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bookph1le's review against another edition
4.0
This is a really sweet and funny book with plenty of heart, and just enough wackiness to keep things interesting. Though the title emphasizes Archer's role at his uncle's wedding, that's actually a small part of the book. It's a nicely done novel about approaching puberty and leaving childhood behind. Some spoilers to follow.
This is the first book I've read by Peck, so I don't know if this is a hallmark of his style, but he manages to pack in a lot of important themes and a good dose of humor, all while using fairly spare prose. The book covers everything from a vicious episode of bullying to anti-gay prejudice to multiculturalism to a boy's search for rule models, all without being preachy or precious.
I found the passages about Archer's grandfather that are woven throughout the book to be particularly touching. Peck's hand is light and his touch deft, but I felt the fullness of both Archer's grief and his father's. Peck does such a beautiful job of letting a few well-chosen words to convey the depths of human love.
As for the LGBTQ angle, I thought that was well-done too. The book doesn't make a big deal of it, but it doesn't shy away from addressing the curiosity a child might feel about the topic. I especially liked a scene where Archer asks Uncle Paul when he decided to be gay, and his uncle replies that being gay isn't a decision, how you live your life is. I also liked that Uncle Paul is fully-fleshed to the extent that it's obvious why Archer looks up to him. He's not a main character, but he is prominent in Archer's life, so he never comes across as a token character.
If I have one quibble, it's that several female characters are underdeveloped. I liked Lynette lot, and her personally shines through--though I do wish her trip to "fat camp" had been addressed more. His mother isn't very vividly drawn, and his grandmother especially isn't. I'd also say their relationship is straight up stock, as is the portrayal of Holly, his older sister.
Still, I enjoyed this book and welled up several times. I think it's a good bet for any middle-grade reader who enjoys realistic fiction about growing up, and it also serves as a nice message book that doesn't get too heavy-handed with its message.
This is the first book I've read by Peck, so I don't know if this is a hallmark of his style, but he manages to pack in a lot of important themes and a good dose of humor, all while using fairly spare prose. The book covers everything from a vicious episode of bullying to anti-gay prejudice to multiculturalism to a boy's search for rule models, all without being preachy or precious.
I found the passages about Archer's grandfather that are woven throughout the book to be particularly touching. Peck's hand is light and his touch deft, but I felt the fullness of both Archer's grief and his father's. Peck does such a beautiful job of letting a few well-chosen words to convey the depths of human love.
As for the LGBTQ angle, I thought that was well-done too. The book doesn't make a big deal of it, but it doesn't shy away from addressing the curiosity a child might feel about the topic. I especially liked a scene where Archer asks Uncle Paul when he decided to be gay, and his uncle replies that being gay isn't a decision, how you live your life is. I also liked that Uncle Paul is fully-fleshed to the extent that it's obvious why Archer looks up to him. He's not a main character, but he is prominent in Archer's life, so he never comes across as a token character.
If I have one quibble, it's that several female characters are underdeveloped. I liked Lynette lot, and her personally shines through--though I do wish her trip to "fat camp" had been addressed more. His mother isn't very vividly drawn, and his grandmother especially isn't. I'd also say their relationship is straight up stock, as is the portrayal of Holly, his older sister.
Still, I enjoyed this book and welled up several times. I think it's a good bet for any middle-grade reader who enjoys realistic fiction about growing up, and it also serves as a nice message book that doesn't get too heavy-handed with its message.
ktswings's review against another edition
4.0
I like how you know who is gay by the lack of wearing socks.
Super sweet book that I can't wait to gift one of my littles.
Super sweet book that I can't wait to gift one of my littles.
paulp's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
kian_annus's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
bklvr08's review against another edition
4.0
I’m rating this a 4.5 stars
The book was good and it showed a family’s everyday living situation. The only thing I didn’t like was how the main character got bullied and how the main character uncle confronted the bully and their dad and he denied everything. If the bullying scene was taken out or would have been a 5 stars for me.
The book was good and it showed a family’s everyday living situation. The only thing I didn’t like was how the main character got bullied and how the main character uncle confronted the bully and their dad and he denied everything. If the bullying scene was taken out or would have been a 5 stars for me.
shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
Richard Peck can usually be counted on for laughs and this lovely story does not disappoint. Sixth grade narrator, Archer, tells his story of a childhood bookended by two very different weddings. The first, when Archer is 6, involves being a ring bearer in a too-small white suit. The suit ended up muddy with a split seam allowing young Archer to accidentally entertain the wedding guests by mooning them. Archer then recounts life events by grade -- fun times with Uncle Paul, good and bad teachers, caring for grandparents and the stroke and eventual death of beloved grandpa. And in 6th grade, Archer very matter-of-factly realizes Uncle Paul is gay. That year is capped off when Archer is the best man for Uncle Paul and Mr. McCleod - a fantastic teacher who happens to be a member of the National Guard. A beautiful story of a loving family. I read the arc for this book to be published in September.
hayleybeale's review against another edition
4.0
Richard Peck’s perceptive and sunshine-warm middle-grade story of male role models naturally integrates a love story between two men, but is slightly marred by some stereotyped characters. See my full review here.
Reviewed from an ARC.
Reviewed from an ARC.
lisawhelpley's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic storytelling. Mr. Peck is so good at capturing the thoughts and concerns and hopes of preteens.
kiragrieco's review against another edition
4.0
When I was reading through different middle grade summaries for my YA lit class and I came across this one, I loved the sweet and simple idea behind it. And that’s exactly what it was when I read it- sweet. Archer is a cute and rather oblivious 5th/6th grader throughout the story who absolutely idolizes his dad, his grandpa, and his Uncle Paul. His best friend, Lynette, is a perfect example of a girl this age, especially as Archer mentions her changes and transitions once they hit middle school. In the same way, Archer is a perfect example of a boy at the age; clueless, funny, mischievous, and a perfect narrator for the story. He made me laugh so many times throughout, this was really just a perfect light-hearted middle grade book. My one qualm with it, and the reason I gave it a 4 star rating, is I would’ve liked to see more character development in some of the adults, along with relationship development. I know that this might have been done intentionally to show how Archer still doesn’t know a lot about adults, but the ending felt sort of abrupt, but didn’t leave me feeling dissatisfied in any way. That being said though, this really is a very good, light-hearted, happy middle grade read!