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59 pages 1 hour read

This Side of Home

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2015

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Book Brief

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Renée Watson

This Side of Home

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

326

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Portland, Oregon • Contemporary

Publication Year

2015

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Published in 2015, Renée Watson’s This Side of Home follows twin sisters Maya and Nikki as they navigate the personal and community impact of gentrification in their Portland, Oregon neighborhood. While Maya clings to the history and identity of their community, Nikki embraces new changes and opportunities. As they confront issues of identity, race, and belonging, their friendship and values are tested. The novel contains depictions of racism, alcoholism, and verbal abuse.

Contemplative

Inspirational

Emotional

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.3

3,182 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Renée Watson's This Side of Home is praised for its compelling exploration of gentrification, identity, and belonging through the experiences of twin sisters. Critics appreciate Watson's authentic voice and relatable characters. However, some note a predictable plot and wish for deeper character development. Overall, a heartfelt and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read This Side of Home?

Readers who enjoy thought-provoking coming-of-age stories with social and cultural themes will appreciate This Side of Home by Renée Watson. Fans of Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give or Jacqueline Woodson’s Brown Girl Dreaming will find similar resonance in Watson's exploration of racial identity, gentrification, and sisterhood.

4.3

3,182 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

326

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Portland, Oregon • Contemporary

Publication Year

2015

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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