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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
how do you decide when to trust people? how do you decide how much to trust yourself?
oh, middle grade. this genre will hold my heart forever. children's literature that is actually just literature for adults because we are constantly growing as people, and also it's written by an adult who used to be a child, just like me. there are so many lessons to be learned, so many ways in which i am still reckoning with growing up and learning to sift right from wrong and how i want to live my life. lauren's writing is exquisite, the plot is thorough, and the main character is wonderfully perceptive, independent, and compelling. emotionally resonant, singularly lovely to read.
oh, middle grade. this genre will hold my heart forever. children's literature that is actually just literature for adults because we are constantly growing as people, and also it's written by an adult who used to be a child, just like me. there are so many lessons to be learned, so many ways in which i am still reckoning with growing up and learning to sift right from wrong and how i want to live my life. lauren's writing is exquisite, the plot is thorough, and the main character is wonderfully perceptive, independent, and compelling. emotionally resonant, singularly lovely to read.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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
This book was somewhat difficult to rate. It certainly earns a four star rating for strength of writing and readability. I blazed my way through this book wanting to find out what would happen. The way the story unfolds is beautifully done. I also appreciate that it is a children's book not shying away from heavy topics and less than perfect outcomes. This book would be a great one to read with children along with a discussion about the gray area between what is right and wrong. This little book packs a punch and is worth reading.
Having said that, I could not give this book five stars because of personal taste. I did not love it enough. I tend to like my fiction with a side of optimism and hope, even if that isn't always realistic. I have certainly enjoyed or appreciated books without this quality (I'm looking at you, Tess of the D'Urbervilles), but I generally tend to gravitate towards books that offer redemption and make me feel good when all is said and done. Like I said, there are exceptions, but I don't expect those exceptions to be among children's literature. Generally, children's lit offers more hope than this book did. There were certainly several heart-warming moments that showed the positive side of human nature, but the overall story line did not offer enough redemption for me. I suppose that is part of what makes this book unique and gives it power.
I can't be more specific without giving spoilers, so I will just say it is worth reading to form your own conclusions.
Having said that, I could not give this book five stars because of personal taste. I did not love it enough. I tend to like my fiction with a side of optimism and hope, even if that isn't always realistic. I have certainly enjoyed or appreciated books without this quality (I'm looking at you, Tess of the D'Urbervilles), but I generally tend to gravitate towards books that offer redemption and make me feel good when all is said and done. Like I said, there are exceptions, but I don't expect those exceptions to be among children's literature. Generally, children's lit offers more hope than this book did. There were certainly several heart-warming moments that showed the positive side of human nature, but the overall story line did not offer enough redemption for me. I suppose that is part of what makes this book unique and gives it power.
I can't be more specific without giving spoilers, so I will just say it is worth reading to form your own conclusions.
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
As an adult reading this middle grade book, there were things that just weren't clear to me. And I consider myself a pretty decent reader. I know my middle school daughter would struggle with this one. Nothing to keep her attention and would feel "old fashioned" to her instead of bringing history to life. It felt rather dark in theme for middle grade, I would recommend this for older middle grade readers. Maybe 7th-8th grade? I just didn't really enjoy this one and the big Newberry Honor on the cover tells me I'm probably in the minority.
Simply beautiful. A life affirming, heart felt, yet ultimately tragic tale. Muses on good versus evil and right versus wrong. A tale of perception versus reality. Beautiful descriptions and an ethereal setting. Believable and complex characters. A wonderfully written book.
This may be the best book I've read this year, certainly the best middle grade. I don't want to say too much about it, but the writing flowed well, and the characters are all so well rounded with many layers. There's lots to think about after finishing this one, about choices made and not made, about compassion, and about trying to better understand others, no matter how they treat us, or what anyone else thinks.
This book was absolutely enchanting. Wolk does her characters justice, slowly teasing out this powerful story with measured patience and care. One of my favorites of the year.