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megpancoast's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
This is a sweet coming-of-age story. Eight-to-twelve year olds who love animals and/or gymnastics will especially enjoy Josie's story of trying to raise a pig in a city townhouse.
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City was all kinds of cute. It definitely gave me 'Babe' vibes and I was all for it. In this, you will meet Josie. Now she lives in a very cramped house in the city. Well, until things get really cramped the day her brother brings home a piglet. Of course, everything thinks she's adorable. Well, almost everyone.
Then they think of the cutest name ever: Hamlet. Seriously it was adorable, and I had a feeling that things were just going to continue being that way. Josie and Hamlet had a serious connection. She would do anything for that little pig. It just hurts that her dad really wants to find the pig a home. Any home really.
Hamlet does the unthinkable and worms her way into all of their hearts. I mean, how could you not fall in love with that little cutie? Just when you think things are all happy the world takes a turn on them. Pigs apparently can't live in the city and that just about broke Josie's heart. So, now they have to find her a forever home which is a lot harder than you think.
In the end, this was all kinds of cute. I'm so happy that I found this book and can't wait for the next one in this series.
Then they think of the cutest name ever: Hamlet. Seriously it was adorable, and I had a feeling that things were just going to continue being that way. Josie and Hamlet had a serious connection. She would do anything for that little pig. It just hurts that her dad really wants to find the pig a home. Any home really.
Hamlet does the unthinkable and worms her way into all of their hearts. I mean, how could you not fall in love with that little cutie? Just when you think things are all happy the world takes a turn on them. Pigs apparently can't live in the city and that just about broke Josie's heart. So, now they have to find her a forever home which is a lot harder than you think.
In the end, this was all kinds of cute. I'm so happy that I found this book and can't wait for the next one in this series.
geo_curler's review against another edition
5.0
How can you not like a different take on Charlotte's Web with completely new, likable characters that grab you from the first page. Here is a book about a different runt pig named Hamlet that is taken in by a large family. In between the father's dislike of the pig along with many amazing side characters keeps this story moving from start to finish. Want another story of a pig in need? Look no further than this.
amelia_herring's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't expect this book to be so heart wrenching, and at times I wasn't sure how everything would be resolved. In the end, I'm really glad that Kendall didn't go for an easy, pat ending and instead was reasonable with the kind of resolution this situation called for.
smlundberg's review against another edition
I like the book I like so much because one of the is named Josie and that's my name and the pig in the book is so cute. But I don't like how long the chapters are. But ever thing I love and I like baby pigs a so much!
mindfullibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Adorable and appropriate for a wide-ranging middle grade audience, this book will be sure to delight readers, especially animal lovers.
Thanks to the author for sharing a copy of this book with #kidlitexchange for review purposes.
This is another one that falls into the "huggable" category for me. The family, the PIG, Josie herself - they are all delightful and make this a hands-down feel-good middle grade read. The city setting is NOT NYC, which is a nice change for those of us and our students who live in middle America - I sometimes worry that my students will think the only city worth writing about is NYC! Josie's family is realistic and lovable and their money troubles will be so relatable for readers (and the adults in their lives!). Also relatable will be Josie's anxiety about gymnastics and her ever-increasing height. She goes through a very common "finding herself" journey as she strives to fit her new interests into her life and meld them with her old ones. Pet lovers will rejoice in Josie's absolute devotion to Hamlet and keeping him safe.
As a school librarian, I recommend this for grades 3 -7 as a read aloud and grades 4/5 and up for independent reading. It's 100% appropriate for even younger students, but the reading level might be too difficult. There is a Christmas timeline and theme, but Kendall includes mention of Hanukkah as well in reference to one of Josie's friends, which is a welcome reminder that Christianity is not the only religion and Christmas is not universal.
Highly recommended for school libraries and classrooms, as as a home purchase for any kids who can't get enough of Charlotte's Web, pets, and/or gymnastics. Also a great one for kids in a large family.
