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smalltownbookmom's review
4.0
A middle grade novel in verse that tackles some difficult topics, including mental health, suicide, drug abuse, addiction, chronic pain, divorce and broken families. My heart hurt for twelve-year-old Trace whose life gets turned upside down when his older brother Will suffers a brain injury after a sports accident.
This event ends up tearing his family apart when his mother can't handle things and leaves, and Will spirals into a cycle of addiction and depression leading to a suicide attempt. A brave story of family, brother love and trying to be there for the ones you love when they are in incredible pain. Extremely well written and great on audio.
This event ends up tearing his family apart when his mother can't handle things and leaves, and Will spirals into a cycle of addiction and depression leading to a suicide attempt. A brave story of family, brother love and trying to be there for the ones you love when they are in incredible pain. Extremely well written and great on audio.
chickchick22's review
5.0
An absolutely stunning book, packed to the brim with characters we will love!
thenextgenlibrarian's review
4.0
Trace Reynolds wants to play baseball and go on vacations and hang out with friends, but…what about Will?
rdyourbookcase's review
5.0
I'm not usually an Ellen Hopkins fan, because in her teen books, she seems to cram every issue that she can into each book. "What About Will" was focused, and I liked that. Hopkins did an excellent job showing Trace's internal struggle with wanting to help his brother but also wanting to protect him from trouble. My only complaint is what are the chances of two students each having famous family in their area? Regardless, I'm sure many families will relate to the book.
cpsipe's review
5.0
This… was a difficult read, especially for someone who grew up with family trauma. However, it is BEAUTIFULLY written, and almost cathartic.
mrs_bookdragon's review
5.0
Oh. My. Goodness. I could not put down this book in verse. The emotions were so raw and powerful throughout this entire book, but it wasn’t draining. This is an important book to show what kids go through, when to ask for help, and to know that no matter what may be going on, you are never a long. It’s a must read.
sbojo32's review
2.0
I love most of Ellen Hopkins' books, but this one fell short for me. It's narrated by Trace, a 12-year-old boy, but it just seems... off. Like at times, this is ok as coming from a 12-year-old, but at other times he seems older. Like how can he be so naive and yet then mature a few pages down? I don't know.
Trace's older brother Will suffered a serious football injury that left his face paralyzed. He's emotionally scarred as well. Trace can't relate or understand how Will has changed. His mom has left to persue her career as a singer and his dad is oblivious to anything going on. Trace is left on his own most of the time and doesn't think to tell anyone that he doesn't get a ride home?
Anyway, it's hard for him to understand his brother, especially as he goes on a downward spiral of drugs and pills. In the meantime, there is a "lighter" storyline of Cat, a girl who is an excellent baseball player on his Little League team. However, it seems that it is impossible for a GIRL to be a good pitcher or do build a robot. I had a hard time with those comments as well.
I like the prose, but Hopkins' other books are better.
Trace's older brother Will suffered a serious football injury that left his face paralyzed. He's emotionally scarred as well. Trace can't relate or understand how Will has changed. His mom has left to persue her career as a singer and his dad is oblivious to anything going on. Trace is left on his own most of the time and doesn't think to tell anyone that he doesn't get a ride home?
Anyway, it's hard for him to understand his brother, especially as he goes on a downward spiral of drugs and pills. In the meantime, there is a "lighter" storyline of Cat, a girl who is an excellent baseball player on his Little League team. However, it seems that it is impossible for a GIRL to be a good pitcher or do build a robot. I had a hard time with those comments as well.
I like the prose, but Hopkins' other books are better.