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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
Quick read. And the sense of urgency the entire time (for me) was palpable. Trace’s older brother Will is a lot like lots of teens these days… only Trace sees that no, he’s NOT “just being a teenager.” I loved the emphasis on telling adults about what you notice - even if it seems as if they wouldn’t want to hear it right then, or it’s probably no big deal. Yes, siblings, tell the adults in your life what is going on when you see that your brother or sister isn’t like they used to be. You could save their life.
I wasn’t expecting to be so entranced by this book but I fully ended up tearing up multiple times. Our main was so wonderful to follow and this book really tugged at my heartstrings.
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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
A sweet 6th grade boy trying so hard to figure out his brother and his family. A tale of courage and love and loneliness.
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I never realized that Ellen Hopkins wrote middle grade books! What About Will is so masterfully done. Ellen writes in her trademark style, putting together a novel in verse that will rip your heart out. 12 year old Trace constantly worries about his older brother Will. Ever since he suffered a catastrophic brain injury during a football game, he hasn't been the same. He's mean, moody, and never leaves his room. Trace thinks that there is something else going on but his mom is never around, his dad is always so busy working, and he doesn't want Will to get mad at him for "tattling." Thankfully he has a new friend to share his concerns with, a new girl who has joined his little league team who has some relatable problems going on in her own home. Heartbreaking, funny, and hopeful. I love Ellen Hopkins!
This novel-in-verse is worth being a whole-class text. There’s SO much for students to learn from this incredible storyline and poetry format.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this heartbreaking novel in verse. Trace and his older brother Will used to be close. Ever since their mom, a musician, left their family for a life on the road, it has just been the two of them hanging out while their dad works long hours at a casino to provide for them. But after a hard hit at a football game, Will has changed. Not just the fact that he isn’t playing anymore, but his entire personality is altered. He is withdrawn, moody, cutting class, and using prescription painkillers. Trace is at a crossroads: should he tell someone? If so, who? He waits until it is almost too late, which makes him realize what is really important. Heavy but timely and well done. Recommended for mature 6th grade readers and up.
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
A great choice for middle school books but it fell into the YA trap of having adult characters who just miss what’s really happening.