Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Well, this was ok, but not my favorite read of the summer. I was drawn into the story, but it is on the depressing side. I really liked the main character, and admired her pluck. However, I felt the "villain" of the story was a bit too stereotypical. The stranger in the woods was interesting, but the way the story played out was not what I was hoping for. I'd heard a lot about this book, and maybe had too high of expectations for it, but I was a bit disappointed. Also, I'm not sure this is entirely appropriate for the tween-agers - more young young adults, IMO. There are some harsh situations that may be disturbing to the tweens, particularly the way it ends. A good book for me, but not a great one.
i really liked the story, took me a few chapters in to get the story and what was up, but liked the main characters and her story and how she helped a friend in the end.
I waited way too long to read this book. I really liked it. My take away was that the child tried to solve way more problems instead of asking adults to help her. I think it was a good insight to the full lives that kids live and the problems they try handling on their own.
Already on the shelves and now able to strongly recommend.
Already on the shelves and now able to strongly recommend.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One of my favorites of the year. One mark of a book: when you can't wait to finish it, but you're sorry it's over. So many moral dilemmas, so much that could be discussed, some questions never answered. Is it ever all right to lie? I marked many passages for the descriptive writing.
One other thing that I liked was that the story had a strong, loving family, which seems not to be the case in many children's books.
Another measure of a great book: I'm still thinking, "what if?" Was Anabelle at fault for any of it, or why was she blameless? Toby? Andy? I will keep wondering.
One other thing that I liked was that the story had a strong, loving family, which seems not to be the case in many children's books.
Another measure of a great book: I'm still thinking, "what if?" Was Anabelle at fault for any of it, or why was she blameless? Toby? Andy? I will keep wondering.
Absolutely one of the best books I have ever read! WWI, PTSD, bullying, photography, and new understandings without the sugar-coated ending make this a must read!
fast-paced
This book reminds me of Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell because the authors are not afraid to tell a story with a sad life lesson. I think it is important for children to read books that don't have a happy ending. For children who are living a life with no happy endings it lets them know they are not alone. For children that are living a life with minimal problems it opens up their minds to the possibilities that life doesn't always go the way we want it to.
I felt horrible for Toby, everyone saw him as this weird loner and couldn't possibly bring themselves to believe that a soldier with PTSD just wants to be left alone and that soldiers with PTSD don't always snap and kill people.
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I felt horrible for Toby, everyone saw him as this weird loner and couldn't possibly bring themselves to believe that a soldier with PTSD just wants to be left alone and that soldiers with PTSD don't always snap and kill people.
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I agree with others who have reviewed this book. It is beautifully written but struggle with the young reader designation.