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ambr_media's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely not my usual style but I enjoyed it! This book was labeled as YA but leans younger imo. The tone of the novel is humourous which I enjoyed. I don't feel as though there was a strong driving plotline, but it was a quick enough read that it wasn't really an issue. I don't feel as though this book was predictable, it was just a nice chill read!
larissa19's review against another edition
3.0
I remember reading this in Middle School and thinking it was really weird. Maybe my rating would be different if I read it today, but I remember not liking the magical realism aspect so much.
michaela_harris's review against another edition
4.0
Such a fun story! It reminded me of the movie Sand Lot in the way the kids were so authentic and so funny. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
erebus53's review against another edition
challenging
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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
4.0
Set in Brooklyn, New York, before the kids had access to the internet, a group of boys try to figure out why nobody notices Calvin Schwa. Fans of Terry Pratchett will remember the character Susan, who people's perception just falls off of, and the frustration of being marked absent at school when you have been there the whole time.
When things escalate Bonano and Schwa find themselves faces with a formidable opponent, who in tern introduces them to someone who changes their perspective on things.
This is an emotive book, about what it's like being a kids trying to make their mark in the world. There are some Disability narratives, and a little Ableist language, but the depiction of people with different senses and bodies is respectful and even handed.
Surprising story in places and lots of Jewish and Italian migrant humour. Good fun, especially for teen readers.
When things escalate Bonano and Schwa find themselves faces with a formidable opponent, who in tern introduces them to someone who changes their perspective on things.
This is an emotive book, about what it's like being a kids trying to make their mark in the world. There are some Disability narratives, and a little Ableist language, but the depiction of people with different senses and bodies is respectful and even handed.
Surprising story in places and lots of Jewish and Italian migrant humour. Good fun, especially for teen readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, and Kidnapping
Minor: Violence and Medical content
donalynbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I do not usually read the same books to my class year after year, but this one has been an annual favorite with my sixth graders for the past four years, and yes, I will be reading it to them again.
A rare book that appeals to both boys and girls.
A rare book that appeals to both boys and girls.
hbusarah's review against another edition
3.0
i feel like not much happened in this :/ it started out strong then just ended on an ok note, but i still plan on reading the rest of the series.
i totally recommend the audiobook!!!! it's narrated by the author and i want him to narrate more books!!!
i totally recommend the audiobook!!!! it's narrated by the author and i want him to narrate more books!!!
blafferty's review against another edition
5.0
I couldn't put it down. It's been a while since I made it through a YA book, honestly. Picked this one up because I'm a spelling geek, but it's great and not in a spelling geek way. It's extremely well-written, doesn't shout any lessons the author thinks teens should learn, and is as unpredictable as cooking. Honest without being emo. I would recommend it to anyone who likes YA realistic fiction, including adults.
emilybmorgan02's review against another edition
4.0
This was read by the author! I loved his narration of the story. I loved the characters and the flow of the plot. It was a quick listen and kept me coming back.
amgass119's review against another edition
4.0
I love LOVE dorky boy lit. This was a fun read about friendship and what it means to be noticed. Recommend this to anyone with middle schoolers or older, boy or girl. no bad language, only implied, and the only violence inflicted is to a dummy.
So many great lines to quote. . ."Jews and Italians get along fine. I think it has something to do with the way both cultures have a high regard for food and guilt."
I also read Unwind by Schusterman, and didn't enjoy it nearly as much. the writing is much looser and funny, as is the topic.
So many great lines to quote. . ."Jews and Italians get along fine. I think it has something to do with the way both cultures have a high regard for food and guilt."
I also read Unwind by Schusterman, and didn't enjoy it nearly as much. the writing is much looser and funny, as is the topic.
eeveeshayna's review against another edition
4.0
Easy read, and the audio-book would be good for a car ride with kids 10+ (or younger if you don't mind middle finger jokes).