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notesonbookmarks's review against another edition
4.0
Picked this up from the library after I listened to the author's podcast about the writing, selling, publishing and publicizing of his book (called "Launch" if you want to check it out... so fascinating!). I figured I've had good luck in the past with podcasters turned book authors so it was at least worth a look.
Well, I wasn't disappointed. Arlo Finch is a 6th grader who gets relocated to Pine Mountain, CO. He's just a normal kid with a normal-ish family. He joins the Rangers (a boy scout-ish type of group), because pretty much every 6th grader does as a way to be involved and starts to learn about the outdoors and the local stories and traditions. And that's when things start to get weird. Arlo will appeal to all the kids. He's part of the real world, and he attends a real school, so everything feels like it could really happen. But it's also fantastical and fun and a little bit scary (not too bad, I did allow my 7.5-year-old to pick up the book when I finished, and I think he'll be totally fine reading it). Recommend for fans of middle-grade lit, fantasy, and adventure. I truly think this story could become timeless if it gets into enough hands!
Well, I wasn't disappointed. Arlo Finch is a 6th grader who gets relocated to Pine Mountain, CO. He's just a normal kid with a normal-ish family. He joins the Rangers (a boy scout-ish type of group), because pretty much every 6th grader does as a way to be involved and starts to learn about the outdoors and the local stories and traditions. And that's when things start to get weird. Arlo will appeal to all the kids. He's part of the real world, and he attends a real school, so everything feels like it could really happen. But it's also fantastical and fun and a little bit scary (not too bad, I did allow my 7.5-year-old to pick up the book when I finished, and I think he'll be totally fine reading it). Recommend for fans of middle-grade lit, fantasy, and adventure. I truly think this story could become timeless if it gets into enough hands!
atlas_gold's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
iremye's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
luneclaire's review against another edition
5.0
I freaking loved this book. Can't wait for the next one! Also, the audiobook narrator was pretty solid.
womanon's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book a lot. It had just the right amount of adventure, excitement and magic in it. I can highly recommend it.
vireogirl's review against another edition
3.0
Not used to the genre with magic and mystical creatures. Liked the combo with the outdoor survival.
Writing firmly YA level. Not much development. Some over simplifying.
Enjoyed it but not enough to seek out the rest of the series. Recommended it to a young person—does a good job of showing that you can be different and still accepted for who you are.
Writing firmly YA level. Not much development. Some over simplifying.
Enjoyed it but not enough to seek out the rest of the series. Recommended it to a young person—does a good job of showing that you can be different and still accepted for who you are.
cayceosborne's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent middle-grade novel appropriate for a wide range of readers. The characters are well-realized and engaging, and the little mysteries sprinkled throughout the adventure keep you reading. Looking forward to more Arlo Finch!
ehparrish's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5