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jcrumie's review against another edition
challenging
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Mental illness
Minor: Rape and Alcohol
tashpudding's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
kiralorina's review against another edition
4.0
Some themes were a bit mature for younger readers, but overall a good read that tackles hard issues.
mezu_641's review against another edition
5.0
An insightful, eye opening read delving into the harsh realities faced by a single mother, Astrid and her 12 year old son, Felix who are homeless, living in a van. Experiencing their life through Felix's perspective was certainly an emotional experience. At times I thought Astrid was making problems worse, but really she was doing the best she could to give her son whatever he needed, despite not doing great herself.
A heart warming story of how friends, kind people and a bit of luck helped Astrid and Felix get back on their feet, I would say a book worth reading.
A heart warming story of how friends, kind people and a bit of luck helped Astrid and Felix get back on their feet, I would say a book worth reading.
tracybabler's review against another edition
5.0
I received a review copy from the Kid Lit Exchange. All opinions are my own.
There is some middle grade that I slog through even though I think the book will be perfectly wonderful for young readers. Then there are books like NO FIXED ADDRESS, which are so fun to read as an adult AND that I think will be great for young readers.
NO FIXED ADDRESSED is about Felix, a mixed-race boy who temporarily becomes homeless while his single mother is between jobs. The pair hide their homelessness while living in their van and scraping by for four months.
There are a lot of delicate moral questions here, as Felix often catches his mom bending the rules, outright lying, and even stealing to make ends meet. He struggles with anger at how his parents' actions consistently make his life more difficult, with friends who don't understand, and with the daily difficulties of living in a van (e.g., where do you go to the bathroom in the middle of the night?).
It's a funny, heartfelt book that should be used as a resource for talking about the different ways homelessness present in students' lives. Or just to be enjoyed. Or both.
Parents should be aware that there is some sexual content, so if that's an issue for you, reserve this for older MG readers.
There is some middle grade that I slog through even though I think the book will be perfectly wonderful for young readers. Then there are books like NO FIXED ADDRESS, which are so fun to read as an adult AND that I think will be great for young readers.
NO FIXED ADDRESSED is about Felix, a mixed-race boy who temporarily becomes homeless while his single mother is between jobs. The pair hide their homelessness while living in their van and scraping by for four months.
There are a lot of delicate moral questions here, as Felix often catches his mom bending the rules, outright lying, and even stealing to make ends meet. He struggles with anger at how his parents' actions consistently make his life more difficult, with friends who don't understand, and with the daily difficulties of living in a van (e.g., where do you go to the bathroom in the middle of the night?).
It's a funny, heartfelt book that should be used as a resource for talking about the different ways homelessness present in students' lives. Or just to be enjoyed. Or both.
Parents should be aware that there is some sexual content, so if that's an issue for you, reserve this for older MG readers.
katreadsalots's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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? No
4.0
msvenner's review against another edition
4.0
This is a wonderful middle grade book. Felix is a unique young man who makes us love him but not pity him. The slide into homelessness is not a seamless one and Neilsen writes it with humour and honesty. Felix's relationship with his mother is complex and I like that, in the end, the author didn't shy away from it, letting him feel the resentment he had been building.
andrearbooks's review against another edition
4.0
No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen was a story I just loved. The story is told from Felix's eyes. Felix is a 12 year old who lives with his mom. Due to an unfortunate series of events, he and his mom are living in a van. Felix keeps this secret from everyone, including his closest friends and teachers at his mom's request. She also assures him that it's only temporary, and throughout you see how Felix explains different scenarios, as well as how he and his mom learn to get by. Through Felix's eyes, there is a heartbreaking and honest portrayal of the experience. It conveyed to me a better understanding of the realities of this situation as it's certainly not uncommon. In addition to navigating his lack of a home, Felix is trying to make it onto his favorite TV quiz show. This was a humorous subplot that fit quite well even with the emotion of Felix's living situation. Ultimately, his reality and appearance on the quiz show come to a head in an unexpected way. Y'all, this book had so much heart through Felix's reality, and I absolutely loved it.