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lannthacker's review
2.0
This was the second book featuring a character on the autism spectrum that I've read from the NBA Long List. Is that the latest craze in J Fic? Did I miss a memo? I don't know.
Overall, I thought this was an odd story. Not predictable, which might appeal to heavy fantasy readers. The ending wasn't very satisfying to me though. It felt long and Oscar's unique point of view got stale by the end. In its favor, the world Ursu created was well developed and original, and the characters were nuanced though the adults were almost all unreliable. I think if you hadn't read a ton of books telling a story from the point of view of someone on the spectrum, this might be more compelling. Not my cup of tea.
Overall, I thought this was an odd story. Not predictable, which might appeal to heavy fantasy readers. The ending wasn't very satisfying to me though. It felt long and Oscar's unique point of view got stale by the end. In its favor, the world Ursu created was well developed and original, and the characters were nuanced though the adults were almost all unreliable. I think if you hadn't read a ton of books telling a story from the point of view of someone on the spectrum, this might be more compelling. Not my cup of tea.
kristenremenar's review
5.0
My fifth grade library pal Sean (whom I've known since he was born) told me I must read this. Considering how voraciously this kid reads, if he says it's one of the best books ever, it must be good.
I loved this one. I love that Ursu creates this wonderful, cozy world for Oscar with books and cats and structure and boundaries and then gives him a strong girl ally to help him move beyond it when he needs to.
My heart sank a bit in the middle of the book when Oscar, who has social interaction issues that come across very much like someone with autistic spectrum disorder, realizes he's made of wood. Thank you very much, Anne Ursu, for making it abundantly clear by the end that Oscar is a real boy, fully and richly human, not "odd" or made of wood, just different in ways that can also be strengths. And thanks, Sean, for the recommendation.
I loved this one. I love that Ursu creates this wonderful, cozy world for Oscar with books and cats and structure and boundaries and then gives him a strong girl ally to help him move beyond it when he needs to.
My heart sank a bit in the middle of the book when Oscar, who has social interaction issues that come across very much like someone with autistic spectrum disorder, realizes he's made of wood. Thank you very much, Anne Ursu, for making it abundantly clear by the end that Oscar is a real boy, fully and richly human, not "odd" or made of wood, just different in ways that can also be strengths. And thanks, Sean, for the recommendation.
aoosterwyk's review
4.0
I loved Breadcrumbs and really liked The Real Boy as well. The world this story takes place in is damaged. A plague has wiped out life on the island outside of the Barrow,a small forested pocket where the characters live. Oscar is a great mix of gifted and inept (socially), but I loved his skill with herbal remedies and the descriptions of working with plants. His friendship with Callie, the healer's apprentice is very hard work on both their parts. It is a fairy tale in the best sense, with magic and danger and love and justice, but not derivative of anything familiar (not even Pinocchio).
As much as I enjoyed it, I think it might be a hard sell for many of my students, but maybe as a read-aloud...
As much as I enjoyed it, I think it might be a hard sell for many of my students, but maybe as a read-aloud...
kelleemoye's review
5.0
Full review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1820
I love middle grade high fantasy! It is always amazing to me that an author is able to build an entire world that doesn’t exist and then puts these amazing characters and magic and story into this world. This is exactly what Anne Ursu did with The Real Boy. More importantly than my review of raving and raving about this book is the guest post I have to share today.
This is the second book that Erin McGuire and Anne Ursu collaborated on and Erin’s artwork adds an even more magic to an already magical story. Today, we are lucky to have Erin here to answer some questions about her work.
I love middle grade high fantasy! It is always amazing to me that an author is able to build an entire world that doesn’t exist and then puts these amazing characters and magic and story into this world. This is exactly what Anne Ursu did with The Real Boy. More importantly than my review of raving and raving about this book is the guest post I have to share today.
