Reviews

My Storied Year by Katie Proctor, Twyla Beth Lambert

alittleoverdue's review

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5.0

When your life is in boxes, there’s nothing like a good book to squeeze in reading between packing! I read this one amidst packing last month & I’m still thinking about it. It’s such a touching story perfect for any young aspiring writer. It gives a thoughtful, yet not stereotypical depiction of a character with dyslexia (a topic I haven’t seen much in middle grade). This book is a great step stone for conversations about empathy and learning differences. I loved the characters (we all need school administrators like the one in this book). Get it for you, your kid, your library. I am grateful to have gotten a free egalley to read in advance. Thank you Katie for such a heartfelt story that I’m excited to tell everyone about.

ohemgeebooks's review

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5.0

Everybody has a story worth sharing, but does everybody take the time to listen?

In My Storied Year, Katie Proctor gives us the story of Dragon Stewart, a seventh grade boy who struggles with dyslexia, bullies, a weird sister, social services, and his mother’s illness.
He believes that he will never be enough. (Spoiler: He’s wrong.)
This inspiring journey through Dragon’s year will leave you heartbroken. It will also give you tremendous joy (I had goosebumps).

This is a middle grade book, but I believe that everyone should read it, especially educators. Adults are meant to inspire, mentor, and LISTEN to children.
Dragon Stewart is fortunate enough to have these heroes in his life, and I am too.

smbcoffee's review against another edition

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5.0

I could not put this book down! 20% in and I was asking my daughter and husband if they wanted to read it with me. It was a very emotional read for me as a teacher. As I read, I could picture the faces of the students I have taught over the years who have undoubtedly struggled with one or more secrets Dragon is trying to keep under wraps. I loved this book, both for the insights it gives teachers about dyslexia and the way teachers are shown as caring and innovative, everything I aspire to be. This book is why I became a teacher. I highly recommend it!

shandawarren's review against another edition

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5.0

If I could I would give this book all the stars in the night sky. When I began this middle grade novel, I did not expect to feel all the feelings. And I am not ashamed to admit that I sobbed through a large portion of this book. I am a teacher, and I NEEDED to read this book. Teaching in 2020 is nothing any of us signed up for. But this book reminded me of why I chose to become a teacher. I’m here for the Dragons and the Denzels and the Mayas and the Travises. Ms. Parkman...I want to hug her. Thanks, Katie, for this incredible story. I highly recommend to everyone...but especially to all my fellow teachers.

kimmeyer's review against another edition

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5.0

Dragon has some challenges, but he has really wonderful teachers and a love of writing to help support him. This middle grade novel was sweet but not at all saccharine.

kristensreadingnook's review

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5.0

Dragon Stewart is a 7th grader with dyslexia who sometimes smells bad because the water gets shut off at his house. His mom is sick and he’s the man of the house, trying to take care of his sisters.

Dragon does not enjoy school for many reasons, including those stated above. He’s just trying to get through the year. However, he has teachers and an assistant principal who see so much potential in him. Mrs. Parkman, his English teacher, is trying to instill a love of writing into her students. Mr. Mark, the assistant principal, can see himself in Dragon.

Through poems and stories, Dragon comes to break out of his shell. This story left me in tears in a couple parts - which is not normal for me. I am not a crier when it comes to books. It was so well written, touching on many aspects of a middle school boy’s life - the friendships, the struggles, the home life. I can’t wait to read what Katie Proctor writes next.

notesonbookmarks's review

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5.0

Update 3 years later: read this aloud to my kiddos and we all loved it again.

I've gotten to talk to a lot of authors, and each time I feel like I'm making a new friend. This is the first time I've read a book from someone I know and love and have hugged in person and talked to for hours and hours, before opening their pages. And I'll be honest, I was a bit nervous. What if I didn't love it and it damaged our relationship? Well, not to worry. Here's what I sent Katie when I finished:
"Katie!!! Katie!!!!!!!!!!!
I just finished My Storied Year! I'm wiping tears from my cheeks while smiling so big. I can't wait to give this book to my oldest son, and I can't wait to see it take off for you. What an incredible writer you are, even the author's note had me weeping. I adore you, girl, and I'm so glad to call you friend and that your words are gonna be out there in the world. What a gift."

Dragon will capture your heart, his classmates and teacher will make you laugh and smile and hurt a bit, and I guarantee you'll think of the perfect kid to hand this book to. ❤️

addierr's review

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5.0

I absolutely loved this book! It tells the story of a young boy in middle school who has a difficult home life. He struggles in school at first, but with the love and care of his teachers, he is able to open up and express his feelings through his writing.
This really shows how schools and teachers should impact children. It’s a heartwarming story.

rachelkreadsbookz's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • 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

nobookendinsight's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced
  • 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

5.0