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annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
5.0
You know what got me interested in this book? That the main character was named Pluto. Mainly because her mother and I have something in common: Pluto used to be my favorite planet. Until it was not longer a planet of course. You know what got me buying this book? Because I'm currently in a stage in life where I think I can confront my own experience with depression without breaking down completely. This middle grade sounded like a great start.
At the end of the book I was still a mess though. Tears were rolling down my cheeks and it was a case of very ugly crying. However, it was the good kind of crying. The crying and smiling at the same time. The crying because although the story touched my soul, it also hugged a part of me I didn't realize still needed hugging. The crying because for once depression is not treated as something that should be fixed, but just as something making Pluto Pluto.
It's not an easy journey. Throughout the story we see Pluto struggling. Struggling with wanting to be the girl she used to be and struggling with simply not finding the power within herself to do the things she has to do to become that person again. Actually Pluto's summer is one big fight. And although she's also fighting with her surroundings, she's sadly enough mostly fighting with herself, with her own expectations and guilt.
How the author, through the experiences of Pluto, describes depression sounded so incredibly accurate. I remember how I sat in the middle of my room, with boxes and stuff all around me because I was going to clean up, because a clean room is a clear head. And I just had to call my mom. I couldn't do it. I couldn't see it. I wondered why I was even trying and I wondered why I was even hoping that something stupid like this would help. I know how Pluto felt throughout the book. I've been there.
But that also makes her journey so beautiful to read. I think in a way this is both a comforting book for kids dealing with issues like Pluto, although it can also be quite confronting so careful with that, but it's also a book explaining others what it feels like, what it is like, why you can't be the great friend you would want to be deep inside. And combining this hard to discuss topic with Astronomy, and Pluto in particular, was absolutely brilliant.
At the end of the book I was still a mess though. Tears were rolling down my cheeks and it was a case of very ugly crying. However, it was the good kind of crying. The crying and smiling at the same time. The crying because although the story touched my soul, it also hugged a part of me I didn't realize still needed hugging. The crying because for once depression is not treated as something that should be fixed, but just as something making Pluto Pluto.
It's not an easy journey. Throughout the story we see Pluto struggling. Struggling with wanting to be the girl she used to be and struggling with simply not finding the power within herself to do the things she has to do to become that person again. Actually Pluto's summer is one big fight. And although she's also fighting with her surroundings, she's sadly enough mostly fighting with herself, with her own expectations and guilt.
How the author, through the experiences of Pluto, describes depression sounded so incredibly accurate. I remember how I sat in the middle of my room, with boxes and stuff all around me because I was going to clean up, because a clean room is a clear head. And I just had to call my mom. I couldn't do it. I couldn't see it. I wondered why I was even trying and I wondered why I was even hoping that something stupid like this would help. I know how Pluto felt throughout the book. I've been there.
But that also makes her journey so beautiful to read. I think in a way this is both a comforting book for kids dealing with issues like Pluto, although it can also be quite confronting so careful with that, but it's also a book explaining others what it feels like, what it is like, why you can't be the great friend you would want to be deep inside. And combining this hard to discuss topic with Astronomy, and Pluto in particular, was absolutely brilliant.
theqwerty's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bundles's review against another edition
5.0
I did not go into this expecting a five star but this book was truly wonderful
hailey03's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
debandleo's review against another edition
4.0
Four stars for this book which handles the topic of adolescent anxiety and depression with honesty and hope. Also delves briefly into special feelings Pluto, the protagonist, has for a new friend.
cassiesnextchapter's review against another edition
5.0
How to Become a Planet is the book I wish I had in middle school. It's not an easy book to read, in a way that deals with heavy, tough topics (depression, anxiety, coming out, OCD, isolation). It often hurts to read, while it simultaneously warms your heart and gives you hope. It really resonated with with me and my own lived experiences when I was young. Things that are more understood and talked about now, but still so alienating and scary when you're in them.
The writing is so lovely and atmospheric, it flows easily and makes you want to not put it down. There's queer rep, mental health awareness and normalization, gender exploration, a great setting, and the teensiest bit of romance! Space themed and loaded with personal growth, I loved this book!
Thanks to Algonquin for the advanced copy!
The writing is so lovely and atmospheric, it flows easily and makes you want to not put it down. There's queer rep, mental health awareness and normalization, gender exploration, a great setting, and the teensiest bit of romance! Space themed and loaded with personal growth, I loved this book!
Thanks to Algonquin for the advanced copy!
breeze13's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0
daenknight's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
rikkir77's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0