Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Mon Nov 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)

A Florida middle schooler tries to hide her problems at home as she attempts to have a normal school experience.Sharkita Lloyd is fearful that something will happen to disrupt her family life again. Her mother's neglect landed Kita and younger siblings Lilli and Lamar in separate foster homes for the summer. Mama seems to be trying her best, but Kita continues to do more than her share of caregiving, a difficult task, especially given that 8-year-old Lamar has fetal alcohol syndrome. Mama's fierce temper also keeps Kita on edge, doing all she can to make her happy. As she begins seventh grade, Kita ponders all the experiences she's missed. She's also self-conscious about her appearance due to dental issues that have led to bullying. The new assistant principal extends an invitation to her new dance team, but as much as Kita wants to join and become a baton twirler, she fears her mother's irresponsibility will make it impossible. Even as Kita allows herself to relax, engage with friends and school activities, and believe in her family's future, her worst fears come true. The cast is primarily African American, and cultural touchstones are woven throughout. This is an outstanding depiction of the impact that family stressors can have on a household's youngest members. Winston skillfully shares Kita's story, allowing readers to understand and empathize with her plight. The supporting characters are well drawn and add both richness and texture to the narrative.A deeply satisfying tale with an irresistible protagonist. (Fiction. 9-12)

School Library Journal Starred Review (Fri Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2024)

Gr 5 Up —Twelve-year-old Sharkita has always been told by her mom that she's her "ride or die." To Kita, this means covering for her mom when she goes out drinking or disappears for days. As the primary caregiver for her younger siblings Lamar, who has fetal alcohol syndrome, and Lilli, Kita struggles to keep her family together. When they're reunited after being separated in different foster homes, Sharkita's mother promises that this time will be different. Hopeful with her mother's precarious promises, Kita joins the baton twirling team. Despite her best efforts, grown-ups in Sharkita's life take notice of her struggles; her new assistant principal and coach Dr. Sapperstein, and her school counselor encourage her to reach out for the help she so desperately needs. Tragedy strikes one night when Kita's mom leaves Lamar and Lilli at home alone. Sharkita grapples with the decision of keeping her family together at all costs, or truly doing what's best for them. Young readers will connect with this powerful story that paints a realistic and heartbreaking picture of family conflict. Kita is a brave protagonist many will root for as she wrestles with emotional turmoil, eventually transforming into a heroine for her siblings. Secondary characters are well developed, and the contrast between Sharkita's mother and Dr. Sapperstein as dependable adults is beautifully illustrated. VERDICT A must-buy for every library, this belongs in the hands of young readers and those who care for them.—Amy McInerney

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

A Florida middle schooler tries to hide her problems at home as she attempts to have a normal school experience.Sharkita Lloyd is fearful that something will happen to disrupt her family life again. Her mother's neglect landed Kita and younger siblings Lilli and Lamar in separate foster homes for the summer. Mama seems to be trying her best, but Kita continues to do more than her share of caregiving, a difficult task, especially given that 8-year-old Lamar has fetal alcohol syndrome. Mama's fierce temper also keeps Kita on edge, doing all she can to make her happy. As she begins seventh grade, Kita ponders all the experiences she's missed. She's also self-conscious about her appearance due to dental issues that have led to bullying. The new assistant principal extends an invitation to her new dance team, but as much as Kita wants to join and become a baton twirler, she fears her mother's irresponsibility will make it impossible. Even as Kita allows herself to relax, engage with friends and school activities, and believe in her family's future, her worst fears come true. The cast is primarily African American, and cultural touchstones are woven throughout. This is an outstanding depiction of the impact that family stressors can have on a household's youngest members. Winston skillfully shares Kita's story, allowing readers to understand and empathize with her plight. The supporting characters are well drawn and add both richness and texture to the narrative.A deeply satisfying tale with an irresistible protagonist. (Fiction. 9-12)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Winston (Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution) delivers a nuanced telling about a Black family in crisis via this harrowing, compassionate read. After having been placed in separate foster homes, “all because Mama went out one night and decided not to come back for nine days,” 12-year-old Sharkita has just been reunited with her five-year-old sister, Lillieana, and her eight-year-old brother, Lamara, who was born with fetal alcohol poisoning. Though her mother promises things will be different this time, Sharkita—whose classmates bully her for her “shark teeth,” or hyperdontia—is prepared to single-handedly care for her siblings like she always does. Surprisingly, however, Mama allows her to join her school’s newly founded majorette squad, instead of requiring Sharkita to return home immediately after school to tend to her siblings like she used to. Joining the majorettes sparks a flicker of normalcy, but Sharkita still contends with anxiety stemming from her mother’s neglect that feels like a shark swallowing her whole (“I didn’t know which was worse—a life with her or one without”). Driven by an emotionally intelligent and complex protagonist, this courageous story about strength in the face of neglect, and the bravery to demand what is best for one’s family and oneself, is potent and powerful. Ages 9–11. (Jan.)