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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.
nsusdorf's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful collection of poems that tell the story of a boy learning to accept who he is and yearns for his dads love.
thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
“Choose the name you answer to. No one can do that but you.”
Angela withers. “I’m sorry, Garvey. I was just teasing.”
“Yeah, so why am I bleeding?”
Pow! Maybe she gets it now.
“Shine your light. No one will care what size candle will hold the flame.”
These are just some quotes that stuck out at me when I read Garvey’s Choice. It’s powerful. It’s important. It takes bullying to a new level without ever saying the actual word “bullying”. It delves into a troubling relationship between father and son. Lastly, it will help kids see that they are important and should be proud of who and what they are. I loved it and think students will relate to it on many levels.
Angela withers. “I’m sorry, Garvey. I was just teasing.”
“Yeah, so why am I bleeding?”
Pow! Maybe she gets it now.
“Shine your light. No one will care what size candle will hold the flame.”
These are just some quotes that stuck out at me when I read Garvey’s Choice. It’s powerful. It’s important. It takes bullying to a new level without ever saying the actual word “bullying”. It delves into a troubling relationship between father and son. Lastly, it will help kids see that they are important and should be proud of who and what they are. I loved it and think students will relate to it on many levels.
lizaroo71's review against another edition
3.0
This is written in an ancient poetry form called Tanka that originates in Japan.
I give the author credit for sticking to the arduous pattern of:
Line 1 - 5 syllables
Line 2 - 7 syllables
Line 3 - 5 syllables
Line 4 - 7 syllables
Line 5 - 7 syllables
That isn't easy to pull off and she does so effortlessly.
The story is about Garvey who is a young man in high school that is trying to find his place. He has a strained relationship with his father who values athleticism over Garvey's love of reading and looking at the stars.
As Garvey gets older, he finds solace in food and this becomes the cause of him being overweight and the object of derision. Garvey begins to find a safe place when he decides to join choir. This also becomes a bridge to building common ground with his father.
This is an easy read, but I felt pulled in a lot of directions. The initial focus seems to be Garvey's love of chess and his interest in books and outer space, but then that takes a back seat to the weight issues he has and whether he would like to join choir.
I would recommend reading this one for the conciseness of the form. My favorite line: "Choose the name you answer to. No one can do that but you."
I give the author credit for sticking to the arduous pattern of:
Line 1 - 5 syllables
Line 2 - 7 syllables
Line 3 - 5 syllables
Line 4 - 7 syllables
Line 5 - 7 syllables
That isn't easy to pull off and she does so effortlessly.
The story is about Garvey who is a young man in high school that is trying to find his place. He has a strained relationship with his father who values athleticism over Garvey's love of reading and looking at the stars.
As Garvey gets older, he finds solace in food and this becomes the cause of him being overweight and the object of derision. Garvey begins to find a safe place when he decides to join choir. This also becomes a bridge to building common ground with his father.
This is an easy read, but I felt pulled in a lot of directions. The initial focus seems to be Garvey's love of chess and his interest in books and outer space, but then that takes a back seat to the weight issues he has and whether he would like to join choir.
I would recommend reading this one for the conciseness of the form. My favorite line: "Choose the name you answer to. No one can do that but you."
rdyourbookcase's review against another edition
4.0
I think the most interesting aspect of Garvey’s Choice was the poetry form. Not being an expert or having a particular interest in poetry, I was slightly unimpressed. I appreciated that it was short, and I think that reluctant readers will like it for that reason. The family dynamics were interesting and seeing Garvey grow so quickly were heartwarming, also. Overall, it was pretty good.
shinesalot's review against another edition
5.0
I love books in verse and this one is no exception. Garvey lives in the shadow of his dad's disappointment until he is encouraged by a friend to join the school choir.