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lportilla's review against another edition
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Ableism, and Gun violence
katiieecat's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Read as a child. Glad I reread it as an adult. Simple but enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Racial slurs, Gun violence, and Animal cruelty
wolfiegrrrl's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I was familiar with the animated movie adaptation long before I ever learned it had been based on a book, so I decided to read it out of curiosity. While I see the charm in the book, I do prefer the movie this time around.
The father swan is a difficult character to sympathize with. His sexism, ableism, and prejudice against other species is probably supposed to be an allusion to how humans interpret swans interacting with each other and view them as being prideful and majestic... but even some of the human characters agree with his sentiments, especially the many times Louis gets called "defective" for having no voice. It doesn't really do much for the attempted positive message of the book.
I also wasn't a fan of Sam Beaver being likened to an indigenous person because of his hair color and the way he walks. It's the first thing the book hits you with on page one and that particular brand of childlike romanticization of indigenous people that leaves a poor taste in your mouth keeps coming back despite having no reason for it to be there... and yet there it is, pervasively a part of the culture we're living in then and now, reminding us that the Hollywood stereotypes are still going strong.
Those details aside, I enjoyed the book well enough and I'm glad I got to experience it. It's a pretty neat book for kids who are interested in birds, as there is plenty of trivia throughout the story.
The father swan is a difficult character to sympathize with. His sexism, ableism, and prejudice against other species is probably supposed to be an allusion to how humans interpret swans interacting with each other and view them as being prideful and majestic... but even some of the human characters agree with his sentiments, especially the many times Louis gets called "defective" for having no voice. It doesn't really do much for the attempted positive message of the book.
I also wasn't a fan of Sam Beaver being likened to an indigenous person because of his hair color and the way he walks. It's the first thing the book hits you with on page one and that particular brand of childlike romanticization of indigenous people that leaves a poor taste in your mouth keeps coming back despite having no reason for it to be there... and yet there it is, pervasively a part of the culture we're living in then and now, reminding us that the Hollywood stereotypes are still going strong.
Those details aside, I enjoyed the book well enough and I'm glad I got to experience it. It's a pretty neat book for kids who are interested in birds, as there is plenty of trivia throughout the story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism and Sexism
Minor: Bullying, Self harm, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Blood, and Animal cruelty
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