This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
You Go, Girl! by Elaine Insinnia follows Lainie, a 12-year-old girl in 1959, who wades through the overtures of childhood, friendship, and social expectations. Lainie's efforts to help a struggling family, the Tilados, drive much of the plot. After discovering that their home is at risk of foreclosure, Lainie works with her friend JJ to raise money and confront a local gang, the Phantoms, who are being paid to intimidate the Tilados. Throughout the year, Lainie faces an uphill battle, from dealing with her growing independence to the evolution of friendships, particularly with Isabella, in a tragic situation. Lainie's determination to help others and stand up for herself is juxtaposed with her attempts to reconcile childhood innocence with the impending changes of adolescence. This is all told to and through Suzie, Lainie’s granddaughter, who shares her own life and how Lainie’s experiences influenced her.
Elaine Insinnia’s You Go, Girl! is a charming coming-of-age story that does well in mixing the nostalgia of the 1960s with timeless themes of friendship and self-discovery. The dual narrative, shifting between Lainie’s experiences in the late 1950s and her granddaughter Suzie’s reflections in the present day, is a wonderful portrayal of generational connection. Insinnia’s writing is sharp, with fully fleshed-out character development that allows readers to connect with both Lainie and Suzie both individually and collectively. As a girl mom, I most like the look into gender roles, doing what is right, and supporting one another even when the chips are down There's plenty of fun too, like the lively portrayals of school dances, pranks, and youthful ambition. Overall, this is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys stories that give a bit of history while building up heartwarming relationships. Very highly recommended.
