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Generation Misfits
An own voices story about an eleven-year-old Japanese-American girl who finds her true friends--through the power of J-Pop!
Millie is attending a real school for the first time, and she dreams of finally having friends and a little bit of freedom. She finds her chance when she joins an imitation band of her favorite J-Pop group, where she's thrilled to meet a group of misfits who quickly become a tight knit group of friends that are like family.
But Millie soon realizes that one of them is dealing with problems bigger than what notes to hit when it comes time for their performance. Can Millie help her friend, even when their problem feels too big to say out loud?
Millie is attending a real school for the first time, and she dreams of finally having friends and a little bit of freedom. She finds her chance when she joins an imitation band of her favorite J-Pop group, where she's thrilled to meet a group of misfits who quickly become a tight knit group of friends that are like family.
But Millie soon realizes that one of them is dealing with problems bigger than what notes to hit when it comes time for their performance. Can Millie help her friend, even when their problem feels too big to say out loud?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published June 29, 2021
6 people are currently reading
914 people want to read
About the author
Akemi Dawn Bowman
18 books1,409 followersAkemi Dawn Bowman is a critically-acclaimed author who writes across genres. Her novels have received multiple accolades and award nominations, and her debut novel, STARFISH, was a William C. Morris Award Finalist. She has a BA in social sciences from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and currently lives in Scotland with her family. She overthinks everything, including this bio. You can find Akemi on Instagram @AkemiDawnBowman.
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May 18, 2021Hello, readers! There’s just over a month to go until publication day, so I think it's a good time for an author note. GENERATION MISFITS is a book about friendship, and family, and figuring out where you fit in the world. It's also a story about finding the courage to tell your truth—even when the world (and sometimes the people around you) make you feel small.
All of my books are personal in different ways. They carry little pieces of myself, and my own truth. And every time a new story of mine is published, the fear that people will judge those truths and find fault in the personal aspects is very real.
But that's part of being a creator—you make something, however personal, and set it free. It becomes different things to different people, and there's a special beauty in that. And maybe art doesn't need to reflect everyone's life—maybe it just needs to be a mirror for the people who need it most.
Like Millie, I was also home-schooled and later attended a performing arts school. And like Millie, I too struggled with all the things she does. There's a line in the story, where Millie reflects on how lots of other previously home-schooled kids have an easier time adjusting, and how it makes her feel like there's something wrong with her. And that's who I wrote this book for: the people like Millie, who struggle with things that most other people don't, and who just want to feel like they're not alone in the world.
I hope you enjoy reading about Millie and her friends. I hope you feel a little more understood. And for everyone else, perhaps this book will lend you a better understanding of what other people might be going through. Everyone has a story. We don't always know what's going on behind a person's joy or sadness or anger. So be kind as often as you can.
And above all, don't be afraid to find the words to your own song—and be brave enough to sing it. ❤️
All of my books are personal in different ways. They carry little pieces of myself, and my own truth. And every time a new story of mine is published, the fear that people will judge those truths and find fault in the personal aspects is very real.
But that's part of being a creator—you make something, however personal, and set it free. It becomes different things to different people, and there's a special beauty in that. And maybe art doesn't need to reflect everyone's life—maybe it just needs to be a mirror for the people who need it most.
Like Millie, I was also home-schooled and later attended a performing arts school. And like Millie, I too struggled with all the things she does. There's a line in the story, where Millie reflects on how lots of other previously home-schooled kids have an easier time adjusting, and how it makes her feel like there's something wrong with her. And that's who I wrote this book for: the people like Millie, who struggle with things that most other people don't, and who just want to feel like they're not alone in the world.
I hope you enjoy reading about Millie and her friends. I hope you feel a little more understood. And for everyone else, perhaps this book will lend you a better understanding of what other people might be going through. Everyone has a story. We don't always know what's going on behind a person's joy or sadness or anger. So be kind as often as you can.
And above all, don't be afraid to find the words to your own song—and be brave enough to sing it. ❤️
July 24, 2021
Review
Akemi Dawn Bowman is both one of the most versatile authors and relatable for me.
She went from writing only YA contemporary to now doing YA sci-fi and middle grade contemporary and does it all well. The way she can effortlessly cross not only genres but age catagories is truly a testament to how good her writing is. It doesn't matter what she writes because she's just a good writer period.
This is a really cute and wholesome story about found family and fitting in! I was mainly homeschooled until middle school like this story's protagonist and found her story surprisingly accurate to my own experience. The awkwardness of not knowing basic things like how homework works, using fandom to make friends because you don't really know how else to, parents having second guesses, etc. Gets the 'I was homeschooled' seal of approval from me!
And can we just take a minute to stan this friendgroup? They're so sweet and have such amazing and realistic dynamics. They're also really diverse with multiple poc characters and some LGBTQ+ rep with a nonbinary character.
The reason I'm not giving it a full five stars like other ADB books is because I rarely connect with middle grade books deeply enough to give them a full five stars anymore. It's not a problem at all with the book it's a me thing which is fine. Despite this being for a younger audience than me, I still found the vast majority of it enjoyable!
I could see kids gobbling this up. If it had come out back when I was these characters' ages, it would've been one of if not my favorite book. But there's still a lot of it adults and teens can love about it too!
