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nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This book is a follow-up to House Arrest. It focuses on Levi, the little brother whose health issues caused all the craziness of the first book. Now that Levi’s a teenager, he’s struggling to escape his family’s view that he’s helpless—he doesn’t want his illness to define him forever. When his dad suggests he take up boxing, Levi thinks he’s gone a little crazy—but then he tries it and he loves it. Problem is, he knows his mom would never let him keep it up if she knew. The story is told in verse, just like the first book in the series was, and I love all the ways that Holt plays with language to make it truly come alive. Levi’s desire to be his own person and not be perpetually treated like a child will resonate with many kids, even if they’ve never faced an illness like he has. And many kids will also relate to a kid who’s dealing with divorced parents who don’t necessarily always agree. Navigating that sort of situation can be tricky, and it’s nice to see it addressed. I really enjoyed this book—I loved seeing who the Levi from the first book eventually became, and his journey toward independence was compelling. I’m looking forward to reading even more of Holt’s work in the future!
This book is a follow-up to House Arrest. It focuses on Levi, the little brother whose health issues caused all the craziness of the first book. Now that Levi’s a teenager, he’s struggling to escape his family’s view that he’s helpless—he doesn’t want his illness to define him forever. When his dad suggests he take up boxing, Levi thinks he’s gone a little crazy—but then he tries it and he loves it. Problem is, he knows his mom would never let him keep it up if she knew. The story is told in verse, just like the first book in the series was, and I love all the ways that Holt plays with language to make it truly come alive. Levi’s desire to be his own person and not be perpetually treated like a child will resonate with many kids, even if they’ve never faced an illness like he has. And many kids will also relate to a kid who’s dealing with divorced parents who don’t necessarily always agree. Navigating that sort of situation can be tricky, and it’s nice to see it addressed. I really enjoyed this book—I loved seeing who the Levi from the first book eventually became, and his journey toward independence was compelling. I’m looking forward to reading even more of Holt’s work in the future!
jwinchell's review against another edition
4.0
Very much in the spirit of Kwame Alexander's The Crossover and Booked--novel in verse, boy with struggles, sport as way through it all.
kawarwick's review against another edition
4.0
A great follow up to HOUSE ARREST!! I would love to see what’s next for Timothy and Levi!
thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Simply astounding! I loved Levi’s story as much, if not more than, Timothy’s story. The shape poetry was amazing and I will be recommending this to many students next year.
mrs_bookdragon's review against another edition
4.0
I received this ebook from NetGalley in enhange for an honest review.
I gave this book five stars! I had read House Arrest, so when I heard that there was a companion novel with Levi as the main character, I knew I had to read it. I loved the shape poems and how you could just feel Levi’s emotions and frustrations. KA Holt does a great job at using a novel in verse to really allow the reader to get into each character. My heart hurt for Levi, but since I knew his brother’s story, I also felt frustrated with Levi and how much he didn’t understand. My favorite part was watching him and his brother grow together. Such a beautiful novel and I hope there is more. I know this will be a “knock out” book for my students and readers of all ages.
I gave this book five stars! I had read House Arrest, so when I heard that there was a companion novel with Levi as the main character, I knew I had to read it. I loved the shape poems and how you could just feel Levi’s emotions and frustrations. KA Holt does a great job at using a novel in verse to really allow the reader to get into each character. My heart hurt for Levi, but since I knew his brother’s story, I also felt frustrated with Levi and how much he didn’t understand. My favorite part was watching him and his brother grow together. Such a beautiful novel and I hope there is more. I know this will be a “knock out” book for my students and readers of all ages.
shinesalot's review against another edition
4.0
Born with a serious respiratory disease, Levi has been forced to live life in comfortable, but suffocating bubble provided by his overprotective mother and brother. Nearing his 13th birthday, Levi's health improves and his dad reenters the picture. Suggesting Levi pick up a sport, Levi wants to prove he is not the coddled baby his family is always fussing over, and secretly (to his mother and brother) picks up boxing. It turns out, despite being small, Levi is a natural.
Knockout it written at wonderful pace. Levi is an engaging, authentic protagonist. He struggles with wanting to please his both his parents while also dealing with some very realistic middle school drama. (His best friend has a new love interest and her attention drawn elsewhere, and Levi thinks pulling a prank will get his BFF back...) Great book for middle school readers. Fast paced, engaging, positive message. All good things.
Knockout it written at wonderful pace. Levi is an engaging, authentic protagonist. He struggles with wanting to please his both his parents while also dealing with some very realistic middle school drama. (His best friend has a new love interest and her attention drawn elsewhere, and Levi thinks pulling a prank will get his BFF back...) Great book for middle school readers. Fast paced, engaging, positive message. All good things.