I really, really liked this book - I felt for the characters so very much. Sena is just an absolutely amazing, multi-faceted character. Every once in a while I could tell the author was an adult - so, at times the writing made me step our of the book's world, however overall this did not detract from the book. Delightful integration of Mami Wata and lovely experiences through the manatees and monkeys. Wolo does a wonderful job demonstrating how children are still being trafficked, making horrific experiences quite real and showing how they can develop due to desperation. Definitely worth reading, using in book clubs, sharing with others. Wolo is an author to watch - I know I am. Warning - you're not going to be able to stop once you start - so carve out some time - - - it's worth it!

The three sections of this felt like three different stories. The first half is about Sena growing up with his family until a little after the death of his grandfather. Part two is about his time working as a fisher boy after he was trafficked. Part three is him living on an island and just not trying to get home for some reason. I was unsatisfied by the ending.

CW: spousal abuse, cheating, child abuse (including at school), death of a grandparent, death of a child, illness, slavery, human trafficking

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

As much as I wanted to love this, I just couldn’t get into it. I even purchased the audio component of it and it didn’t help as well. This book is geared towards children and for children I think a book needs more excitement or something to keep them entertained very early on to grasp their attention. I think an adult who can wait and have patience for a book to pick up would enjoy this author’s writing style. For me this just didn’t do it.

One positive feedback I have is the authors descriptions and imagery

This novel was overall really well written. I came to love Sena and to see a character so young and with such determination and grit was incredible. My favorite character was Sena’s sweet grandfather! This is a bit of a slower paced novel and is more character-driven. Overall enjoyed and would recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC of this book.

This book had a lot of promise, but just moved to slowly to keep my students engaged.