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sbelasco40's review against another edition
5.0
This is a beautifully written and an emotionally intense, vivid story. I loved the way the book showcases the world of small-town Senegal and offers a window into Mor's life. Though the copy says it has elements of magical realism, I think what struck me was how the book captured what is magical about life and about Mor's everyday experience, even as he is struggling to support his family as an orphaned 11-year-old. It is so powerful, and I was completely swept up in the story.
molly_dettmann's review against another edition
3.0
I love Mor. What a sweet character! I liked this story, but felt it was drawn out and a little didactic in parts that might make it a hard sell for most readers. Still a worthy addition for elementary libraries. Reminded me of Goldenboy by Tara Sullivan just a little.
crystal_reading's review against another edition
5.0
Review copy: Final copy via publisher
Mor and his family completely stole my heart. Mor hears his father and sees his mother after they have died. He knows his parents would want the children to stay together so he's determined to do that at any cost. He tries. Oh, how he tries, but the responsibilities are tough. He learns so many things the hard way. Something will go right and then two things will go wrong. It is hard to see him face so many disappointments, but readers will be cheering him on all the way through.
The gang is on his trail and brings about many of Mor's difficulties. They also offer safety and protection though. Henderson does a particularly good job of showing how children and teens can get caught up in such a situation. The gang members are individuals and have stories. They have their reasons for having joined and readers see that gang activity may not be as clear-cut as one would imagine. I think there are gang members who never believed they would have anything to do with a gang and yet there they are.
It may not look like it on the surface, but this is a survival story. Mor has a loving community, but he does isolate himself with the secrets he is holding. There are many strong and caring adults that help Mor and his sisters. I appreciated seeing the way they looked out for the children. One in particular is an elder fisherman named Demba. Many of the children make fun of him and believe he is crazy. Mor spends a lot of time with Demba and learns that Demba's differences are not what they appear.
Recommendation: This is a fabulous book that may cause a little heartache, but it's also heartwarming. Mor's persistence and hope are lovely to behold. It's a little long for a middle grade novel, but it moves quickly and is well worth the time.
Mor and his family completely stole my heart. Mor hears his father and sees his mother after they have died. He knows his parents would want the children to stay together so he's determined to do that at any cost. He tries. Oh, how he tries, but the responsibilities are tough. He learns so many things the hard way. Something will go right and then two things will go wrong. It is hard to see him face so many disappointments, but readers will be cheering him on all the way through.
The gang is on his trail and brings about many of Mor's difficulties. They also offer safety and protection though. Henderson does a particularly good job of showing how children and teens can get caught up in such a situation. The gang members are individuals and have stories. They have their reasons for having joined and readers see that gang activity may not be as clear-cut as one would imagine. I think there are gang members who never believed they would have anything to do with a gang and yet there they are.
It may not look like it on the surface, but this is a survival story. Mor has a loving community, but he does isolate himself with the secrets he is holding. There are many strong and caring adults that help Mor and his sisters. I appreciated seeing the way they looked out for the children. One in particular is an elder fisherman named Demba. Many of the children make fun of him and believe he is crazy. Mor spends a lot of time with Demba and learns that Demba's differences are not what they appear.
Recommendation: This is a fabulous book that may cause a little heartache, but it's also heartwarming. Mor's persistence and hope are lovely to behold. It's a little long for a middle grade novel, but it moves quickly and is well worth the time.
amandarawsonhill's review against another edition
5.0
Extremely interesting with well drawn characters and a lot of heart.
jillcd's review against another edition
2.0
I made it to page 150 and just found it too long. I can’t see my students sticking with this 429 pg novel.
caseyjoreads's review against another edition
Street kid in Senegal. Friend has joined a gang. Do you do the right thing? How? I've done the thing where I waited 2 months to record it, so I can't say much more than that I enjoyed reading it, but that I did.
cassuallyreading's review
3.0
Loved the general plot of the story, but it could have easily been 100-200 pages shorter.
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