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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
lighthearted
medium-paced
Like my son said to me, we would give this 4.5 stars. It is a unique book about a character in a school who is missed by his classmates. When Caitlin, a new girl arrives to the school and hears stories about him, she creates a reality show to find the next Great Paulie Fink. Told through interviews and chapters that move quickly, this is a fun read. Along with all kinds of learning mixed in - Greek history, English terms, etc.
One of the most delightful characters is a young kindergartener that Caitlyn nicknames Fuzzy. Her conversations with Fuzzy not only strike up a special friendship, but they allow her to learn about herself.
One of the most delightful characters is a young kindergartener that Caitlyn nicknames Fuzzy. Her conversations with Fuzzy not only strike up a special friendship, but they allow her to learn about herself.
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I honestly hated this book. I had read The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin before and it was a 5 star read. I LOVEDDD it ssooooo much and was so excited for this one but it did not even come close to reaching my expectations. Jellyfish explored the main character a lot more, was more adventurous, and had characters I actually cared about. The main character in Paulie Fink was just annoying and basically had no redeemable qualities. The plot was kinda stupid and kiddish. I get that this is probably for younger audiences but if Jellyfish was intended for the same audience and I loved that one so much, PF should at least get a 3 star review.
4.5 Loved it! What is your story, how is it told, who remembers it? Paulie is a legend, or is he? This would be a magnificent read-aloud or book club book. Grades 4 and up.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Reading this as someone with social anxiety and a terrible middle-school experience, this was SO spot-on. It's SO HARD to navigate life, especially as a new kid! I had so much empathy for Caitlyn. But beyond that, these characters were FUNNY and BIZARRE and I loved them.