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tash035's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book awhile ago now and still think about it. This story follows an Afghan refugee family that is seeking asylum in Australia and is told from the point of view of the children, it dives into all of the heart-breaking hurtles they need to cross in order to seek asylum. It shows the innocence of children who are in the middle of a war but are unaware of the seriousness of it. It was one of the best books I have read that highlights and educates you on the refugee issue in Australia.
tiajayne's review against another edition
4.0
Boy Overboard is a fantastic novel written by Morris Gleitzman, a popular author with 8-12 year olds. I recently read this book in my class, and everyone agreed that it was incredibly in depth, and carried lots of important messages. It displays the love between families and the sacrifices we make for those we care for and value their safety and wellbeing. Jamal the main character, expresses traits that leave me in awe and the way he has been described and wrote about I find amazing. The book feels extremely realistic, which thrills me, because I am a very picky writer. Overall this book is a great story to study and explore the ideas and examples given. I would recommend reading it because I really enjoyed doing so.
a_b_hall's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
clems_bookcorner's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and War
Minor: Vomit
ageorge1877's review against another edition
4.0
Fs this Fisher-Price ass looking book broke my heart
Very hard-hitting children's book about a family of refugees attempting to get to Australia
The child narrative voice of this is just.... so well done. A few too many on the nose lines like 'then it hit me like a drone strike' or whatever. But for the most part everything here is so lovely and heartwarming and endlessly positive and that just makes it all the more.... sad. This is so sad. This is a sad book.
God it's sad.
Going to go sit very quietly now.
Very hard-hitting children's book about a family of refugees attempting to get to Australia
The child narrative voice of this is just.... so well done. A few too many on the nose lines like 'then it hit me like a drone strike' or whatever. But for the most part everything here is so lovely and heartwarming and endlessly positive and that just makes it all the more.... sad. This is so sad. This is a sad book.
God it's sad.
Going to go sit very quietly now.
cathylpowell's review against another edition
5.0
Last night we started this book. I have been trying to get my son to read it, particularly as the World Cup is on at the moment. After chapter 1 he was hooked!
Very moving book. Made me sad at the end, and made me think about the plight of refugees.
Very moving book. Made me sad at the end, and made me think about the plight of refugees.
nhxh's review against another edition
4.0
This literary piece really sheds light on the lives of children in war-torn regions of our planet. It is truly heart-wrenching to know that children in those areas are so deprived of living conditions that they have toys made out of pieces of war remnants. Overall, the realization of how people living in such an inhospitable condition can see even the smallest beauty in life as a form of escapism is amazing to me.
lauramatson's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.0
edtebay196's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
3.0
Jamal and Bibi are quite similar to Felix and Zelda from "Once". Parts of it felt flat when it came to representing Afghanistan and its people, even in comparison to other texts by non-Afghan authors (though the book comes with a statement addressing this). the hopeful ending could potentially make Australian readers complacent about off shore detention centres, because "at least they're together", though I haven't read the sequel book
pikalexi's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book. Absolutely gorgeous. Will definitely be using it as a set text for my year 8 class.