The fact of the matter is, as Cora and Quinn both make clear in this book, our world does not feel safe right now and the silence of adults is contributing to that feeling.
Warga gives young readers the words and permission to advocate for themselves, while also making very clear that the problems of gun violence, xenophobia, and white supremacy are not their problems to solve. The Shape of Thunder is not meant to center Parker’s hateful viewpoints, it is meant to show the damage that they have done to everyone around him. This feels like the right decision for this book. Warga does not spend time outlining Parker’s decision to join a white-supremacist hate group, nor does she describe their views in any depth.
The narrative switches back and forth between Cora and Quinn’s perspective and this works exceptionally well. Warga’s work with her characters and with the story is phenomenal. If Quinn ever wants Cora to forgive her, she will have to figure out a way to change the events of the past. Since Cora and her sister happen to be Muslim, Parker shot Cora’s sister and she died. Quinn’s brother, Parker joined a white-supremacist group and chose to bring guns to school. It’s just that something awful, and something that is becoming more common, just happened. Typical middle school girls, right? Absolutely. They have been best friends for a long time. “Sometimes it’s like I get in trouble in school because I’m always thinking when I’m supposed to be learning.” Cora is on the Quiz Bowl team, is starting to have a crush on a teammate, and argues with her older sister.
One of my favorite quotes in the book comes from Quinn. Quinn plays soccer, she is creative, and thoughtful. Warga has created two characters, Quinn and Cora, who reflect the type of young women that we see in middle schools in the 21st century. I am grateful to NetGalley and Balzer+Bray for the opportunity to write this review. The Shape of Thunder by Jasmine Warga is truly a book that speaks to issues we need to face today.
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