This is the second book that Erin McGuire and Anne Ursu collaborated on and Erin’s artwork adds an even more magic to an already magical story. Today, we are lucky to have Erin here to answer some questions about her work.
brandypainter's review against another edition
5.0
Originally posted here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
I actually never read a synopsis for The Real Boy by Anne Ursu. I knew she wrote it and I liked Breadcrumbs (my thoughts) and that was all I needed. When I saw it was available on Edelweiss I immediately requested it and was thrilled to be approved. I had expectations in my head based on the title. And the book was something else entirely. Something wonderful
Oscar is a wonderful protagonist, endearing and lovable. He made the mother in me want to give him a home. (But not hugs and kisses because he wouldn't like that.) Something is different about Oscar, something is not all normal, something's a little off. I don't want to say too much more about that so as not to give spoilers, but I loved what Ursu did with his character. Nicely subversive that is. Callie, who befriends Oscar, is just as enjoyable a character. They make a great team in everything they have to do together.
I realize I'm being incredibly vague. Probably frustratingly so. I will continue to be about the plot as well. It is filled with action, and there is a huge mystery to solve. It is like a roller coaster ride in the dark that switches tracks and drops you down and backwards a few times. I went into it not having a clue what path the track was taking and it was fun that way. Not going to ruin anyone else's experience. Rest assured that Ursu has a firm grip on all the elements of her story and she wields her words perfectly.
So my point? The book is amazing. Read it. Book talk it. Kids will love it.
I had read an e-galley made available to me by the publisher, Walden Pond Press, via Edelweiss. The Real Boy is available for purchase September 24, 2013.
I actually never read a synopsis for The Real Boy by Anne Ursu. I knew she wrote it and I liked Breadcrumbs (my thoughts) and that was all I needed. When I saw it was available on Edelweiss I immediately requested it and was thrilled to be approved. I had expectations in my head based on the title. And the book was something else entirely. Something wonderful
Oscar is a wonderful protagonist, endearing and lovable. He made the mother in me want to give him a home. (But not hugs and kisses because he wouldn't like that.) Something is different about Oscar, something is not all normal, something's a little off. I don't want to say too much more about that so as not to give spoilers, but I loved what Ursu did with his character. Nicely subversive that is. Callie, who befriends Oscar, is just as enjoyable a character. They make a great team in everything they have to do together.
I realize I'm being incredibly vague. Probably frustratingly so. I will continue to be about the plot as well. It is filled with action, and there is a huge mystery to solve. It is like a roller coaster ride in the dark that switches tracks and drops you down and backwards a few times. I went into it not having a clue what path the track was taking and it was fun that way. Not going to ruin anyone else's experience. Rest assured that Ursu has a firm grip on all the elements of her story and she wields her words perfectly.
So my point? The book is amazing. Read it. Book talk it. Kids will love it.
I had read an e-galley made available to me by the publisher, Walden Pond Press, via Edelweiss. The Real Boy is available for purchase September 24, 2013.
amibunk's review
4.0
I love Anne Ursu. I love how she writes and weaves her words together. I love how she'll take a traditional fairy tale and turn it inside out, keeping the essence but making it something uniquely hers. The Real Boy, while not as marvelous as Breadcrumbs, is a great book.
wordyanchorite's review
3.0
A pretty good fantasy story, told from the perspective of Oscar, a magic smith's hand who recognizes that he is somehow different from those around him. He has a gift for understanding potion-making and loves to read, but he has trouble remembering the polite way to say things and looking customers in the eye. When Master Caleb goes away and children from the City are struck by a mysterious illness, it is up to Oscar to mind the shop and figure out how to help.
Oscar's perspective as a character (probably) on the autism spectrum is a valuable addition to a classroom library, and important for students who need to see themselves mirrored in the books they read. However, using him as the main point of view character gives a sterility to the language and description that made it hard for me to engage with the story.
Oscar's perspective as a character (probably) on the autism spectrum is a valuable addition to a classroom library, and important for students who need to see themselves mirrored in the books they read. However, using him as the main point of view character gives a sterility to the language and description that made it hard for me to engage with the story.
teaoles's review
5.0
A wonderfully written story of bravery and friendship. I loved the way Ursu wrote a strong character arc for little Oscar and how he learns the importance of relationships.
caitmarie24's review
5.0
Loved it. Anne Ursu's imagination is so vivacious it captures you from page one.