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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
I'm conflicted about this one. I enjoyed the family that Perry and his mom created, but I don't think I could give this to a kid whose parent is in jail. It paints a rosy picture, and so much of the story seemed implausible in a way that felt insulting to people who have to deal with the very real injustice in our justice system.
The story was good, but All Rise... was oddly written in present tense with short, choppy sentences.
I'm Perry Cook; I take things off walls.
Overall Starred Rating: 4.5/5
Cover- Yes! I felt like it really showed a huge part in the story without giving much detail or description. 5/5
Characters- Another yes! They seemed so relatable and realistic, I feel like I could totally imagine people in the real world exactly like the characters in this book! 5/5
Plot- This was where there were a bit of loopholes, like in Jessica's case file. *SPOILER!* First of all, why did Brian even decide to start befriending Zoey and Perry in the first place? I felt like that needed quite a bit more description, like in other areas as well. 4/5
Structure *BONUS!*- I loved how most parts of the book is told in Perry's perspective, but I did find some things confusing. As you know, how Leslie labels that chapters that are told by Jessica, is that she names the chapter, Jessica. However, there is one chapter in Perry's perspective called 'Brian', who happens to be another character in the story. I got really confused, like, did Leslie Connor suddenly decide in the middle of the book to introduce a new perspective? 4/5
Scars?- OOO yes definitely, was also just plain beautifully written inspirational.
I loved the strong voice in this novel and Perry is certainly a unique character. He's wise beyond his years, but it's fitting for someone with such an unusual upbringing. I felt like the book was maybe a little too long for its story - it slowed down for me at the end - but not enough to keep me from finishing it.
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I know this book is aimed at middle school and early high school readers, but my goodness what an amazing story!
Perry was raised in a minimum security correctional facility where he was fostered by the warden and raised by his mom. That setting alone had me needing to read this!
This book is full of empathy, wisdom, and optimism. The characters have such development, each with painful and frustrating flaws. The flaws made them so real, and I felt myself connecting to them throughout the book. I laughed and also sobbed following Perry’s journey to discover what honor and loyalty are in a person, and what that means to him at such a young age. Surprised how much I loved this book!
Perry was raised in a minimum security correctional facility where he was fostered by the warden and raised by his mom. That setting alone had me needing to read this!
This book is full of empathy, wisdom, and optimism. The characters have such development, each with painful and frustrating flaws. The flaws made them so real, and I felt myself connecting to them throughout the book. I laughed and also sobbed following Perry’s journey to discover what honor and loyalty are in a person, and what that means to him at such a young age. Surprised how much I loved this book!
I liked this book. Perry is a very likable character and even Zoey. The reason for the somewhat lackluster rating is that I felt it dragged in the middle and should have been more tightly edited. Quite a few times, I just wanted to jump to the ending and finish it. I didn't, but I was very tempted.
LOVED. Such an unusual premise - child raised at a prison while his mom is incarcerated. Some people think Perry needs to be saved, but Perry knows who he is and where he belongs. This was excellent!
Now THIS was the sort of middle-grade novel I've been hoping to read this summer.
As is so often the case, some loose ends tied up a little too neatly at the end, but this novel's setting, situation, and characters were so creative and so compelling that I was quite willing to forgive. (I also forgave the mildly unrealistic premise.) Leslie Connor's use of detail and understatement is masterful, and while a few situations were oversimplified, others were wonderfully nuanced. I'll be thinking about Perry for a while.
As is so often the case, some loose ends tied up a little too neatly at the end, but this novel's setting, situation, and characters were so creative and so compelling that I was quite willing to forgive. (I also forgave the mildly unrealistic premise.) Leslie Connor's use of detail and understatement is masterful, and while a few situations were oversimplified, others were wonderfully nuanced. I'll be thinking about Perry for a while.