Update October 2020
This cover is adorable! Wake me up when it's 2021 where there are two Akemi Dawn Bowman releases!
Prereview March 2019
First Bowman writes a book about an introverted dreamer, then one with an ace protagonist, now a book about a homeschooler going to a school for the first time in middle school.
At this point it's suspicious how much these books are like my life . . .
Akemi Dawn Bowman is both one of the most versatile authors and relatable for me.
She went from writing only YA contemporary to now doing YA sci-fi and middle grade contemporary and does it all well. The way she can effortlessly cross not only genres but age catagories is truly a testament to how good her writing is. It doesn't matter what she writes because she's just a good writer period.
This is a really cute and wholesome story about found family and fitting in! I was mainly homeschooled until middle school like this story's protagonist and found her story surprisingly accurate to my own experience. The awkwardness of not knowing basic things like how homework works, using fandom to make friends because you don't really know how else to, parents having second guesses, etc. Gets the 'I was homeschooled' seal of approval from me!
And can we just take a minute to stan this friendgroup? They're so sweet and have such amazing and realistic dynamics. They're also really diverse with multiple poc characters and some LGBTQ+ rep with a nonbinary character.
The reason I'm not giving it a full five stars like other ADB books is because I rarely connect with middle grade books deeply enough to give them a full five stars anymore. It's not a problem at all with the book it's a me thing which is fine. Despite this being for a younger audience than me, I still found the vast majority of it enjoyable!
I could see kids gobbling this up. If it had come out back when I was these characters' ages, it would've been one of if not my favorite book. But there's still a lot of it adults and teens can love about it too!
Update October 2020
This cover is adorable! Wake me up when it's 2021 where there are two Akemi Dawn Bowman releases!
Prereview March 2019
First Bowman writes a book about an introverted dreamer, then one with an ace protagonist, now a book about a homeschooler going to a school for the first time in middle school.
At this point it's suspicious how much these books are like my life . . .
January 8, 2023
Akemi Dawn Bowman's middlegrade books are CRIMINALLY underrated, and I'm about to make it everyone's problem. I promise you, you are missing out on so much.
Millie is such a lovely, super relatable main character, and as a huge BTS fan, I loved her passion for her favourite J-Pop group. It was so relatable how she talked about them feeling like her friends and giving her this feeling of community, of belonging. I especially loved how she was able to make friends for the first time in her life because of this fandom, and the cast of characters was absolutely amazing.
Millie is such a lovely, super relatable main character, and as a huge BTS fan, I loved her passion for her favourite J-Pop group. It was so relatable how she talked about them feeling like her friends and giving her this feeling of community, of belonging. I especially loved how she was able to make friends for the first time in her life because of this fandom, and the cast of characters was absolutely amazing.
Want to read
October 14, 2020October 14, 2020: I loved Summer Bird Blue so much and now that Bowman is giving us a MG, I'm sure it's gonna be amazin'
July 2, 2021
Wow, this was something special!
When I read this, I couldn't believe my eyes: Generation Misfits was a mirror reflecting my life & soul.
Millie, finally convicing her parents to let her go to a real school for once, is excited when she goes to a private musical & arts school, Brightside Academy. However, things don't go as hoped because she seems to mess up on everything: she goes into the wrong homerooms, writes her name on the wrong place and is mercilessly laughed at when copying another person's meal to be - at last - right. Her parents also doesn't care about her much, only making sure she gets second chair playing the flute.
❝When the countdown hit zero and the newest Generation Love music appeared Millie lost herself in the music and the colours and the joy from strangers all over the world. And for the next 10 minutes, she felt she was part of something beautiful.❞
The only thing that can have one qualification as 'friend' is her favourite J-Pop group: Generation Love and their fans. Determined to find her place at the school and have a 'friend circle', she starts following Generation Loves motto: always be brave and lead your own future.
When Millie friends Zuki, her life at school gets better and she decides to show her parents her real passion, earn her place at the school and create her own J-Pop band, Generation Misfits.
Generation Misfits is a novel that truly writes what young teens deal, see and hear when they have social and family problems <3
When I read this, I couldn't believe my eyes: Generation Misfits was a mirror reflecting my life & soul.
Millie, finally convicing her parents to let her go to a real school for once, is excited when she goes to a private musical & arts school, Brightside Academy. However, things don't go as hoped because she seems to mess up on everything: she goes into the wrong homerooms, writes her name on the wrong place and is mercilessly laughed at when copying another person's meal to be - at last - right. Her parents also doesn't care about her much, only making sure she gets second chair playing the flute.
❝When the countdown hit zero and the newest Generation Love music appeared Millie lost herself in the music and the colours and the joy from strangers all over the world. And for the next 10 minutes, she felt she was part of something beautiful.❞
The only thing that can have one qualification as 'friend' is her favourite J-Pop group: Generation Love and their fans. Determined to find her place at the school and have a 'friend circle', she starts following Generation Loves motto: always be brave and lead your own future.
When Millie friends Zuki, her life at school gets better and she decides to show her parents her real passion, earn her place at the school and create her own J-Pop band, Generation Misfits.
