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2.98 AVERAGE
2.98 AVERAGE
The only redeeming qualities of this novel are:
1. The writing style is engaging
2. Avi wrote it. (He's one of my favorite middle grade authors).
1. The writing style is engaging
2. Avi wrote it. (He's one of my favorite middle grade authors).
I am currently a teacher and I loved this book. There’s a lot of criticism here that this book tells kids lying is rewarded but I strongly disagree- the kid feels worse and worse and worse as this blows up around him. He feels bad for this teacher who is being crucified. This, for me, was an interesting depiction of the way schools and teachers are STILL treated in this country 30 years later- no one recognizes the good that’s happening every day, but if one little controversial disciplinary decision is made and amplified the district, the school, and most of all the teachers are unilaterally vilified. As a teacher, I felt seen by this book, especially when I will be facing harsher scrutiny during remote learning related to COVID-19. For the rest of the population in our country, I hope this book would serve as a mirror into the way they think about teachers, and a window into all the shitty little decisions made by districts and school boards that affect us.
This is one of my favorite writing styles too, and I think the interview style added to the plot of this story immensely- made it feel real and urgent. This was 4.5 stars for me, but the last page had me completely shook so I bumped it up.
This is one of my favorite writing styles too, and I think the interview style added to the plot of this story immensely- made it feel real and urgent. This was 4.5 stars for me, but the last page had me completely shook so I bumped it up.
Seriously, don’t bother trying to read this book. It was a horribly boring story about an annoying teen boy who ruins some poor teachers’ life because he thinks he can get whatever he wants. The book, if I remember, is written almost entirely in dialogue and lacks any substance. The plot runs in circles, with a mediocre (I’m being generous calling it that) story line and lackluster ending. Don’t waste your time.
I hate Philip. In this book, he is rude, deceitful, and just plain cruel. Because of this awful character and why he selfishly does, I just... am annoyed by this book. I just can't get past it.
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Very stupid. Read it for a reading circle at school, very boring and it’s not even that “deep”. The main character reminds me of every middle school boy ever, so I guess it’s at least realistic. Wish I would’ve just taken the 0 like my rating.
This book is so bad. I don't often say that about a book but Nothing But the Truth was just stupid. The whole thing was unrealistic and the way the characters talked was extremely irritating. I think a ten year old could write a more creative book than this one.
First read 2005
I got this book from the reading club in fifth grade. They blacked out the curse words with marker and even then, I found that completely hilarious.
3/3/16
This book was just as bizarre and disappointing as I remember when I first read this more than 10 years ago. I loved the way the book was set up through memos, phone conversations, and morning announcements. The epistolary framework was the only redeeming feature of this confusing book. The main character was a rotten teenager who is insolent towards his teacher and it eventually blows up into an unnecessary scandal. This story is not about politics or patriotism, just a snobby punk who won't behave. It was a short read and I needed it towards my reading goal. Hopefully, Avi's other publications are less ridiculous.
I got this book from the reading club in fifth grade. They blacked out the curse words with marker and even then, I found that completely hilarious.
3/3/16
This book was just as bizarre and disappointing as I remember when I first read this more than 10 years ago. I loved the way the book was set up through memos, phone conversations, and morning announcements. The epistolary framework was the only redeeming feature of this confusing book. The main character was a rotten teenager who is insolent towards his teacher and it eventually blows up into an unnecessary scandal. This story is not about politics or patriotism, just a snobby punk who won't behave. It was a short read and I needed it towards my reading goal. Hopefully, Avi's other publications are less ridiculous.
I disliked the way the book was structured, and I found all of the characters unlikable. Perhaps a different structure would have allowed for more character development, resulting in more sympathetic characters. Of course, that might be the point of the book, which is valid but doesn’t make for an enjoyable read.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I know this is a well-known and well-loved book, an award-winner, even. And I myself am a big fan of multigenre novels, that is those stories that are told through a collection of "evidence," like this book does with excerpts from letters, transcripts, newspaper articles, etc. This was a nice way of reading the controversy as it unfolded in Nothing But the Truth.
However, I was annoyed with the characters throughout the book. Philip refused to speak up about his frustration with not being on the track team, but I felt the same he did near the end - why were all these adults getting all riled up about not being able to sing the national anthem? I also felt for Narwin, the teacher, whose admin was both supportive in private and unclear in public, but she (and the school and district admin) did not do themselves any favors by not stating right from the beginning that there was a school policy, which the kids are reminded every day, to stand and be silent. I'm not saying that's a good policy, but the omission of that information right from the beginning is what allowed it to get blown out of proportion. Stupid people.
So, I give it a three, since the story was told well through the evidence offered (although maybe too heavily reliant on conversations that would not have been recorded), but 2 on the story itself.
However, I was annoyed with the characters throughout the book. Philip refused to speak up about his frustration with not being on the track team, but I felt the same he did near the end - why were all these adults getting all riled up about not being able to sing the national anthem? I also felt for Narwin, the teacher, whose admin was both supportive in private and unclear in public, but she (and the school and district admin) did not do themselves any favors by not stating right from the beginning that there was a school policy, which the kids are reminded every day, to stand and be silent. I'm not saying that's a good policy, but the omission of that information right from the beginning is what allowed it to get blown out of proportion. Stupid people.
So, I give it a three, since the story was told well through the evidence offered (although maybe too heavily reliant on conversations that would not have been recorded), but 2 on the story itself.