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therainbowshelf's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
This novel in verse follows a boy who's dad is a popular football player. We get to see the fun, loving moments his family shares, his friendships, and overall carefree life. Then we get to watch everything in his world change. His father's concussions catch up with him in the form of a cognitive degenerative disease. Not an easy read, but really well crafted and quite important. The end memo addresses the toll sports take on black communities.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, Dementia, Grief, and Mental illness
chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)brookey8888's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Such an important middle(?) grade about a boy dealing with his father developing CTE. I really liked that this was written in verse. This honestly made me emotional because it’s just a horrible thing. I really loved how ZJ has a group of friends that are there for him and he for them. I do wish this was a little longer to really get to know ZJ’s family more and have a bit more about Zachariah(the dad) and going a little deeper into CTE, but it’s for a younger audience so it makes sense.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
betweentheshelves's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Once again, perfection from Jacqueline Woodson. This is a short novel in verse, but it still packs a punch. ZJ has to watch as his father, a pro football player, slowly looses his memory and it is absolutely heartbreaking. Woodson's verse is beautiful as always, portraying the emotions ZJ feels throughout and everything that's happening to him and his family. The way his friends are changing, the way they're still there for him in difficult times. A gorgeous book all around.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia and Mental illness
reevins's review
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia and Mental illness
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