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liliths_lemontea's review against another edition
5.0
dieses Buch ist besonders! Es mag vielleicht wie ein Kinderbuch aussehen, aber ich findet das ist es nicht (nur). Ich habe so schöne Stellen markiert.
Toby und Annabelle sind zwei so besondere Figuren. Und ich liebe, dass Toby fotografiert, sanft und behutsam ohne die Orte dadurch kaputt zu machen.
Die Art, wie der Kriegshintergrund thematisiert und gleichzeitig nicht den Großteil des plots einnimmt aber auch nicht verharmlost ist so gut gelungen..
Toby und Annabelle sind zwei so besondere Figuren. Und ich liebe, dass Toby fotografiert, sanft und behutsam ohne die Orte dadurch kaputt zu machen.
Die Art, wie der Kriegshintergrund thematisiert und gleichzeitig nicht den Großteil des plots einnimmt aber auch nicht verharmlost ist so gut gelungen..
bibliobrandie's review
3.0
I read this one because it’s such a favorite at my school. I liked it but it didn’t blow me away. It’s a historical novel (told from the protagonists view looking back, which makes it a bit less impactful) about a bully who moves to town and torments the life of 12 year old Annabelle (really brutally, honestly) and others in town, including the town recluse (think Boo Rasley). It’s sad, like all middle grade novels.
The first sentence is a good grabber: “The year I turned twelve, I learned how to lie.” Use for Secrets & Lies unit at school.
The first sentence is a good grabber: “The year I turned twelve, I learned how to lie.” Use for Secrets & Lies unit at school.
ktmp2112's review
1.0
I am made of questions after reading this book. I felt that it was unnecessary violent for a book for children, and I felt like there was a big lack of closure.
literaryloquacity's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? No
4.0
maryquitecontrary_22's review
3.0
A compelling story about bullying, empathy, and absolute truth. Surprisingly dark for a middle grade read though, so I'd recommend it more to 6th-8th graders. My main beef with the novel is that the only mention of a character's faith was Aunt Lily's-- she's described as this devout Christian, and yet she's this terrible, judgmental person throughout the story. That bothered me, as no other character's faith was ever mentioned. It felt like the author was trying to take a swipe at Christians.
b0hemian_graham's review
5.0
Wow, how to articulate what I read, as I'm still reeling. All the feels, this book has. This was dark, and depressing, yet I really enjoyed reading. Betty was right up there with Rhoda Penmark. I would love to get the back story on her. My heart absolutely broke for Toby, and to an extent, Annabelle, as she had to grow up way too fast with these incidents. I did see a lot of connections to To Kill a Mockingbird, but I also found a lot of Katherine Paterson in Wolk's writing. I hope this gets the Newbery this year. I'm being brief but I'm still thinking about what I just read.
shareen17's review
3.0
This is a middle grade story set in the 1930s about a girl who's life becomes more complicated when a new girl moves to town. It deals with bullying and judging others on appearances. I think I would have liked it more if I hadn't read it compared to To Kill a Mockingbird. I see the parallels, but it's hard to live up to that.
natalie_the_dancer's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Gun violence
neglet's review
dark
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Lovely writing and a rural farm setting feature in this historical novel that’s rightfully drawn comparisons with To Kill a Mockingbird. The main character’s struggle to find justice in a world that sometimes doesn’t offer it is heartbreakingly true. Has moments of darkness and sadness, but it’s also filled with determination and love. And the prose is beautiful to read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Bullying