little depth. 3y

JaclynW @Chrissyreadit agreed! 3y

SaturnDoo As a parent and grandparent,looking back on my life I see now where I made many mistakes. It's not always easy to make amends. Sometimes it takes children,like Amara, to fill in the gaps and bring adults back together. The story doesn't tell us if reconciliation attempts had been made, but I feel like there were, that's why the mother asked Amara to get them to talk. She knew that Amara would be the one to make it happen. 3y

SaturnDoo Cont'd Amara had a connection with Grandma Grace,her dad, and Grandpa Earl that nobody else did. Amara had a way of pulling on their heartstrings to want to make things right. I didn't feel bad for the responsibility being placed on her because she was strong and learning more about her family was a goal. It was very predictable that things were going to turn out good. @megnews 3y

23 likes18 comments

megnews

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

#MGBuddyRead

Peddler410, erzascarletbookgasm, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, SaturnDoo, Lmstraubie, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, Butterfinger, Kristin_Reads, Roary47

Butterfinger Wonderful questions. Place was so important to this book. And because the place has our ancestors and our loved ones it becomes us. Even though you live elsewhere you will always have western NC in you because of your grandparents and your experiences. Loved this question. 3y

megnews @Butterfinger yes! I could relate to Amara because I loved visiting where we were from and finding out about family. Place can play such an important part in our lives. 3y

Deblovestoread Absolutely place is a part of who you are. When traveling to central Washington there is a certain place where I feel I am at home as I drive by towards my destination even though I haven‘t lived in the area since I was 12. It is a physical as well as emotional comfort. 3y

See All 14 Comments

mrp27 Agreed, places make up who we are and become our identity. They help us understand why and where our families come from. My dad was from Arizona and our childhood vacations were spent visiting that state and meeting all his family. Helped me get to know him. 3y

BarbaraJean I loved the role the setting played in this book--for Amara to see both her family's history in that specific place, as well as being introduced to Harlem and Black history there. It was a lovely way to show the impact of specific familial roots as well as heritage on a broader scale. I LOVED when the grandfather took all three girls to the Schomburg Center. 3y

Roary47 We are definitely elements in our own environments. Science shows this all the time in how even with similar to the same genes we develop who we are, how we think, and how we act from the environment we are accustomed too. 3y

megnews @BarbaraJean I loved the dual historical roles as well. I really liked when the grandfather had them name the people in the mural. I love the street art in nyc. 3y

Chrissyreadit @Butterfinger @megnews @Kdgordon88 @mrp27 @BarbaraJean @Roary47 I really feel this question. I always feel at home in NY, and @Roary47 I agree place shapes us. I still get culture shock from things people outside of NYC consider normal. I wish my kids could have grown up where walking is normal and you can get anywhere you need to go before you have a license or may not even get one. 3y

JaclynW @BarbaraJean Yes!!! I loved that it brought in her own family history as well as the broader stories of black history. It really makes an impact on a person when you see things at these different levels and how they are interconnected. This was part of what I loved about this book. @megnews
3y

JaclynW I loved this title and the story. I think the story did a fine job of weaving these bits together. I agree with what everyone has said above. Setting is so important to a story, to our lives, the impacts it makes are huge/life changing/memory making. I bet we all have *those* places that make our hearts sing and we just feel so connected to - whether we have lived there or even just travel to. 3y

SaturnDoo The title was ok. My family is rather small on both sides and all from West Virginia. Being that I was born in WV but raised in TN, I've never felt any real interest or attachments to WV. I've visited WV a few times but feel no "real" connections there. Maybe because my family has never been close or stayed in touch ?ā€¨ā™€ļø¸ but in Amara's case I see the importance. @megnews @Chrissyreadit 3y

