Scan barcode
breakfastgrey's review against another edition
4.0
This one was an unexpected pleasure. The writing itself is not much to write home about and the main plotline has an also ran feel to it, but the characters really sell this book. That, and a willingness to take a major narrative risk with the ending. I really appreciate an author not hesitant to set everything up for the storybook ending only to flip the table at the 11th hour.
southernmomma's review against another edition
inspiring
- 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
4.5
I just got distracted by other books and I wish I had finished this sooner. It's so good.
4saradouglas's review against another edition
3.0
I liked it. I couldn't decide between three and four stars. I went with three just because, as a novel in verse, it felt short and I didn't feel like I had enough time with each of the characters. I enjoyed it, however, and hope to read more by the author!
sarahbaileyreads's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this short and sweet novel in verse. I really loved the subtle development of Timothy and how his relationship grew with those around him. There was a great arc to the story and I think this would be great for reluctant middle grade readers.
mmotleyu's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this verse novel. The words danced off the pages into my head-- the rhythm in these lines is beautiful. The characters are well developed through the journal that Timothy keeps while he is on court-appointed house arrest though he's really been on a medically necessary house arrest since his brother Levi was born. I'm left thinking about issues that come with a chronic, life-threatening illness... how much responsibility should/can a teen shoulder in the care of a child like Levi? How can a community support a family who won't ask for help but desperately needs it? The end left me wondering about a sequel-- will Dad come back? This was a Battle book that I had to read and one of my favorite so far in this year's pool of books.
jillian__k's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
pixiegold's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This is one of the best novels in verse I’ve ever read. It’s written as Timothy’s poetic journal that he keeps while he’s on house arrest for stealing a credit card to pay for his little brother’s medication. At first, I wasn’t sure how the journal style would work, but it turned out to be incredibly emotionally compelling. It’s impossible not to sympathize with him as his family struggles to deal with his little brother’s illness and all of its ramifications (including poverty and their need to still occasionally break the rules that have been set for them out of desperation). I was in tears by the end of the book. I think its good for kids to be exposed to the fact that sometimes people try really hard to do their best in difficult situations and things still don’t go their way. For instance, we see Timothy’s mom making poor decisions sometimes, but we never get the sense that she’s a “bad mom.” She’s doing the best that she can in impossible circumstances. And sometimes the system steps in and tries to help, but that can have both good and bad ramifications as well. I liked the fact that the book wasn’t black and white—the line between what was good behavior and bad behavior was a bit blurred, just as it often is in real life. I highly recommend this book for fans of verse novels … or someone who’s just curious and would like to try one out.
I didn’t realize until writing this review that there’s a second book in this series (that focuses on the little brother once he’s older), but I’ll definitely be picking that up now.
This is one of the best novels in verse I’ve ever read. It’s written as Timothy’s poetic journal that he keeps while he’s on house arrest for stealing a credit card to pay for his little brother’s medication. At first, I wasn’t sure how the journal style would work, but it turned out to be incredibly emotionally compelling. It’s impossible not to sympathize with him as his family struggles to deal with his little brother’s illness and all of its ramifications (including poverty and their need to still occasionally break the rules that have been set for them out of desperation). I was in tears by the end of the book. I think its good for kids to be exposed to the fact that sometimes people try really hard to do their best in difficult situations and things still don’t go their way. For instance, we see Timothy’s mom making poor decisions sometimes, but we never get the sense that she’s a “bad mom.” She’s doing the best that she can in impossible circumstances. And sometimes the system steps in and tries to help, but that can have both good and bad ramifications as well. I liked the fact that the book wasn’t black and white—the line between what was good behavior and bad behavior was a bit blurred, just as it often is in real life. I highly recommend this book for fans of verse novels … or someone who’s just curious and would like to try one out.
I didn’t realize until writing this review that there’s a second book in this series (that focuses on the little brother once he’s older), but I’ll definitely be picking that up now.
rox74's review against another edition
4.0
An emotional middle grade read. Not a ‘light’ read at all.