Generation Misfits is a novel that truly writes what young teens deal, see and hear when they have social and family problems <3
July 28, 2021
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. It honestly felt like a bait and switch manoever.
The good: a non-binary character who just IS.
The not-so-good: said character wasn't fully introduced until several chapters in. It was how did new girl Millie (the main character) even KNOW which pronouns to use when they hadn't even met much less become friends?
None of the characters felt fully fleshed out to me. I had no idea what any of them looked like. Was Brightside Academy 100% Asian or were there students of other ethnicities attending. I was certain - at least from looking at the cover - that one of the characters was Black - which would have been cool because Black girls like J-pop AND K-pop.
Instead of the cute, fluffy, feel-good misfits bond over a love of J-pop book the blurb and the cover promised, I ended up with an angst ridden, pretty depressing tale and confusing characterizations.
Another thing that really threw me off was how Millie, at eleven years old calls her parents by their FIRST NAMES. What child does that? Hell, even most grown-ups don't. Honestly, every time she referred to her parents as "Scott and Jane", I was like WTF? Speaking of which, they were really messed-up parents. I realize kids don't come with instructions, but to be so dismissive of Millie's other interests outside of music. No wonder the poor girl behaved the way she did.
The good thing is the J-Club brought a bunch of misfits together and they learned to trust themselves and each other.
The good: a non-binary character who just IS.
The not-so-good: said character wasn't fully introduced until several chapters in. It was how did new girl Millie (the main character) even KNOW which pronouns to use when they hadn't even met much less become friends?
None of the characters felt fully fleshed out to me. I had no idea what any of them looked like. Was Brightside Academy 100% Asian or were there students of other ethnicities attending. I was certain - at least from looking at the cover - that one of the characters was Black - which would have been cool because Black girls like J-pop AND K-pop.
Instead of the cute, fluffy, feel-good misfits bond over a love of J-pop book the blurb and the cover promised, I ended up with an angst ridden, pretty depressing tale and confusing characterizations.
Another thing that really threw me off was how Millie, at eleven years old calls her parents by their FIRST NAMES. What child does that? Hell, even most grown-ups don't. Honestly, every time she referred to her parents as "Scott and Jane", I was like WTF? Speaking of which, they were really messed-up parents. I realize kids don't come with instructions, but to be so dismissive of Millie's other interests outside of music. No wonder the poor girl behaved the way she did.
The good thing is the J-Club brought a bunch of misfits together and they learned to trust themselves and each other.
April 7, 2023
actual rating: 3.5 stars
rep: japanese-american MC, japanese-american SC, non binary SC
generation misfits focused on middle school life for an 11-year-old japanese-american girl who was homeschooled. millie has no idea how to make friends because she had been homeschooled for her entire life. throughout the book, she finds out how difficult it is, for some, to make friends and had a hard time defining what kind of friend she wants to be. adjusting to school is hard and making friends when everyone has already grouped into cliques is a monumental task. however, millie has j-pop and that’s how the genre of music opened up her world. i thought that millie’s troubles are pretty reflective of a young girl trying to find her place and her kind of people in a foreign environment. more than that, it also depicted millie’s parents being controlling and unresponsive to her feelings about playing the flute, friends, and having a life outside of just school. also, when one of millie’s friends is dealing with a huge issue, it represented the uncertainty and helplessness that a friend would feel.
rep: japanese-american MC, japanese-american SC, non binary SC
generation misfits focused on middle school life for an 11-year-old japanese-american girl who was homeschooled. millie has no idea how to make friends because she had been homeschooled for her entire life. throughout the book, she finds out how difficult it is, for some, to make friends and had a hard time defining what kind of friend she wants to be. adjusting to school is hard and making friends when everyone has already grouped into cliques is a monumental task. however, millie has j-pop and that’s how the genre of music opened up her world. i thought that millie’s troubles are pretty reflective of a young girl trying to find her place and her kind of people in a foreign environment. more than that, it also depicted millie’s parents being controlling and unresponsive to her feelings about playing the flute, friends, and having a life outside of just school. also, when one of millie’s friends is dealing with a huge issue, it represented the uncertainty and helplessness that a friend would feel.
January 24, 2025
Really sad it was also a little weird
June 21, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for access to this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. This one kind of hurts my heart. I adore two of Akemi Dawn Bowman's YA novels, Starfish and Harley in the Sky. She really has a way of sharing complex characters and their circumstances. So, I was excited to see her releasing a middle grade novel. However, I was disappointed. If this weren't an ARC, I would have DNF'ed at around 40%. There are lots of good bits and pieces in the story. I like the J-pop club aspect. I liked the way the group of girls bonded and began supporting each other when possible. But when you put all of the pieces together, it's just not cohesive. There were several things that just made no sense to me.
Some of the following might be considered spoilers to some. So, just in case, I'll check the spoilers box. I didn't really understand why Millie had been so isolated before starting the school year. Her parents seemed bright, functional, and caring. It just baffles me that they didn't recognize the social needs of their daughter. I didn't understand why the counselor didn't seem to report Zuki's parents. In public school, teachers are obligated to report abuse and neglect. Maybe that doesn't apply at private schools? It just didn't sit well with me. I also had issues with the band aspect for Millie. She seemed to fall apart under performance pressure. So, how did she end up in the highest band at second chair to start the school year? I don't know. This just didn't work for me. I hope Akemi Dawn Bowman writes more YA in the future.
