Reviews

The Anti-Book by Raphael Simon

growinghelpfulhabits's review

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

melsocool's review

5.0

Really great story about a kid struggling with some big emotions and big issues. It's fun and imaginative and perfectly paced.

sara_berlin's review

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

4.0

I have very fond memories of reading The Secret Series and the Bad Books, but I’m also glad that Raphael Simon has finally decided to write under his own name and that are closer to his heart, without losing the sincere weirdness of his storytelling. I think this is a great book for the younger target audience,  but I still managed to enjoy it. 

alifromkc1907's review

5.0

Gut Instinct Rating: 5
Characters: 5
Believability: 5
Uniqueness: 5
Writing Style: 5
Excitement Factor: 4
Story Line: 4.75
Title Relevance: 5
Artwork Relevance: 5
Overall: 4.86

arp363's review

I was not invested enough to continue

becandbooks's review

4.0

Trigger warnings:

Spoiler

bullying, homomisia

This was a fantastic kids' book that I would recommend for any middle-grade readers!

The premise is fun and interesting (what kid doesn't want to wish away all their problems?). The setting and characters are both fun and hilarious. The writing style is easy, whimsical and undoubtedly would have any child in giggles.

A fantastic book all-around.

Note: Review copy (audio) received via Libro.FM. This does not impact opinions within this review.

blog • trigger warning database • more links

Happy reading! ❤

rlbooks's review

adventurous funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

megdiane's review

adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

summer_reader_vne's review

5.0

The anti-book has a fantasy theme unique to middle grade novels, the imagination to turn a roller coaster of the emotions of living a life where there are problems into a fantastical tale with a weir magic (really weird) was present here and i loved it. Waking into this book I knew right away that Mickey would make everything 'get lost' and ultimately find he didnt hate all those things, but it is enjoyable nonetheless.

ashleyeila's review

challenging emotional hopeful lighthearted 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? Yes

3.5

This book is filled with emotions of a preteen boy going through his parents’ divorce and remarriages. It  is a unique way of showing how things you don’t appreciate may be important to you. It does include a lot about lgbq in it (two mothers, encouraging gayness) so be aware of this especially if you are having your child read it.