andreareads's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
ciaralo's review against another edition
3.0
Cute and fun, this family was heart-warming. Will definitely be checking out book two!
littleelfman's review against another edition
4.0
What fun! This made me think of the kind of 'other kids than me living their lives' adventure that I would have loved as a kid! As an adult I was mildly distressed by all the TERRIBLE parents. But that's all part of life for some.
yapha's review against another edition
3.0
Kim, Kimo, Pippa, and Toby are more or less siblings (ages 11 to 5) who live in a car on a tropical island. Between them they share four parents -- two mothers and two fathers. The fathers have disappeared and the mothers give them money from time to time. It is better for the four of them to depend on each other than the terrible parents in their lives. And they do seem to manage quite well. They eat breakfast, go to school, do their laundry, and remember to wash their hands. Still, it would be really nice to have a house. Especially now that they are beginning to outgrow their little green car. Children ages 10 and up will enjoy this book and envy the freedom of the Fitzgerald-Trouts.
ARC provided by publisher
ARC provided by publisher
catzngoenz's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
zoes_human's review against another edition
4.0
Look Out for the Fitzgerald-Trouts is a fun and quirky middle-grade adventure following four homeless and unsupervised children in a non-traditional family. It's a playful spin on an old genre. While the humor is appropriate for the age group, there are still some good laughs to be found for adults who might find themselves reading aloud. It manages to blend in some great lessons while still remaining relatable to a variety of children.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway. Many thanks to all involved in providing me with this opportunity. I also thank them on behalf of my local Literacy Council to whom I donate the children's books I win.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway. Many thanks to all involved in providing me with this opportunity. I also thank them on behalf of my local Literacy Council to whom I donate the children's books I win.
acej8's review against another edition
4.0
I receive this as a giveaway from Goodreads, in exchange for fair review.
To start off with, I absolutely love the look and feel of this book. Complete with a blue font lettering and hued illustrations. I read this book and less than 24 hours, probably the quickest 200+ page read for me this year thus far. I have since imparted the gift of literacy, and given the book away to extended family.
The Fitzgerald-Trouts is in many ways a unique book, as well as an amalgam of others. First off Spalding's writing style/technique is very similar to that of Lemony Snicket's in the Series of Unfortunate Events. She refers to herself a lot while also writing about a group of misfortunate siblings. Essentially the main protagonists consists of Kim and Kimo, a twin sister and brother respectively and their young siblings Pippa and Toby. They're more step siblings than real full blooded ones, sharing four different parents among them. All four of them are living together in a green car in a beach parking lot having been abandoned by their parents. They rarely see them, and when they do it is to collect some money or other resources. They take it upon themselves to survive. Meaning, getting to school, washing their clothes, finding a house, etcetera. Along the way they hit some snags and innovate success in their own young minded ways.
The story was really reminiscent of Lewis Sacher's "Holes", and "The Boxcar Children Series" by Gertrude Chandler Warner. It reminded me of a sense of nostalgia for my younger grade school years. The Island theme was an awesome addition to the story. My only caveats were some fanatical situations the siblings find themselves in. That being said the theme of the story is that you may find your self in tough situations, and bad things may happen to you, but you have the power to move on, and left yourself above the fray with collaboration, and positive thinking/actions. Another great addition to the middle grade fiction genre.
To start off with, I absolutely love the look and feel of this book. Complete with a blue font lettering and hued illustrations. I read this book and less than 24 hours, probably the quickest 200+ page read for me this year thus far. I have since imparted the gift of literacy, and given the book away to extended family.
The Fitzgerald-Trouts is in many ways a unique book, as well as an amalgam of others. First off Spalding's writing style/technique is very similar to that of Lemony Snicket's in the Series of Unfortunate Events. She refers to herself a lot while also writing about a group of misfortunate siblings. Essentially the main protagonists consists of Kim and Kimo, a twin sister and brother respectively and their young siblings Pippa and Toby. They're more step siblings than real full blooded ones, sharing four different parents among them. All four of them are living together in a green car in a beach parking lot having been abandoned by their parents. They rarely see them, and when they do it is to collect some money or other resources. They take it upon themselves to survive. Meaning, getting to school, washing their clothes, finding a house, etcetera. Along the way they hit some snags and innovate success in their own young minded ways.
