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nklosty's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
kawarwick's review against another edition
4.0
Good story that hit some hard topics: bullies, poverty, drinking and abuse.
lovegirl30's review against another edition
4.0
Review Previously Posted on The Young Girl Who Loved Books
This book covers some tough topics such as alcoholism and parental abuse of a child. These things are tough topics that might trigger or upset young readers. I would suggest a trigger warning to be added to this book.
This book was extremely hard for me to read. I have experienced many of the things this story dealt with. I have felt all the emotions and shame that these kids feel. I really enjoyed that something like this is coming out now. I wish this book would have been around when I was a child.
There are so many tough issues dealt with this book. The mother of Maverick is an alcoholic, who is living in poverty. The house is neglected as much as the boy is. There is bullying involved. Another student is also being physically abused by his father. These issues are dealt with in a kind and humorous way. The moral of this story is to be kind to everyone because you never know what the other person is struggling with. This is something everyone needs to be reminded of at times.
The only downside I can see about this book is mainly about how the physical abuse by the parent is never resolved. It is witnessed by others, and no one does anything. As a child that has been abused, this is not an okay thing for children to read. A child should be encouraged to report abuse. The story should have involved having the physical abuse of the child resolved and reported.
Don't let the page count scare you away from this book for your child. The font is quite large and the pace is quick enough that your child will enjoy reading this book!
Disclaimer: Special thanks to the publisher for sending me an arc.
This book covers some tough topics such as alcoholism and parental abuse of a child. These things are tough topics that might trigger or upset young readers. I would suggest a trigger warning to be added to this book.
This book was extremely hard for me to read. I have experienced many of the things this story dealt with. I have felt all the emotions and shame that these kids feel. I really enjoyed that something like this is coming out now. I wish this book would have been around when I was a child.
There are so many tough issues dealt with this book. The mother of Maverick is an alcoholic, who is living in poverty. The house is neglected as much as the boy is. There is bullying involved. Another student is also being physically abused by his father. These issues are dealt with in a kind and humorous way. The moral of this story is to be kind to everyone because you never know what the other person is struggling with. This is something everyone needs to be reminded of at times.
The only downside I can see about this book is mainly about how the physical abuse by the parent is never resolved. It is witnessed by others, and no one does anything. As a child that has been abused, this is not an okay thing for children to read. A child should be encouraged to report abuse. The story should have involved having the physical abuse of the child resolved and reported.
Don't let the page count scare you away from this book for your child. The font is quite large and the pace is quick enough that your child will enjoy reading this book!
Disclaimer: Special thanks to the publisher for sending me an arc.
sfearn's review against another edition
3.0
While I loved the underlying message of the book, I would never willingly put it in the hands of a sixth grader. While this story is all too common for kids these days, I feel that the abuse in the book is, while not condoned, treated in a rather blasé manner. I’m sure that wasn’t the intention, but I still feel that the story is too harsh for your average eleven year old who (thankfully) has not encountered abuse or neglect. For adults though, the story rugs on the heart strings while providing a redemptive ending.
sab_reads14's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Addiction and Physical abuse
jbrooxd's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. SO good. This is not the story I was expecting. When I started to get far enough into Maverick's story to understand his family situation, I wasn't sure I would enjoy this. But Maverick is a fantastic character. And I loved reading through his journey. Friendship, family, bullying, and standing up for the little guy - especially if the little guy is you. Great story!
jennybeastie's review against another edition
4.0
Solid book with big heart -- Maverick's desire to be the hero he imagines has hilarious (and painful) consequences. Love the terrifying school staff (The Bee and The Bird). Love that Maverick's difficult home life improves. Short, fast-paced, great.
sarahrusty's review against another edition
4.0
Jordan handled the tough topics of parent alcoholism and domestic violence incredibly well! This is a much needed book for children who are going through the same things.
teenlibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Quick read with endearing main character and supporting characters. Starts off establishing Maverick's sad home life but Somnenblick uses this book to show his persistent attempts to be a hero and do the right thing.
wordnerd153's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! What an important book to get into the hands of kids and educators. The topics of abuse and poverty are handled realistically and the characters are authentic.