Some of the following might be considered spoilers to some. So, just in case, I'll check the spoilers box. I didn't really understand why Millie had been so isolated before starting the school year. Her parents seemed bright, functional, and caring. It just baffles me that they didn't recognize the social needs of their daughter. I didn't understand why the counselor didn't seem to report Zuki's parents. In public school, teachers are obligated to report abuse and neglect. Maybe that doesn't apply at private schools? It just didn't sit well with me. I also had issues with the band aspect for Millie. She seemed to fall apart under performance pressure. So, how did she end up in the highest band at second chair to start the school year? I don't know. This just didn't work for me. I hope Akemi Dawn Bowman writes more YA in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2022
It took me a while to finish this one. It wasn’t bad I just couldn’t get into it like her other books. I still adore her works and will continue to read anything she writes.
October 17, 2022
Millie has finally convinced her parents to let her attend Brightside Academy, and she can't wait to make some friends. However, school is harder than this formerly-homeschooled 6th grader is prepared for, and between her parents' high expectations, her difficulty adjusting, and some serious drama in her social circles, Millie struggles to stay on top of things. When she meets Zuki and discovers their love of J-pop, things finally start to look up, but this might be just the beginning of Millie's troubles.
There were so many things I loved about this book. I have to start with my one complaint though: when I was young and my mom was homeschooling me, the number one question she got was "but how do your kids socialize?" This is an extremely frustrating trope that deserves to die, yet I find it perpetuated in books like this. Frankly, it makes me mad. Homeschoolers are not recluses that don't know how to make friends, and it's just not hard to figure out how school assignments and tests work. One of the things I love about Akemi Dawn Bowman is how careful she typically is about twisting stereotypes and including diverse experiences in her books. This book is, in fact, full of a vibrant rainbow of characters of different ethnicities, backgrounds, social status, gender identities, and home lives. It it too much to ask for a little less stereotyping about homeschoolers?
Other than that one complaint, though, this is a phenomenal read that I highly recommend for middle schoolers and anyone who enjoys middle grade realistic fiction. The characters are enchanting and the plot gripping. Thematically, it is full of family, friendship, mistakes and forgiveness, and it made me feel so good as I was reading. I'm sad that there isn't a band called Generation Love, as that would make the perfect soundtrack to this book.
Thanks to Macmillan and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC.
There were so many things I loved about this book. I have to start with my one complaint though: when I was young and my mom was homeschooling me, the number one question she got was "but how do your kids socialize?" This is an extremely frustrating trope that deserves to die, yet I find it perpetuated in books like this. Frankly, it makes me mad. Homeschoolers are not recluses that don't know how to make friends, and it's just not hard to figure out how school assignments and tests work. One of the things I love about Akemi Dawn Bowman is how careful she typically is about twisting stereotypes and including diverse experiences in her books. This book is, in fact, full of a vibrant rainbow of characters of different ethnicities, backgrounds, social status, gender identities, and home lives. It it too much to ask for a little less stereotyping about homeschoolers?
Other than that one complaint, though, this is a phenomenal read that I highly recommend for middle schoolers and anyone who enjoys middle grade realistic fiction. The characters are enchanting and the plot gripping. Thematically, it is full of family, friendship, mistakes and forgiveness, and it made me feel so good as I was reading. I'm sad that there isn't a band called Generation Love, as that would make the perfect soundtrack to this book.
Thanks to Macmillan and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC.
April 28, 2025
I wish I’d had this book when I was 11 like Millie. It was SO NICE to see Millie’s parents realize their suffocating, pushy behavior wasn’t okay whilst also acknowledging Millie shouldn’t have been lying lol. It was SO NICE to watch Millie realize that she liked playing the flute for herself, but not in the competitive this-is-all-you-get-to-do way her parents were wanting her to, assuming she wanted to study it in college and pushing her in band and practice, etc.
I repeat, I wish I’d had this book at age 11 lol.
Another winner by Akemi Dawn Bowman! Starfish remains my favorite, but I’d still highly recommend Generation Misfits whether you’re Millie’s age or not.
I repeat, I wish I’d had this book at age 11 lol.
Another winner by Akemi Dawn Bowman! Starfish remains my favorite, but I’d still highly recommend Generation Misfits whether you’re Millie’s age or not.
May 14, 2021
Millie's unhealthy relationship with her parents kept me on edge throughout the book, but by the end I had reached a cathartic state where all their problems were resolved as soon as they let off steam and finally had a heart-to-heart conversation. Of course, it would be possible to pass the step with a scandal in this ladder to complete mutual understanding, if the parents talked about their daughter's feelings throughout her life, but it's good that they even crawled to it after so much time..
August 16, 2021
I enjoyed the book but the majority of it was conflict - between kids and parents, between friends, between the nice kids and the bullies, between teacher and student. There was resolution for all of it but it came so close to the end I could barely enjoy that part. I almost didn’t finish it because I didn’t want to read one more conflict. I also really disliked, and disagreed, with the portrayal of homeschooling. So many stereotypical generalizations about the homeschool community. But I hung in there just to read about the singing competition. I also learned a lot about J-pop!
