Scan barcode
catsbooknook's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
4.25
mgclayton's review against another edition
4.0
YA, more culturally sensitive and inclusive version of the plot similar to American dirt. Except this is a dystopian American migration of someone living in VT whose chip identifies them as illegal. What could happen if people like #45 are in power separating families at the border. It is about family and loss and resilience. Or as one of the authors says, "it's about our human potential to love, or hate, or start a revolution."
rosavee's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
honestly walked around my job telling people to join me in this book journey. Sanctuary is a dystopian novel that takes place in a very near future 2032. Valí is a 16 year old immigrant living in a xenophobic America. She finds herself having to get herself and her little 8 year old brother Ernie to California, the only place where immigrants are safe. Her journey will have you at the edge of your seat.
I found myself sobbing 11pm when I reached one particular chapter, once you read it you’ll know. But you will be tearing and gasping since the beginning. I highly recommend this book, it’s a quick read I found myself soaring through the chapters. Happy reading!
brandiraefong's review against another edition
There have been a lot of YA books in the last year or so about immigration, crossing the border, the threat of deportation (We Are Not From Here, The Grief Keeper, Sia Martinez and the Moonlit Beginning of Everything, and more), spanning a variety genres.
All have been good.
All have also been heartbreaking and horrifying.
This one is no exception.
Sanctuary takes place in the very near possible future, and while he's not named until the author's note, the book is a scathing and terrifying look at what Trump's presidency and policies could lead to. Following Vali and her eight year old brother and their journey not into America and to a better life, but to a newly annexed California, this is a fast paced read that readers will have a hard time putting down. A great addition to the growing group of YA books looking at this subject.
All have been good.
All have also been heartbreaking and horrifying.
This one is no exception.
Sanctuary takes place in the very near possible future, and while he's not named until the author's note, the book is a scathing and terrifying look at what Trump's presidency and policies could lead to. Following Vali and her eight year old brother and their journey not into America and to a better life, but to a newly annexed California, this is a fast paced read that readers will have a hard time putting down. A great addition to the growing group of YA books looking at this subject.
ltheaker's review against another edition
4.0
What a really powerful YA voice and story. I cannot wait to put this on my classroom bookshelf. It is a timely read and one that punches the gut.
drapetomaniac's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
lottie1803's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
zombiezami's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Powerful
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Genocide, Gun violence, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Outing, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, and Deportation
Moderate: Animal death, Confinement, Cursing, Racial slurs, Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, Torture, Trafficking, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Addiction and Drug use
justinevandale's review against another edition
dark
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
4.0
I received book two as an ARC and didn’t realize that it here was a book one so I quickly grabbed Sanctuary. I loved this book. It was absolutely heartbreaking but at the same time I feel like it’s so close to our reality that it made the story really scary. If you are a fan of The Handmaid’s Tale you need to read this one as well. I honestly can’t believe how messed up people are and that this is okay? I can’t wrap my head around it. In this first instalment Vali, her mom and little brother are trying to run away to Sanctuary to get away from all of the US except California, trying to deport immigrants and they goes as far as to basically put them in concentration camps. They are dying by the hundreds maybe even more thousands. It’s so sick to read but it’s sending the message that I’m sure a lot of immigrants feel. They are treated like they aren’t human. Is pitiful. I can’t believe that this is so close to reality in the year 2024. It’s mind boggling. I just can’t really give too much away I want everyone to read it for themselves.