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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
CW: Anxiety, sudden death of a friend (off-page), grief
Rep: Filipino American MC, nonbinary side character
Actual rating: 2.5 stars, rounded up
I usually love Erin Entrada Kelly's books, but I just didn't get this one. As is often the case with Newbery winners/honors, I feel like this story might be more popular with adults than its intended audience. I skipped this one when it first came out because it didn't sound like something I'd enjoy, and unfortunately I was correct.
For a book set in 1999 with heavy emphasis on Y2K and its aftermath in the description, I really wish there had been more focus on Y2K in the story, rather than just brief, anxious mentions of it coming in the near future. Other than Michael's anxiety, the event seemed mostly forgotten about.
Rep: Filipino American MC, nonbinary side character
Actual rating: 2.5 stars, rounded up
I usually love Erin Entrada Kelly's books, but I just didn't get this one. As is often the case with Newbery winners/honors, I feel like this story might be more popular with adults than its intended audience. I skipped this one when it first came out because it didn't sound like something I'd enjoy, and unfortunately I was correct.
For a book set in 1999 with heavy emphasis on Y2K and its aftermath in the description, I really wish there had been more focus on Y2K in the story, rather than just brief, anxious mentions of it coming in the near future. Other than Michael's anxiety, the event seemed mostly forgotten about.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Grief
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a lovely middle grade novel. It’s weird to me that it’s technically historical fiction since it mostly takes place in 1999. It’s also soft sci-fi. How the sci-fi and dual timeline are woven in is really cool and seamless.
The characters are lovable. Mr. Mosley (hopefully I spelled that correctly, as I only listened to the audiobook) will always have a place in my heart. The story has a nice message about living in the present and remembering to think of potential good outcomes instead of only the outcomes we fear.
I wasn’t sure about the narration style at first, but then I got what they were going for and it grew on me. It works well!
I definitely recommend this book. I look forward to reading more by this author!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Grief, Gaslighting
Minor: Cursing, Self harm, Violence, Medical content, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Cursing is alluded to but not actually said. Main character is implied to have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The racism is when a Black character is falsely accused of stealing by a white character.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really enjoy EEK's stories! She has a great way of sharing a moral without being heavy-handed. I hope this book is selected as a Truman nominee in a couple years.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-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:
Yes