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glanecia's review against another edition
3.0
Meh. I neither love, nor dislike this book. Grump is a well-crafted story, as far as writing style and pacing are concerned. I did laugh at a few parts, so that's good. I thought it was interesting how the crystals had meaning, and power for the dwarves, just like they do for those new age hippies (myself included haha!). The twist on the word 'fairest' was also interesting, but also a bit frustrating. The word-twist veered too far from the original fairy tale.
I would have loved this story, if the message was deeper, and held some sort of thought-provoking life lesson for the reader. You may not think middle grade books can do this, but they can. I think that Bridge to Terabithia, and any middle grade book by Katherine Applegate has proven this. The story did illustrate the nature of humanity, and that gave the reader a bit to think about, but it was just not deep enough to make any lasting impression on me.
A younger version of myself might have enjoyed this story more. Though, I don't know - Bridge to Terabithia was my favorite when I was a middle-grade child.
I would have loved this story, if the message was deeper, and held some sort of thought-provoking life lesson for the reader. You may not think middle grade books can do this, but they can. I think that Bridge to Terabithia, and any middle grade book by Katherine Applegate has proven this. The story did illustrate the nature of humanity, and that gave the reader a bit to think about, but it was just not deep enough to make any lasting impression on me.
A younger version of myself might have enjoyed this story more. Though, I don't know - Bridge to Terabithia was my favorite when I was a middle-grade child.
pancakeducks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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? It's complicated
4.75
libraryrobin's review against another edition
3.0
The second half is better than the first half. The whole story is too long.
chubbybirbo's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
christyreads83's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
branpender12's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely love it when someone takes a fantastic story and reimagines it in a way that is completely new then makes it even better. Therefore, when I seen this title was available I was absolutely excited! I had heard nothing but great things and wanted to see for myself the world building of this renowned author!
I think the best part of this book is that snow white isn’t the main attraction. Instead we get to learn about dwarves and their lives outside of taking care of the Princess. Shurtlif does an outstanding job of creating a new dwarf culture with vibrant characters that share their day-to-day practices.
Something else that I absolutely adore in books is Snark, witty banter, and cheeky humor. This book delivered and then some! Borlen (aka Grumpy) quickly became a favorite character not just in this book but of all the Snow White retellings that I have read. Just like us humans, all he wants is to rise above the expected and explore new possibilities and rounds. He’s curious about things he’s never seen like the world above the mine, but his job keeps him from exploring those boundaries. Until he finds a way to get to the surface and be in the human realm. Nothing was as he expected, and he soon finds himself in serious trouble.
I really like the messages that were portrayed in this book and believe that they will be a great tool for teaching elementary and middle grade students life lessons. Like it’s okay to not fit in and to color outside of the lines. To be who you want to be and seek adventure. Also to overcome struggles and not let abusive words or people keep you down.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves fairytales and retellings of stories we think we know. It is perfect for elementary age and middle-grade students as well. I feel like the kids will love finding out how grumpy got his name!
Thank you, for allowing me access to this title it was a fantastic read!
b10tch's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
okiecozyreader's review against another edition
4.0
“That which you put into the world will always come back to you.... life is one great big mirror.”
Grump is a delightful book about the seventh, a dwarf chosen for the worst jobs and hates living underground. It took a while for the story to get going, but you could finally start seeing the fairy tale unravel. I loved her use of gemstones and how they made Grump feel, and references to them as perspective through a dwarf’s thoughts.
Grump is a delightful book about the seventh, a dwarf chosen for the worst jobs and hates living underground. It took a while for the story to get going, but you could finally start seeing the fairy tale unravel. I loved her use of gemstones and how they made Grump feel, and references to them as perspective through a dwarf’s thoughts.
stacikristine's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really cute retelling of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Creative, engaging, and just close enough to the original. I am adding more of her fairy tale novels to my list.