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suziscreendoor's review against another edition
5.0
An excellent book, with an important subject. Nielsen's writing is engaging and authentic, which allowed me to feel completely immersed in the story. I really empathized with Felix's struggles, especially his embarrassment and discomfort throughout the novel.
I also appreciated how the author alluded to mature issues that would normally not be included in middle grade novels, but that readers in this age group will nonetheless be familiar with. Sex, masturbation, drug use, mental illness, and more are all addressed in a way that feels authentic from the perspective of a 12-year-old. He doesn't necessarily discuss these things head-on, but he is starting to be aware of the complicated lives of the adults around him.
The main character is mixed race, though he is quite steeped in the Swedish ancestry of his mother's side. Many of the secondary characters are from diverse backgrounds, which feels very Vancouver.
I also appreciated how the author alluded to mature issues that would normally not be included in middle grade novels, but that readers in this age group will nonetheless be familiar with. Sex, masturbation, drug use, mental illness, and more are all addressed in a way that feels authentic from the perspective of a 12-year-old. He doesn't necessarily discuss these things head-on, but he is starting to be aware of the complicated lives of the adults around him.
The main character is mixed race, though he is quite steeped in the Swedish ancestry of his mother's side. Many of the secondary characters are from diverse backgrounds, which feels very Vancouver.
paperbacksandpines's review against another edition
4.0
No Fixed Address really packed a punch. In addition to focusing on homelessness, it also featured a variety of issues that no 12 year old should be shouldering on their own.
Main character Felix is saddled with two parents who really aren't cut out to be parents. Felix's mom, Astrid, decided that her biological clock was ticking so she decided to have a baby with her gay best friend. Never mind that she couldn't even take care of herself and pay for her housing on her own but she decided that at since she was 31, she couldn't wait any longer to have a child. Astrid put her pride above the needs of her child, Felix. While he didn't have regular access to a restroom, shower, or water, Astrid advocated for lying, stealing, and mooching off others in front of Felix.
Somehow, Felix managed to rise above his crummy upbringing but all of the wrenches life was throwing at him put him in an untenable position. I definitely teared up a few times.
I would only recommend this book to the most mature middle grade readers. There were a couple of scenes that are inappropriate for middle grade readers, such as a person sitting in the library engaging in grossly inappropriate sexual behavior and another incident. Overall, unless this reader has experiences with emotional experiences to those of a similar depth explored in this book, this reading experience may either be too much or go over their head.
Main character Felix is saddled with two parents who really aren't cut out to be parents. Felix's mom, Astrid, decided that her biological clock was ticking so she decided to have a baby with her gay best friend. Never mind that she couldn't even take care of herself and pay for her housing on her own but she decided that at since she was 31, she couldn't wait any longer to have a child. Astrid put her pride above the needs of her child, Felix. While he didn't have regular access to a restroom, shower, or water, Astrid advocated for lying, stealing, and mooching off others in front of Felix.
Somehow, Felix managed to rise above his crummy upbringing but all of the wrenches life was throwing at him put him in an untenable position. I definitely teared up a few times.
I would only recommend this book to the most mature middle grade readers. There were a couple of scenes that are inappropriate for middle grade readers, such as a person sitting in the library engaging in grossly inappropriate sexual behavior and another incident. Overall, unless this reader has experiences with emotional experiences to those of a similar depth explored in this book, this reading experience may either be too much or go over their head.
jjohnsen's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jcdreads's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book with my kids for their book club. It was such a good story!
This is about 12 year old Felix and his single mother, whom find themselves “between places” or rather—homeless. It touches about the circumstances that can lead to homelessness, as well as how it can influence mental health.
This is about 12 year old Felix and his single mother, whom find themselves “between places” or rather—homeless. It touches about the circumstances that can lead to homelessness, as well as how it can influence mental health.
thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
This was like a mature version of Front Desk. It definitely hit me in all the feels while Felix and Astrid struggled with homelessness throughout the entire book. However I struggled with the age range this book was written for. I believe this book falls more in the YA category rather than starting at a 5th grade audience. There was just too many things that happened to Felix that should be read by an elementary student so I don’t think this book is a middle grade book despite the youthful cover. That being said, the end of the book especially brought tears to my eyes several times. So many kids in this world are dealing with not having enough food or a safe place to sleep at night and it breaks my heart. I loved the last page in particular and the kindness of strangers.
readsewknit's review against another edition
3.0
In No Fixed Address by Susan Nielsen, Felix is being raised by his single mother Astrid. He is independent and bright, a typical middle-schooler who can be awkward around girls and relishes time at his best friend Dylan's house watching the Who, What, Where, When game show while constantly eating.
Felix does have one secret, though. His mother has irregular employment, which eventually leads to them living out of a van. Not one to admit to friends or teachers what is going on, he devises excuses for why he doesn't invite his friends over. Astrid struggles with depressive episodes, and when one of those is upon her, she's catatonic, leaving Felix to fend for himself.
There comes a point when Felix recognizes that Astrid, while an interesting person, is not a good mother. For those who want to know what they're getting into so they can make an educated decision for when to introduce books to their children, there are some mentions of drug use and hints of Astrid's promiscuity (even suggestions of sleeping with a landlord in exchange for remaining in an apartment).
I see value in books that tackle relevant issues, such as homelessness or borderline homelessness. This isn't a literary work, but it can engage readers and lead to discussions about empathy and how to get involved when you suspect a friend is struggling at home.
(I received a digital ARC from NetGalley and Random House Children's in exchange for my honest review.)
Felix does have one secret, though. His mother has irregular employment, which eventually leads to them living out of a van. Not one to admit to friends or teachers what is going on, he devises excuses for why he doesn't invite his friends over. Astrid struggles with depressive episodes, and when one of those is upon her, she's catatonic, leaving Felix to fend for himself.
There comes a point when Felix recognizes that Astrid, while an interesting person, is not a good mother. For those who want to know what they're getting into so they can make an educated decision for when to introduce books to their children, there are some mentions of drug use and hints of Astrid's promiscuity (even suggestions of sleeping with a landlord in exchange for remaining in an apartment).
I see value in books that tackle relevant issues, such as homelessness or borderline homelessness. This isn't a literary work, but it can engage readers and lead to discussions about empathy and how to get involved when you suspect a friend is struggling at home.
(I received a digital ARC from NetGalley and Random House Children's in exchange for my honest review.)
noahthebibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
Pretty funny, but I felt like the writing was rushed at the end. But I definitely recommend!
jenn_kidd's review against another edition
4.0
I really really enjoyed this book!! I think it gave a voice to an often unseen population: the homeless. Homelessness is not always what we think and is also many times hidden by people. I was disappointed that the book will not be appropriate to have in my classroom. There were a handful of inappropriate comments:situations that I don’t think most 4th graders should be exposed to. I understand that the author may have included these because homeless children are exposed to things that are not always appropriate. It makes me sad that I can’t recommend the book to my students as a result. Still a GREAT read for young adults who can handle the content and for adults!