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A review by spinesinaline
And Then There Was Us by Kern Carter
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thanks to Tandem Collective and Tundra Books for a copy for the readalong!
I really appreciate books for younger readers that take on serious themes, and I felt that Carter handles the difficult subject of abuse well. The teen MC Coi is allowed to feel all her feelings, sometimes putting her at odds with those who truly care about her, but it’s balanced with many adult voices in the book emphasizing that blame or shame is not something Coi needs to carry for herself.
The book fell short for me more in the writing than the themes, as it felt like there was more exposition than needed. I would’ve loved for some moments to have been shown rather than described in the narration. Still, I love what this book offers for young readers and taking note of the content warnings, I think it’d be an important read for many.
I really appreciate books for younger readers that take on serious themes, and I felt that Carter handles the difficult subject of abuse well. The teen MC Coi is allowed to feel all her feelings, sometimes putting her at odds with those who truly care about her, but it’s balanced with many adult voices in the book emphasizing that blame or shame is not something Coi needs to carry for herself.
The book fell short for me more in the writing than the themes, as it felt like there was more exposition than needed. I would’ve loved for some moments to have been shown rather than described in the narration. Still, I love what this book offers for young readers and taking note of the content warnings, I think it’d be an important read for many.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Drug use