The Latte Rebellion

Reader: Luke M
Age: 17
Title: The Latte Rebellion
Author: Sarah Jamila Stevenson
Publisher: Flux
Pub Date: Jan 11
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I think the rising use of social media to fuel grass-root movements for change makes this book very relevant and possible today. The knowledge that anyone can go out and improve the world gives hope and this book cements that possibility. I also enjoyed the pressure of parents to be perfect in school, an under used subject and the stress of applying to colleges. The difficulty of maintaining friends with pressure of school and separating for colleges is also well portrayed.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I found most every section with the cheerleader captain Kaelyn, from any comment overheard to her trial speech ridiculous and over exaggerated. You can do better than that. I also thought Roger Yee's motives were dumb. Trying to keep membership in his group? No. The harsh reality is that the main back-lash to any organization like this would be racism. There is little actual racism present in this book, overlooking a major issue in the real world. If Roger Yee must remain only a jealous idiot, make the vice principal a bigot instead (which is the only way for his actions to make sense).
Cover: The cover was brilliant. Sickle and hammer in a coffee cup instantly grabbed my attention and ties in perfectly with the contents, being the symbol of the movement. I also liked the drawings on the napkin, repeating the logo and showing the propaganda comic character. Very nice job, not a standard stock cover.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: 16-17
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal
Comments: The back cover lists the movement turning militant. It never armed itself or did anything closely militant. If you want that, add radicals and rallies. I only gave you a 3 for popularity as it appeals more to upperclassmen in high school due to topics.