Scan barcode
wintermote's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
An important book about social justice, about how each one of us can learn, grow, change, and make a difference to the hurting around us.
katieproctorbooks's review
5.0
This book is alllll the heart eyes. Middle grade, LGBT themes, small kindnesses, almost a found family feel. Loved it.
dmarger's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
I really liked this book. I appreciate the author's skill with craft. I liked how the four voices were so disparate at the beginning, but by the end of the book they've found a way to connect to each other. I did not understand the resolution to the story of the character of T. Maybe I'll have to re-read those parts to see if I get it on a second reading. I like the puffin metaphor. I like how most of the. adults are severely flawed.
greenlivingaudioworm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Death, Grief, Bullying, Abandonment, Child death, and Transphobia
kiperoo's review
5.0
Fabulous, fabulous book! I wish all kids could read this. These four kids make great strides in being their true selves despite difficult circumstances. Readers will really find behavior to emulate here. Just love it. (re-read in preparation for an author school visit)
embe94's review
5.0
I loved the different perspectives here and the message behind the story. I loved seeing each kid progress. As an adult it was hard because a lot of the kids, I wanted to scoop up and carry away- but it’s powerful and joyful and hard and I know my students will love this book!!
evamadera1's review
4.5
Ann Braden knows how to yank on those heart strings. While I think T deserved way more page time, Braden, in such a short book, endears all four kids to the reader and teaches such a beautiful lesson about reaching out to and caring about others.
annakim's review
3.0
I think this is a great story about how one act of kindness can ripple out and influence others to do good. However, there were a lot of loose threads and open endings where we can assume things work out, but nothing is every really stated. I also felt that Libby was very Manic Pixie Dream Girl Jr; the magical girl who changes the lives of others, particularly boys, because she is Special and Not Like Other Girls. I'm not a fan of this trope.