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emmalemonnz's review
5.0
A brilliant book! Just stunning. Could easily be in the general fiction section instead of junior fiction, but no matter where it sits in the library, I'm so glad I got to read it! One of those remarkable stories that stay with you long after you finish reading.
Some truly lovely language in there too!
Some truly lovely language in there too!
natalieyanka's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
greensmartie's review
5.0
This book is a treasure, the jolt of warmth one needs in the harsher spells of life.
katykelly's review
5.0
Moving historical story based in fact for young adults
The island of Lepers (or 'Touched' as they call themselves), a hundred years ago - Ami was born here to a 'Touched' mother and has known no other home. A new system comes into force that will separate the afflicted from the 'clean', sending many children away from the island.
Ami is homesick of course, desperately missing her mother, but finds common ground with some other misfits in their hatred of the man in charge of their forced removal from Curion. A butterfly collector, he kills butterflies to study them. He makes a great villain and the inclusion of butterflies adds a lovely metaphor of beauty to the horrific situation.
A brave girl, Ami stands up for herself and takes us along with her as she refuses to give up or let anyone stop her from being where she needs to be.
The coda is particularly poignant, a really moving story. The author's note at the end discusses the historical facts of the case. A revealing story ripe for discussion on how we have treated those who are either 'different' or afflicted with conditions over time.
There is nothing unsuitable for primary readers, though it is upsetting at times. I would say the target reader would be ages 10-14.
The island of Lepers (or 'Touched' as they call themselves), a hundred years ago - Ami was born here to a 'Touched' mother and has known no other home. A new system comes into force that will separate the afflicted from the 'clean', sending many children away from the island.
Ami is homesick of course, desperately missing her mother, but finds common ground with some other misfits in their hatred of the man in charge of their forced removal from Curion. A butterfly collector, he kills butterflies to study them. He makes a great villain and the inclusion of butterflies adds a lovely metaphor of beauty to the horrific situation.
A brave girl, Ami stands up for herself and takes us along with her as she refuses to give up or let anyone stop her from being where she needs to be.
The coda is particularly poignant, a really moving story. The author's note at the end discusses the historical facts of the case. A revealing story ripe for discussion on how we have treated those who are either 'different' or afflicted with conditions over time.
There is nothing unsuitable for primary readers, though it is upsetting at times. I would say the target reader would be ages 10-14.
frankie89's review
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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? No
4.0
ebin_dogs55's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
catastrojb's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
hungergameslover's review against another edition
It just wasn’t holding my interest might come back to it
rosiep08's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
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? No
5.0