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ageier's review
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.75
lillanaa's review
5.0
This is definitely an example of don't judge a book by the cover, because I absolutely thought this was going to be way less mature than it actually was. The topics handled, and the grace by which they're handled, are phenomenal, and even though at times it's difficult to tell what age range this is for it definitely fits with what I would solidly consider young adult. All that being said, though, this was a hit for me. I destroyed it in like two days because I was so interested in what was coming next, and Autumn and Cody were an interesting pair of protagonists. I really hope this gets traction, because it does so well at tackling racism, abuse, and homelessness, and the age range it's aimed at deserves how nuanced and heartfelt this is.
evaosterlee's review
adventurous
challenging
tense
fast-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
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Child abuse
kindredbooks's review
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? It's complicated
3.0
I received a copy of Autumn Bird & The Runaway by Melanie Florence and Richard Scrimger from Scholastic Canada in exchange for an honest review.
Told in two perspectives, Autumn Bird & The Runaway is the story about Cody, a young boy who runs away after the latest abuse from his father, and Autumn, his classmate who finds him. The two youngsters come from very different families and homes but as they get to know one another, they find ways in which they can help and teach one another. The story takes a hard look at some serious issues - domestic violence and racism - and does so in unflinching ways. I thought that there were important and honest conversations within the story especially when Cody says things that are very racist and misguided about the Indigenous Peoples of Canada - Autumn is Cree - as his understanding of the world is coloured by his upbringing and racist father. Even so, there is a lot of learning that Cody needs to do in order to understand the ignorance of his remarks. I think that this middle grade novel will be a great story for young readers to read - a lot of important topics and discussions that may be sparked from the characters and plot.
Told in two perspectives, Autumn Bird & The Runaway is the story about Cody, a young boy who runs away after the latest abuse from his father, and Autumn, his classmate who finds him. The two youngsters come from very different families and homes but as they get to know one another, they find ways in which they can help and teach one another. The story takes a hard look at some serious issues - domestic violence and racism - and does so in unflinching ways. I thought that there were important and honest conversations within the story especially when Cody says things that are very racist and misguided about the Indigenous Peoples of Canada - Autumn is Cree - as his understanding of the world is coloured by his upbringing and racist father. Even so, there is a lot of learning that Cody needs to do in order to understand the ignorance of his remarks. I think that this middle grade novel will be a great story for young readers to read - a lot of important topics and discussions that may be sparked from the characters and plot.
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