This book is very forgettable, and I believe that’s due in part to the lack of a linear plot. I also found it tedious to read because the way things were described Would take me out of the story, and then there was no real plot to suck me back in.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I think this was well written, but it did leave room for improvement. It felt odd reading. I can’t put my finger on what was missing, but it was hard to get into.

Thank you kindly to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this review copy.

Being completely honest I was excited when first requesting this book. After months of trying to read it and only making it 30% before needing to put it down I have sadly decided to DNF this book.

So I won't be rating this book and below I'll explain why I didn't enjoy this book and had to put it down.

To be clear many other people may enjoy this book! It wasn't for me for those particular reasons. I'm sure the authors writing and storytelling is great and I'll keep trying her work.

Firstly, the main character's internal dialogue did rub me the wrong way. She was a character who written as progressive but the way she treated other people didn't sit right. In particular how she treated her "best friend" who she clearly didn't like. As a progressive women you shouldn't treat other women rudely just because they don't understand you. And after realizing how she was being a bad friend she gave a real simple apology that was all about her and it didn't seem honest. Then, ontop of that the best friend who had been freaking out this whole time is ecstatic for this apology. The best friend seems like a one-dimensional person only living for her friends approval.
All of this just felt like a plot point that didn't build properly and really rubbed me the wrong way.
Secondly, she hated being rich and complained a lot but I didn't really understand why. It might be explained better later but it was a lot of complaining about parties and social events. Which I get can be boring and I would hate that but she sounded so ungrateful. Even after talking to a family member they were like "you should be grateful." So again this felt like another plot device that made the character sound more annoying just to prove a point or show an arc later.
Lastly, I just couldn't get past how a character who understands the racial injustice and the loss of lives during the war can be so selfish. She only thinks about herself but then expresses how she wants to be informed about the war and seemingly very caring. Her actions where very back and forth so, I didn't personally have the patience to wait for the love story.
This book has good intentions, it may have been too many in one book? Just my opinion.

This book could easily get better but after months of rereading the first 30% I gave up because it wasn't for me.

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange of an honest review.

This was a historically fiction book that takes place in the Red Summer of 1919. The main character is named Savannah and we follow her journey to find her place in society while dealing with the events of this time period. She grows up privileged which was in contrast to how many other African Americans were living during that time. She later on deals with feeling sickened of her privilege. We see her befriending a character named Nella. Nella didn't grow up privileged and has revolutionary social ideas. I liked seeing the journey progress in the book. I felt that this was a well written story,

Oh, how I wanted to love this book. I am a Tonya Bolden fan, and I love her books. But I just could not get into this one. I loved the premise, because you don't often see books about Black people, much less girls, set in the early part of the 20th century. I gave it my usual three-chapter limit to decide if I want to continue and book, but it was just too disjointed for me. I also didn't really like any of the characters I met in those first chapters. I will anxiously await her next book.

3.5 stars

TW: Racially motivated violence & assault
I felt the synopsis made me expect different things from the story which meant I wasn't quite prepared for certain events. This book takes place during the Red Summer in D.C. and we do see part of the violence that happened during that time. I appreciated that because it spurred me onto do more research about that because honestly I'd never heard of the Red Summer before. I also appreciated seeing a story about wealthier black people in historical fiction. The author is right that we ignore that even though a lot of Black people were, not ALL of them were poor and destitute during this time and I liked how she showed their contributions through the story and in her authors note.

The way the book was written felt... odd. I'm not sure how exactly to describe it, but something about it made the book hard to read, and therefore made it hard for me to get into the story especially at the beginning. This lessens as the story goes on and as the story needs to give more descriptions.

This story basically has no plot, which I'm not one to complain about as I tend to like meandering stories. However, for stories like that I think the characters need to be a bit stronger than they were. The main character Savannah was interesting and precocious, but she was stubborn and mean to her supposed best friend, Yolande. Yolande's character never feels fully realized or developed which was disappointing. I wasn't sure what the point of her was. Lloyd and Nell were catalysts for certain things but they weren't actually the prominent within the story. Savannah apparently ends a romance at the beginning of the book, but we hear almost nothing about him.

Overall I thought the idea of the story was interesting and I did really like how the story ended up but everything just felt too underdeveloped for me.

Prior to reading this book I'm sad to say that I knew very little about the events or people in this book. Though the story and specifics are fiction, the author drew from very real events, historic figures, organizations, and politics, much of which is discussed in the author's note at the end of the book. I definitely have more reading to do about this time in history and I'm glad this book has made me aware of that.

For as much as I enjoyed learning about a time in history I didn't really know about, I didn't love the book itself. My main issue is with the writing style. It felt very choppy, abrupt, and incomplete. I started the book thinking I accidentally skipped ahead a few chapters or requested another sequel without having read book one. I did get used to the writing style after awhile, but it's not really for me. This book definitely felt like more of a testament to 1919 and the world at this time more than a story of a girl discovering who she is, whic wasn't what I was expecting given the summary.

