Reviews

My Storied Year by Katie Proctor

literallyreadingmor's review against another edition

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5.0

Thank you to Katie and her publishing team for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review; but also, thank you for writing this book!

I will say, this book was nothing like my seventh grade year - but I wish it was! There’s a library in the classroom, amazing teachers and principals, and many many professionals who know how to look out for a kid. There was also a ton of creative writing time, which I always wish I was given more of in school.

Dragon has dyslexia, and he also has trauma that interferes with a lot of his daily life. This book explores his seventh grade year, as Dragon battles hardships at school and at home.

mindybrouse's review against another edition

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5.0

Want to read a middle grade book about a boy who had more common than we think problems, cares for his family, loves poetry, and just needs people to see him? Want to read a book that will stick with you? Want to read a book that makes you want to hug people from you last and be a better person on the future? Then, this is the book for you!

brookesbooks_and_dogs's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

jessieweaver's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

craftyerin's review against another edition

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5.0

Dragon is 7th grader struggling with learning disabilities, poverty, an abusive past, and a present that borders on neglect. He struggles to fit in with his classmates, worries about his home life, and is frustrated by the difficultly he has in school--except for writing.

In this beautiful middle grade debut by (my friend!) Katie Proctor, Dragon finds himself supported and loved well by his teachers, administrator, classmates, and family. His English teacher coaches him to use writing to connect with his mom and work through some of the trauma in his past.

This book is not all roses! Dragon is accurately depicted as angry and explosive, even at times destructive. His dirty clothing and perceived stupidity make him a target of bullying. But Dragon grows throughout the novel, and will certainly capture your heart as he does so.

My own 12yo son is dyslexic and has been so excited to read Katie's book when it came out. I chose to read it myself first, but now I cannot WAIT to share it with him. I suspect it will be a new favorite.

bookishcb_21's review against another edition

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5.0

Wow, this book had me rooting for Dragon every time I picked it up to read! Thank you to BookFunnel and Fawkes Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for feedback.

Dragon learned so much about himself, his family, and his writing abilities at school, which took a lot of bravery and patience on his part. The stories he learns along the way were very compelling and how he puts those stories to paper had me turning pages like a mad woman to know what happened next in his narrative. He even has a supportive group of adults and friends at school that encourage him along the way, instead of tearing him down when he doesn’t participate or starts to panic. I loved this so much about the characters and Katie did an awesome job keeping me engaged with all of them and learning alongside Dragon - I can’t wait to read more from her in the future ❤️

pagesandplannersabroad's review against another edition

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5.0

I believe in order to be a good author of any kind of book, you must read that genre. It is clear that the author is well versed in middle grade fiction.
The book begins at the beginning of the school year. Dragon does not fit in. He lives in a mobile home with his mother, who is barely functioning, and his sister, Maya and De-Vine. Dragon has problems at school in part because he is dyslexic. When he finds out that they will be doing a lot of writing as part of their coursework, he is not happy.

This is a beautiful and moving story about how a boy finds his voice. I especially liked Dragon's free verse poems which were interspersed throughout the book. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Katie Proctor and Fawkes Publishing for the Advanced Reader's Copy.
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