Reviews

Eleven by Tom Rogers

jenmangler's review

2.0

Many people seemed to like this book a lot more than I did, and after reading their reviews it really still feels like we didn't read the same book. I didn't hate it, but it was only just okay. It really did cram a lot of goings on into one book, and at times I felt like different story lines should have gone on a bit longer or in greater detail.

Also, this is not a YA book. A middle grades classification is much more appropriate.

kncunnin's review

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

cornelia_kruse's review

ahhh this books ending what happens to macs son bubby anyone has an answer!!!!!!?

hamckeon's review

4.0

I give this book 4.5 stars. My supervisor kindly gave this book to me to read this week. I read a few 9/11 themed books this year, but had not heard of this one. Eleven is definitely my favorite and hit me the hardest. It switches perspectives so it covers a boy on that day whose dad works at the World Trade Center and also has the perspective of someone at the towers when the planes hit. It was definitely the most emotional to read. I definitely want to use this novel in my classroom.

thenextgenlibrarian's review

5.0

This book was gut-wrenching to read. It walks you through Alex’s birthday as he turns 11 on 9/11. He spends the day caring for his sister, rescuing a stray dog and worrying that his father will never return home. As someone who remembers that day very clearly, I can’t imagine what it was like for real New Yorkers who were there. How terrifying and scary. This book does an amazing job of illustrating all the emotions that went through our minds when the Twin Towers were hit that fateful day.

dakmommy's review

5.0

Another book I pulled from the suggested middle school summer reading cart. A quick read for me and look forward to discussing it with my boys.

acethirtynine's review against another edition

5.0

This book was a great read, and right up there with another YA gem, Wonder. I especially liked the way this book could deal with a tragedy as large as 9/11 on the level of an eleven year old, and his younger sister. What this book does best, though, is remind readers that the truly terrible things should never be eclipsed by the smaller, wonderful things, and that kindness is truly an amazing gift we can give to one another.

thenextgenlib's review

5.0

This book was gut-wrenching to read. It walks you through Alex’s birthday as he turns 11 on 9/11. He spends the day caring for his sister, rescuing a stray dog and worrying that his father will never return home. As someone who remembers that day very clearly, I can’t imagine what it was like for real New Yorkers who were there. How terrifying and scary. This book does an amazing job of illustrating all the emotions that went through our minds when the Twin Towers were hit that fateful day.

vanitar's review

4.0

An easy read and yet a deeply emotional read as 9/11 is experienced through the eyes of an 11 year old boy on his birthday. I appreciated this perspective and the way it was written.

shaleereads's review

emotional fast-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

3.25