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bookbrig's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
A realistic and relatable story for kids who like to read about real life.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness
mldavisreads's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Middle grade contemporary realistic fiction. Peter Lee lives with his parents, his younger sister L.B., and has his grandparents Hammy and Haji nearby. He has dreamed of being a paleontologist, long past the age where most kids outgrow their dinosaur phase. He practices digs in his grandparent's yard, knows countless facts, and has multiple pairs of dinosaur underwear. So when his sister finds out about a camp for kids that lets participants go on a real dig, Peter is beyond excited. The whole family (including the grandparents) sets out across Canada to the Royal Tyrrell Museum. On the trip, it becomes increasingly clear that his grandmother Hammy is not well. Once they return, Peter and L.B. are determined to find out the truth about what's wrong with Hammy and how they can help.
This book had a lot of interesting observations on being Korean in Canada. It also had a wonderful example of a three-generation family. While Hammy and Haji had their own house, it was very clear that they were a big part of everyday life for Peter and his family. As Hammy's condition grew clear, it was wonderful to see how the family pulled together to help. Seeing Peter's dreams confront with reality was a bit painful, but handled carefully. This book ended up being much deeper and much less about dinosaurs than I had anticipated.
This book had a lot of interesting observations on being Korean in Canada. It also had a wonderful example of a three-generation family. While Hammy and Haji had their own house, it was very clear that they were a big part of everyday life for Peter and his family. As Hammy's condition grew clear, it was wonderful to see how the family pulled together to help. Seeing Peter's dreams confront with reality was a bit painful, but handled carefully. This book ended up being much deeper and much less about dinosaurs than I had anticipated.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia
readtotheend's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this #ownvoices middle grade novel about 11 year old Peter Lee who wants to be a paleontologist. It's his journey exploring that through a great summer opportunity that also requires a family road trip! Peter has severe asthma and I liked the representation of a child dealing with symptoms they have to learn to manage as my 11 year old has severe allergies and goes through similar things like being responsible for carrying around her Epi-pen (instead of an inhaler like Peter). I loved reading about Peter's family, especially his grandparents. There were so many things about Korean culture just seamlessly woven into this book and so much of it reminded me of my own childhood. The Korean kids I knew outside of school that weren't quite friends but we knew each other more just by virtue of seeing each other with parents. The Korean cultural festivals in a big park with lots of delicious Korean food. And I liked the mention of why the mom didn't speak Korean very well - it's not often we read about the parent characters that do not speak a native language? At least I can't think of many books where I've noticed that but it's a big reality for many of us who came over in the 70s wave of immigration and have now grown up through the education systems here and have lost or never had the language of our parents/grandparents. My daughter is now reading this one and she's been picking it up every night, enjoying it a lot! Thankful, as always, that there are books for her to "see" herself in!
cryptidkay's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
As sad as the middle of this book made me, I can't deny that it's well-written, well thought out, and absolutely perfect for our age group. The framing narrative of Peter's love of paleontology was so touching and how he grew into himself may be the best realistic fiction I've read in a long while. It's a great representation of ways people incorporate their family's culture into their everyday life and the little ways that can influence everything from their friend groups to who they look up to. Also the sibling drama! Hoo boy. With my brother having a learning disability, I remember feeling exactly like Peter having to sit in parking lots or attend things that had no bearing on me while everyone paid attention to my brother. Great story, bit of a tear-jerker in the middle but for a book coping with ailing grandparents it's a soft and easy look at something that can be the hardest thing a child has to go through.
jodil's review against another edition
4.0
Peter is a Dinosaur Kid™️-going-on-paleontologist who tells his story through journal entries and observations in his science notebook. Peter is super funny, loves his family, and learns to stand up for himself and work through his feelings, even though it really stinks sometimes.
blithesquesttoread's review against another edition
5.0
To start with the review, can we please take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the cover? It's sooo cute and it describes the book so damn well! Reading this book was like watching a kdrama, so full of life and meaningful message and playfulness.
