Title: Love is Like Sky
Author: Leslie C. Youngblood
Published: November 6, 2018
Theme: Blended Family, Love, and Bullying
Character Origin: Human
Book Type: Middle School | Pages: 296
Ages: 11-13 | Book Level: 4.1 | Lexile Measure: 1030L
Synopsis: “Love ain’t like that.” “How is it then?” Peaches asked, turning on her stomach to face me. “It’s like sky. If you keep driving and driving, gas will run out, right?” “That’s why we gotta go to the gas station.” “Yep. But have you ever seen the sky run out? No matter how far we go?” “No, when we look up, there it is.” “Well that’s the kind of love Daddy and Mama got for us, Peaches–love like sky.” “It never ends?” “Never.” G-baby and her younger sister, Peaches, are still getting used to their “blended-up” family.
My summary…
This is a story of love and family. G-baby and Peaches live with their mom, stepdad, and stepsister in the suburbs until tragedy strikes and old hurts resurface. G-baby wishes everyone would stop treating her like a baby and treat her like the “big girl” she knows she can be.
My thoughts…
This story really resonated with me as I have a blended family and know first hand the challenges that come with it. Oftentimes parents don’t always focus on how changing the family composition can cause emotional upheaval for their children. Ascertaining their identity within their “new” family can be overwhelming regardless of their age. Youngblood captures this dynamic perfectly.
I would never have guessed that this is Youngblood’s debut novel. G-baby’s character evolution was responsive to the numerous obstacles she faced but reflects her immaturity as well. The novel was well written and relatable at every turn. I am reminded that our kids’ need to be accepted can cloud their judgement in other areas. Parents have to be cognizant of that–always. I would highly recommend that blended families add this to their bookshelves and nightstands. It will add perspective on some key areas that can go overlooked. We should all be reminded that love is like sky.
My rating…
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