August 21, 2021
I wanted to love this book. Instead I thought it was fine. There was far too many conflicts with no resolutions to any of them till the very end of the book. I could easily see a reader giving up on the book because there was just too many lows. It was wonderful to see Jpop discussed and the representation among the characters. It just felt like we lost what could be more background and growth from the characters to some of the conflicts.
July 31, 2021
True rating: 4.5 stars.
March 13, 2022
The ending felt incomplete and the book was SO predictable!! It was upbeat and sweet though. It would be so awesome if there was a sequel from Zuki's perspective
July 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this somewhat typical story about all the drama and challenges a group of middle school girls face. Five very different girls come together due to their common interest in J-Pop. Each one faces different problems and challenges, and together they help each other find the courage and tools to face them.
Millie - the main character, is starting school for the first time in 6th grade after previously being homeschooled. Her parents are loving, but very strict and so caught up in their dreams for Millie's future that they don't see her as an individual, but as an extension of themselves. They put enormous pressure on her, and discount the importance of having friends and fun and making her own choices. Millie also struggles with adapting to how school works; the teachers don't explain their classroom processes and procedures and just assume all the students know, leaving Millie lost and confused at first.
Zuki - the founder of the J-Pop club and Millie's first friend. She is loud, bubbly, and enthusiastic, except when she's not, which always seems to be after the weekends she is with her dad. Her friends know something is wrong as her mood swings and controlling behavior escalate, but she refuses to discuss it.
Luna - the popular girl who hides her love of J-Pop from her "mean girl" friends because they wouldn't approve, and makes the other club members promise to keep her involvement a secret. Unlike her popular friends, Luna is kind and caring, though sometimes afraid to show it around them. She secretly wants to break free from them, but is afraid of not having friends.
Ashley - the loner, they and Luna used to be best friends, until Luna began hanging out with the popular girls. Ashley was so hurt by the loss of this friendship, they vowed never to let themselves be vulnerable again. Though they appear tough and claim to not want friends or need anyone, they are very kind and caring and stand up for others. Ashley also happens to be non-binary.
Rainbow - the painfully shy girl who hides from everyone after being teased and bullied for years, but her shyness hides an extraordinary talent.
Together these unlikely friends begin to trust and support each other, helping each other to find their voices and speak up for what they need, against bullies, well-meaning but smothering parents, and neglectful/abusive parents.
I would recommend this for most readers ages 9-13 as this story deals with many everyday issues most kids this age deal with, and with the ensemble cast of diverse characters, most readers will find something/someone they can relate too.
Millie - the main character, is starting school for the first time in 6th grade after previously being homeschooled. Her parents are loving, but very strict and so caught up in their dreams for Millie's future that they don't see her as an individual, but as an extension of themselves. They put enormous pressure on her, and discount the importance of having friends and fun and making her own choices. Millie also struggles with adapting to how school works; the teachers don't explain their classroom processes and procedures and just assume all the students know, leaving Millie lost and confused at first.
Zuki - the founder of the J-Pop club and Millie's first friend. She is loud, bubbly, and enthusiastic, except when she's not, which always seems to be after the weekends she is with her dad. Her friends know something is wrong as her mood swings and controlling behavior escalate, but she refuses to discuss it.
Luna - the popular girl who hides her love of J-Pop from her "mean girl" friends because they wouldn't approve, and makes the other club members promise to keep her involvement a secret. Unlike her popular friends, Luna is kind and caring, though sometimes afraid to show it around them. She secretly wants to break free from them, but is afraid of not having friends.
Ashley - the loner, they and Luna used to be best friends, until Luna began hanging out with the popular girls. Ashley was so hurt by the loss of this friendship, they vowed never to let themselves be vulnerable again. Though they appear tough and claim to not want friends or need anyone, they are very kind and caring and stand up for others. Ashley also happens to be non-binary.
Rainbow - the painfully shy girl who hides from everyone after being teased and bullied for years, but her shyness hides an extraordinary talent.
Together these unlikely friends begin to trust and support each other, helping each other to find their voices and speak up for what they need, against bullies, well-meaning but smothering parents, and neglectful/abusive parents.
I would recommend this for most readers ages 9-13 as this story deals with many everyday issues most kids this age deal with, and with the ensemble cast of diverse characters, most readers will find something/someone they can relate too.
June 26, 2021
Review copy: Digital ARC via Netgalley
I did not expect to cry, but the tears welled up more than once. Sometimes because my heart hurt and sometimes they were happy tears. The cover made me think this was going to be an exciting and upbeat book--and it was. But it was definitely more than just a light friendship story. Everyone has struggles they are working through.
The main character has been homeschooled and now is beginning sixth grade at school. I was concerned that the book was going to make homeschooling seem like a horrible thing since Millie had a very negative opinion of it in the beginning. That is balanced out a little later in the book though.
So often young people feel like they may never find people they can really connect with and this book will be easy to relate to for those readers. This would be especially true for those who have unique music tastes. It really was fun to see the friends in all of their excitement and effusiveness about their J-Pop band and the gloriousness of finding other who share their enthusiasm.
