How to Build a Heart

All Izzy Crawford wants is to feel like she really belongs somewhere. When Izzy’s family has been selected by Habitat for Humanity to build and move into a brand-new house. Izzy is this close to the community and permanence she’s been searching for, until all the secret pieces of her life begin to collide.

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Published Feb 2, 2021

352 pages

Average rating: 9

2 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

TheCleverReader
Feb 03, 2023
8/10 stars
I enjoyed this coming of age YA contemporary about Izzy, the girl on scholarship who lives with her Puerto Rican mother and younger brother Jack. When her father was killed in action her mother had to take on jobs that paid the best which means they've moved a lot. Now that they've settled into Virginia all Izzy can think about is keeping her trailer park life a secret from the others at her school.

When her family finds out they've been selected for a house built by Habitat for Humanity Izzy's fears about others finding out where she really lives starts to rise to the surface. I really liked Izzy. She's quick witted and I love the relationship she has with her brother. I thought the author did a great job portraying all the feelings she struggles with throughout this book. She finds herself a bit lost between the life she has and the life she will have once their house is finished.

This book is about friendship, family, and finding yourself. It is light and fluffy but also addresses some tough issues. Her best friend lives in an abusive household and finds herself banging on Izzy's door when her mom's boyfriend is drunk. There is an incident of domestic violence in the book that may be triggering for some readers but it is not the main focus of the book.

I do recommend this to anyone looking for their next YA contemporary!

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