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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
Loved it. Beautiful, accessible narrative free verse poetry for young readers. Kek is so endearing that I teared up unexpectedly a few times. Kudos to Katherine Applegate for opening up a difficult conversation about immigrant experiences in America to a younger audience (think 5th grade). The book encouraged me to do my own research on the ongoing conflict in Sudan (where Kek is from) and the “Lost Boys” who inspired Kek’s story. Other reviewers have noted that she is a white woman writing about this Sudanese child’s immigrant experience and have criticized some elements of that: I would say that’s true and fair, to a certain extent. It’s certainly worth noting. However, considering this book is intended for younger audiences and serves as such a great *introduction* to these topics, I think she did a really beautiful job and would definitely recommend the book.
Another book being read by a fifth grade class I subbed in for - great writing! A sharing of the perspective of a young immigrant boy from Africa and moved to Minnesota. Intimate and humorous at times - every American should read this book!
This is a beautiful book and it also teaches very well. I feel strange that it was written by a white woman about a Sudanese refugee, but it's beautifully and respectfully written.
A moving story told by a young boy settling in Minnesota, a refugee from the Sudanese war. His observations as a new American learning a new culture, language, and way of life are touching and filled with humor and heartbreak. His network of “family” shows that we can all connect to each other no matter our backgrounds. A wonderful, compelling book.
Katherine Applegate never disappoints. She makes me believe in the impossible I don't want to spoil the book by relating my favorite part, but it includes a long walk and traffic. Her words about hope made me cry.
Really enjoyed listening to this audio book! I laughed out loud and teared up a few times, which isn't really what you want while exercising, but clearly I liked the book :). It's the story of a young boy coming to America from Africa and trying to adjust to his new life. Wonderful story of holding on to hope.
Another beatiful book from Katherine Applegate. The language is so poetic and the main character is so pure. I though it was lovely.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Absolutely amazing. A novel in verse, this one made me chuckle and filled me with warmth. Themes include hope, making a new home, starting over, being unfamiliar with one's surroundings, etc. I highly recommend this to anyone: Grades 4 and up, I'd say.
2nd reading in 2020: Loved it just as much the second time around. Cried throughout! Beautiful.
2nd reading in 2020: Loved it just as much the second time around. Cried throughout! Beautiful.
I really enjoyed the main character, Kek, in this story. He is sweet and sensitive despite having seen and experienced a lot of bad things. Kek is a refugee from Sudan. In the refugee camps in Sudan he lost his whole family. He suspects that his mother may have survived, but he had to leave her behind when she got injured in a military attack. Despite having lost his family, and having to travel to America alone, Kek still maintains his optimism about life. This is a beautiful story about a beautiful boy.