One character is nonbinary and uses them/they pronouns. That isn't explained initially so it really isn't something that stands out as an issue for anyone. Later in the story there is a conversation that goes into it a bit when a friend is seeking to understand, but it isn't a conflict it's just part of the character.
Each person is distinct and they are all discovering things about themselves as they learn more about each other. They hurt each other along the way, but they also strengthen each other. Through it all they are learning to be true to themselves.
Recommendation: This will be a great middle grade book to hand to those who enjoy contemporary fiction or music or friendship stories.
I did not expect to cry, but the tears welled up more than once. Sometimes because my heart hurt and sometimes they were happy tears. The cover made me think this was going to be an exciting and upbeat book--and it was. But it was definitely more than just a light friendship story. Everyone has struggles they are working through.
The main character has been homeschooled and now is beginning sixth grade at school. I was concerned that the book was going to make homeschooling seem like a horrible thing since Millie had a very negative opinion of it in the beginning. That is balanced out a little later in the book though.
So often young people feel like they may never find people they can really connect with and this book will be easy to relate to for those readers. This would be especially true for those who have unique music tastes. It really was fun to see the friends in all of their excitement and effusiveness about their J-Pop band and the gloriousness of finding other who share their enthusiasm.
One character is nonbinary and uses them/they pronouns. That isn't explained initially so it really isn't something that stands out as an issue for anyone. Later in the story there is a conversation that goes into it a bit when a friend is seeking to understand, but it isn't a conflict it's just part of the character.
Each person is distinct and they are all discovering things about themselves as they learn more about each other. They hurt each other along the way, but they also strengthen each other. Through it all they are learning to be true to themselves.
Recommendation: This will be a great middle grade book to hand to those who enjoy contemporary fiction or music or friendship stories.
September 16, 2022
🎤🔶🎉Generation Misfits🎉🔶🎤
Millie has been homeschooled her whole life, and is excited to finally make some friends. She has a strong passion for J-pop, and is talented at flute. As Millie joins a J-Pop club and soon forms a friendship with several of her fellow fans, her grades start falling and she worries her parents will pressure her to do better and take away what she loves. A group of girls who never would have met, are determined to create a J-Pop group and imitate Generation Love, their favorite group. Luna, Ashley, Rainbow, Zuki, and Millie are going to pursue their dream but a complication arises: will they be able to do it?
I've never read a book that focuses on J-Pop so I enjoyed learning about it while also seeing Millie and her group of diverse friends explore themselves. Millie was a good character, shy but also brave and her relationship with her parents was explored well. Sometimes they could be overbearing and hold a firm grip over Millie's life, not allowing her to do what she wanted. Zuki's parents are abusive and underneath her thin veneer of a light-hearted attitude, she's terrified inside. Rainbow is shy and scared to be herself. Luna is a popular girl who feels as though she can't be herself around her friends. Ashley is non-binary and, after a falling-out with her best friend, she chooses to be alone.
The cast of characters and important themes come together in a fun middle grade. The separate plot points were good and I enjoyed seeing them come together. This book was overall uplifting and fun!
✅PLOT
✅CHARACTERS
Millie has been homeschooled her whole life, and is excited to finally make some friends. She has a strong passion for J-pop, and is talented at flute. As Millie joins a J-Pop club and soon forms a friendship with several of her fellow fans, her grades start falling and she worries her parents will pressure her to do better and take away what she loves. A group of girls who never would have met, are determined to create a J-Pop group and imitate Generation Love, their favorite group. Luna, Ashley, Rainbow, Zuki, and Millie are going to pursue their dream but a complication arises: will they be able to do it?
I've never read a book that focuses on J-Pop so I enjoyed learning about it while also seeing Millie and her group of diverse friends explore themselves. Millie was a good character, shy but also brave and her relationship with her parents was explored well. Sometimes they could be overbearing and hold a firm grip over Millie's life, not allowing her to do what she wanted. Zuki's parents are abusive and underneath her thin veneer of a light-hearted attitude, she's terrified inside. Rainbow is shy and scared to be herself. Luna is a popular girl who feels as though she can't be herself around her friends. Ashley is non-binary and, after a falling-out with her best friend, she chooses to be alone.
The cast of characters and important themes come together in a fun middle grade. The separate plot points were good and I enjoyed seeing them come together. This book was overall uplifting and fun!
✅PLOT
✅CHARACTERS
June 16, 2021
7.9/10
Of course, it's no surprise that I liked Generation Misfits. I love Akemi Dawn Bowman's books and her writing style. I love how she can just make everything so...relatable. I don't totally know what it's like to have a ton of pressure on you from your parents, but I do understand the feeling of wanting to belong. Millie is a little shy, and it's hard for her to speak up because she feels like no one is listening. It was really frustrating that most of the adults just assumed that she wasn't working hard, but this does happen to some kids. I actually started cheering though when Millie finally stood up to her parents!
I also thought it was awesome to include a discussion about gender identity. All of the characters were different, and that's good because it shows how different people handle situations. Some people wear their heart on their sleeve while others may wear armor so they won't get hurt. I also loved that this story revolved around music. I love music, but I could also relate to Millie and those moments in life where music did feel more like a burden than a gift.
