Scan barcode
joshkiba13's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
I've listened to this audiobook so many times, and I think I just love it more every time. It's funny, it's sad, it's touching. I love the setting in New York during the Vietnam War and seeing those complicated issues through the lens of a kid's eyes. It's a mostly lighthearted story that will sucker punch you with emotions when you least expect it.
Content Warnings
Minor: War, Racism, and Death
nitar8's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: War, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Death, and Grief
cassroberts89's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was our pick for our library tween book club, and it just so happens to be my daughter’s favorite book.
Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting interested in the story as a whole. I think this might be partly due to the fact that while this is a whole novel, it’s told in chapters (based on each month of the school year I think) that feel more like episodes to a series than a cohesive plot. They were highly entertaining episodes, though! Schmidt is obviously a skilled writer and seems to strike just the right balance between literary storytelling and relating to mg/ya audiences on their level.
Also, I LOVED watching the progression of Holling’s relationship with his sister, Heather. The dad was a jerk, but the kid stepped up and was there for her anyway. I’m always here for realistic and loving sibling dynamics.
Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting interested in the story as a whole. I think this might be partly due to the fact that while this is a whole novel, it’s told in chapters (based on each month of the school year I think) that feel more like episodes to a series than a cohesive plot. They were highly entertaining episodes, though! Schmidt is obviously a skilled writer and seems to strike just the right balance between literary storytelling and relating to mg/ya audiences on their level.
Also, I LOVED watching the progression of Holling’s relationship with his sister, Heather. The dad was a jerk, but the kid stepped up and was there for her anyway. I’m always here for realistic and loving sibling dynamics.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and War
More...