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mariahuff26's review against another edition
3.0
Idk. Kinda meh.
I enjoyed the ending very much, which made me really want to bump up the rating. But to be honest, to much of this book was boring to give it a higher rating.
THIS IS THE FINAL SCHOOL BOOK. HALLELUJAH.
I enjoyed the ending very much, which made me really want to bump up the rating. But to be honest, to much of this book was boring to give it a higher rating.
THIS IS THE FINAL SCHOOL BOOK. HALLELUJAH.
c_olle3n's review against another edition
2.0
Don’t get me wrong i love the time period in which this book occurs in, but in some parts it felt like the story dragged on and was kind of a bore. The ending was so anticlimactic and expected it to be a little better and not so dull
magicschooltokoro's review against another edition
3.0
"They are a growing army. There are hundreds of them on the roads this winter; most of them are boys in their teens. There are scores of younger children, some of them so young that one marvels at their survival. They come from the cities where the unemployment of a father often means too little food for too many mouths. They come from the farms where the incredibly low prices of produce have been as tragic for the farm family. They don't know where they are going or why. They simply move on—on to the next door for a handout or maybe a curse, on to the next packing box or sand cave for a bed. . . .
A few of the wild boys of the road are in good hands tonight. But they are only a few. Hundreds of others are out in fields, on the highways, in the poorer sections of towns and cities. They are raiding garbage cans; thy are burning anything they can find in an effort to keep warm. Not since the crusades have so many children suffered so cruelly. And this is the United States of America in the year of our Lord, 1933."
Such is one story of two musical, wandering brothers.
I saw a more dramatic, decades older children's book by this author I don't remember know about during my own childhood and readings, and so was intrigued, noting the author to look up. I remember I had once recently briefly noticing a children's book of Howl's Moving Castle, I think, and found a couple of others I was interested around it—another book adapted to screen, Whale Rider and this, wanted to find one of her books.
It reminded me of the wandering of an orphaned Pole, experiencing the worst of the First World War, able to emigrate to the U.S. through a British embassy and work his way up to master hotelier, in the book, Cain and Abel—his lifelong rivalry with a privileged kid become banker born on the same day. The tone was sober but with a child's hope.
engpunk77's review against another edition
4.0
I'll be teaching this novel next year to my 8th graders---really enjoyed this one. I cried at the beginning, cried at the end; the ingredients for a good read. This novel really communicates the norms of the depression well--I hope my students appreciate it.
drtlovesbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Let me start by saying my rating is based on my personal preferences, and not on Hunt's writing skills, which are fine.
This story is realistic fiction and historical fiction, neither of which genres are particular favorites of mine. However, for those enjoy learning about a particular time period via the story of characters living through those times, this novel will be right up your alley.
The story follows Josh, a young teen living during the Great Depression of the 1930's. When the story begins, the Depression has been going on for several years. Josh's family has been hit hard by the economic collapse; in an effort to both help his family and himself, Josh sets out to try to find a better life. As he travels the country, the reader is able to get a strong sense of what life must have been like for many during this terrible time in the United States.
Although the story is centered around Josh's failures and triumphs, I personally was most intrigued not by Josh's particular story, but by the stories of the characters Josh encounters along the way. Some are good, and some are bad, but for the most part, these secondary characters seem like real people trying to deal with a difficult situation, all in different ways. To me, that's the value of this story - it shows not just one person's experience of the Great Depression, but many different ways people tried to cope with this difficult time.
This story is realistic fiction and historical fiction, neither of which genres are particular favorites of mine. However, for those enjoy learning about a particular time period via the story of characters living through those times, this novel will be right up your alley.
The story follows Josh, a young teen living during the Great Depression of the 1930's. When the story begins, the Depression has been going on for several years. Josh's family has been hit hard by the economic collapse; in an effort to both help his family and himself, Josh sets out to try to find a better life. As he travels the country, the reader is able to get a strong sense of what life must have been like for many during this terrible time in the United States.
Although the story is centered around Josh's failures and triumphs, I personally was most intrigued not by Josh's particular story, but by the stories of the characters Josh encounters along the way. Some are good, and some are bad, but for the most part, these secondary characters seem like real people trying to deal with a difficult situation, all in different ways. To me, that's the value of this story - it shows not just one person's experience of the Great Depression, but many different ways people tried to cope with this difficult time.
jasiri31's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Great young adult book to learn about The Great Depression in an interesting and adventurous way. The character's that the boys meet along the way are primarily fun or interesting to read about. I answered 'yes' when asked if the cast was diverse. It is very diverse, but not necessarily by Race or Ethnicity. At some point they end up meeting some people who work at a circus. So you can imagine that's a diverse group of people. Lol. That's not a major spoiler by the way.
amylandranch's review against another edition
3.0
Josh and Joey are brothers during the depression. They leave home to try and find success on their own. I was struck by the parallels of the recession that we are having now compared to what was going on during the depression. Throughout the book it focuses on the good in people while also showing the meanness of people in desparate situations. An eye opening book for anyone who reads it. While I prefer Steinbeck's writings on the depression more, this is a great read for students and adults. I feel very grateful indeed for having a roof over my head and food to eat when I am hungry.
eahaynes's review
4.0
Great insight into the Great Depression from the eyes of a youth. I am always intrigued by stories that involve difficult father/son relationships. Josh has to discover that many of the same qualities he despises in his father are also qualities he carries within himself. He takes a journey across the country, but really discovers a journey of maturity and sacrifice.
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