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rich2023's review against another edition
This was my first book by this author and I am looking forward to reading more books by her. I thought was going to be a simple book about kids visiting their grandparents for the summer. This book was so much more. This book has depth and I loved the characters.
I would like to read more about this family.
Quotes
“Half of life is showing up.”
“Holding a family is a quiet kind of work. Sometimes that work doesn’t get noticed so much.”
What I enjoyed about this book:
-Her granddad Macon teaching her how to fish
- I liked seeing Macon and Cat open themselves up and grow in their relationship.
- The ending was very realistic and not rushed. Cat’s mom and Macon started back talking and were on the road to a better relationship
- The illustrations of Caterpillar and Chicken!
I would like to read more about this family.
Quotes
“Half of life is showing up.”
“Holding a family is a quiet kind of work. Sometimes that work doesn’t get noticed so much.”
What I enjoyed about this book:
-Her granddad Macon teaching her how to fish
- I liked seeing Macon and Cat open themselves up and grow in their relationship.
- The ending was very realistic and not rushed. Cat’s mom and Macon started back talking and were on the road to a better relationship
- The illustrations of Caterpillar and Chicken!
thepetitepunk's review against another edition
A lot more serious than I was expecting, but heartfelt nonetheless.
libraryjen's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
4.0
It's nothing earth-shattering or life-changing, but reading this book was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
libwinnie's review against another edition
3.0
There's a lot to like about this book--flawed characters and dysfunctional relationships that mirror the experiences of many families. The writing was good and the descriptions were vivid. So why didn't I love this book? I just never got hooked.
line_magnus's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is a good book if you're in the mood for a quiet, character-focused read.
sparklelys's review against another edition
4.0
Families are tough. That makes 3 books I've reviewed this spring using that lead in. Cat is the big sister, the responsible one, always taking care of her little brother Chicken (who is on the high-functioning end of autism spectrum, and who frankly has better training on coping skills than most full-functioning people). But when her family's summer plans go awry, she and Chicken get dumped off at their mother's parents', grandparents they've never met, and who their mom is barely in touch with. Over the summer Cat gets to learn about her roots, her mom, her grands, and most importantly, what it means to be Cat. (Hint: Despite her mom's books, her cat is more feline than caterpillar.)
(looking towards the Golden Gate Bridge)
"The light… sometimes it's on and sometimes it's not. Tonight it's on."
"Oh, honey… That light is there every night."
Cat frowned. She knew it wasn't always there. Mom leaned her chin against the top of Cat's head.
"At times, the fog gets in the way," Mom continued. "But the light shines on."
ch2
"Being a parent is a kind of promise. A promise to stand by someone even if you think they're making a mistake. To love who you get, not who you think you're going to get. part 4, ch 19
(looking towards the Golden Gate Bridge)
"The light… sometimes it's on and sometimes it's not. Tonight it's on."
"Oh, honey… That light is there every night."
Cat frowned. She knew it wasn't always there. Mom leaned her chin against the top of Cat's head.
"At times, the fog gets in the way," Mom continued. "But the light shines on."
ch2
"Being a parent is a kind of promise. A promise to stand by someone even if you think they're making a mistake. To love who you get, not who you think you're going to get. part 4, ch 19
madhamster's review against another edition
5.0
A story not so much about current grief, but that of a family trying to make it after the death of their father.
It is a story of forgiveness and family. One of growing up, and of being a kid.
It is a story of strength - quiet or otherwise.
It is a story of forgiveness and family. One of growing up, and of being a kid.
It is a story of strength - quiet or otherwise.
thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
I think this was another good choice by the Texas Bluebonnet committee. I liked the diversity of seeing characters that are mixed race—a topic we don’t see a lot in children’s literature. I also liked that Chicken was on the spectrum and seeing how hard it was for Cat to take care of him on her own will really strike a cord in some families who have autistic children and siblings. I liked that the author herself dealt with some of the issues in the book. I liked this debut novel for McDunn and hope to read more from her in the future. #weneeddiversebooks
mrs_bookdragon's review against another edition
4.0
What grabbed me about this book was the cover. Right off the bat, I was intrigued by the title and the gorgeous beach on the front. A fishing pole and what appears to be a brother and a sister told me this would be a perfect summer read, and it was. This story touched my heart in so many ways-both with family and self-discovery. My heart broke and also healed. I would recommend to those who love heartwarming stories.
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
angiedkelly's review against another edition
5.0
Truly loved this one. Speaks to kids who take it on so much in caring for a younger sibling with special needs. This book is also a love letter to parenting and not just the younger ages but even in adulthood. Generational relationships. Finding ones voice. This book is a winner in so many ways. For 4th graders and up. Must read.