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literatehedgehog's review
5.0
I could not put this middle grade novel down. I inhaled it in two days.
It's a perfect balance of emotion and action. It walks a careful, tasteful line between "teaching" the reader as the protagonist learns with respecting what the reader probably already knows. It's important and thoughtful and accessible, but above all, enjoyable to read. I cared deeply about the characters, no matter their age. The author makes a point to show how both the kids and adults are learning and changing here. I think the intended audience will also understand each character's perspective, even the adults. While some may argue that the characters are more knowledgeable and verbal than most 6th graders - I believed them. (There's something to be said for the privilege of a small private school in the PNW). I'm making this seem more like an educational issue book. While in some ways, it is very much so, it also is an example of middle grade contemporary pure excellence.
Just read it, get it into the hands of kids. Some may benefit from discussion during/after, but some may just experience it as a book about people they could know, which you know. Perfect world.
It's a perfect balance of emotion and action. It walks a careful, tasteful line between "teaching" the reader as the protagonist learns with respecting what the reader probably already knows. It's important and thoughtful and accessible, but above all, enjoyable to read. I cared deeply about the characters, no matter their age. The author makes a point to show how both the kids and adults are learning and changing here. I think the intended audience will also understand each character's perspective, even the adults. While some may argue that the characters are more knowledgeable and verbal than most 6th graders - I believed them. (There's something to be said for the privilege of a small private school in the PNW). I'm making this seem more like an educational issue book. While in some ways, it is very much so, it also is an example of middle grade contemporary pure excellence.
Just read it, get it into the hands of kids. Some may benefit from discussion during/after, but some may just experience it as a book about people they could know, which you know. Perfect world.
karensareadsatnight's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
tybabess's review
5.0
It’s incredibly weird to me that adults can read books about 6th graders and say they’re too juvenile.. hello, they just started 6th grade?!? They’re children!
This book was frustrating to read at times, but that’s because it’s so realistic. I don’t really understand the criticisms of the plot or things moving too fast at the end.. this isn’t a book meant for adults so I don’t think it’s fair to look at it through adult literary expectations.
This book was frustrating to read at times, but that’s because it’s so realistic. I don’t really understand the criticisms of the plot or things moving too fast at the end.. this isn’t a book meant for adults so I don’t think it’s fair to look at it through adult literary expectations.
joshhill1021's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
jaelovesbooks's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
kouma's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.0
antireading's review against another edition
The main character reads as a first grader, not a sixth grader. They’re all super progressive except for one kid who has to always be bringing up men’s rights and white history for some reason. Why would that kids parents put him in a school where they obviously don’t agree with the parents beliefs? Annabelle is way too childish, Bailey is way too grown up, and everyone is annoying. Everyone talks so unnaturally. I am a queer woman and wouldn’t talk about these issues this way with my kid until they were in high school at least.
The only interesting part I found was the discussion of distrust and hostility between trans people and non-binary people. That’s something I rarely see talked about and I don’t know of any adult fiction novel that discusses it. I am very surprised by the inclusion of this, though semi-not due to how adult these conversations became.
The only interesting part I found was the discussion of distrust and hostility between trans people and non-binary people. That’s something I rarely see talked about and I don’t know of any adult fiction novel that discusses it. I am very surprised by the inclusion of this, though semi-not due to how adult these conversations became.
blue_charlesss's review
4.0
Thought this was going to go one way with a daughter bringing home a new queer friend and her suburban parents being transphobic, but this actually took a surprising, much more interesting and challenging turn. A lovely and carefully crafted novel for young readers about identity and family.