The plot of this book is not especially complex. The central conflict - a privileged girl who expresses displeasure with her life and searches for meaning - follows an expected path. Her world is opened up, her awareness expanded, by her interactions with a domestic worker and a rough but handsome young man. Bolden attempts to add complexity with side plots - the rebellious older brother, the mother's secret history, the conflict with the best friend. The first two are little more than elements contributing to the character, not true side plots. The conflict with the friends is shallow and quickly resolved, never really explored in depth and not resolved with any true effort on either character's part. Even with those criticisms I find it worth reading. Largely because its a time and perspective that get little attention in fiction or in schools. Firstly, we have suffrage from the black perspective. There is inevitably exploration of racism but also internal to their community based on skin tone and place of origin. And even more, there's the exploration of class divides and the ways it's inexorably entwined with race. The conclusions we're meant to draw are pretty clear so it doesn't have much value in terms of literary evaluation. The real value here is in the discussions one could have as a result, probably with an upper middle school aged group.

Saving Savannah gives readers a glimpse into the world a hundred years ago, when the United States and was experiencing massive social change. The story centers a Black girl from a wealthy background who grows weary of her sheltered life and yearns to do more beyond attend social events for the Black elite of D.C. She soon finds herself befriending a working class man from Barbados, helping out at a school run by a Black woman advocating for women's self-sufficiency, and attending lectures by Black radical leaders. Her bubble is burst and her desire to become a part of a progressive, pro-Black, anti-capitalist movement grows. Savannah is a likable protagonist whose struggles to be free of her parents' protective restraints will probably resonate with many teens. Though Savannah lived a hundred years ago, her passion for social change is still salient in the present day, as racism and social inequality of all kinds persist and even grow, domestically and abroad. She is an admirable role model for current teens to aspire to. This book is an excellent example of depicting history in a way that resonates with and parallels the present.

Story revolves around a young woman from the upper class of the African American community in 1919, Washington DC. She has grown up with parents who urged her to help others to advance, but the racism of the times is a hindrance. The protective stance of her parents bores her, and she finds her own way. This is an excellent book to incorporate into history classes. It brings to light the forgotten abundance of professional successes earned by the African American community in all fields such as economics, education, the arts, and science. The Harlem Renaissance wasn't just for Harlem! The author's note offers a road map to further information about the leaders mentioned in the book.
Thank you, Bloomsbury, for the arc via netgalley. Much Appreciated! #SavingSavannah #NetGalley

I wasn't sure that I was going to finish this title initially. The beginning of the story was a bit dull, and not until Savannah ventures out of her upscale neighborhood does it begin to pick up steam.

I enjoyed that this story gave voice to an affluent young black girl after the first world war, and was able to highlight a part of history that I hadn't yet encountered in YA fiction.

I did find it strange that the book initially has multiple perspectives...and then decides it only wants to have one. In doing this, the character of Yolande is basically erased from the later parts of the book. To be honest she isn't so much of a character as a prop to make Savannah look good...and once she has served this purpose she conveniently goes into a state of shock and quietly disappears for the rest of the story. She could have been completely taken out of the story and nothing would have changed...so I think it was pointless to put her in it at all.

I was not initially aware, but it becomes apparent later in the story that this novel is a companion to bolden's earlier Inventing Victoria. I have not read that title myself, but as it is only briefly alluded to, these titles can both be read as stand-alones.

For me, the intriguing history is the thing that saves this book. The plot and characterization were really lacking.

I rate this work at 3.5 stars.

It's great, short historical fiction, but the character reads so much younger than her age. While I see that this fact reflects her naivete, I also found it distracting throughout the novel and expect that YA readers would, too. The character only knows her own experience, and while she becomes - quickly - sympathetic to the experiences of others, I found it frustrating that her mother has the surprise origin story. It almost feels like trauma has to be in your blood and familial history for you to have that keen sense of understanding. The relationship between Yolande and Savannah never fully develops in a meaningful way, which I also found frustrating.

If I were to recommend this work to students, I'd strongly suggest that they start with the author's note. For me, that added a lot of richness to the text that was otherwise missing altogether. I found this to be an interesting read but not particularly memorable or impacting in the way that most historical fiction is for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books-

If ever there was a book to inspire future social justice activists, it is Saving Savannah by Tonya Bolden. This book also offers insight into a portion of African American history that we don’t often have the opportunity to read about in young adult literature. Saving Savannah takes place right after the end of World War I and the protagonist, Savannah, is growing up in a very wealthy African American family in Washington D.C. While the book primarily focuses on discrimination within the African American community between white collar and blue collar workers, readers also gain new knowledge of racial discrimination within the women’s rights movement.

Bolden alternates the perspective of Savannah, who is interested in learning as much as she can about the issues of the working class, and Savannah’s best friend Violet, who would rather remain solely within high society. One of the themes of this book is looking outside of one’s own experience to gain insight into the lives of others. This is a timeless idea and one that seems particularly relevant to young adults who are making choices about how they will relate to the world around them. Savannah chooses to open her eyes to different experiences, while Violet continues on the path that she views as normal.

