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sciammi's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Amazing book. I lived in Vancouver and with the housing prices this feels so realistic. The story is heartbreaking and it had me crying.
Definitely pick it up.
Definitely pick it up.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse
cara_lee's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
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? No
4.75
- touching
- heartfelt
- heartfelt
melinda_auniquelyportablemagic's review against another edition
4.0
This is labeled as “middle grade” (which I assume is 6ish?) but I’d warn that it does have some quite mature themes and some intense moments (some quick, passing, or alluded to, but still present).
It was good and the main character is very endearing.
It was good and the main character is very endearing.
soupply's review
2.0
I think I may be a little too left-wing for this.
Perhaps I am meant to have some kind of suspension of disbelief? After all, it is a children's book, but I cannot ignore the fact that this kid literally recounts all of his mum's crimes (and there are a lot of them) for the past year directly to a police officer and she DOESN'T get her arrested? Maybe the police in Canada is actually interested in helping homeless people? Well, I might have been able to convince myself of that if it weren't for a few quick google searches which proved that idea very wrong. This book attempts to show what life is like for homeless people whilst completely ignoring the violence they experience from the police and other authorities. It feels badly-researched at best and like blatant copaganda at worst. Disappointing.
Perhaps I am meant to have some kind of suspension of disbelief? After all, it is a children's book, but I cannot ignore the fact that this kid literally recounts all of his mum's crimes (and there are a lot of them) for the past year directly to a police officer and she DOESN'T get her arrested? Maybe the police in Canada is actually interested in helping homeless people? Well, I might have been able to convince myself of that if it weren't for a few quick google searches which proved that idea very wrong. This book attempts to show what life is like for homeless people whilst completely ignoring the violence they experience from the police and other authorities. It feels badly-researched at best and like blatant copaganda at worst. Disappointing.
tamsinlynn21's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
4.0
4.5, really really good. Very immersive. Important themes, and whitty duologue. Loved Felix and his voice as the narrator.
nitwit92's review against another edition
4.0
This novel was fantastic. It made me feel all the feelings you can get from reading. Happy, sad, excited, heartbroken, and so much more. Definitely recommend.
erin_hibshman's review against another edition
5.0
Beautifully written, sad and yet hopeful tale of a teen dealing with homelessness - living with his mother in a van. The story is accessible, and fast-paced. I read it nearly in one sitting; I could not put it down.
kirstysbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
I picked up a proof copy at the NYA Literary Festival.
I really enjoyed this book. The story follows Felix and his mother Astrid. Astrid struggles to keep a job and as a result, she and Felix end up living in a van. Felix finds it difficult to keep this a secret from his friends and enters a TV game show in the hope that he will be able to help his family if he wins.
I thought that this book dealt with some very important topics including homelessness, mental health, and friendship. I also liked the relationship between Felix and his mother. The relationship was portrayed in a very realistic way. At the start of the novel we see Felix trying to excuse his mother's behavior in certain and we start to see him learn that his mother is not perfect. I thought this was very realistic as this happens at some point when a child is growing up as they realise that their parents are human too and make mistakes. I think the story also highlighted the struggles of not having a permanent home. This is, unfortunately, something that an increasing number of people face and I think it is important that people read about it as it makes you much more thankful for the things you have. When selecting YA contemporaries I look for something that covers an important topic and doesn't focus on romance. I was really pleased that there wasn't a romance element to this story as I feel too many stories try to include this. Whilst the subject matter is quite serious the author does include some more humorous moments. I particuarly liked the game show element and also Felix's relationship with his friends.
Overall I really enjoyed this and I would recommend picking it up when it is released later this year.
I really enjoyed this book. The story follows Felix and his mother Astrid. Astrid struggles to keep a job and as a result, she and Felix end up living in a van. Felix finds it difficult to keep this a secret from his friends and enters a TV game show in the hope that he will be able to help his family if he wins.
I thought that this book dealt with some very important topics including homelessness, mental health, and friendship. I also liked the relationship between Felix and his mother. The relationship was portrayed in a very realistic way. At the start of the novel we see Felix trying to excuse his mother's behavior in certain and we start to see him learn that his mother is not perfect. I thought this was very realistic as this happens at some point when a child is growing up as they realise that their parents are human too and make mistakes. I think the story also highlighted the struggles of not having a permanent home. This is, unfortunately, something that an increasing number of people face and I think it is important that people read about it as it makes you much more thankful for the things you have. When selecting YA contemporaries I look for something that covers an important topic and doesn't focus on romance. I was really pleased that there wasn't a romance element to this story as I feel too many stories try to include this. Whilst the subject matter is quite serious the author does include some more humorous moments. I particuarly liked the game show element and also Felix's relationship with his friends.
Overall I really enjoyed this and I would recommend picking it up when it is released later this year.