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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
I picked this up after my sister and her family read it. We've been reading and memorizing some Shakespeare (while reading How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare by Ken Ludwig) and so this was a good complement to that. I do wish we were more familiar with the Shakespeare plays read in the book. Some of the references were, I am sure, lost on us. And oh, we wish we could comprehend and remember the words the way Holling does!
This book hits on some pretty weighty topics, and does not shy away from those moments. It shifts well between laughter, anger, and tearful scenes with relatable characters in a school year setting that encompasses so much more. We appreciated characters who grew and learned from their circumstances and chose to step out boldly in kindness for others. We ached for those who did not. We wanted to learn more Shakespeare, more about the 60's, and bake some cream puffs.
This book hits on some pretty weighty topics, and does not shy away from those moments. It shifts well between laughter, anger, and tearful scenes with relatable characters in a school year setting that encompasses so much more. We appreciated characters who grew and learned from their circumstances and chose to step out boldly in kindness for others. We ached for those who did not. We wanted to learn more Shakespeare, more about the 60's, and bake some cream puffs.
I would never have guessed a book about junior high could be so beautifully written.
Better than "Ok for Now" but not as good as "Lizzy Bright and the Buckminster Boy."
One of the best books I have read in a long time. I felt my self reading slower in an attempt to never get to the end.
Mrs. Baker is one of the greatest teacher characters I have met.
Mrs. Baker is one of the greatest teacher characters I have met.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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
It was very cute, and I loved the way the author tackled auldut themes from a kids perspective. :)
This book was recommended to my book group by one member's son. We decided to include him and another's son in our summer discussions. I liked the character's evolution over the school year. His relationship with the teacher he was stuck with on Wednesday afternoons while classmates left for their respective religious instructions. As a person who was in 7th grade in 1968, some of the historic references were a bit off. One in particular was having bomb drills in '68...didn't happen. Even asked my husband who lived on Long Island at the time.
This book was brilliant! I loved the Shakespeare references although part of me things- wow, has this kid got an impressive memory. His teacher is the type of teacher that I want to be: inspiring and pushing kids and their dreams. I would definitely recommend this for younger kids. So great!
Side note: I kept thinking about how much technology has changed the world. Like, "If only they googled this.."
Side note: I kept thinking about how much technology has changed the world. Like, "If only they googled this.."