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alboyer6's review against another edition
4.0
A fantastic novel in verse about a young teen finding himself and trying to find his father's approval. Quick read that is beautifully written.
emily_claire11's review against another edition
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
mariahistryingtoread's review against another edition
3.0
I read Garvey in the Dark late last year and was not particularly impressed. Garvey's Choice was a similar experience.
In the review I wrote for Garvey in the Dark, I mentioned books in verse are a hit or miss for me. I have since come around significantly to books in verse. Now having read quite a few, I feel more equipped to assess quality.
I find Garvey’s Choice to be rather middling compared to some of the very moving, introspective books in verse I’ve read (Starfish, Eb & Flow, Good Different to name a few.) Being written in verse does not have to equal underdeveloped. Unfortunately, Garvey’s Choice happens to be one that falls into that category.
I was only passively interested most of the time because Garvey joining the choir is the first and last major event. And I'm all for meandering slice of life stories (I really enjoyed Grimes’ other book Planet Middle School which is in a similar vein) but there needs to be more ‘life' happening. Too much of this story was the same day over and over again or Garvey reiterating the same themes over and over again.
I didn't like Garvey in the Dark all that much either, but I'd recommend it over this one purely because there is at least a kind of narrative progression to follow in that book. Garvey's Choice feels aimless.
In the review I wrote for Garvey in the Dark, I mentioned books in verse are a hit or miss for me. I have since come around significantly to books in verse. Now having read quite a few, I feel more equipped to assess quality.
I find Garvey’s Choice to be rather middling compared to some of the very moving, introspective books in verse I’ve read (Starfish, Eb & Flow, Good Different to name a few.) Being written in verse does not have to equal underdeveloped. Unfortunately, Garvey’s Choice happens to be one that falls into that category.
I was only passively interested most of the time because Garvey joining the choir is the first and last major event. And I'm all for meandering slice of life stories (I really enjoyed Grimes’ other book Planet Middle School which is in a similar vein) but there needs to be more ‘life' happening. Too much of this story was the same day over and over again or Garvey reiterating the same themes over and over again.
I didn't like Garvey in the Dark all that much either, but I'd recommend it over this one purely because there is at least a kind of narrative progression to follow in that book. Garvey's Choice feels aimless.
jwinchell's review against another edition
4.0
Love a concise novel. 108 tanka poems, so tight and lovely, each telling a mini story that connects into a wide ranging narrative about Garvey and his identity--music, friends, standing up to bullies, helping his father see who he is, being comfortable/challenging his size, staying true to himself. This is going on my winter book list for 6th best books of 2016.
chickchick22's review against another edition
2.0
Loved the poetry. Love Garvey. Don’t love the story. Sadly, there was no real climax or big problem that Garvey overcame; instead, it felt more like a compilation of small problems that occurred. Also, really? I felt like Garvey’s self-consciousness about his weight could’ve become a bigger thing. Because the ending, TBH, was far too sugar-coated. In the end, it was all “Fat kid is bullied. Fat kid has big dreams. Dad does not approve. Kid follows the dream. Dad approves now. Kid goes on diet. He is not fat anymore. The end.”
z_brarian's review against another edition
5.0
1st read of 2023! This wonderful graphic novel adaptation of @poetrynikki book Garvey’s Choice. A story of discovering yourself, not dictated by what others want while discovering a way to connect with others. This was beautifully illustrated, conveying Garvey’s frustration with his dad, his weight, bullying and how to overcome it all. Music and space were his escape. Best advice given by his best friend, “your voice is choice. You should let others hear it.” Not just his signing voice but his personal voice. This is one that will be added to my libary’s collection this year! (When the GN is added to GR, I will move this review over to that entry!)
katscribefever's review against another edition
4.0
What Garvey wants most is a way to connect and escape the isolation he feels from others his age and from his own family--well, from his dad.
This probably sounds all-too-familiar, which is why I feel this verse novel could be an excellent tool for reluctant readers. The language is simple and the story moves lightning-quick. Furthermore, this could be a remarkable opportunity to introduce readers to poetry different from the "strictly classics" content included in many school curricula. Most significant to me is that this simple little book tackles some pretty tough issues in a way that feels authentic and hopeful.
This probably sounds all-too-familiar, which is why I feel this verse novel could be an excellent tool for reluctant readers. The language is simple and the story moves lightning-quick. Furthermore, this could be a remarkable opportunity to introduce readers to poetry different from the "strictly classics" content included in many school curricula. Most significant to me is that this simple little book tackles some pretty tough issues in a way that feels authentic and hopeful.
sybrasays's review against another edition
4.0
A touching story told through poetry. A quick & easy ready. I'm going to buy it for my 4th grade class library!
christieb123's review against another edition
3.0
This book was good but not what I expected. I read it in less than an hour, as it is written in a type of free verse. The librarian thought my 9 yr old son would like it, but I'm not sure he's old enough to appreciate the writing or the themes. It seemed more a book to read and look back on what you may have experienced as a child than what you would currently be going through.