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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!
cjmedinger's review against another edition
5.0
Felix is an incredible protagonist - spunky, smart, well-spoken and yet totally relatable as a young teen. A wonderful book talking about families experiencing homelessness and how quickly things in the life of a child can change and how little control they have over that.
3smallsalsmum's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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? No
4.5
I was concerned that the MCFD was going to be left as the big scary Boogie man, but thankfully that was cleared up in the end. The book had a bit of a "fairy tale ending" that felt a little unrealistic, but I was glad it turned out the way it did.
thenextgenlib'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.
meg1983's review against another edition
4.0
This book addresses the issue of "it could happen to you" homelessness. Although , being a mother myself, I had some issues with the mother character and her choices. Being set in Vancouver made it more realistic to me. Although there were obviously things that would never happen. Still, easy to read and quite enjoyable! And it would be appropriate for students in middle school.
booksandlemonsquash's review against another edition
4.0
I was lucky enough to win a copy of No Fixed Address at YALC, and I’m so glad I did as I gave 4.5 stars to this awesome and cute and touching middle grade story.
I loved Felix’s story and how the author really brought home the realities of his situation - not just being “between places”, but his relationship with his mum (and hers with the truth!), as well as what a kids goes through to fit in. I’ve actually had discussions with people about how hard it is on kids when their parents can’t afford everything their friends have - and this obviously takes that much further. I really felt for Felix, especially on his hunger and hygiene issues.
I also really felt for his mum. She may not be the worlds best mum, but she tries (most of the time) and clearly has mental issues that need more help than she had. Nothing serious, just enough to make life harder. I can’t imagine being in that situation, and I think she was doing what she could. Even if Felix makes excellent points about food banks!
The game show element was fun too, though I think I’d have liked to see a bit more of it I think! Especially some more of what happened after.
And I love the ending, so perfect :)
I loved Felix’s story and how the author really brought home the realities of his situation - not just being “between places”, but his relationship with his mum (and hers with the truth!), as well as what a kids goes through to fit in. I’ve actually had discussions with people about how hard it is on kids when their parents can’t afford everything their friends have - and this obviously takes that much further. I really felt for Felix, especially on his hunger and hygiene issues.
I also really felt for his mum. She may not be the worlds best mum, but she tries (most of the time) and clearly has mental issues that need more help than she had. Nothing serious, just enough to make life harder. I can’t imagine being in that situation, and I think she was doing what she could. Even if Felix makes excellent points about food banks!
The game show element was fun too, though I think I’d have liked to see a bit more of it I think! Especially some more of what happened after.
And I love the ending, so perfect :)
jodyanthony's review against another edition
4.0
Read for a middle grade book club.
It was a nice story, though having been homeless and having had a rough childhood, I couldn't like Astrid, no matter how much Felix tried to make me.
It was a nice story, though having been homeless and having had a rough childhood, I couldn't like Astrid, no matter how much Felix tried to make me.