Reviews

The Year My Life Went Down the Toilet by Jake Maia Arlow

rennyrocket's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful informative lighthearted medium-paced

librarydreams's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful 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? Yes

4.0

A fine addition to the (hopefully) growing collection about kids with chronic illnesses. A middle grade book where most of the main characters have a chronic illness

and all of the main characters are queer

is groundbreaking. While not all readers may be able to relate to Al's struggle with chronic illness or her sexuality, Arlow does an excellent job providing a view into those worlds even for the uninitiated. The most important lesson of the story, however, is relatable for everyone: finding trusted people to share every part of ourself with is the key to happiness.

lilburger's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

3.5

kristinajean's review against another edition

emotional informative lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

speckofmagic's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

mel_muses's review against another edition

emotional funny fast-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? Yes

4.0

So glad this book exists and I hope it finds the kids who need it! A heartfelt portrayal of being a queer preteen with a chronic illness <33

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Chronic illness, Excrement, and Medical content

laura_sackton's review against another edition

So real!
Excruciating, in a good way.
Incredible characterization of kids and adults.

smalltownbookmom's review against another edition

4.0

A really great #ownvoices middle grade novel featuring a 12 year old Jewish girl who gets diagnosed with Crohn's disease and finds a support group of other queer kids going through similar problems. This book tackles a lot from navigating old and new friendships, queer awakening, learning your parent is actually bisexual and learning how to live with a chronic illness. Great on audio and perfect for fans of books like Will on the inside by Andrew Eliopulos.

flaviaaalouise's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful informative slow-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? Yes

4.0

kelkelkelhart's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0