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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
What a beautiful and heartfelt book. The character development was truly exceptional, and the story was both light and effortless to read while still carrying so much emotional depth. Leon is an unforgettable hero in my eyes—such a joy to follow his journey
Just loved this. Beautifully written, well drawn characters, you’re absolutely rooting for 9 year old Leon and hoping against hope he catches a break. Brilliant debut from Kit De Waal.
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A marvelous, touching book about a little boy put in foster care and his fierce, protective love for his baby brother. It touches issues of race, social injustice and mental health. The background was England in the early 80s. The audiobook was perfect.
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This is a five-star book that I wouldn’t recommend to anyone. I cried while reading most of it, but that’s a testament to how well the characters are written. I just wanted to take care of Leon!
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Really poignant and hopeful. Heartbreaking and elating. Sensitive and real. Recommend!
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
First book of 2025 and I really enjoyed it. I feel like it had a bit of everything and the characters were well developed and placeable. Really thought that the story was told with empathy and that Leon really shone through and it was well balanced and thought provoking. I thought it was really clever that the author allowed us to see the impact of how the narratives children overhear can shape their understanding of the world.