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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
Middle grade teacher/librarian catnip: friendship, family, sports. I love how the two boys aren't afraid to show they care about each other and value their friendship. I also like how the author shows nuances of middle school dynamics, especially the different types of bullying, how kids react, if/how they tell an adult or other kids. The conflict and resolution with Byron might seem like a shortcut, but it makes the plot a little neater and helps keep the focus on Marco and Isaac, their friendship and their fathers.
I do wonder who will read this - I'd like to think fans of Tim Green, Mike Lupica, etc, could cross over to this, but the sports action doesn't show up until the climax. Fans of Gordon Korman and Jason Reynolds might be a better fit.
Could be a great read aloud or student book club. Chapters alternate between Isaac and Marco's point of view, many opportunities to take about perspective and different interpretations of the same situation (even when you really know the person).
I do wonder who will read this - I'd like to think fans of Tim Green, Mike Lupica, etc, could cross over to this, but the sports action doesn't show up until the climax. Fans of Gordon Korman and Jason Reynolds might be a better fit.
Could be a great read aloud or student book club. Chapters alternate between Isaac and Marco's point of view, many opportunities to take about perspective and different interpretations of the same situation (even when you really know the person).
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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
lighthearted
medium-paced
emotional
reflective
medium-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
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
fast-paced
I thought this book was going to be great but instead there was too much talk about pooping and the ending was just “too perfect”. This was not for me. I really thought I would love it.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A bit formulaic but lots of heart.
TW: alcoholism, anxiety and panic attacks, bullying, divorce, vomit
It was so refreshing to see two boys with such a strong healthy and full bond as these two; nothing but love and support. This is a book about healthy masculinity healing toxic masculinity.
It was so refreshing to see two boys with such a strong healthy and full bond as these two; nothing but love and support. This is a book about healthy masculinity healing toxic masculinity.