Thanks to the author for sharing a copy of this book with #kidlitexchange for review purposes.
This is another one that falls into the "huggable" category for me. The family, the PIG, Josie herself - they are all delightful and make this a hands-down feel-good middle grade read. The city setting is NOT NYC, which is a nice change for those of us and our students who live in middle America - I sometimes worry that my students will think the only city worth writing about is NYC! Josie's family is realistic and lovable and their money troubles will be so relatable for readers (and the adults in their lives!). Also relatable will be Josie's anxiety about gymnastics and her ever-increasing height. She goes through a very common "finding herself" journey as she strives to fit her new interests into her life and meld them with her old ones. Pet lovers will rejoice in Josie's absolute devotion to Hamlet and keeping him safe.
As a school librarian, I recommend this for grades 3 -7 as a read aloud and grades 4/5 and up for independent reading. It's 100% appropriate for even younger students, but the reading level might be too difficult. There is a Christmas timeline and theme, but Kendall includes mention of Hanukkah as well in reference to one of Josie's friends, which is a welcome reminder that Christianity is not the only religion and Christmas is not universal.
Highly recommended for school libraries and classrooms, as as a home purchase for any kids who can't get enough of Charlotte's Web, pets, and/or gymnastics. Also a great one for kids in a large family.
tracybabler's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to the Kid Lit Exchange for a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Why am I crying about a pig? Why am I crying about a happy story about a pig? These are the questions I asked myself while thoroughly enjoying THE UNLIKELY STORY OF A PIG IN THE CITY by author Jodi Kendall.
The protagonist, Josie, is a 12-year-old gymnast going through a tough time. She’s getting too tall for her sport, her house is jam-packed, and she feels lost in a sea of siblings. When her brother Tom comes home with a pig one day (long story), Josie is smitten. The one problem: her parents say Hamlet has to be out of the house by New Year’s Day. With just six weeks to go, will Josie find a home for Hamlet? Or is he destined for a pig farm, where Josie fears his time will be limited?
THE UNLIKELY STORY OF A PIG IN THE CITY is such a well crafted middle grade novel. Josie has plenty of middle school angst (Am I too tall? Will I have enough money? Do I like that boy?), but it never feels manufactured to create conflict to advance the story line.
I fell in love with Hamlet, and with Josie’s friends who band together to save his life. I’m always thrilled to find a middle grade novel where there are no bullies or mean kids, and this is a new one to add to the list.
Josie’s family is equally lovable. The fight, they let one another down, but they’re there for one another when it matters.
If you’re looking for a new feel-good read-aloud, I highly recommend this book!
Why am I crying about a pig? Why am I crying about a happy story about a pig? These are the questions I asked myself while thoroughly enjoying THE UNLIKELY STORY OF A PIG IN THE CITY by author Jodi Kendall.
The protagonist, Josie, is a 12-year-old gymnast going through a tough time. She’s getting too tall for her sport, her house is jam-packed, and she feels lost in a sea of siblings. When her brother Tom comes home with a pig one day (long story), Josie is smitten. The one problem: her parents say Hamlet has to be out of the house by New Year’s Day. With just six weeks to go, will Josie find a home for Hamlet? Or is he destined for a pig farm, where Josie fears his time will be limited?
THE UNLIKELY STORY OF A PIG IN THE CITY is such a well crafted middle grade novel. Josie has plenty of middle school angst (Am I too tall? Will I have enough money? Do I like that boy?), but it never feels manufactured to create conflict to advance the story line.
I fell in love with Hamlet, and with Josie’s friends who band together to save his life. I’m always thrilled to find a middle grade novel where there are no bullies or mean kids, and this is a new one to add to the list.
Josie’s family is equally lovable. The fight, they let one another down, but they’re there for one another when it matters.
If you’re looking for a new feel-good read-aloud, I highly recommend this book!
heidimrogers's review against another edition
4.0
Cute story about putting someone (or some pig's) needs before your own wants.