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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
mysterious
tense
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
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I first read this book in elementary school, and thought it was the most fabulous book ever (although, truth be told, my book allegiances ran thin as I would swear my undying love to each book I checked out of the library). But The Westing Game is one I read multiple times, wondering at the cleverness of Ellen Raskin and wanting, more than anything, to be Turtle. The book was so satisfying on every level.
When I saw the book as a choice on my 7th grader's summer reading list, I told him he had to not only read it, but love it, else I would disown him. I decided that I too would read the book, although I was trepidatious, worried it wouldn't hold up to my memory.
The book held up. True, with an adult eye, a few of the plot points weren't the strongest and some of the book felt slightly dated. But I still loved it. Right up to the last word. I found the characters other than Turtle (who I barely noticed in my younger readings) to be just as intriguing and really quiet well written. It was a bit more sophisticated than I remembered.
In two years when my younger daughter gets that reading this, she'll be forced to read it and love it as well. Or else I'll kick her in the shins! (Long live Turtle!)
(Note: I'm happy to say that my son also loved it and is therefore still a part of the family.)
When I saw the book as a choice on my 7th grader's summer reading list, I told him he had to not only read it, but love it, else I would disown him. I decided that I too would read the book, although I was trepidatious, worried it wouldn't hold up to my memory.
The book held up. True, with an adult eye, a few of the plot points weren't the strongest and some of the book felt slightly dated. But I still loved it. Right up to the last word. I found the characters other than Turtle (who I barely noticed in my younger readings) to be just as intriguing and really quiet well written. It was a bit more sophisticated than I remembered.
In two years when my younger daughter gets that reading this, she'll be forced to read it and love it as well. Or else I'll kick her in the shins! (Long live Turtle!)
(Note: I'm happy to say that my son also loved it and is therefore still a part of the family.)
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
I understand why this is considered a classic! What a fun, twisty tale. The characters were all so vivid, and I loved seeing how things played out.
mysterious
I read this book in middle school and remembered loving it. I didn’t remember anything about it, so it was as if I were reading it for the first time. The mystery surrounding Sam Westing, his death and his will keeps you going from page to page. Who did it? Who will win? Who is lying? I read this book in a day, and loved it just as much as I remember loving it in middle school.
To me, this is the quintessential children's mystery novel. I love the playfulness of its clues, the broad cast of characters, and most of all, Turtle, who I identified way too much with when I read this back in elementary school. This is also one of the first books I remember really wanting other people to read and enjoy as much as I did. I have vivid memories of sitting in my fifth grade reading class, having already finished the book, and doing my very best not to spoil the big reveal for my friends.