I'm sad that Zuki had to move, but it was for the best. It also added another layer of reality to the story. I've had friends move far away. Goodbyes are always hard, but also life keeps moving on no matter what.
Of course, it's no surprise that I liked Generation Misfits. I love Akemi Dawn Bowman's books and her writing style. I love how she can just make everything so...relatable. I don't totally know what it's like to have a ton of pressure on you from your parents, but I do understand the feeling of wanting to belong. Millie is a little shy, and it's hard for her to speak up because she feels like no one is listening. It was really frustrating that most of the adults just assumed that she wasn't working hard, but this does happen to some kids. I actually started cheering though when Millie finally stood up to her parents!
I also thought it was awesome to include a discussion about gender identity. All of the characters were different, and that's good because it shows how different people handle situations. Some people wear their heart on their sleeve while others may wear armor so they won't get hurt. I also loved that this story revolved around music. I love music, but I could also relate to Millie and those moments in life where music did feel more like a burden than a gift.
I'm sad that Zuki had to move, but it was for the best. It also added another layer of reality to the story. I've had friends move far away. Goodbyes are always hard, but also life keeps moving on no matter what.
October 12, 2021
👩🎤🎶 BOOK REVIEW 👩🎤🎶
This book is super sweet and has surprisingly deep conversations about things like parent/child relationships, learning to take care of one another and ourselves, and the courage it takes to take the first steps toward becoming your truest self.
Unfortunately for me, I was underwhelmed by this one. Some elements of the story and some of the interactions between the characters felt a little exaggerated and cheesy.
There's definitely some very good parts to this book, though, and I'm sure there's lots of readers who will connect with this story in ways that I didn't. I definitely related to certain aspects of the book, but I think I would've enjoyed it more if this book had existed when I was younger.
All in all, it's still a solid read and I think readers 10+ will really like this one.
This book is super sweet and has surprisingly deep conversations about things like parent/child relationships, learning to take care of one another and ourselves, and the courage it takes to take the first steps toward becoming your truest self.
Unfortunately for me, I was underwhelmed by this one. Some elements of the story and some of the interactions between the characters felt a little exaggerated and cheesy.
There's definitely some very good parts to this book, though, and I'm sure there's lots of readers who will connect with this story in ways that I didn't. I definitely related to certain aspects of the book, but I think I would've enjoyed it more if this book had existed when I was younger.
All in all, it's still a solid read and I think readers 10+ will really like this one.
October 27, 2021
This book was so sweet! Also fun, while still managing to delicately tackle important issues, like feeling lonely, standing up for yourself, making friends, helping those friends, and taking a few shaky steps of independence away from a parent/guardian.
Eleven is a painful, awkward age, and I sympathized with Millie starting a new school and feeling overwhelmed by the newness and being uncertain about her place there, and at home.
Even though the book is told from Millie’s POV, I had a good sense of all the members of J-Pop club and adored them all. The way they bonded and showed up for each other was amazing. If I’d read this book when I was eleven, I’m sure it would have been one of my favorites.
Eleven is a painful, awkward age, and I sympathized with Millie starting a new school and feeling overwhelmed by the newness and being uncertain about her place there, and at home.
Even though the book is told from Millie’s POV, I had a good sense of all the members of J-Pop club and adored them all. The way they bonded and showed up for each other was amazing. If I’d read this book when I was eleven, I’m sure it would have been one of my favorites.
July 16, 2022
For a MS Librarian, I'm not always the best reader for middle-grade fiction. Given their understandable focus on identity, I find all too many of them to be rather didactic and on-point in their current issues box-ticking. This is no exception. But this is my summer to catch up on the m-g and YA reading I neglected to do during the year soooo here we are.
The found-family group of girls at the center of novel are engaging, but also the most mature 11 year old I've ever seen. And she's managed to people the school with a group of fairly incompetent teachers who let a new kid struggle without any serious attempts to intervene. But kids won't care about that, and would appreciate the book in general, so will definitely add it to my recommendation rotation.
The found-family group of girls at the center of novel are engaging, but also the most mature 11 year old I've ever seen. And she's managed to people the school with a group of fairly incompetent teachers who let a new kid struggle without any serious attempts to intervene. But kids won't care about that, and would appreciate the book in general, so will definitely add it to my recommendation rotation.
October 29, 2022
Listen everytime I read middle grade books I'm just so surprised at how mature yet adorable middle graders are and ajdjdkkskeocec i just love middle grade books talking about topics like troubles with families and friendships and being there for your friends.
I swear I wasn't this mature in middle grade it seems.
Anyway, Akemi writes such a beautiful book about a bunch of outsiders who are brought together by something they love: j-pop. I loved all the four girls, they're absolutely adorable and cute babies that I want to protect. This one hints at domestic violence I believe so tw but also I really like the way it's all handled and I believe it's an important topic for kids to read about.
I read this is one go, would definitely recommend this book ❤
I swear I wasn't this mature in middle grade it seems.
