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bethebookworm's review against another edition
3.0
Positives: Neurodivergent main character that actually likes herself and determines to positively impact her life, while not trying to change her own way of being.
Negatives: Simplistic view of depression, some possible ablism in kinda attributing the main character's quirks to her history of loss/trauma (even though she seems to be the only well adjusted person in the book). Adults who totally lack self efficacy.
Sum probably would be a book I'd be willing yo hand an age appropriate teen but would require some unpacking with said hypothetical teen.
Negatives: Simplistic view of depression, some possible ablism in kinda attributing the main character's quirks to her history of loss/trauma (even though she seems to be the only well adjusted person in the book). Adults who totally lack self efficacy.
Sum probably would be a book I'd be willing yo hand an age appropriate teen but would require some unpacking with said hypothetical teen.
avokaddo's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death and Mental illness
laffy's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
shushkeepitdown's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A cute book about an unusual girl trying to fix her family using her very straight forward methods. Its sweet and emotional. I loved the characters. The story is shorter but it is to be expected for a book for children. Highly recommend reading it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Ableism, Child death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Vomit
hsims333's review against another edition
5.0
This is an excellent book! It isn't eligible for the Newbery because the author is Australian and it was formerly published there under the title 'My Life as an Alphabet" - but it is certainly award worthy!
The book is presented as an autobiographical school assignment and is organized in an alphabetical format. The personality of this unique young girl who loves reading the dictionary, reads nearly only Charles Dickens and uses high level vocabulary has difficulty talking to new people. Luckily she loves to write and is prepared with a notebook at all times. Despite her acknowledged social difficulties, her goal in life is to ensure the happiness of those around her. Although her schemes are not always successful, they are indeed thoughtful, well intentioned and creative.
This story is humorous, heart wrenching and most of all hopeful. It includes themes of self-acceptance, bullying/social rejection, family loss, depression and critical illness,family rifts, education of students who are unique learners and thinkers, a love of writing, and even some scientific explanations of quantum physics and the theory of relativity!
I love, love, love this middle grade novel!
The book is presented as an autobiographical school assignment and is organized in an alphabetical format. The personality of this unique young girl who loves reading the dictionary, reads nearly only Charles Dickens and uses high level vocabulary has difficulty talking to new people. Luckily she loves to write and is prepared with a notebook at all times. Despite her acknowledged social difficulties, her goal in life is to ensure the happiness of those around her. Although her schemes are not always successful, they are indeed thoughtful, well intentioned and creative.
This story is humorous, heart wrenching and most of all hopeful. It includes themes of self-acceptance, bullying/social rejection, family loss, depression and critical illness,family rifts, education of students who are unique learners and thinkers, a love of writing, and even some scientific explanations of quantum physics and the theory of relativity!
I love, love, love this middle grade novel!
rayraymakay's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-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? Yes
3.0
wishfulfillment's review against another edition
5.0
My reviews are posted here: http://wishfulfillmentsylwia.tumblr.com/post/136462877824/the-categorical-universe-of-candice-phee
(I received this book at BookCon 2014 for free for review.)
I. Does it represent/portray and do it well?
Grief and depression are handled well and possibly also the autism spectrum and traumatic brain injury. I thought that these intense topics were covered appropriately and I was impressed by the mixture of dark topics with an accessible narrative.
II. Does it teach me something or make me think?
It made me wonder a lot about how things were going to turn out, so in that way it was intellectually thrilling. I think it also teaches a bit about positivity, especially in how the topics of depression and bullying are addressed.
III. Does it perpetuate healthy ideals?
I think that it does, in terms of focusing on healing, health, and family. I loved the focus on positivity and fighting to overcome depression.
IV. How was the writing itself? (Style, plot, characters, ease of reading, pace, world-building.)
Candice herself is very likable and the narrative style is engaging, clever, emotionally moving, and funny! Before I even realized, I genuinely cared about this entire family and I appreciated how I got to know the parents very slowly throughout the book. They went from being pieces of Candice’s life to being people I cared about just for themselves and their own issues. The pacing was perfect, the plot felt well-planned, and in general I felt like I was reading a very professional work from page 1 to page 242. There are ample subplots of which the resolutions could have ruined the book, but each one was handled with care. I will definitely be reading more work by this author.
V. Did I enjoy reading it?
Absolutely! There is nothing to complain about in this work and I emotionally and intellectually enjoyed each page! I strongly recommend it!
(I received this book at BookCon 2014 for free for review.)
I. Does it represent/portray and do it well?
Grief and depression are handled well and possibly also the autism spectrum and traumatic brain injury. I thought that these intense topics were covered appropriately and I was impressed by the mixture of dark topics with an accessible narrative.
II. Does it teach me something or make me think?
It made me wonder a lot about how things were going to turn out, so in that way it was intellectually thrilling. I think it also teaches a bit about positivity, especially in how the topics of depression and bullying are addressed.
III. Does it perpetuate healthy ideals?
I think that it does, in terms of focusing on healing, health, and family. I loved the focus on positivity and fighting to overcome depression.
IV. How was the writing itself? (Style, plot, characters, ease of reading, pace, world-building.)
Candice herself is very likable and the narrative style is engaging, clever, emotionally moving, and funny! Before I even realized, I genuinely cared about this entire family and I appreciated how I got to know the parents very slowly throughout the book. They went from being pieces of Candice’s life to being people I cared about just for themselves and their own issues. The pacing was perfect, the plot felt well-planned, and in general I felt like I was reading a very professional work from page 1 to page 242. There are ample subplots of which the resolutions could have ruined the book, but each one was handled with care. I will definitely be reading more work by this author.
V. Did I enjoy reading it?
Absolutely! There is nothing to complain about in this work and I emotionally and intellectually enjoyed each page! I strongly recommend it!
shzn's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
At first, I wasn't excited kasi parang nasa isip ko is this is a child book. But afterward, I liked it na rin naman. It was funny, lighthearted and very enjoying to read. It was nice to see Candice's world in her own point of view. I really enjoyed.