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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
Oh man, this book is little but mighty. I needed the empathy lesson - even if only to feel more empathy towards myself.
It's a bit sadder than the usual books I read, but really good anyway.
Like Wonder, but told from one point of view. My first audiobook- mixed feelings, not sure whether I disliked the writing or the reader. Regardless, Firegirl felt very young, and I’m probably not the appropriate audience.
I liked the idea/premise of this book, but I don't like how the author dealt with all the issues in the story: ostracized teens (as a result of severe injuries), divorce, changing friendships, and regular middle school drama. I feel like too much was happening without anything really changing.
It's just a regular day in seventh-grade for Tom and his classmates until their teacher announces the arrival of a new member of the class. In Firegirl, by Tony Abbott, Jessica joins the 7th grade class at St. Catherine's, and all of their lives are instantly changed. Since Jessica had been badly burned in a fire, most people she encounters fear her. All of her new classmates are no different, at least at first. There is one boy,Tom, who slowly befriends Jessica. Firegirl is the story of Tom's growth, Tom's learning to see people for who they are.
Firegirl, told through Tom's perspective, is a short and simple story, but it is packed with emotion. Raw, realistic emotion. Although Jessica is the title character, the story focuses more on Tom, his fears, his insecurities, his discomfort, and his growth. Reminiscent of Wonder by AJ Palacio, Abbott's tale seems to be aimed at a younger audience, not in subject matter but in depth of the exploration of the theme. Don't get me wrong; both stories were moving, but it was sometimes hard for me to believe the character in Firegirl were in 7th grade. They seemed to act and even think younger. But like Wonder, Firegirl left me hoping that more people read books like these and begin to see that we should always choose kindness. Kindness matters.
Firegirl, told through Tom's perspective, is a short and simple story, but it is packed with emotion. Raw, realistic emotion. Although Jessica is the title character, the story focuses more on Tom, his fears, his insecurities, his discomfort, and his growth. Reminiscent of Wonder by AJ Palacio, Abbott's tale seems to be aimed at a younger audience, not in subject matter but in depth of the exploration of the theme. Don't get me wrong; both stories were moving, but it was sometimes hard for me to believe the character in Firegirl were in 7th grade. They seemed to act and even think younger. But like Wonder, Firegirl left me hoping that more people read books like these and begin to see that we should always choose kindness. Kindness matters.
When a badly burned girl joins Tom's 7th grade classroom, the entire class must learn how to respond to her. Despite her appearance and the fact that Tom is afraid of Jessica, he can't stand the reactions of his classmates and finds himself befriending her. A wonderful tale of acceptance and overcoming one's fears and prejudices.
I read the book "The Burn Journals" by Brent Runyon, and I enjoyed the book......but Firegirl was much better. You can definitely read Firegirl to your class, and have a discussion on how it would feel to be Jessica. I would also use the book to discuss Tom's role, and how you can stand up for someone and be their friend, even though no one else is.
This book is based on 7th graders, but you can definitely have students as low as 5th grade read the class (maybe even 4th grade if they are a mature class). I would even use this book with 12th graders!
This book is based on 7th graders, but you can definitely have students as low as 5th grade read the class (maybe even 4th grade if they are a mature class). I would even use this book with 12th graders!
I honestly feel like all kids should read this book. Middle schoolers are inherently vicious and prejudiced towards those who don't fit their mold, so "otherism" runs rampant during this time. But I think developing empathy through reading (and their parents doing the work to help educate) can go a long way.