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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
I read this because I really liked the Vandebeeker books and I was not disappointed. It was entertaining and the characters were (almost) all well developed - I never understood Jeremiah or what he was about. It also gave me some insight into a system (homeless shelters) that I really didn't know much about and the author had real experience in this area. It would be a good read for 4th - 6th graders, which is where I think it is pitched.
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
A great realistic fiction middle grade novel to help students better understand the unhoused community and the reality they face every day. Inspires belief in the ability of kids to speak up and make change on a bigger scale.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
My children all quite enjoyed this book!
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
homelessness
This book is yet another gem on the 2024 SCASL Junior Book Award List. Glaser created two believable and relatable characters in June and Tyrell who meet at a homeless shelter in New York City. They each struggle with difficult but highly realistic issues like grief for June and her mother due to the death of her father and, for Tyrell, a present but uninvolved mother who cannot keep a job which has contributed to three years living in the shelter. The way that the story ended I loved but the cynical part of me cast a lot of suspicion on the likelihood of that chain of events being realistic in our current political system. Overall though, I highly enjoyed and recommend this book.
I really loved June and Tyrell and I was sad to leave them when the book was over. I very much want to know what happens to them next. Karina Yan Glaser makes you care about everyone at Huey House and helps the reader understand the difficulties you face when you're unhoused.
This middle-grade book is a good introduction to the homeless and housing crisis in the US.