Reviews

Things Seen from Above by Shelley Pearsall

susan_loves_stories's review against another edition

emotional informative inspiring 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

karisommers's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious 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? No

4.75

cleaoverstreet's review against another edition

5.0

This was such a beautifully told story. I loved how the narrative switched between April and Joey. The author's portrayal of both characters made it seem as if these were kids I knew elementary school. My key takeaways from the story were:

1. You can never anticipate how big of an impact one person will have on others or what that impact will be until it happens. One's impact on the world is not something than can be planned, (as much as we may want it to be). Just live!

2. There are many different ways of seeing the world.

3. It takes other people to help you see the special gifts you have.

4. Your impact on the world will far outlive you in ways you could have never imagined.

5. Embrace the things that make you feel alive (no matter how weird it is).

mblair8506's review against another edition

5.0

This is a beautiful story about a girl named April who becomes friendly with Joey Byrd. He is an interesting boy because every day at recess he makes intricate pictures on the playground using his feet.
As time passes April, and the rest of the school, gets to know Joey and why he makes these amazing pictures.
It is a story of acceptance, friendship, and being respectful of others who are not like everyone else.

priya_amrev's review against another edition

4.0

Finished this in a couple of hrs. Beautiful story and amazing illustrations.

neffcannon's review against another edition

inspiring lighthearted 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? No

3.75

taysreads_'s review against another edition

inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I loved this book.

kytwins's review against another edition

5.0

What a wonderful, inspiring story! I can only hope that this book helps us all appreciate others who see things a bit differently than us. April is in sixth grade and seems to be struggling to find her place. Her friends have changed and she isn't sure where she fits in. She volunteers to be a "Buddy Bench" friend at her school to find some peace and quiet. A sweet, shy girl named Veena also volunteers for the fourth grade lunch "Buddy Bench." The author tells the story from both April's and a little bit of Joey's points of view, helping us to see things from both perspectives. When Joey Byrd comes out to recess, April and Veena at first think there is something wrong with Joey. All he seems to do is walk in spirals and drag his feet through the mulch, leaving marks all across the playground. With the help of a kind and wise custodian, however, they find out that Joey is actually very intentional with those scratchings that turn out to be beautiful works of art. April and Veena along with the rest of their classmates learn to see Joey--the boy many students used to tease and make fun of-- in a whole new light. With themes of kindness, celebrating differences, and friendship, Things Seen From Above is one not to miss.

sasbybelle's review against another edition

3.0

While the theme was good and parts were interesting, I found myself trying to figure out which type of reader to recommend this to in the library. I enjoyed parts, but some of the book seemed to jump timelines too quickly. I’m not sure the parts that skipped ahead to prom and high school for Veena and April were necessary since elementary/middle school readers don’t really know how to relate. Overall the read was ok for me, but I did love the theme of looking for those who were rare.

suzannedix's review against another edition

3.0

I trudged through this one but only because I was so caught up with back to school craziness. I really enjoyed how the author fictionalized her real life nephew to create the character of Joey Byrd. April is a relatable 6th grade narrator and the story is part mystery, part realistic fiction.

Grades 4 and up.