Peter Lee is an eleven year old boy who is obsessed with dinosaurs and knows he wants to be a paleontologist when we grows up. There's no question about it. He has started mock excavations in the backyard, keeps up to date with any latest findings about dinosaurs and is building his knowledge base about all the scientific stuff. He loves his grandparents, parents (except when, uhum, they force him to do math... why would they do that?) and somewhere his little sis too (interpretations are open to discussion but L.B. and Peter surely have a cute relation). L.B. is full of life, I am not even kidding that girl is made up of 99.9% enthusiasm! She is a genius and knows scientific stuff that are beyond my comprehension... she seems like a walking encyclopedia. And even though she irritates Peter a lot, she cares for him very much.
Ah, I don't even know where should I begin from, this book was so wholesome to read! The family bond was refreshing to another extent. It had been a long time since I read about a family outing and one which seemed so realistic and happening that I could honestly watch the events unfold in front of my eyes. The book discusses about dementia too, in a very subtle but in your face manner. You cannot miss it but at the same time it has been handled very delicately and in an approachable manner. It has Peter standing up to bullies and cute and lovely interactions between Peter and L.B. (they are honestly cute and 100% relatable)! I loved how we see character development in Peter and how he applies his observations. It is so heartwarming to see someone so passionate about what they like, and how they are constantly developing their skills for it. Furthermore, the book had many Korean expressions and I swear I almost died reading them. I really want to learn Korean and the use of some Korean expressions here and there was so amazing! I even admired how the topic of children of immigrants barely knowing their native knowledge was brought up. Even though I am not an immigrant but to me it seemed kind of personal because I feel more comfortable with a foreign language than my native language.
Peter Lee's Notes From the Field was just so heartwarming and pleasant to read!! Honestly there's nothing like reading novels that speak to you in so many different ways!
Trigger Warnings: Dementia, Bullying, Racism, Asthma...
*Thank you netgalley and the publisher to provide me with a copy in exchange for an honest review
Peter Lee is an eleven year old boy who is obsessed with dinosaurs and knows he wants to be a paleontologist when we grows up. There's no question about it. He has started mock excavations in the backyard, keeps up to date with any latest findings about dinosaurs and is building his knowledge base about all the scientific stuff. He loves his grandparents, parents (except when, uhum, they force him to do math... why would they do that?) and somewhere his little sis too (interpretations are open to discussion but L.B. and Peter surely have a cute relation). L.B. is full of life, I am not even kidding that girl is made up of 99.9% enthusiasm! She is a genius and knows scientific stuff that are beyond my comprehension... she seems like a walking encyclopedia. And even though she irritates Peter a lot, she cares for him very much.
Ah, I don't even know where should I begin from, this book was so wholesome to read! The family bond was refreshing to another extent. It had been a long time since I read about a family outing and one which seemed so realistic and happening that I could honestly watch the events unfold in front of my eyes. The book discusses about dementia too, in a very subtle but in your face manner. You cannot miss it but at the same time it has been handled very delicately and in an approachable manner. It has Peter standing up to bullies and cute and lovely interactions between Peter and L.B. (they are honestly cute and 100% relatable)! I loved how we see character development in Peter and how he applies his observations. It is so heartwarming to see someone so passionate about what they like, and how they are constantly developing their skills for it. Furthermore, the book had many Korean expressions and I swear I almost died reading them. I really want to learn Korean and the use of some Korean expressions here and there was so amazing! I even admired how the topic of children of immigrants barely knowing their native knowledge was brought up. Even though I am not an immigrant but to me it seemed kind of personal because I feel more comfortable with a foreign language than my native language.
Peter Lee's Notes From the Field was just so heartwarming and pleasant to read!! Honestly there's nothing like reading novels that speak to you in so many different ways!
Trigger Warnings: Dementia, Bullying, Racism, Asthma...
*Thank you netgalley and the publisher to provide me with a copy in exchange for an honest review
markalpheus's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying