Reviews

The Little Wave by Pip Harry

bridiebeatson's review

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adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad medium-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? Yes

4.0

This book is so good. Read for school but stayed for Noah and Lottie 

cec_loves_to_read_books's review

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4.0

I’m so, so late to the party on this one (it won the CBCA Younger Readers Book of The Year awards in 2020)! But that’s what I love about books whether you read them as a new release or down the track if they’re good, they’re good and this one is great!

It’s no secret I have a massive soft spot for verse novels and especially those written for middle grade readers. I think the format lends itself to exploring complex issues in subtle and relatable ways without overwhelming kids.

The Little Wave by Pip Harry is a shining example of the best kind of Aussie verse novel - a cracking story, three loveable main characters, painful problems dealt with compassion…the list goes on.

Just read it and you’ll see what I mean. Share with all the middle grade readers in your life too. Books like this need to be seen and read, far and wide.

rainbowobsidian's review

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4.0

Read w Leo 

lawbooks600's review

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4.0

7/10, this was another good novel, at least it was better than Ask Me How I Got Here, by Christine Heppermann, that was terrible, and I'm glad I read this book. The three main characters, Lottie, Jack, and Noah, were interesting in their own ways, and overcame their personal struggles, which I liked. The story was disconnected at first, but it got pieced together in the end, when some of the main characters wrote letters to one another, as part of a school assignment or something. The end of the book was satisfying, since the three main characters all went to Manly beach, this was the first time for one character, and I got to see all three characters meet each other in person. If you like a feel-good verse novel with character development, this is the book for you.

e11en's review

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emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.25


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bookish_brooklyn's review

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5.0

RTC :)

jaynecm's review

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5.0

Note: 4.5 stars

This is suitable for younger middle grade readers - the main characters are in Grade 5 in Australian primary school, so about 10-11 years old.

The story is about two grade 5 classes, on in Manly, Sydney, living near the beach and the other in an inland country town five hours drive from Sydney. A visit is planned so the country kids can experience the beach.

It is told from three POVs - Noah and Lottie from the Manly school, and Jack from the country school. Each have their own issues to deal with and this book covers these issues sensitively and in an age appropriate way. I think this would be the perfect book for children dealing with such issues.

Noah is dealing with a bully - the difficulty is that the bully is actually his best friend and cannot see that his behaviour is upsetting Noah.

Lottie's mother has died and her father is coping by mainly staying at home and hoarding junk.

Jack's mother is dealing with alcohol and money issues and Jack is often left to care for his younger sister.

These are all issues that children may bottle up inside and not feel capable of coping with or discussing with the adults in their lives.

The book is written in free verse which also makes it very quick and easy to read. This makes it perfect for more reluctant readers as there are less words on the page and they are more spread out, which looks much less daunting.

susannahb3's review

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5.0

Beautiful, hopeful storytelling for young readers

paperrings23's review

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0