Chrissyreadit @SaturnDoo it‘s funny- I‘ve lived in WV for 20 years- and do not feel any attachment. It‘s just the place I live. My kids feel a strong attachment to both NY and WV but both prefer NY and I suspect will end up closer to NY than we are now. 3y

megnews @SaturnDoo @Chrissyreadit I think everyone is different when it comes to this sense of attachment to place. I was born in NC but only lived there about 18 months. But my Poppy‘s people were from there and my Gran was raised there and she took me to visit every summer. I often feel a stronger attachment to my roots in NC than I do to Ohio, where I‘ve lived my whole life. 3y

Chrissyreadit @megnews that is how it is for my kids. I think because all our holidays, birthdays, family bdays and most summer vacations and many homeschool outings were in NYC. 3y

20 likes14 comments

megnews

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

I had to ask. #MGBuddyRead

Peddler410, erzascarletbookgasm, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, SaturnDoo, Lmstraubie, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, Butterfinger, Kristin_Reads, Roary47

Butterfinger I understood how they would not want to take their cousin around their home place. However, I do not understand why the one had to be so hateful. 3y

megnews @Butterfinger I‘m a complete nerd. I would have had a daily itinerary written out to give her when she arrived and acted as tour guide. My visiting cousin probably would have thought I was loony! This gave them a whole opportunity to be the cool cousins in sophisticated nyc. I was surprised they didn‘t want to show off. 3y

Deblovestoread I think there was some concern about the new cousin replacing them in the affections of their grandfather but I agree with Megan that I expected them to want to show off. (edited) 3y

See All 11 Comments

mrp27 I would have been the same as @megnews and I was surprised by their lack of interest in their cousin. I get they were not close but still... I can understand the resentment and jealousy Ava had towards Amara but she didn‘t have to be so hateful about it. 3y

BarbaraJean Ugh...I found them annoying! I can understand there's a BIG difference between a 12-year-old and a 14/16-year-old. And there was definitely some reasonable jealousy over Amara's privilege/having her father around. But I still found them annoying and Ava's attitude to be a bit over-the-top. I do think the interactions between the girls did a good job of echoing the rift between the father/grandfather (or showing some of the effects of that rift). 3y

Roary47 I agree that Ava was believable based on what was already discussed, but that was only her one cousin. I think her other cousin, who I‘m blanking on her name, was trying to help her fit in and see the sites. She was the peacemaker and I feel she did care about Amaya. I like that her dad spoiled them a little bit in the end so they could have more positive male role models. 3y

megnews @Roary47 yes the older one definitely at least tried. 3y

Chrissyreadit @Butterfinger @megnews @Kdgordon88 @mrp27 @BarbaraJean @Roary47 honestly, I did not understand why they considered 12 a baby- I could understand if it limited their time hanging out with friends, who might not like an outsider, but my experience was NY was very family, this is my cousins, girlfriends, daughter would be enough to get you into a party- and ages were wider- it was who‘s old enough to play street games vs who has to stay on the stoop 3y

Chrissyreadit I could see jealousy because of the dad being in jail. It made me wonder about the relationship of the aunt and dad. Also income and remembering where your from plays a big part in relationships. Maybe because Amara was considered well off the cousin was also jealous? 3y

JaclynW @Chrissyreadit I could see jealousy being part of it perhaps. The older cousin, Nina, tried. I think Ava definitely saw her as competition or something. Teens are tricky - maybe THAT was the reason!! Haha! The attitudes!! I liked how it turned out though and I think they made peace with each other and saw value in each other. Mutual respect in the end. 3y

SaturnDoo The one thing I saw was they weren't close. The Aunt would come visit Oregon but left her girls at home due to expense. So the 3 girls were strangers to one another. Being that Amara's family was financially better off definitely drove a wedge, as well as Ava and Nina's dad being in prison. At times Amara acted a bit babyish when things didn't go her way. But no need for Ava to be as hateful as she was. @megnews 3y

17 likes11 comments

megnews

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

#MGBuddyRead discussion starts now! Join in when you can.

Peddler410, erzascarletbookgasm, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, SaturnDoo, Lmstraubie, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, Butterfinger, Kristin_Reads, Roary47

Butterfinger It's has a negative reputation and reasonably so. My first time there I stayed at Columbia, very close to where Amara's family lived. I heard sirens all the time and the day I left, the little store where I would get my snacks and drinks was robbed. I would be leery too. And she did get lost. 3y

megnews @Butterfinger She was going to be with her dad or family so I thought it was ok. 3y

Butterfinger I don't trust easily. Especially my girls' dad or his family. I would have been so scared. 3y

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Deblovestoread I felt it was more about the fear of letting go. Hard to acknowledge your little one is growing up and she is pregnant which could intensify those emotions. 3y

mrp27 I understood the mother‘s fears. My family had their own fears when I got married and moved to NY, it has a reputation after all. However, I thought she was a bit unreasonable since she was going with her dad to see family. 3y

megnews @Kdgordon88 I felt some of that too. 3y

BarbaraJean I felt like some of her mother's resistance came from the rift between Amara's father and his dad. I could understand not wanting to put a 12-year-old in the middle of that. In that sense, I felt she was being reasonable. If the only reservations she had were about Amara visiting NYC (visiting family! traveling with her dad!), I would have felt she was being a little too protective. 3y

Roary47 I agree with @mrp27 and @BarbaraJean that the city can be a scary place for a country girl. Plus to put an almost 12 year old in a house with two distanced family members could sour her to the whole experience. I‘m sure since her mom was so far along she wasn‘t able to go to play peacemaker to put her more at ease with the travel. 3y

Chrissyreadit @Butterfinger @megnews @Kdgordon88 @mrp27 @BarbaraJean @Roary47 I have to admit I was surprised by her fear. I have felt like my kids are safer in NYC than in WV. There are some neighborhoods I would not drive through after dark in the 80‘s but it is so residential. And just don‘t advertise your a tourist cause of pick pockets in famous areas.I was surprised cause the mom lived there. 3y

megnews @Chrissyreadit yeah. I‘ve been 5 times since my first in 2014 and never felt unsafe. š¤·š¸»ā€¨ā™€ļø¸ 3y

megnews @Chrissyreadit and I‘ve always taught my kids not to ā€look like touristsā€¯ when we travel. So much so that when I wanted to stop on Magnificent Mile in Chicago to take pictures of some art installments I loved my daughter said ā€come on mom, we look like tourists!ā€¯ If you visit a city you can‘t stick out like a sore thumb. Have a little street smarts and it‘ll be ok. 3y

Chrissyreadit @megnews it really is a pretty safe place to travel. I think people might get nervous in some neighborhoods in the boroughs where no one speaks English, only because it can be a little more challenging to communicate but still people want you there to shop. Flushing is a place I think everyone should visit- Amazing!!!! 3y

mrp27 @Chrissyreadit Exactly, act like you‘ve belong. What always surprised me about NYC is how small town it felt. Everyone was so neighborly and I loved walking into my deli where they knew my name and order and how I liked my coffee light. I don‘t get that in the suburbs. 3y

Chrissyreadit @mrp27 yes!! Neighborhoods ā¯¤ļø¸ā¯¤ļø¸ā¯¤ļø¸ 3y

Kristin_Reads Just finished! I think that her mom didn‘t feel comfortable because she knows Amara is from a very small town, that her dad would be working and not able to do much sight-seeing, and the rift between her dad and grandpa would be potentially too much for a a girl turning 12. 3y

JaclynW I didn't understand her mother's hesitancy to be honest. I was puzzled. I couldn't figure out if it was part of the dad/grandfather issue or just a small town girl going to a big city. Having been to several big cities around the world with my kids....I see no problem visiting. Obviously, she wasn't going to be on her own. In my travels I am always surprised to see kids of all ages out on their own in the city - going to school, hanging (cont) 3y

JaclynW out with friends, running errands, etc. I was quite impressed. I agree above that looking like you belong does help. But. I have also been the obvious tourist and have found most people to be very friendly and helpful. Big cities are my favorite!! I love that she was eventually allowed to go. It is an empowering and meaningful experience (as we saw in this book).
3y

