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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Haydu's novel is a grief dystopia, similar to THE GIVER in that the characters think they're living in a happy place and have left sadness behind them. The world building here is oddly successful in its simplicity: This creates a meta element to the narrative since it, too, is a story. It does take a lot longer than I'd expect for the protagonist to really start questioning society, and there's no clear incident that changes those questions into demands for change--that gradualness surprised me in a MG.
Spoiler
people tell their stories to story keepers and then those stories disappear.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-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
Find my original review on my blog:
Something tragic happened last year and Elodee's family is struggling. Everything that her friends and family do make her angry and she has been getting in fights. Elodee's twin Naomi has retreated into herself and the twins don't seem to have as strong of a bond as they once did. The family is moving to Eventown, where they have very happy memories. The town is perfect and has an awesome ice cream parlor. Elodee is excited to move to this new place, but once she gets there, things seem strange. Elodee begins questioning things about the town, causing unrest in this perfect town. Will Elodee be able to fit in anywhere and find happiness like her family has in this new town?
I really thought the twin was a figment of the main character's imagination...this went on much longer than it should have. Other than that, it was a solid book about a Pleasantville like town.
Something tragic happened last year and Elodee's family is struggling. Everything that her friends and family do make her angry and she has been getting in fights. Elodee's twin Naomi has retreated into herself and the twins don't seem to have as strong of a bond as they once did. The family is moving to Eventown, where they have very happy memories. The town is perfect and has an awesome ice cream parlor. Elodee is excited to move to this new place, but once she gets there, things seem strange. Elodee begins questioning things about the town, causing unrest in this perfect town. Will Elodee be able to fit in anywhere and find happiness like her family has in this new town?
I really thought the twin was a figment of the main character's imagination...this went on much longer than it should have. Other than that, it was a solid book about a Pleasantville like town.
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
I think the reason I felt like this book was very popular was the fact that it popped up continually in Facebook and other ads. It just felt too heavy-handed, and not one I think many upper elementary and middle school students would appreciate. As noted by others, I was surprised by two big editing errors: the grade the girls were in, and the name of the town both changed. I felt like Naomi's characterization was somewhat inconsistent, and the journey into the depths of the Welcoming Center was trying to be too Harry Potter-ish. I really did like the idea of cooking/baking something to match one's personality.
read aloud. Interesting themes, but took far too long to develop & felt quite repetitive. Seemed like the author was trying too hard to be profound, and given that these "profound" thoughts were coming constantly from the 11 year old narrator made it annoying & unrealistic.
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-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:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Absolutely delightful. Corey Ann Haydu does a remarkable job explaining complicated emotions, something which I have a hard time articulating for myself. It was like a relief reading this story, being able to read about someone feeling similar things. I sobbed through many of the chapters. A wonderful novel for elementary and middle school readers.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
slow-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:
Complicated