Scan barcode
zoe_g7's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
furzi's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
kikikeeks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
emilyhwinn's review against another edition
4.0
So yes, this book did take me roughly 10 months to finish. This is what happens when I read a physical book that has a bit of a slow start! But once I hit halfway through, I finished it in a matter of days! This is a fun YA novel, with some really well-done exploration of heavy themes of homelessness, autism and bullying, brotherhood, alcoholism, juvenile delinquency, grief after parental loss, child abuse, fighting/violence, and more. Thanks for the book, Liz!
sailorsixam's review against another edition
4.75
To me, this was a YA version of Boy Swallows Universe. There are so many similarities between the two in terms of plot and characters; but while they tell similar stories, their messages- to me, at least- are very different.
I am a sucker for stories with a lost main character, a found family, and an exploration of what ‘home’ means and is. This book ticked all the boxes. However, it’s not a full 5-stars because it’s somewhat forgettable for me, mainly because I read majority of it in a couple of hours at school. But overall, 4.75 stars.
And Sam and Moxie own ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine.
charya's review against another edition
emotional
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
5.0
nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This book is pure perfection, crafted with Cait’s special brand of lyrical writing, witty banter and heartwrenching circumstances.
Sam’s reality is painful–he’s trying to care for an older brother since all of the adults in his life have failed him. All he wants in life is a home, a place to belong, but for him, that feels like a distant dream. Plus, he’s living with the repercussions of a cycle of abuse passed down from his father (not to mention the neglect and emotional abuse inflicted by his aunt), and he fears that he might not be able ever truly break that cycle. Sam is a kid who has to make very adult choices, and he often fails to hold the threads of his life together.
I fell in love with the DeLaineys right along with Sam. They’re everything he yearns for: a strong, vibrant family, full of love and warmth. They have their fair share of issues–but they work through their problems together. The world doesn’t always revolve in their favor, but they never give up and the family never breaks down. It’s everything Sam dreams of, so it’s easy to see why he can’t quite extricate himself from them, even when he thinks he should.
Since this is an #OwnVoices story about autism, it’s no surprise that the book tackles this incredibly difficult topic well. What I love is that the book manages to present Avery, Sam’s autistic brother, with dignity while still acknowledging the struggles that his autism creates for him and those around him. Sam’s pain isn’t watered down–he has had an incredibly difficult time as a young teenager who often has to take care of his older brother. And he occasionally even resents Avery. At the same time, the love between these two is palpable, and Sam is fiercely protective of his brother. He believes at his core that there’s nothing wrong with Avery and he will remind anyone and everyone of that fact emphatically (sometimes a bit too emphatically–with his fists). The relationship is complicated–and isn’t that true to life for so many sibling relationships?
I could probably go on and on, but you should just read this book for yourself and find out what all the fuss is about. Prepare for tears and laughter and everything in between–but mostly, prepare to fall in love with one small, broken boy who just wants to find a place to call home.
Sam’s reality is painful–he’s trying to care for an older brother since all of the adults in his life have failed him. All he wants in life is a home, a place to belong, but for him, that feels like a distant dream. Plus, he’s living with the repercussions of a cycle of abuse passed down from his father (not to mention the neglect and emotional abuse inflicted by his aunt), and he fears that he might not be able ever truly break that cycle. Sam is a kid who has to make very adult choices, and he often fails to hold the threads of his life together.
I fell in love with the DeLaineys right along with Sam. They’re everything he yearns for: a strong, vibrant family, full of love and warmth. They have their fair share of issues–but they work through their problems together. The world doesn’t always revolve in their favor, but they never give up and the family never breaks down. It’s everything Sam dreams of, so it’s easy to see why he can’t quite extricate himself from them, even when he thinks he should.
Since this is an #OwnVoices story about autism, it’s no surprise that the book tackles this incredibly difficult topic well. What I love is that the book manages to present Avery, Sam’s autistic brother, with dignity while still acknowledging the struggles that his autism creates for him and those around him. Sam’s pain isn’t watered down–he has had an incredibly difficult time as a young teenager who often has to take care of his older brother. And he occasionally even resents Avery. At the same time, the love between these two is palpable, and Sam is fiercely protective of his brother. He believes at his core that there’s nothing wrong with Avery and he will remind anyone and everyone of that fact emphatically (sometimes a bit too emphatically–with his fists). The relationship is complicated–and isn’t that true to life for so many sibling relationships?
I could probably go on and on, but you should just read this book for yourself and find out what all the fuss is about. Prepare for tears and laughter and everything in between–but mostly, prepare to fall in love with one small, broken boy who just wants to find a place to call home.
bellalang's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mehak_garg0799's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
So so beautifully written <3