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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Cricket comes to America in this book. It comes by way of August Paul Bowles-Fitzpatrick, Butler extraordinaire, to Marysville, New York and the family of Carter Jones.
Butler is there for them when this family need him most. This is especially true for Carter, who is coming of age against a backdrop of all kinds of family hardships.
I laughed. I cried. I loved this book.
"Make good decisions and remember who loves you."
I looked at him. "I thought it was 'remember who you are.'"
The Butler looked back at me. "It is the very same thing," he said...
"We are what we love, young Master Carter."
Butler is there for them when this family need him most. This is especially true for Carter, who is coming of age against a backdrop of all kinds of family hardships.
I laughed. I cried. I loved this book.
"Make good decisions and remember who loves you."
I looked at him. "I thought it was 'remember who you are.'"
The Butler looked back at me. "It is the very same thing," he said...
"We are what we love, young Master Carter."
The Jones home is a bit crazy most days. That is, until The Butler shows up to take charge. But he has more lessons to teach than anyone expects.
I really enjoyed this book. It was entertaining to read yet still tackled some pretty big issues. Definitely a great addition to any upper elementary or middle school bookshelf.
I, however, still have no understanding of cricket despite the information given at the start of each chapter. :)
I really enjoyed this book. It was entertaining to read yet still tackled some pretty big issues. Definitely a great addition to any upper elementary or middle school bookshelf.
I, however, still have no understanding of cricket despite the information given at the start of each chapter. :)
I just love everything he writes. This one wasn’t my favorite of his, but it was still good.
I adore Gary Schmidt's books so I was excited when I found out he had a new release. While this Mary Poppinsesque book was not my favorite by him, it was still a stellar read that made me both laugh and cry.
Admittedly I still understand nothing about cricket so much of this book probably went over my head, but I was super charmed. I definitely need to try more Gary D. Schmidt. Also, calling someone a pain in the glutes in my new favorite fake cuss.
I love every one of Schmidt's books, even if sometimes the similarities start to blend together. I don't know that I understand cricket any better, but I got it enough to make it through. I love The Butler. I also love the references to the Blue Mountains in Australia, since that reminds me of my honeymoon (a much better trip than the Jones).
Carter's house is in chaos until the Butler shows up. Carter's grandfather died, leaving a lot of money and his butler, who decided to come to the US to help out the family. Carter's father is deployed to Germany and he has 3 sisters, so life is a bit chaotic. And it's not just that. It takes a while to come out, but it turns out that Carter had a younger brother who died recently, and everyone is still reeling. Mostly, we just follow Carter as he tries to figure out life with this new guy in the house, who has exacting standards, but also lets him drive the Bentley since it will be his in 6 years.
There is something almost fantastical to this story, as cricket captures the imagination of the whole small town and turns into quite a thing for Carter. There is quite a lot of cricket in this book, almost too much especially for those of us in the US who have exactly zero familiarity. It's true, by the end I at least have some of what is going on but it takes awhile. And maybe that's the point--to let those scenes wash over you, or maybe some sporting kids will love to learn this new sport that they learn alongside Carter. And of course, it's not really about cricket, it's about Carter's growth. Through cricket.
There is something almost fantastical to this story, as cricket captures the imagination of the whole small town and turns into quite a thing for Carter. There is quite a lot of cricket in this book, almost too much especially for those of us in the US who have exactly zero familiarity. It's true, by the end I at least have some of what is going on but it takes awhile. And maybe that's the point--to let those scenes wash over you, or maybe some sporting kids will love to learn this new sport that they learn alongside Carter. And of course, it's not really about cricket, it's about Carter's growth. Through cricket.
Thank you, NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book. It was very much like a Mary Poppins-type book. I think middle-grade students would love to read this book. I will be purchasing this book when it's released. 4 out of 5 stars.