Scan barcode
aclopez6's review
3.0
As a younger-middle-grade book, this lacked some of the fast-paced storytelling that many authors rely on. Owen's drawings were unnecessary and did not provide more depth to Nora or Sean's character, and the story dragged in the middle. However, there are many positives, such as the setting the story in a town that is primarily employed by the local prison, showing multiple perspectives on racial bias and minor moments of reflection for the adult characters, and having a joy factor (running/cross country).
lfitzmaurice's review
4.0
A timely and important story. Whenever a middle grade book tries to tackle difficult racial and social issues, it can be easy for either the story to get lost or for everything to get bogged down. Messner has found a way to address everything she aims to in a way that is perfect for the audience. Hopefully many children will read this and be able to learn something important about the world we live in.
The three main characters are all very different, and give three fabulous viewpoints for the unfolding of the plot. I enjoyed the epistolary-ish style as well. I think this will be an easy sell in the library and kids will love it.
The three main characters are all very different, and give three fabulous viewpoints for the unfolding of the plot. I enjoyed the epistolary-ish style as well. I think this will be an easy sell in the library and kids will love it.
cathyreadsbooks33's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Stopped reading because it wasn't what I wanted to read for Black History. Glad I went back to finish it.
jaij7's review
5.0
I could not wait to read this and the anticipation was worth it. Fantastic book. I just love how Kate Messner includes poetry, rap, books, newspapers, recordings and has infused her story with tolerance and diversity. Fantastic book!
gggina13's review
3.0
Breakout was interesting and had some important themes for young readers. However, it could have benefited from being about 100 pages shorter. Also, the social justice themes, while super important, felt very heavy handed at times and inorganic. It felt like middle graders were being sold a little short on their ability to pick up on subtle themes, with it being spelled out directly for them instead. Some of the twists were good, though, and Elidee and Nora especially had very developed personalities. I didn't love HOW prominent the Hamilton references were but of course I loved to see it.
mbrandmaier's review
5.0
Two inmates break out of the maximum security prison in a small town in upstate New York. Residents have varied reactions to the breakout and also to newcomers Elidee and her mom, who moved there to be closer to Elidee’s inmate brother. The reader will get to see a wide variety of the ways racism can manifest (sometimes very subtly, sometimes very thinly veiled). I like the list of additional suggested reads that the author included after the book was finished.
retiredlibrarylady's review
5.0
Upstate New York small town; state prison a major employer. Middle school, winding down the school year. English teacher assigns 5 letters to future residents to be put in a community time capsule. Nora Tucker, the prison superintendent's daughter, and her best friend, Lizzie Bruno, are planning end-of-school and summer activities. Elidee Jones, whose brother is a new inmate in the prison, moves to town with her mom. Shortly before the end of school, two inmates break out of the prison. In subsequent days, outdoor activities (Field Day!) are canceled and people have to stay inside as dozens and then hundreds of police are searching the area. As the days pass, relationships in the town fray. Nora and Lizzie invite Elidee to join their relay team for Fourth of July celebrations and grow a sort of friendship. Nora becomes aware of racism in the town and even in her mother. Finally, the inmates are caught, in large part because of the girls' research. Elidee and her mom move back to the city.
This is the first book since Wonder that I think every middle school should consider not only in the library but as a classroom read. Unconscious racism understood, in a cool format.
This is the first book since Wonder that I think every middle school should consider not only in the library but as a classroom read. Unconscious racism understood, in a cool format.
that_crazy_fangirl's review
2.5
3/5 stars.
I read this author’s other book, All the answers, so I know she can write a good book. So what went wrong here?
Honestly, I got close to saying this is a 2.5 star read, but I think that’s a little harsh. This isn’t a terrible book. It’s kind of okay. To be quite frank, I just found it really boring. I literally could not have cared less about the characters in this book. I think the only one I liked was Elidee, but other than that, everyone one else was just… there. It was pretty boring, and I regret having read it in the first place. If I were you, I’d pass on reading it.
But hey, if this is the kind of book you’d like, and you end up enjoying it, that’s great for you, but I guess this just wasn’t the book for me.
Edit: Never mind, 3 stars is a little too generous, I’m giving this book 2.5 stars.
I read this author’s other book, All the answers, so I know she can write a good book. So what went wrong here?
Honestly, I got close to saying this is a 2.5 star read, but I think that’s a little harsh. This isn’t a terrible book. It’s kind of okay. To be quite frank, I just found it really boring. I literally could not have cared less about the characters in this book. I think the only one I liked was Elidee, but other than that, everyone one else was just… there. It was pretty boring, and I regret having read it in the first place. If I were you, I’d pass on reading it.
But hey, if this is the kind of book you’d like, and you end up enjoying it, that’s great for you, but I guess this just wasn’t the book for me.
Edit: Never mind, 3 stars is a little too generous, I’m giving this book 2.5 stars.