SaturnDoo @megnews I couldn't find any justifiable reason to the mother's actions/reactions. Amara knew her aunt, had multiple conversations with her grandfather, and her Dad was going. It honestly made me think there were trust issues between her parents. Yes, I do think she was being a bit unreasonable. I think maybe that was just filler to get the book started š¤·ā€¨ā™€ļø¸ 3y

18 likes18 comments

Chrissyreadit

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

pick

#mgbuddyread So glad I read this! I just loved it so much š§�š§�š§�š§�š§�š§�š§�

megnews

87 likes2 stack adds

Roary47

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

My new kindle came today! Just in time to finish this one for discussion. šš’›

8 likes

Lmstraubie

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

pick

I didn't think I could love Renee Watson any more, but yes, I do!!! I loved this book and hope she does a follow up in Oregon. #mgbuddyread

TheBookHippie I loved this book!!! But I love all of hers š’ 3y

Lmstraubie @TheBookHippie Agreed! Have you read this one yet

Ways to Make Sunshine

TheBookHippie @Lmstraubie yes! I saw it at the library and picked it up. 3y

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Cinfhen Hi Lisa!!! It‘s cindy @Cinfhen just thinking about youš’•š’•š’•I was reminiscing about the early days of Litsy and realized we completely lost touch. I hope you & your family are well xxx 2y

Lmstraubie @Cinfhen Cindy!!!!!! How are you??? I have been so, so bad with being on Litsy and think of the many friends I made so often. My intention is to jump back in, but something always seems to get in the way. We are well - empty nesters (sort of). My oldest moved to LA and my youngest is in his 1st year of college. How are you and your family? Have you been state side recently? So glad you reached out š 2y

Cinfhen I‘m sooooo happy you saw this message!!!!! Wow, your youngest is in college!! I sort of remember you as the soccer mom, driving carpools in our early Litsy days. My middle, a son lives in LA. My daughter, the oldest got married this October in NY /she & her hubby moved to Atlanta. And my baby (20) is doing his compulsory army servicešHe‘s in a very dangerous unit so my heart is heavy. Thank Gd he‘s still in training. Covid has affected my š‘‡š¸½ 2y

Cinfhen Ability to travel, so I travel back & forth less often. Im hoping to go in February š™¸š¸¼Litsy is still here and if you do find time, tag me xx miss you but glad to hear all is well. I MISS live music!!!!! I haven‘t been to a concert since pre-Covid!!! 2y

Lmstraubie @Cinfhen Wow!!! So much going on! Congratulations on your daughter's marriage. It must have been a beautiful ceremony. š�° Keeping your youngest in my thoughts and wishing him much safety. xo It's hard to believe we are almost two years into this. Hopefully there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I know what you mean about live music!! If you are ever back and have some spare time I would love to meet up. I really have to do a better job of 2y

Lmstraubie @Cinfhen reaching out. I'm so glad you did!! Be well and safe my friend. xo 2y

Cinfhen Thanks, Lisa š’I will definitely reach out next time I‘m in NJ/PA xx 2y

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megnews

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

One week til #MGBuddyRead discussion. If you haven‘t grabbed a copy yet, this is a reminder. It‘s a quick read. All welcome!

Peddler410, erzascarletbookgasm, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, SaturnDoo, Lmstraubie, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, Butterfinger, Tattooedteacher, Kristin_Reads, Roary47

Roary47 I‘m on chapter 4 I should make it. š 3y

Tattooedteacher I‘m on it. Just ordered. Thanks for the reminder. 3y

BarbaraJean Finished it this weekā€”looking forward to the discussion! 3y

Chrissyreadit Almost done! 3y

Peddler410 I still need to read this one; I own a copy and should be able to read it this weekend. 3y

48 likes5 comments

Butterfinger

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

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Love this book. Love RenĆ©e Watson. Love how she includes her faith in an unassuming way in her writing. Love Amara. Love seeing NYC, especially Harlem, through Amara's eyes. I had to go to the back of the book to check on the baby. I don't do well with at-risk pregnancies. #MGBuddyRead @megnews #BBRC -black main character @LibrarianRyan @Sarahreadstoomuch

