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jrrolffs's review
4.0
The main character in this book is in a wheelchair, yet is competing in a kite flying contest similar to his peers. An affirming read for any child who is differently-abled.
annieliz's review against another edition
3.0
I had never heard of the kite festival described in this book, so that was very interesting. I wanted a little bit more about the main character, but overall an interesting peek into another culture.
acejolras's review against another edition
4.0
3* for the story, 5*+ for the illustrations
I enjoyed learning about Basant and it was really great to see a disabled main character where it’s not even mentioned in a picture book - I think this would be great to normalize disabled people for able-bodied children and model how to treat others as equals. Overall the story was too disjointed for a higher rating, I think it tried to do multiple plot lines instead of one, which is too much for the format.
I adored the illustrations though. The collages were so cool and brought the kites and Lahore to life. The illustrator also did a great job clearly depicting the kite battles in static images.
I enjoyed learning about Basant and it was really great to see a disabled main character where it’s not even mentioned in a picture book - I think this would be great to normalize disabled people for able-bodied children and model how to treat others as equals. Overall the story was too disjointed for a higher rating, I think it tried to do multiple plot lines instead of one, which is too much for the format.
I adored the illustrations though. The collages were so cool and brought the kites and Lahore to life. The illustrator also did a great job clearly depicting the kite battles in static images.
katiemack's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Book Riot Read Harder Challenge 2021: Read a children’s book that centers a disabled character but not their disability.
This is worth a read for the illustrations alone--the mixed-media look makes them feel like they're popping off the page, and they're incredibly vibrant--but the message about not letting one's disability define or inhibit oneself is a valuable one too. While a more legible font size and style would have suited this book better, it would work for readers ages 5-10 who want to learn more about Pakistani culture. The afterword has some additional information about Basant for more advanced readers and adults too.
This is worth a read for the illustrations alone--the mixed-media look makes them feel like they're popping off the page, and they're incredibly vibrant--but the message about not letting one's disability define or inhibit oneself is a valuable one too. While a more legible font size and style would have suited this book better, it would work for readers ages 5-10 who want to learn more about Pakistani culture. The afterword has some additional information about Basant for more advanced readers and adults too.
lauraellis's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Lovely book about a Pakistani boy, who happens to be in a wheelchair, who flies his kite in the annual kite fighting contest called Basant. The art work is gorgeous-a mixture of drawing and wonderful collage using paper and various textiles (not discernible by touch). I did wonder how he got downstairs on his own though
hlminton's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. The illustrations are stunning, & I love that the illustrations show you Malik is in a wheelchair, but that's not the focus of the story.
This is Malik's story, & he is focused on Basant. During the day he also encounters a bully, & has opportunities to be kind. An excellent book for growing readers.
This is Malik's story, & he is focused on Basant. During the day he also encounters a bully, & has opportunities to be kind. An excellent book for growing readers.
renee_b's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyed this book a lot. Though it's long, the language is pretty simple and sparse, making a good read for a 2nd or 3rd grader. Loved the casual diversity in it, featuring a main character in a wheelchair but not making that part of the main story.
jenniferworrell's review against another edition
5.0
The story is beautifully done, and the illustrations are phenomenal!