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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
Just as good as the first time reading it. I cried happy tears at the end.
Beautiful, uplifting story with a sweet, likeable main character and a cast of wonderful supporting characters. The main "villain" had me furious, even though his intentions were good. I have a problem with the way the issue of the main character's father was handled - mainly how it never came up at all, which is a little unbelievable. But it's hard to complain when the book left me smiling for days.
I don't think I have read any books about young people dealing with the incarceration of a parent, but it's definitely a topic that needs to be tackled. Connor manages to infuse the story with humor, despite some serious issues the main character faces. This book will stay with me for a long time.
A refreshing voice and interesting perspective that will definitely draw students in. I think it could have done without the alternating perspective of Perry's mom, as few kids are all that interested in an adult's struggle and blossoming relationship with an inmate. Overall, I loved Perry and loved the weaving of all the plot lines.
So adorable and amazing to read about a brave boy like Perry! I also liked that this book taught so much about what a prisoner's life is like. It reminded me to always always look for the good in people and to give second chances.
(Nominated for the North Carolina Children's Book Award)
I loved this peek into low-security prison life, those serving time and their families, and how some cases aren't cut-and-dried.
When I finished, I thought, "I'm glad I read that book."
I loved this peek into low-security prison life, those serving time and their families, and how some cases aren't cut-and-dried.
When I finished, I thought, "I'm glad I read that book."
Perry T. Cook loves Blue River. He wakes everyone up with his morning "all rise" announcements, he goes to school, and then returns in the evening. Blue River is home to him and his mother. Blue River is also a prison. Perry's life has always been normal to him though, and he shares all that he loves about it to his best friend at school, Zoey Samuels. Soon, however, Perry's happy life is completely uprooted when he is taken from Blue River and placed in foster care. After that, Perry is determined to not only get back to his mother at Blue River, but to also make sure she makes parole so he can be with her for good.
Leslie Connor's story is a remarkable one. She creates memorable characters like Big Ed, Jessica, and other inmates that help the reader understand why Blue River is so special to Perry. I'm looking forward to reading more by Leslie Connor.
Leslie Connor's story is a remarkable one. She creates memorable characters like Big Ed, Jessica, and other inmates that help the reader understand why Blue River is so special to Perry. I'm looking forward to reading more by Leslie Connor.
A really heartwarming, well-developed story about a boy raised with his Mom in prison. Very cute and yet it never downplays real emotions. It also never gets too intense for middle school readers which I liked. (It very easily might have) A really solid read! Thank you, Ginnie!
It took me a little while to feel invested in this book, but then the plot and the characters really did steal my heart. This is a book written at a middle-grade reading level because of being told from the perspective of a 10-year-old, but the issues that are discussed in the plot are valuable to all ages.