LibrarianRyan yeahh 3y

megnews @Butterfinger I thought that about the way she subtly writes about faith. I also love everything you do about the book. Looking forward to discussion. (edited) 3y

Tamra I loved Piecing me Together! 3y

Butterfinger @Tamra all of her books are awesome. But Piecing Me Together was so powerful. 3y

41 likes4 comments

megnews

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

pick

Oops! I finished April #MGBuddyRead already. Enjoyed it so much I couldn‘t quit reading. Under normal circumstances I‘d give this book āļø¸āļø¸āļø¸āļø¸š’« but I added š’« for the NYC setting which was done well.
This is also book 28 and the last book for #MGMarch. I‘d hoped to do a book a day and came close.
I‘m looking forward to discussing this next month!

Peddler410, erzascarletbookgasm, LibrarianRyan, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, Butterfinger, Kristin_Reads, Roary47

TheBookHippie She‘s a favorite of mine I‘ve binged all her books š¤¨ 3y

Chrissyreadit I‘m excited! 3y

LibrarianRyan āļø¸š’—š‘¨ 3y

See All 7 Comments

Deblovestoread Well done! Looking forward to reading this one. 3y

erzascarletbookgasm Awesome! š‘¸ I‘m looking forward to read this. 3y

JaclynW Can't wait! NYC is one of my favorite settings! 3y

megnews @JaclynW mine too! 3y

60 likes1 stack add7 comments

megnews

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

Just a reminder to grab your #mgbuddyread book if you haven‘t already! All welcome!

Peddler410, erzascarletbookgasm, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, SaturnDoo, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, Butterfinger, Tattooedteacher, Kristin_Reads, Roary47

Deblovestoread Have my copy! 3y

JenlovesJT47 I‘d like to join! š™‹š¸»ā€¨ā™€ļø¸ 3y

mrp27 I have a copy on hold through library, hoping it comes in on time. 3y

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megnews @JenlovesJT47 great! Tag me in any blurbs, quotes, and review and I‘ll post discussion questions April 17. Glad to have you! 3y

Chrissyreadit Im in- but need to get the book. 3y

BarbaraJean Looking forward to it! 3y

JaclynW I have my book! 3y

Bookgoil I‘m in one of these days I‘ll post a review on the right day š‚ 3y

40 likes8 comments

megnews

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

Grab your book for April‘s #MGBuddyRead. Let me know if you‘re reading along. All welcome!

rubyslippersreads, Peddler410, Daisey, Johanna414, erzascarletbookgasm, catebutler, Bookgoil, LibrarianRyan, thegirlwiththelibrarybag, TheBookHippie, Readingismyescape, BarbaraJean, Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick, mrp27, Nute, Deblovestoread, maich, SaturnDoo, Lmstraubie, Chrissyreadit, Chelsibno, JaclynW, amber_ldsmom, ravenlee, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, IndoorDame, sblbooks, Tattooedteacher, Roary47, Tracyantoon

Tattooedteacher Count me in! 3y

Roary47 Looks good I‘m in. š 3y

Peddler410 I‘m in for sure! 3y

See All 21 Comments

erzascarletbookgasm My library has a copy! Count me in! 3y

Chrissyreadit I‘m in. 3y

Kristin_Reads I‘d like to join! š 3y

JaclynW I'm planning on reading this as well. 3y

Deblovestoread š™‹š¸»ā€¨ā™€ļø¸ 3y

mrp27 I'm planning on it. 3y

LibrarianRyan šā¯¤ļø¸š‘¨š¸» 3y

SaturnDoo I'm in š™‹ā€¨ā™€ļø¸ā¯¤ā¯¤ā¯¤ 3y

megnews @Kristin_Reads glad to have you! (edited) 3y

Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I have a lot to read in April, so since my library doesn't have it, I'll pass. Enjoy! 3y

