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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
Although this book is titled for Paulie Fink, it is actually the story of Caitlyn. Particularly it tells how the 7th grader learned to let go of preconceived notions, to stop judging others, to be a real friend, to look beyond herself, and to examine her past actions. Told through a series of interviews, articles, emails, texts, and alternating with prose chapters, we follow the attempt of Caitlyn to run a reality show-type contest for her new classmates at Mitchell school - an experimental village school in a tiny Vermont town. The rest of the class is missing Paulie - a boy who was there for 4th-6th grade - and Caitlyn really gets tired of hearing of how amazing and awesome Paulie was. It's decided that they need a new "Paulie" for their class, and as the only impartial person, Caitlyn is selected to run the contest. In the meantime, life moves forward and Caitlyn bonds with the kindergartener she's been assigned to assist, learns to feed the school goats, enjoys the madness of Zucchini Day, prepares for a big soccer match against a rival school, and worries about whether the school will have the financing to go forward. The biggest mystery of all, though, is what exactly happened to Paulie Fink? Where is he now and why did he leave?
What seems like a silly contest becomes a wonderful story about friendship, starting over, and becoming your best self.
What seems like a silly contest becomes a wonderful story about friendship, starting over, and becoming your best self.
I loved Benjamin's debut, and she is now an insta-read for me. The story and voice allow me to really believe in these characters and their wacky ideas. Deep into the emotions of feeling not a part of something, both voluntarily and involuntarily, but also lots of fun. Fantastic plotting and thoughts into perspective. (Benjamin even references Plato's cave several times.) And reality tv as well as rural economics woven in seamlessly? Ali Benjamin is a genius.
Henry is a darling character (perhaps low-key neuroatypical) and the whole bunch is dynamic.
I appreciate how the ending is a request to Paulie's family to help the school. So it leaves open that magical possibility without the book being saccharine and perfect-endingy.
Spoiler
Reading Caitlyn reflect on the ways she ostracized Anna at her old school was deep. And when her old friend moves her party so a new friend can make it without telling her? Ooof!Henry is a darling character (perhaps low-key neuroatypical) and the whole bunch is dynamic.
I appreciate how the ending is a request to Paulie's family to help the school. So it leaves open that magical possibility without the book being saccharine and perfect-endingy.
4.5⭐️
This book was so much fun! From the antics of the “Great Paulie Fink” to the disastrous goats, to the incredible characters inhabiting this school- every page gave me something to smile (or laugh out loud) about! This book follows Caitlyn as she starts the first day of seventh grade at a new school. Not only is this school much smaller than her old one, but the kids in her grade are reeling after discovering Paulie Fink isn’t returning. There are some fantastic ideas and themes explored, and I think a lot of readers will find something important to take away from this story. If you’re looking for a fun read, that will also teach you something, this is the book for you!
This book was so much fun! From the antics of the “Great Paulie Fink” to the disastrous goats, to the incredible characters inhabiting this school- every page gave me something to smile (or laugh out loud) about! This book follows Caitlyn as she starts the first day of seventh grade at a new school. Not only is this school much smaller than her old one, but the kids in her grade are reeling after discovering Paulie Fink isn’t returning. There are some fantastic ideas and themes explored, and I think a lot of readers will find something important to take away from this story. If you’re looking for a fun read, that will also teach you something, this is the book for you!
Favorite middle grade read of 2019. Structured so well and the plot flows so smoothly, every transition executed with such precision. It had everything I love in a middle grade story - a full cast of unique characters, great teachers, a realistic problem, and so much heart and humor. One I already see people will quickly tire of me recommending.
Who really knows who Paulie Fink is? Who really knows who anyone is? Using Greek philosophy and reality TV show philosophy a group of 7th graders discover just who they really are.
This was a fun read and reminded me a lot of The Breakfast Club in the sense that every character is kind of a type. But overall- I like the message about being true to oneself instead of imitating others and the idea that people are sometimes built up to be more than they are when really they’re just human. There were plenty of moments of humor too.
I picked this one up after having read Benjamin's Jellyfish novel. I really had enjoyed that one, so went into this one with high hopes.
There is a lot to like in this book, about friendship and fresh starts, and rethinking who you want people to believe you are. But there were some things that were a miss for me, like Paulie's reactions. The ending will be one that teachers will relish for class discussions.
My son, aged 12, said he really liked the novel as we did it as a read aloud together, sad it was over, but he liked the ending.
There is a lot to like in this book, about friendship and fresh starts, and rethinking who you want people to believe you are. But there were some things that were a miss for me, like Paulie's reactions. The ending will be one that teachers will relish for class discussions.
My son, aged 12, said he really liked the novel as we did it as a read aloud together, sad it was over, but he liked the ending.
What a great book for middle graders! Caitlynn has to move to a small very different school because of her mom’s job. And she finds herself in the shadow of Paulie Fink- legendary prankster, disruptor, hero. This book does a really beautiful job of showing how our stories about ourselves and others are always incomplete - and can be shaped by our decisions. Platos cave is the central image. Really good!