The story was really reminiscent of Lewis Sacher's "Holes", and "The Boxcar Children Series" by Gertrude Chandler Warner. It reminded me of a sense of nostalgia for my younger grade school years. The Island theme was an awesome addition to the story. My only caveats were some fanatical situations the siblings find themselves in. That being said the theme of the story is that you may find your self in tough situations, and bad things may happen to you, but you have the power to move on, and left yourself above the fray with collaboration, and positive thinking/actions. Another great addition to the middle grade fiction genre.
jelyfi's review against another edition
3.0
Similar to the Boxcar Children, but slightly more disturbing in the lack of parenting.
jilljemmett's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a fun story. I started to read the latest book in this series, but I couldn’t understand it because of the complicated relationships. I’m so glad that I went back to the beginning of the series, because it is a great introduction to the characters.
This story reminded me of A Series of Unfortunate Events. The Fitzgerald-Trout children live on their own, without their parents. The narrator is also a character in the same way as Lemony Snicket. However, the Fitzgerald-Trouts are not running away from a villain like Count Olaf.
I loved the unconventional family of the Fitzgerald-Trouts. All of the kids think of themselves as brothers and sisters, even though they aren’t all related. They have a mixture of four different parents, with some sharing a mother while others share a father. This family is complicated in an exaggerated way, but it is important to have these kinds of unconventional family structures in novels, especially kids books. Kids who read this story may see their own family reflected in some part of this family.
I loved this story! I’m excited to read the rest of the series!
This story reminded me of A Series of Unfortunate Events. The Fitzgerald-Trout children live on their own, without their parents. The narrator is also a character in the same way as Lemony Snicket. However, the Fitzgerald-Trouts are not running away from a villain like Count Olaf.
I loved the unconventional family of the Fitzgerald-Trouts. All of the kids think of themselves as brothers and sisters, even though they aren’t all related. They have a mixture of four different parents, with some sharing a mother while others share a father. This family is complicated in an exaggerated way, but it is important to have these kinds of unconventional family structures in novels, especially kids books. Kids who read this story may see their own family reflected in some part of this family.
I loved this story! I’m excited to read the rest of the series!
missdalope's review against another edition
4.0
(Actual rating is 4.5/5)
The Fitzgerald-Trouts are four loosely related children with two different mothers and two different fathers. Their family tree will have you wanting to draw a diagram to try to figure out and understand just how these children are related. Not only is their family tree complicated, their situation as a whole is even more mind boggling. Set in a lush tropical island, the Fitzgerald-Trouts were abandoned by all four parents to mostly fend for their own selves with only a car to call their “home.” Throughout the entire book, we follow the four Fitzgerald-Trout children go about their daily lives—from hanging out at the laundromat where they can watch T.V. to going to school where the classrooms are without walls or a roof—and their search for a house to finally call their proper home.
Right away in the very first chapter, we are smoothly introduced to each children: Kim, Kimo, Pippa and Toby. The readers are given an idea of what to expect from each character, personality-wise. Esta Spalding wastes no time bringing these main characters to life and that to me was something worth noting. Another impressive thing that made my reading experience enjoyable is how well Spalding introduced the fictional island. Aside from the brief map provided in the beginning of the book, I think Spalding painted an imagery of the island very beautifully, so much so that the island seemed to come to life as I read on.
