Reviews

The Year My Life Went Down the Toilet by Jake Maia Arlow

crickito's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-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

5.0

rainbowbookworm's review

5.0

Since I don't plan on reading any more middle grade novels in 2023, it is safe to say that this is my favorite middle grade novel of 2023! Arlow is a deft writer who expertly portrays coming out, having a first crush, and learning to cope with a new diagnosis.

chess__bored's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective medium-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

3.0

in a perfect world we'd all be gay and break bread together

vrrrmm's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective

• 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

This is a book that I hope blows up (LMFAO-in the world, not the toilet). I read this with my kid b/c I wanted to share a part of me but at a level he could digest. I wholeheartedly recommend giving this book a try. 

aliebreads5's review against another edition

hopeful informative 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

4.75

internationalreads's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Excrement, Chronic illness, and Blood

Minor: Abandonment

raediance04's review

3.0

Although cringey at times, overall, I enjoyed this book. I was annoyed how young the main character felt for twelve years old and also by the overuse of the word “poop.” I also found it unrealistic for almost every character be queer. However, I did enjoy the way she used her different stomach aches to target different emotions she felt throughout the story. I liked the queer, IBD, and Jewish representation, especially for a middle grade book. While I recognize I am not the target audience, I do I feel like this could be relatable for so many kids.

briereads's review

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring 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? Yes

5.0

megabees's review against another edition

3.5

shit happens! 

madiemartin's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny reflective tense medium-paced

4.0