Reviews

It been a long time since i last read a book that made me want to cry out of anger. It’s been even longer since i read something that brought up the emotions of when i was in the closet. Explained everything i could never explain to others.

trix21's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring 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

4.75

i loved it.

lauren_soderberg's review against another edition

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5.0

This is a wonderful middle-grade read that kind of got lost in the pandemic shuffle last year, which is a shame.

It's the kind of book that is both age-appropriate, but also sort of defies its age demographic. I feel like anybody reading this will be able to glean something positive and didactic. And the novel's treatment of Silas as he becomes more comfortable with his identity is mirrored in a captivating way by the real-life story of Glenn Burke.

The usage of biography in a fictional story was really unique and interesting, and a way that can engage readers to compare and contrast the lived experience of the fictional protagonist and a person who existed in the real world. Glenn Burke's story also serves as a vehicle for Silas's fears and projections, which is also narratively engaging. This book also provides a lot of great insights into how to be a kinder, better person, without veering into being overwrought or heavy-handed.

In short, I loved the book, and would love to see this being taught in classrooms.

ryemeg's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

henry10's review against another edition

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5.0

A beautiful, inspiring, heartwarming book about being you, authentically you.

Silas is a middle school baseball fanatic and player whose idol is Glenn Burke, the inventor of the high five and one of the first gay baseball players. Over the course of the book we go through Silas' journey of accepting himself and his sexuality,

Spoiler

his coming out

, and his beautiful friendship with Zoey. This entire book warmed my heart and felt like therapy. The relationship between Silas and Coach Webb is incredible, and I couldn't put the book down.

kngiordano's review against another edition

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5.0

I’m so glad this book is on the Caudill list because it is such an important, meaningful read. The baseball content alone is awesome and sure to hook any and all of my baseball players in class. But Silas’s journey to greater self-acceptance and learning to be wholly who he is even though people won’t always accept… even better.

greenlivingaudioworm's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional informative reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

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