While the Fitzgerald-Trouts’ story is very unique and unlike anything I’ve read about before, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the Baudelaire children (from A Series of Unfortunate Events). You can imagine it was no surprise to me when I found out that Lemony Snicket (the author of A Series of Unfortunate Events) actually has a little praise at the back cover of the book. Thinking about how unfortunate and heartbreaking the Fitzgerald-Trouts situation was brought me back to the days I read about the Baudelaire children and feeling absolutely sorry for them. It was difficult to not want the best for each children and for all of them to come out on top of all the tribulations they are faced with. With that being said, if you’re someone who grew up reading about the Baudelaire children (or someone who didn’t get to know them until their adulthood, like myself), then I guarantee you will appreciate this book just as much.
Despite this being a middle-grade book, I believe this would suit any adult reader. In an odd way, this book was actually very refreshing, humbling, and eye-opening. As I read on about the Fitzgerald-Trouts, I couldn’t help but think about the things I take for granted sometimes and the simple things that are often dismissed but actually lead to genuine happiness—like a roof over my head and a bed to sleep and dream in at the end of each day.
If you give the Fitzgerald-Trouts a chance, I can promise you that they will easily wiggle their ways into your heart and leave a tiny but significant mark. You will find yourself constantly rooting for these children and wanting the best for them. Like myself, you would probably end up wanting to take them into your own arms, shower them with love, tell them everything will be alright, and give them all that they have been neglected of. Not only will you feel humbled when you’ve put this book down, you will also be reminded to be kind and generous to those you meet (especially children), because a little kindness goes a long way, and an even longer way to those who are less fortunate.
The Fitzgerald-Trouts are four loosely related children with two different mothers and two different fathers. Their family tree will have you wanting to draw a diagram to try to figure out and understand just how these children are related. Not only is their family tree complicated, their situation as a whole is even more mind boggling. Set in a lush tropical island, the Fitzgerald-Trouts were abandoned by all four parents to mostly fend for their own selves with only a car to call their “home.” Throughout the entire book, we follow the four Fitzgerald-Trout children go about their daily lives—from hanging out at the laundromat where they can watch T.V. to going to school where the classrooms are without walls or a roof—and their search for a house to finally call their proper home.
Right away in the very first chapter, we are smoothly introduced to each children: Kim, Kimo, Pippa and Toby. The readers are given an idea of what to expect from each character, personality-wise. Esta Spalding wastes no time bringing these main characters to life and that to me was something worth noting. Another impressive thing that made my reading experience enjoyable is how well Spalding introduced the fictional island. Aside from the brief map provided in the beginning of the book, I think Spalding painted an imagery of the island very beautifully, so much so that the island seemed to come to life as I read on.
While the Fitzgerald-Trouts’ story is very unique and unlike anything I’ve read about before, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the Baudelaire children (from A Series of Unfortunate Events). You can imagine it was no surprise to me when I found out that Lemony Snicket (the author of A Series of Unfortunate Events) actually has a little praise at the back cover of the book. Thinking about how unfortunate and heartbreaking the Fitzgerald-Trouts situation was brought me back to the days I read about the Baudelaire children and feeling absolutely sorry for them. It was difficult to not want the best for each children and for all of them to come out on top of all the tribulations they are faced with. With that being said, if you’re someone who grew up reading about the Baudelaire children (or someone who didn’t get to know them until their adulthood, like myself), then I guarantee you will appreciate this book just as much.
Despite this being a middle-grade book, I believe this would suit any adult reader. In an odd way, this book was actually very refreshing, humbling, and eye-opening. As I read on about the Fitzgerald-Trouts, I couldn’t help but think about the things I take for granted sometimes and the simple things that are often dismissed but actually lead to genuine happiness—like a roof over my head and a bed to sleep and dream in at the end of each day.
If you give the Fitzgerald-Trouts a chance, I can promise you that they will easily wiggle their ways into your heart and leave a tiny but significant mark. You will find yourself constantly rooting for these children and wanting the best for them. Like myself, you would probably end up wanting to take them into your own arms, shower them with love, tell them everything will be alright, and give them all that they have been neglected of. Not only will you feel humbled when you’ve put this book down, you will also be reminded to be kind and generous to those you meet (especially children), because a little kindness goes a long way, and an even longer way to those who are less fortunate.