My first reaction to finishing this book was.. Ahhhh…..no. Chadwick is a young boy who seems to be getting into a lot of trouble. This is the second time in 2 weeks the teacher has had to talk to his parents. First off this book was more about how the child’s parents felt than the child. And it was about how embarrassing the child was to the parent. There is also something else that just leaves me feeling icky. At the beginning it feels like the teacher is picking on the child, and by the end the child is doing much better, but it’s the way the author writes the father. Too morally superior. This just,...no. Just no.

This was a good read. Although I found it a bit underwhelming compared to the other books by the writer, like 'I Wear Self-Confidence Like a Second Skin'. The illustrations are good but I think the overall design aspect of the book can be improved more. I like the main character here, but I wish the book developed a story a little bit more.

...
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me this advanced copy of this book, and my legitimate thanks to the author, for giving me the opportunity to read his book.

It is a very nice book, which especially narrates the changes of a rebellious and troublemaker boy, changing to inspire his father to have a good son. Seeing in this case a good relationship between father and son.
4.0

The illustrations in this book were stunning, and are sure to engage early readers. The premise of the story was intriguing, however the plot seemed to be missing some key components, by moving too abruptly. I felt like the solution of the main conflict in the story was brushed off almost making it seem like the problem itself was insignificant.

The art style of this book was great & I do believe children will be able to learn from this, however I do believe the writing layout itself was quite jarring

To be honest, this is very hard for me to evaluate objectively because it reflects a cultural consciousness and set of values that are very different from my American perspective on the world. When I see a black boy and the label "troublemaker" in the context of school, my mind immediately goes to institutional racism and the tragic and reprehensible lack of support POC often get in public schools. However, this story is completely different and the label of "troublemaker" and the harsh criticism are accepted without question and internalized by the young student and his family. I'm not in a position to judge this perspective, but it's also very difficult for me to relate to.

That said, it is because of these differences that I found reading this valuable. It's always interesting and enriching to learn how someone else thinks and sees things!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

I am Not a Troublemaker
by Tolu' A. Akinyemi
BooksGoSocial
Children's Fiction
Pub Date 31 May 2021



I am reviewing a copy of I Am Not A Troublemaker through BooksGoSocial and Netgalley:


After going to a new school, Chadwick gains the label of being a trouble maker. Being given the blame even when he is not the one starting the issues.


He can only hope the label does not stick, and that he is able to come clean.


I found the illustrations in this book were beautifully done, and the concept was a good one, but the story just seemed to lack, some elements, it moved far to quickly, without much emphasis on how the conflict was resolved.



I give I Am Not A Troublemaker three out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Kindly look into the file. It seems corrupted and cannot be opened. Otherwise it's not readable.

I have tried downloading the file so many times and open it at all the available formats.