Reviews

PAWS by Kate Foster

acascadeofbooks's review against another edition

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funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

emmanovella's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 Stars

This was so fun and I know little me would have adored this maybe as much as adult me did.

maf_enriquez's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted fast-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

I really enjoyed the book. As a person who struggles with an axiety disorder and depression, I often find myself seeking for story where I can see myself. I picked up the last cop at my local bookstare and began reading it a few days later.
It is a heartwarming book, and I do believe children would love reading it, which is why I give a four rating, as a young adult, it was a book that I wish was more lengthy and with more description. Despite this fact, it is a great depth and I wish there were more books like this.

whatyoutolkienabout's review against another edition

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5.0

Paws is a wonderful middle grade book that deals with the topic of autism in a beautiful way. It provides a brilliant insight into what the world is like for an autistic person and is a lovely way to introduce children to the topic in an understanding way. I particularly liked the inclusion of discussion points at the end of the book to stimulate children to think about the themes of the story and further understand it.

Paws follows Alex, an 11-year-old autistic person whose best friend is Kevin the cockapoo. We follows Alex as he tries to navigate life at school and most importantly try to get a friend at school. Determined to have a friend before starting High School Alex has devised a plan to ensure all the kids will be impressed by winning a trophy at the PAWS dog show.

This charming story follows Alex in the lead up to PAWS and sees him overcoming obstacles along the way. As I already mentioned Foster is incredibly respectful and detailed with outlining Alex’s autism and how it alters his experience to the world around him compared to some of the other characters in the book. It is honestly a heartwarming story that really captures the life experiences of the children involved and makes them relatable for the audience. The ending was incredible. I am not ashamed to say that it made me a little emotional but in a very good way. I really hope that is book gets into school libraries and school lessons since the story is beautiful and one that definitely should be explored more.

maddydaisy's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful 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? Yes

4.25

arlenren's review against another edition

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5.0

I've finally got round to reading this and finished it in one sitting - I couldn't put it down! I think that reading about a child with autism from that child's perspective is really important; there were times at the beginning of the book, when we first met Alex, where I did think he was coming across as rude just like his family did, but because the story is told from Alex's perspective I could see how this wasn't the case and it really helped me to empathise with him. The bond between Alex and Kevin is so special, and I love how everything came together. This book is a must-read for dog lovers, and it's made me really want to go to a dog show again!

bardicbramley's review against another edition

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5.0

I've been wanting to read this one for a while and actually ended up winning a copy in a Twitter competition which clearly I am very grateful for. What an amazing read - in the 'all the favourites' folder instantly.

An absolute gem: slice-of-life, diverse, an easy but deep touching read.

Alex, the main character is autistic. Living in Australia and about to make the transition to secondary school, he desperately wants to have a friend. And PAWS, the dog show, seems like the perfect way to do it. What better way of making friends than winning a trophy, right?

This is a wonderful little story that explores what friendship means, true to life family dynamics, and pet ownership, all specifically through the narration of an autistic boy.

This is one of very few children's books I have found narrated by an autistic child and written by an autistic author.
The first helped me to get my own diagnosis. This one, helped me to finally define a friend.
My whole life I have struggled to say that I have 'friends', because I've never truly been able to define what makes someone an acquaintance, a friend, or more. These words, this story, felt like it was written in a language I could finally read; a Eureka moment of understanding in my autistic brain. I felt seen, I felt understood, and now I understand.

I cannot wait to share this with other autistic (and allistic) children, and maybe help them to find that much sooner than I did. And even if not, to go on an beautiful journey of discovery with Alex and Kevin.

halligomez's review against another edition

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5.0

This book is so important for young readers, actually, everyone. When my kids were growing up, we explained to them that everyone is different and everyone's brains work differently, which means we all respond to the world around us differently. And as a result, we don't how how a person feels on the inside. Especially if they are part of a neurodiverse group.

PAWS tells the story of an eleven-year-old boy on the autism spectrum who is very close with his dog and wants more than anything to win a big dog contest. He believes winning will help him make friends with the popular kids at school.

We follow Alex through his days at school struggling to make friends as much as he tries and training his dog for the contest. The story is entertaining, heartwarming, and inspiring as we root for Alex and his dog, Kevin and learn about friendship right along with him. The characters are well developed and extremely realistic. Any child could step into the school and feel like it's theirs.

But what I must mention is how well the author explains, from Alex's view, what he feels, how he interprets other's behaviors and actions, and how he uses tools to help him, for example, an emoji chart.

This novel gives readers incredible insight into the daily life of an individual with autism and I feel this book belongs in every elementary classroom and should be on a mandatory reading list.

netsreadsbooks's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny inspiring sad fast-paced

4.0

kelsierose's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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? Yes

4.5