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leafblade's review against another edition
3.0
I got an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, this was a quick read, although I wouldn't say it's either "light" or "fun". This book definitely deals with some hard topics, and seeing it all from the eyes of a 13yo girl makes them even harder. This is still a middle grade book, though, so there are a few things left undeveloped or unfinished, I guess because the publisher and/or the author wanted to keep it short for its audience.
What bothered me the most and I want to get out of the way is the romance subplot. The main character is most definitely not straight, so there's this whole dela of her male best friend trying to get her to come out and her saying she's not ready yet which, okay, fair. I absolutely get it because I was there for a lot of time. But then the love interest is introduced and we know nothing of her? We see her for maybe two or three scenes, and hear from her on two occasions via texts... but that's it. We don't know what her family's like, her hobbies, her favorite subject at school, literally nothing apart from her name and that she works on a pharmacy. And not much more about her relationship with the MC, either. I wish it would've sped up a bit. They held hands the second time they met and that's it, they didn't hang out more than three times and we don't get to see if they have chemistry or if they even like each other. For a book that's marketed as LGBT+, there's not much of anything to call it that.
And I didn't feel much for the MC and her family losing their house, either? Maybe it was the way it was written, but we were constantly told how the characters felt and didn't have much time to think about it, or get how much time and how much memories they spent in the house. It's all crammed in the moments before they leave, with the MC walking around the house remembering a few things she did when she was younger with her best friend, but it was so rushed and so sudden I got lost on it.
The subplot about taking care of the new neighbors' animals was really sweet! I love animals and I can tell the author does too, because she put so much care in making them all have different personalities. I looked forward to the MC going over to feed them and walk them around in a leash. I just hope we got a few more chapters of Rainbow making friends there.
Overall, this was a quick read, although I wouldn't say it's either "light" or "fun". This book definitely deals with some hard topics, and seeing it all from the eyes of a 13yo girl makes them even harder. This is still a middle grade book, though, so there are a few things left undeveloped or unfinished, I guess because the publisher and/or the author wanted to keep it short for its audience.
What bothered me the most and I want to get out of the way is the romance subplot. The main character is most definitely not straight, so there's this whole dela of her male best friend trying to get her to come out and her saying she's not ready yet which, okay, fair. I absolutely get it because I was there for a lot of time. But then the love interest is introduced and we know nothing of her? We see her for maybe two or three scenes, and hear from her on two occasions via texts... but that's it. We don't know what her family's like, her hobbies, her favorite subject at school, literally nothing apart from her name and that she works on a pharmacy. And not much more about her relationship with the MC, either. I wish it would've sped up a bit. They held hands the second time they met and that's it, they didn't hang out more than three times and we don't get to see if they have chemistry or if they even like each other. For a book that's marketed as LGBT+, there's not much of anything to call it that.
And I didn't feel much for the MC and her family losing their house, either? Maybe it was the way it was written, but we were constantly told how the characters felt and didn't have much time to think about it, or get how much time and how much memories they spent in the house. It's all crammed in the moments before they leave, with the MC walking around the house remembering a few things she did when she was younger with her best friend, but it was so rushed and so sudden I got lost on it.
The subplot about taking care of the new neighbors' animals was really sweet! I love animals and I can tell the author does too, because she put so much care in making them all have different personalities. I looked forward to the MC going over to feed them and walk them around in a leash. I just hope we got a few more chapters of Rainbow making friends there.
corinne_2011's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
rly rly good there is so much drama but it doesnt take up the whole story
sducharme's review against another edition
4.0
This is the kind of "tough issues" book that middle-grade readers often need. The girl main character (Rachel) is a loving sister, has a boy best friend, and a job caring for farm animals. She's positive and upbeat although her family is struggling financially and she is becoming confused about new feelings within her friend group.
I was surprised to find myself getting teary a couple of times - a sign of great character development, I think, because her emotions felt so raw and real.
Hand this one to readers who are ok with a conflict that builds slowly. Students who might be
"questioning" in the sexual sense or are just curious about how relationships develop will probably enjoy this as well.
I was surprised to find myself getting teary a couple of times - a sign of great character development, I think, because her emotions felt so raw and real.
Hand this one to readers who are ok with a conflict that builds slowly. Students who might be
"questioning" in the sexual sense or are just curious about how relationships develop will probably enjoy this as well.
readwithpassion's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely adored this book. Jo Knowles tackles critical issues that are not as common in middle grade literature. The Rachel’s family faces foreclosure of their house—a home in which she is deeply rooted. She feels as if a piece of her identity will be lost. Further, she is experiencing many emotions regarding her sexuality. She is questioning, and those around her are placing pressure on her to make a choice. I’d love to use this book in the classroom setting. The coming of age issues are very real for our young people, and Jo Knowles does not shy away from digging deeply into critical topics.
http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=18680
http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=18680
just_a_harmless_potato's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
dswhite's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to like this book more then I did. I found it depressing without any light moments. The characters seemed real but not likable enough.
haley_j_casey's review against another edition
4.0
This was very sweet and very sad, and it's a really perfect book for middle-grade readers.
mamamia's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Slow burn, but feels so real. While others have remarked their exhaustion with the main character, Rachel, I found her an admirable example for 13 year old readers. She’s surprisingly self aware.
Slow burn, but feels so real. While others have remarked their exhaustion with the main character, Rachel, I found her an admirable example for 13 year old readers. She’s surprisingly self aware.
perksofbeing_me's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
readingthroughtheages's review against another edition
5.0
This really felt like the perfect coming of age story. I read it in a single sitting and absolutely fell into this story.