Butterfinger Yes. 3y

BarbaraJean Yes! I just placed a library hold, and I should have it in time to read before the discussion. 3y

megnews @Tattooedteacher @Roary47 @Peddler410 @erzascarletbookgasm @Chrissyreadit @JaclynW @Kdgordon88 @mrp27 @SaturnDoo @Butterfinger @BarbaraJean looking forward to it! Glad you can all join! 3y

Kristin_Reads Can I join? This sounds like fun! 3y

megnews @Kristin_Reads yes! The more the merrier! (edited) 3y

Kristin_Reads @megnews Yay! So excited! My tag is spelled with an ā€-inā€¯ š‰š 3y

megnews @Kristin_Reads oops sorry! 3y

Kristin_Reads @megnews No worries! Thank you for having me! 3y

40 likes21 comments

WanderingBookaneer

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

#MyBlackBookshelf Day 6: #BlackGirlMagic

Sharpeipup Those are good books! 3y

73 likes1 comment

BookishMarginalia

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

Today‘s random #shelfie

93 likes

Eggs

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

pick

One‘s deep roots and exploring the past, the present, and the places that make us who we are-is the basis for this story. All Amara wants for her birthday is to visit her father's family in New York City--Harlem, to be exact. She can't wait to finally meet her Grandpa Earl and cousins in person, and to stay in the brownstone where her father grew up. Recommend š’–

72 likes

WanderingBookaneer

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

Deifio The tote is cute! š¨ 4y

Gissy Yes!!! š¨ā¯¤ļø¸ā¯¤ļø¸ā¯¤ļø¸ 4y

74 likes2 comments

Nitpickyabouttrains

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

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Middle grade about learning about family and going to your roots

Tamra I loved Watson‘s other book! 4y

18 likes1 comment

jploves2read

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

pick

So I read this in about 3 hours this evening. It was so beautifully written. It made me laugh, cry, wonder, hope... just so many emotions. I truly loved it. I would like to compare Watson to some children‘s author like Blume or Cleary but she has a unique voice that I think will speak to hearts in such a uniquely beautiful way. Please keep writing for all the babies that need to hear your stories. #blacklitsy #blitsy

6 likes

Brooke_H

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

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All Amara wants for her 12th birthday is to travel with her dad to NYC to meet his side of the family. Why does her mom feel it wouldn't be safe for her? Why hasn't her dad spoken with his own dad in 12 years?

This is a truly excellent middle-grade book about family secrets, finding roots, and super cool places to visit in NYC. I can't remember the last time I googled so many things while I was reading so I could see pics of these places.

17 likes1 stack add

Peaceful_Reader

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

Started a new book by one of my favorite authors Renee Watson. #Harlem #family

10 likes1 stack add

MelKelsey

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

pick

A quick, sweet YA novel about a girl who's growing up in Oregon travelling to New York City to learn about her roots and help her dad make peace with his father. It's a predictable, enjoyable, and partially autobiographical book that would be great to read as a family.

13 likes

Missusb

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

pick

This is an excellent book. Brings a much needed balance to this contemporary tween experience genre novel for 11 - 14 year old readers. #positiverepresentation #ownvoices #family #identity #weneeddiversebooks #reneewatson I believe this is the š‡¦š‡ŗ / international cover. #digitalarc

26 likes

Schlinkles

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

Bloomsbury invited me to a dinner with a couple of their authors at a conference I‘m attending in June. V proud of myself for being ahead of the game and not reading this at the last minute.

megnews This sounds really good. 5y

Schlinkles @megnews It is really good! I enjoyed it very much! 5y

42 likes1 stack add2 comments

WanderingBookaneer

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

62 likes

WanderingBookaneer

Some Places More Than Others | Renée Watson

WanderingBookaneer @EllieDottie : Your like gave me my 350,000th Litfluence point. Email me your address ( jaimitapr@yahoo.com) and I‘ll mail you a $35 gift card. I can purchase one for Amazon, Books-a-Million, or Barnes & Noble (your choice) 5y

EllieDottie Oh my goodness!! Wow! How generous! Thank you! I‘ll email you now! š¤— š 5y

58 likes1 stack add2 comments

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