Powerful and Poignant

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This is a powerful young-adult story, and while I see the comparisons to The Hate U Give- this is a book that can stand on its own without the marketing technique. Prior to this story, I have never read a book with Filipino representation and for that alone I am so glad to have read this book and for it to be on shelves for kids and adults alike to see and read. This book deals with some really hard and complex themes surrounding identity, culture, colorism, and grief. I feel like I learned more about the Philippines and some of the issues that face the country and its people today. More specifically, I feel like I learned about the War on Drugs that is occurring and the deep impact that those in the country as well as those in the diaspora feel because of what is happening. I think the author did a fantastic job at mixing difficult topic with funny and more light-hearted moments. I hope that there will be more books like this in the future, representation matters!