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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
This book had the best opening line and great cliff hangers at the end of every chapter. I read it quickly and found myself thinking about the main character a lot. It took place during World War II and I wish it would have felt like that a little more with better historical details. I don't know how relatable this would be for my students, nor do I understand how it won the award that it did, but I enjoyed it for a quick read. Betty was also a great character to hate.
This is the most powerful middle grades novel I've read in a while. In fact, it felt much deeper and more mature than most middle grade novels. The characters- both major and minor- were multifaceted and complex, and the issues in the book were very complex as well. It has a sort of "To Kill a Mockingbird" feel to it. This was most deserving of a Newbery Honor! 5/5 stars.
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Amazing historical fiction book. I loved the book and would read it again. I thought it was very interesting that the setting was in a little town recovering from World War 2.
Sometimes I underestimate/forget how much sadder children's books can be. This is a wonderful book that could be used as a companion piece with To Kill a Mockingbird easily. It touches on themes of injustice, cruelty, and just being human in a different context and is just beautifully written. I'm not sure I'd give it to a kid looking for leisure reading but it would be a wonderful choice for a classroom
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A wonderful book about a young girl's courage. She learns the importance of telling the truth and how to look beyond someone's looks.
I wanted to give this book 5 stars. It had a solid, well-paced, tight plot, a good voice, and good character development. Even if things were sometimes a little too perfect or tidy, I really liked the book.
What bothers me is that Medal of Honor. It seems pretty gratuitous. Any other medal besides that one, and I would have been satisfied. If there was no medal at all, I would have been satisfied. We didn't need Aunt Lily slightly redeemed, we got our country justice and sense that the world isn't fair and that we can value a person despite social trappings.
I still like the book a lot and will recommend it.
What bothers me is that Medal of Honor. It seems pretty gratuitous. Any other medal besides that one, and I would have been satisfied. If there was no medal at all, I would have been satisfied. We didn't need Aunt Lily slightly redeemed, we got our country justice and sense that the world isn't fair and that we can value a person despite social trappings.
I still like the book a lot and will recommend it.