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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
Novel in verse about family/sibling dynamics and mental health. Compared to other novels in verse, I really liked the pacing and “action” of this one. Good conversation starter on sibling dynamics, when to talk to adults about dangerous situations, etc.
Classroom notes: no sex, no language. Suggestions of drugs throughout (seen through the eyes of an innocent younger brother) and an overdose. Will go on my HS shelf for content.
Classroom notes: no sex, no language. Suggestions of drugs throughout (seen through the eyes of an innocent younger brother) and an overdose. Will go on my HS shelf for content.
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
We need a book 2, haha. This was a fantastic read! I was not expecting to like it so much. I typically don't read non-Tim Shoemaker 400 pages books within 2 days, but I had a hard time putting "What About Will" down. I was on the edge of my seat whenever I turned to another page on my e-reader the entire time, wondering what would happen next.
The author captures the emotions very well. You feel the pain that Trace has because his brother is slowly drifting away. On top of that, his parents got a divorce and found new "loves of their lives." So much change is happening! You just want to cry with Trace and give him so many hugs.
I also really like the in-verse style of writing. It's much like poetry, which I thought was very unique. It reminded me of "Inside Out and Back Again" by Thanhhá Lai.
Now, there were a few things I disliked, which is why I gave it 4 stars.
Will and Trace's Dad worked at a casino, h**k was used (only once though) and there was a substitute for a cuss word (*facepalm*).
Because of the intensity of everything, I'd say this book would be best for kids ages 13 and up. Although it is classified as a MG, I feel like it's a bit much for that genre. Nevertheless, it was a great read!
The author captures the emotions very well. You feel the pain that Trace has because his brother is slowly drifting away. On top of that, his parents got a divorce and found new "loves of their lives." So much change is happening! You just want to cry with Trace and give him so many hugs.
I also really like the in-verse style of writing. It's much like poetry, which I thought was very unique. It reminded me of "Inside Out and Back Again" by Thanhhá Lai.
Now, there were a few things I disliked, which is why I gave it 4 stars.
Will and Trace's Dad worked at a casino, h**k was used (only once though) and there was a substitute for a cuss word (*facepalm*).
Because of the intensity of everything, I'd say this book would be best for kids ages 13 and up. Although it is classified as a MG, I feel like it's a bit much for that genre. Nevertheless, it was a great read!
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-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
I really enjoyed this one. I think it’s such a good middle grade that deals with some series topics and events that happen to a lot of kids. This actually made me tear up at one point. I do think the parents were awful though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Bullying, Drug abuse, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Grief, Suicide attempt, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
Not as good as some of the other ones I have read, but as someone who has a family member with a TBI, it was a good read with a relatable main character.
Once I got to page 40, I couldn’t stop reading u til the end (page 361). An incredibly touching story with a lot of deep life lessons for us all.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this book! It was definitely 'toned down' for Ellen Hopkins, but it was a great story and an easy audiobook to listen to!
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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
emotional
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
no