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pypingpanda's review against another edition
4.0
For a Juvenile Novel I found the topics quite well explained and very relatable. It was fast paced and care free enough that it was a very fun story to follow along with and I have to say the novels main topic of homelessness was very well handled by the author. Each character had their own quirks and views, personalities and judgement. They came across so well that i didn't find it hard to relate to any of them, I very much enjoyed the dynamic between Dylan, Winnie and the Main character Felix - how they had inside jokes their own worries and family lives.
But, the most impressing part of this novel was how the author - Susin Nielsen - handled the topic of homelessness. How she had each character interact with a man on the street, showing what benefits, worries and hardships can make someone become homeless and also how anyone from any background or walk of life can struggle despite all efforts to leave this demographic
But, the most impressing part of this novel was how the author - Susin Nielsen - handled the topic of homelessness. How she had each character interact with a man on the street, showing what benefits, worries and hardships can make someone become homeless and also how anyone from any background or walk of life can struggle despite all efforts to leave this demographic
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
Another memorable protagonist and story from Nielsen, the topic of homelessness an important one to expose.
I've liked Nielsen's books previously, and this sounded as though it was going to be another bittersweet story with characters in difficult positions. Felix is 12, and yes, his life is not a standard one. We see just how he and his mother, whose temperament makes her unable to hold down a job, have ended up with no home, moved from place to place and finally ended up in a 'borrowed' van.
Blagging their way into Felix's new school after having moved around a lot, Felix is thrilled to meet up with a friend he knew years ago, finally able to enjoy a friendship and settle to a stable routine.
"You know how sometimes you don't realise how much you've missed something until you get it back? That's how I felt about having a friend again."
Surely his mum will find work soon and they can find somewhere to live?
The indignities and problems associated with having no fixed abode come across quite clearly, the lies Felix feels he has to tell to Dylan and slightly-annoying-but-smart Winnie, the frustration he feels for mum Astrid. The author even says in her afterword "I wanted to write a deeply flawed parent."
Felix shows us just how easily circumstances can change, but just who can be affected - he's a trivia game show enthusiast and has dreams of using his talent to pull him and his mum out of their nomadic existence.
I couldn't really empathise with Astrid, my own instinct to provide a roof for my children would keep me biting my tongue and keeping a job. But I did feel for Felix, admired his wish to help his mum, and could see his conflicted feelings for her amidst his hand-to-mouth existence. When his mother ends up shoplifting to feed them both, Felix determines he will pay every shop back what they owe, keeping a tally of what they have stolen. Definitely a young man I admire.
The game show subplot seemed a little 'last minute' in the plot, but I liked how it was covered, with Winnie reporting the events second-hand.
Some memorable characters and scenes, a very timely look at an important topic. I loved Felix's narration and moments talking to the reader, Winne is a very appealing female in this as well.
Great for ages 10-14.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance reading copy.
I've liked Nielsen's books previously, and this sounded as though it was going to be another bittersweet story with characters in difficult positions. Felix is 12, and yes, his life is not a standard one. We see just how he and his mother, whose temperament makes her unable to hold down a job, have ended up with no home, moved from place to place and finally ended up in a 'borrowed' van.
Blagging their way into Felix's new school after having moved around a lot, Felix is thrilled to meet up with a friend he knew years ago, finally able to enjoy a friendship and settle to a stable routine.
"You know how sometimes you don't realise how much you've missed something until you get it back? That's how I felt about having a friend again."
Surely his mum will find work soon and they can find somewhere to live?
The indignities and problems associated with having no fixed abode come across quite clearly, the lies Felix feels he has to tell to Dylan and slightly-annoying-but-smart Winnie, the frustration he feels for mum Astrid. The author even says in her afterword "I wanted to write a deeply flawed parent."
Felix shows us just how easily circumstances can change, but just who can be affected - he's a trivia game show enthusiast and has dreams of using his talent to pull him and his mum out of their nomadic existence.
I couldn't really empathise with Astrid, my own instinct to provide a roof for my children would keep me biting my tongue and keeping a job. But I did feel for Felix, admired his wish to help his mum, and could see his conflicted feelings for her amidst his hand-to-mouth existence. When his mother ends up shoplifting to feed them both, Felix determines he will pay every shop back what they owe, keeping a tally of what they have stolen. Definitely a young man I admire.
The game show subplot seemed a little 'last minute' in the plot, but I liked how it was covered, with Winnie reporting the events second-hand.
Some memorable characters and scenes, a very timely look at an important topic. I loved Felix's narration and moments talking to the reader, Winne is a very appealing female in this as well.
Great for ages 10-14.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance reading copy.
paige_is_me's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
araskov's review against another edition
3.0
I borrowed this from the library the moment I heard my daughter was reading it with her class. I wanted to make sure that is was appropriate and I feel no shame in that. While the book itself is LGBTQ+ friendly by having same sex partners, and by having Felix's parents support his decision to like boys or girls, it doesn't push that he should be any specific way.
Though the book doesn't dive into specifics, there are themes of sex work, drug use, child abuse, spousal (or couple) abuse, theft, lying, and even brief talk of suicide.
Felix's mother, Astrid, doesn't trust other people. After a difficult childhood and the loss of a loved one, she has struggles with mental health and can't seem to control her mouth, even when it comes to working with the public. Anyone who's worked customer service can relate, as we all have had moments where we wanted to voice our opinion. The difference is, Astrid does voice her opinion, very boldly. This often results in her losing her jobs.
As their situation gets worse and worse, Astrid and Felix find themselves living in Astrid's ex boyfriend's van after the man moved away. It starts out as a temporary situation during rough times, but as time passes, tensions rise and Felix starts to lose patience with their living arrangements (and rightfully so).
This story teaches us to trust in others and know that the people who care about us can often be of help, whether that's sharing a meal, or helping us find a safe place to rest, or simply being someone to talk to.
It's a good story that shows that good people can make bad decisions. That when things get tough, we should turn to our community and see what systems are in place to help us at our lowest points. To admit to needing help in the first place. To give back to those that need our help in whatever ways we can. That it's important to be there for each other as a community, because that's the best way for us all to flourish.
Though the book doesn't dive into specifics, there are themes of sex work, drug use, child abuse, spousal (or couple) abuse, theft, lying, and even brief talk of suicide.
Felix's mother, Astrid, doesn't trust other people. After a difficult childhood and the loss of a loved one, she has struggles with mental health and can't seem to control her mouth, even when it comes to working with the public. Anyone who's worked customer service can relate, as we all have had moments where we wanted to voice our opinion. The difference is, Astrid does voice her opinion, very boldly. This often results in her losing her jobs.
As their situation gets worse and worse, Astrid and Felix find themselves living in Astrid's ex boyfriend's van after the man moved away. It starts out as a temporary situation during rough times, but as time passes, tensions rise and Felix starts to lose patience with their living arrangements (and rightfully so).
This story teaches us to trust in others and know that the people who care about us can often be of help, whether that's sharing a meal, or helping us find a safe place to rest, or simply being someone to talk to.
It's a good story that shows that good people can make bad decisions. That when things get tough, we should turn to our community and see what systems are in place to help us at our lowest points. To admit to needing help in the first place. To give back to those that need our help in whatever ways we can. That it's important to be there for each other as a community, because that's the best way for us all to flourish.
kncunnin's review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
moonshotlearning's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
3.5
Took me a little while to get pulled in to the story.
matturay's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
libwinnie's review against another edition
4.0
The plight of the hidden homeless is brought to light in this middle grade novel. The anxiety felt by the protagonist is palpable and the experiences are universal. Biracial protagonist.