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marlisenicole's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
3.5
abigailbat's review against another edition
3.0
This is a fresh and funny story: what if you had a magic pencil that could answer any factual question posed to it?
It's a nice blend of whimsical fun (a pencil that can tell you what your favorite celebrity is doing RIGHT THIS MINUTE!) and poignant. Ava is a worrier. Once her brain starts to worry about something, it's really hard for her to stop. This story is as much about Ava dealing with her own anxiety issues as it is about her using the magic pencil, giving it a lot of heart. I think this will be a fun read for many kids, but also a read that will be greatly appreciated by kids who are facing their own anxiety issues.
I will say that I found the ending a little cheesy and unnecessary, but except for that, I really enjoyed the story. Here's another that I'll be adding to my booktalking roster for 4th-6th graders.
It's a nice blend of whimsical fun (a pencil that can tell you what your favorite celebrity is doing RIGHT THIS MINUTE!) and poignant. Ava is a worrier. Once her brain starts to worry about something, it's really hard for her to stop. This story is as much about Ava dealing with her own anxiety issues as it is about her using the magic pencil, giving it a lot of heart. I think this will be a fun read for many kids, but also a read that will be greatly appreciated by kids who are facing their own anxiety issues.
I will say that I found the ending a little cheesy and unnecessary, but except for that, I really enjoyed the story. Here's another that I'll be adding to my booktalking roster for 4th-6th graders.
tcbueti's review against another edition
5.0
Terrific family and emotional growth story with a touch of magic: a pencil that answers questions (but only factual ones, thank you very much).
Ava worries: about math tests, her parents' arguing, her grandparents' health, her family's general store facing competition (her dad's quest to find/cook the perfect signature treat), her friend Sophie's love life. So when she finds a pencil that can answer her questions, that should make life easier, right? Not exactly.
Full of humor and heart: Sophie at first uses the pencil, then learns how to find her own answers, and her courage.
Ava on the ropes course was torture: she's watching the time, wondering what's happening with her mom and just going on to get through it, do SOMETHING to pass the time. Great, vivid description, and metaphor for letting go.
Touching and real, even with the magic pencil.
Ava worries: about math tests, her parents' arguing, her grandparents' health, her family's general store facing competition (her dad's quest to find/cook the perfect signature treat), her friend Sophie's love life. So when she finds a pencil that can answer her questions, that should make life easier, right? Not exactly.
Full of humor and heart: Sophie at first uses the pencil, then learns how to find her own answers, and her courage.
Ava on the ropes course was torture: she's watching the time, wondering what's happening with her mom and just going on to get through it, do SOMETHING to pass the time. Great, vivid description, and metaphor for letting go.
Touching and real, even with the magic pencil.
azajacks's review against another edition
4.0
It's really 4.5 stars!
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I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.org
s_hay's review against another edition
3.0
Ava is a middle-schooler who worries about everything - tests, friends, family. If her parents disagree she worries that they may get a divorce, if her grandmother doesn't feel well she worries death is imminent, when it is time for a math test she worries so much she forgets what she has learned.
However, Ava finds a magical pencil that can give her the answers to questions. Can the pencil help ease Ava's worries, or will knowing the answers for some things cause even more anxiety?
Good for kids age 9-12.
However, Ava finds a magical pencil that can give her the answers to questions. Can the pencil help ease Ava's worries, or will knowing the answers for some things cause even more anxiety?
Good for kids age 9-12.
moseyrosie's review against another edition
2.0
This book starts off a little slow and was hard to get into but the story starts to pick up just before the middle of the book. I don't think the book was very surprising but definitely very sweet.
jbrooxd's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, this was good! You really can't go wrong with Kate Messner. I loved the main character and the way she moves through the events of the story. Bring your tissues.
booksforlosers's review against another edition
2.0
Just kinda unrealistic and strange. I guess it's a good idea but i mean, the twelve year old girl, Ava, acted like she was 9 or 10.
distancebetweenhunterandprey's review against another edition
5.0
I actually quite enjoyed this book, though I thought the story was a bit vague. Towards the end, there was a nice plot twist that made me a bit sad, and I thought it was a great addition to the story— but I won't spoil it for you!
You should definitely try reading this book, even though it may not be captivating or thought-provoking.
You should definitely try reading this book, even though it may not be captivating or thought-provoking.