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katdfleming's review
5.0
I want reread this one someday, because there is so much in there! I loved it.
protoman21's review
4.0
This was an enjoyable book that I know I would have eaten up as a boy. I can imagine my mother reading this to me and being whisked away on this amazing journey. As an adult reading this, I still appreciated the surprisingly peaceful take on an adventure story. Jack and Early are in serious danger for a decent portion of the novel, but Vanderpool doesn't exaggerate things just for thrills. She presents the story as seen through the boys' eyes, and they have the invincibility of youth where you know danger is out there, but you don't think anything truly bad will happen to you.
My main complaint with the book was Pi's story. It didn't take up much space, so it wasn't a huge issue, but I was never engaged in his story, and never looked forward to those sections of the book. I do think there was a place for the story, but somehow it just didn't hit the mark with me.
My only other criticism would be that the book was a little disjointed with the set-up of Jack at the boarding school and then the rest of the story set in the Appalachians. Sure we didn't get too attached to Jack's classmates or his classes, but I still felt like some of that set-up was unnecessary if the heart of the story was to take place elsewhere.
All that said, I definitely recommend this book, especially as a read aloud at home or in a classroom.
My main complaint with the book was Pi's story. It didn't take up much space, so it wasn't a huge issue, but I was never engaged in his story, and never looked forward to those sections of the book. I do think there was a place for the story, but somehow it just didn't hit the mark with me.
My only other criticism would be that the book was a little disjointed with the set-up of Jack at the boarding school and then the rest of the story set in the Appalachians. Sure we didn't get too attached to Jack's classmates or his classes, but I still felt like some of that set-up was unnecessary if the heart of the story was to take place elsewhere.
All that said, I definitely recommend this book, especially as a read aloud at home or in a classroom.
gmamartha's review
4.0
According to the back of this galley, "Newbery Medal-winning author Clare Vanderpool's classic story-telling style will challenge and astound readers as they navigate mysterious and unchartered lands."
Yes, I agree. It is difficult to describe - you must read it for yourself.
Yes, I agree. It is difficult to describe - you must read it for yourself.
alidottie's review
4.0
Vanderpool is a wonderful, magical writer. Her books are in the juvenile dept, but are witty and thought-provoking enough to capture the imagination and hearts of adult readers.
roseleaf24's review
3.0
Printz Honor 2014
Interesting that this is a Printz honor. I think it's much more middle grade than YA. I didn't love this one, though I can see and appreciate its literary merit, and I do think it's one that kids will enjoy, too. Loss and the accompanying guilt are dealt with very well in a variety of examples. I loved the ending and the characterization, but it was at times a struggle for me to get there. I found the Pi stories distracting, and I'm not sure how I feel about them overall and objectively. Completely in the camp of "I know this is my own hang up, not the fault of the author," but I probably would have had an easier time with that and with getting going in this book if it hadn't been for that other book about a wandering traveler named Pi.
Interesting that this is a Printz honor. I think it's much more middle grade than YA. I didn't love this one, though I can see and appreciate its literary merit, and I do think it's one that kids will enjoy, too. Loss and the accompanying guilt are dealt with very well in a variety of examples. I loved the ending and the characterization, but it was at times a struggle for me to get there. I found the Pi stories distracting, and I'm not sure how I feel about them overall and objectively. Completely in the camp of "I know this is my own hang up, not the fault of the author," but I probably would have had an easier time with that and with getting going in this book if it hadn't been for that other book about a wandering traveler named Pi.
thebrainlair's review
5.0
I don't know who to give this book to beyond teachers but I loved it! Beautiful.
kaznar342's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer and War
mterry's review
adventurous
hopeful
5.0
What a poetic, mathy little book. This was an absolute delight to read. The writing was superb. The book deals a lot with grieving, which has been helpful, as I’ve been grieving as well.