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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia
Minor: Child abuse, Incest, Sexual assault
4/5 stars
Quite a well-written, hard hitting, enjoyable read. I don't think I will think about it that much in the future, even though I was expecting to connect with it more. Sometimes the 90s references were a little excessive, but I'm sure some people will see it as nostalgic if you were growing up at that time. It's a very important read, and I would encourage you to place this quiet little intuitive book into young readers' hands, even though I think kids in its intended audience might overlook the simple, yet well-crafted writing.
Quite a well-written, hard hitting, enjoyable read. I don't think I will think about it that much in the future, even though I was expecting to connect with it more. Sometimes the 90s references were a little excessive, but I'm sure some people will see it as nostalgic if you were growing up at that time. It's a very important read, and I would encourage you to place this quiet little intuitive book into young readers' hands, even though I think kids in its intended audience might overlook the simple, yet well-crafted writing.
This book is important, powerful, and profound while being tender and intimate and real. I wish this was written so long ago, and am so glad it exists now. Read this for you, and give it to everyone you can. I'm going to miss our protagonist, now that I've read it.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is so good. Idk what to say about this really. The way it was written was really effective for getting a message across coz of the simplicity of the writing. This book almost made a cry a few times and was relatable in a way that made me feel Seen.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Transphobia
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia
Gosh, this was a heavy read, but I absolutely adored it. Rowan is such a great protagonist and I loved following him through 5th grade via his letters. Middle grade novels with LGBTQ+ protagonists have my whole heart. All I wanted to do was hug Rowan and his friend Sofie and protect them from all the things they have to endure. The portayal of young transness was incredible, Rowan’s questions about masculinity and how to be in this world were so poignant and real. What a book! Some of the 90s references felt a bit overly direct and some parts were too descriptive, but I 100% forgive that in the face of how emotionally touching and lyrically stunning this work is. You can feel the tender heart behind the story and I can’t imagine how it must be like to read this as a younger person affected by some of the issues portrayed here. What a gift to the world.
Painful and powerful book on the subject of trans awakening and childhood sexual abuse. The story is related in letters that Rowan attaches to balloons and releases when he needs an outlet to be heard. There's a surprising hopefullness to it, but it's also, as advertised, a hard read. The author shares that some of the experiences are based on their own life in the notes at the end.
This is a hard one. Very raw and many triggers. I am not sure I would put it in my middle school library, but as an educator it is enlightening and encourages deep empathy for others.
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes