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oceanxbluess's review
5.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, Dementia, Suicide attempt, and Mental illness
sofa_gee's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
It’s a middle grade book so it’s tailored to a young audience but if anyone is sensitive to suicidality they should know it comes up toward the end of the book.arwenundomiel03's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I was hoping that the shark would be a more positive force and character in the book, but instead it was almost like a ghost - and not a good one - that created trouble and strife. It haunted dreams and led people to do ridiculous and dangerous things.
The writing was really clever, and it explained big, complicated subjects in ways that children would be able to understand and process, but it was a tough and challenging read at times.
I would recommend it, but not if you’re looking for something lighthearted and happy!
Moderate: Suicide attempt
mariebrunelm's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Bullying and Mental illness
Minor: Suicide attempt
mirlezen's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Bullying and Mental illness
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Xenophobia, and Fatphobia
alliejm00's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Suicide attempt and Abandonment
2busyreading's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Mental illness and Bullying
Moderate: Racism and Suicide attempt
Minor: Abandonment, Death of parent, and Dementia
isabookabel's review
5.0
Moderate: Bullying, Suicide attempt, and Mental illness
xangemthelibrarian's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Julia, her parents, and cat Noodle travel to far North Ireland for her parents jobs. Her dad is a programmer tasked with automating a lighthouse and her mom is feverishly researching a Greenland Shark and ways it could cure dementia.
All seems well at first, but Julia's mom starts acting weird. And with every research grant rejection, she becomes more desperate to prove she can find the shark. How will Julia manage to help her mom when she isn't even allowed to go on the boat with her?
I was completely ready to go on a nautical adventure with this book. I was expecting a little bit of magic, and a journey of self-discovery alongside a quest to find the impossible.
I was not expecting the clear portrait of a parent struggling with Bipolar Disorder. Reading this as an adult, it is very very clear that Julia's mom is going through a manic episode, followed by the crash of a depressive episode. To Julia, who is only ten years old, she struggles to understand what is happening. She wonders if it's her fault because her mom gets irritable with her. Julia worries about her parents. She gets anxious when they fight and when they stress over money. And when she finally goes on her epic adventure to find the shark? It nearly kills her.
Where I was expecting a magical realism story, I got a very real and tender portrayal of a family trying to hold it together when one member is struggling with their mental health. It's a bittersweet ending and wonderfully wholesome.
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Dementia, and Mental illness
mekeisha's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Racism, Suicide attempt, and Bullying
Moderate: Death and Mental illness