Tonya Bolden is known for her diligent research efforts to create historical accuracy within her books. This research work is evident throughout Saving Savannah which introduces well and little known historical figures to young adult readers. Individuals such as W.E.B Du Bois have been huge influences on the lives of Savannah’s parents, but she finds heroes of her own. Nannie Helen Burroughs is one person who Savannah chooses to learn more from on her quest to greater independence. The Author’s Note at the end of the book provides excellent details about this time period and its influencers.

Saving Savannah certainly doesn’t make advocacy look easy, which is a good thing because activism never is. Savannah faces emotional as well as physical danger when she makes the choice to stand up for what she believes. This is something that activists, young and old, still face today and it is important that this is reflected accurately in literature for young adults. Bolden does a remarkable job of showing what it means to have the courage of one’s convictions.

Saving Savannah takes a close look at America in 1919, particularly with African American social changes. Savannah is a high-born African American struggling to find her place among her race and her high society. Tonya Bolden writes in a lyrical prose full of style and experimentation, which made it both fun to read and confusing at times.

The plot is slow in Saving Savannah. We follow Savannah closely through her thought processes and mini adventures (which are few). In fact, nothing much happens until the last 60% of the book. I also found little character development. In fact, most of the story elements were missing or underwhelming, and I wonder if this is because the history of this time overshadowed everything else. This book's purpose seems to be educating teens and young adults about the social issues in this time rather than telling a thrilling story. This is fine, but not what I was expecting. I would have appreciated more story.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 2
Character Development: 2
Overall: 2

Thank you Bloomsbury Publishing for the ARC! This book will be published January 14, 2020.

This story really opened my eyes to racial conditions after World War I. Savannah Riddle, an upper class young black woman, is not content with living her life – going to parties, ignoring the world. As racial tensions heighten, Savannah is introduced to the other side of black life in America. Lloyd, a family member of her housekeeper’s, shows Savannah the other side of D.C., the slums, the people working for change. As Savannah grows, she learns that her mother isn’t who she thought she was. She decides to be active in the world.
This insightful novel explores the inner growth of a young woman amid the riots, bombings, and prejudices of the early 1900s, featuring some amazing activists like Nannie Burroughs and Hurbert Harrison, who actions and words work together to change Savannah’s worldview.
I loved this book and would love to read more about Savannah as she makes her way into the world.

Thanks for the ARC of Saving Savannah by Tonya Bolden. I spent a good portion of this snow day under an electric blanket glued to this powerful historical fiction ya title (pub date Jan 2020). It’s the end of WWI and Savannah is a well off young African American woman coming of age in DC. She must become the person she wants to while watching and participating in massive social change. Read the author’s note for sure. Very powerful.

Saving Savannah is a very interesting book about an elite African American girl living in DC just before women get the right to vote. She struggles with her place in the world. Some parts of this book seem to jump around, but it is a great story that includes many parts of history that have not had their chance to be told. I think it's an important read, but I would recommend middle grades or higher.

I found this book confusing, nearly to the point that I'm not entirely sure the file did not download incorrectly. The plot seemed to jump around sporadically, leaping from scene to scene with new characters that were not introduced but whose opinions and censure seemed to be relevant to both the plot and the main character. The sentences themselves, however, flowed logically from page to page so it might be a genuine (if, to me, confusing and ineffective) intentional creative approach.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA Children's Books for allowing me to read this book.

I found this book to be a fascinating story and really enjoyed reading it. Throughout all the historical fiction books I have ever read, this one was original and unique.

The book starts off with our main character, Savannah, and her family and friends attending a high class gala of sorts. Even though Savannah and her friends have been waiting since they were little girls to attend this yearly gala, it is not what she was expecting and she became overwhelmed easily. We learn that she attends a prestigious high school with her friend Yolande, and both of their families are rather well off. We also learn that they are both African American and their parents have worked hard to rise up through the social latter. Throughout the book Savannah realizes that she wants more out of her life than just schooling and social clubs, she wants to help gain equality for women's rights, but also for African American rights. This book takes place in Washington D.C. right after World War 1, with lots of political and social issues rising for Savannah to navigate.

One of my favorite things about this book was the point of view of Savannah. Since it takes place right after World War 1, there are lots of political and social issues for Savannah to navigate. What is interesting, is seeing these issues from the point of view of an African American teenage girl, and how her ideals change throughout the book as she experiences more. The author does a great job with character development.

I really enjoyed the first 1/2 - 2/3 of this book. Savannah's drive to do something, to find a purpose or calling in her life, was inspiring and enjoyable. I was curious to see her journey throughout the story and enjoyed the portrayal of an educated young lady of color in YA (as this isn't typical, especially in historical fiction). What I didn't personally enjoy was how heavily political the later third of this book was.

Overall an enjoyable read, but wouldn't recommend for people who are looking to avoid political topics in their books.