Anyway, Akemi writes such a beautiful book about a bunch of outsiders who are brought together by something they love: j-pop. I loved all the four girls, they're absolutely adorable and cute babies that I want to protect. This one hints at domestic violence I believe so tw but also I really like the way it's all handled and I believe it's an important topic for kids to read about.
I read this is one go, would definitely recommend this book ❤
April 25, 2023
I feel like this book really required me to stick with it. It ended well, and the underdeveloped characters finally started to matter to me as the book went on, but I had to be willing to put in the time to get there. I was particularly troubled/mystified by Millie's relationships with her parents -- the 180 that happens in that relationship was gratifying but hard to believe. However, there were some things I really loved: the nonbinary acceptance, the whole-hearted fan enthusiasm, and that this book tackles abuse -- and the weird not-knowing that abuse is happening. Mixed bag. Not bad, but did not blow me away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2023
I have yet to read a book by Akemi Dawn Bowman that I haven't loved and so I was fully prepared to really enjoy this one and that's what happened. This is an adorable middle grade story about a girl who goes from being homeschooled to being in middle school for the first time and has to learn everything including how to figure out when teachers are actually assigning homework and what parts of the whiteboard to read and how to make friends and where to sit at the lunch table and more.
She ends up joining this J-pop club which ends up being this little band of misfits just all bonding over their love of this music and it was just so cute.
She ends up joining this J-pop club which ends up being this little band of misfits just all bonding over their love of this music and it was just so cute.
June 29, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. I’ll post that review (on this charming middle grade debut) upon publication.
Updated 6/29/21
4 stars
_Generation Misfits_ is a stellar middle grade debut from an author who has absolutely proven themselves in the YA realm for years. I truly enjoyed this one and hope it's the first of many for this audience; the "#1" suggests that this - at least - will be the start of a great series!
Millie is the eleven-year-old m.c., and readers meet her when she is making a huge change: exiting a lifelong journey in home school for her entry into a prestigious local academy. As a career educator, I love how Bowman reflects Millie's challenges with the school ecosystem. Everything that the other kids know - where to look for upcoming assignments, when to turn in assignments, how to format assignments - is completely foreign and mysterious to Millie. It's easy to build sympathy (or empathy) for Millie's plight: not just the unfamiliarity with the new norms but also the fears around asking for help. Another related challenge Millie faces is her meager success with making friends. Her desire to change this is what connects her to her own personal friendship pipeline: J Club!
Admittedly, I came into this work uncertain about the J-Club/J-Pop focus, but I am a convert. Bowman uses the band members - their relationships, struggles, and growth - as an ideal foil for Millie and her friends. This backdrop also allows Bowman to integrate some pretty tough subjects - isolation, bullying, identity, and child abuse and neglect - in an audience appropriate manner. Further, the characters are a diverse bunch: distinct family structures and relationships, varying levels of abuse, and unique identities. One character, Ashley, is nonbinary, and I particularly appreciate the way their pronouns, representation, broader gender identity, and burgeoning sexuality are handled throughout the novel.
For a middle grade novel, this runs on the heftier side, but Bowman packs in so much great content. I am already looking forward to reading about the Misfits' future exploits! Recommended.
Updated 6/29/21
4 stars
_Generation Misfits_ is a stellar middle grade debut from an author who has absolutely proven themselves in the YA realm for years. I truly enjoyed this one and hope it's the first of many for this audience; the "#1" suggests that this - at least - will be the start of a great series!
Millie is the eleven-year-old m.c., and readers meet her when she is making a huge change: exiting a lifelong journey in home school for her entry into a prestigious local academy. As a career educator, I love how Bowman reflects Millie's challenges with the school ecosystem. Everything that the other kids know - where to look for upcoming assignments, when to turn in assignments, how to format assignments - is completely foreign and mysterious to Millie. It's easy to build sympathy (or empathy) for Millie's plight: not just the unfamiliarity with the new norms but also the fears around asking for help. Another related challenge Millie faces is her meager success with making friends. Her desire to change this is what connects her to her own personal friendship pipeline: J Club!
Admittedly, I came into this work uncertain about the J-Club/J-Pop focus, but I am a convert. Bowman uses the band members - their relationships, struggles, and growth - as an ideal foil for Millie and her friends. This backdrop also allows Bowman to integrate some pretty tough subjects - isolation, bullying, identity, and child abuse and neglect - in an audience appropriate manner. Further, the characters are a diverse bunch: distinct family structures and relationships, varying levels of abuse, and unique identities. One character, Ashley, is nonbinary, and I particularly appreciate the way their pronouns, representation, broader gender identity, and burgeoning sexuality are handled throughout the novel.
For a middle grade novel, this runs on the heftier side, but Bowman packs in so much great content. I am already looking forward to reading about the Misfits' future exploits! Recommended.
August 23, 2021
Heartwarming, with the characters and their emotional arcs and journeys portrayed vividly, while also sensitively navigating all-too-timely issues. Generation Misfits is an easy-to-read, memorable depiction of feeling like a fish out of water and finding your own family and voice. Really well done.
September 18, 2021
How did I not know about this book? Loved the MG voice, characters and story! I got hooked and read it all in one morning. So many issues that kids struggle with are included in this book. Definitely recommended!!!
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