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flo_e's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
dino46's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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? Yes
3.5
starbeam_sundust's review
3.0
I am an adult so can't reflect on how this would be experienced by a young person.
I enjoyed this for the most part, and found the narrative really strong. Some of the poetry was absolutely beautiful and I enjoyed the fact that technology isnt black and white cast into the 'big bad' and the story doesn't fall into the trap of being moralistic. It's a sweet and at times nuanced examination of grief, loss and identity.
I think sometimes it was let down by the occasional simplistic/less refined poem that seemed to only be there to thread the narrative.
I enjoyed this for the most part, and found the narrative really strong. Some of the poetry was absolutely beautiful and I enjoyed the fact that technology isnt black and white cast into the 'big bad' and the story doesn't fall into the trap of being moralistic. It's a sweet and at times nuanced examination of grief, loss and identity.
I think sometimes it was let down by the occasional simplistic/less refined poem that seemed to only be there to thread the narrative.
natalies7's review
3.0
A clever book written in poems. I have never read anything like this before and I wasn’t sure at first but I was drawn in and loved the meaning behind the story. It had a Where the Wild things are feel to it.
moonysbirdsong's review
5.0
Not going to lie, I would never have picked this up if it wasn't on the carnegie shortlist. It's not the type of book I would normally pick up off the shelf(I know I judge books by their covers, I hate it too), but what I didn't expect is that I WOULD NOT be able to put it down. I just wanted more and more, the way it's written can be taken in many different ways, from whoever you are and however you can relate to it. It's reallu good and I thoroughly enjoyed. I now give my thanks to my school for doing carnegie because I would have never read it otherwise
hannahjane451's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Some of the poems had quite strong imagery and hard-hitting lines that made me want to reread them, whereas, others felt a bit kiddish and straight-forward. I liked the range in themes with the consistent underlying story (I think this was something that was done really well) and there were some pages towards the end that conveyed emotion and linked the book together very effectively. But, I felt it was a bit too slow to begin and a bit too quick to resolve.
nicktomjoe's review
5.0
Not so much a review as a reflection on language and image, myth and landscape here https://nicktomjoestory.news.blog/2020/09/13/becoming-a-tree/ but even so it was tricky to avoid spoilers.
mat_tobin's review
5.0
A verse novel by current Children's Laureate, Joseph Coelho, with illustrations by Kate Milner, takes readers on a poignant and surreal journey through grief and healing. Fourteen-year-old Daphne, grappling with the loss of her father, seeks solace in the library, where she immerses herself in books to avoid confronting her pain. However, when she loses her phone, which holds the last voicemail from her father, she embarks on a Wonderlandesque quest to retrieve it. Guided by a message to "follow the nuts," Daphne enters a bewildering forest of past memories, reminiscent of the Greek myth of Daphne who transformed into a tree to escape Apollo's pursuit.
Coelho's poetic adaptation seamlessly weaves the ancient legend with Daphne's modern-day tale, creating a narrative that is both accessible and powerful. Through verses dedicated to loss, grief, and the sanctuary of books, Coelho explores the depths of Daphne's emotions with tenderness and raw honesty. The language employed is both imaginative and relatable, effectively conveying challenging themes while maintaining an emotional maturity that resonates with readers of all ages.
Milner's dreamlike & scarred illustrations add an evocative layer to the story, capturing moments like the sudden din of removing earphones or the presence of the monstrous creature Hoc, who tries to keep Daphne lost in the forest. The illustrations embellish the mood and tension, complementing Coelho's poetic narrative.
Coelho's exploration of grief and transformation is masterfully executed, utilizing various poetic forms, perspectives, and literary conventions to engage readers and invite introspection. The book's varied tone, form, and viewpoint add depth and nuance to the narrative, making it suitable for emotionally mature readers across a wide range of ages. Coelho and Milner have crafted a work that is not only a homage to ancient myths but also a mirror reflecting the complexities of the human experience. Through the eyes of Daphne, readers are reminded of the importance of embracing emotions, confronting grief, and finding the strength to heal and grow.
Coelho's poetic adaptation seamlessly weaves the ancient legend with Daphne's modern-day tale, creating a narrative that is both accessible and powerful. Through verses dedicated to loss, grief, and the sanctuary of books, Coelho explores the depths of Daphne's emotions with tenderness and raw honesty. The language employed is both imaginative and relatable, effectively conveying challenging themes while maintaining an emotional maturity that resonates with readers of all ages.
Milner's dreamlike & scarred illustrations add an evocative layer to the story, capturing moments like the sudden din of removing earphones or the presence of the monstrous creature Hoc, who tries to keep Daphne lost in the forest. The illustrations embellish the mood and tension, complementing Coelho's poetic narrative.
Coelho's exploration of grief and transformation is masterfully executed, utilizing various poetic forms, perspectives, and literary conventions to engage readers and invite introspection. The book's varied tone, form, and viewpoint add depth and nuance to the narrative, making it suitable for emotionally mature readers across a wide range of ages. Coelho and Milner have crafted a work that is not only a homage to ancient myths but also a mirror reflecting the complexities of the human experience. Through the eyes of Daphne, readers are reminded of the importance of embracing emotions, confronting grief, and finding the strength to heal and grow.