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rubenstein's review against another edition
Who knows - maybe I'm just being a big ol' grump, but Witherwood Reform School feels like a book that actual Middle Grade readers would enjoy far more. I don't really see much middle ground here - this is a novel that's definitely written to be enjoyed by a younger crowd.
For the full review and more, head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!
For the full review and more, head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!
elephant's review against another edition
3.0
Witherwood reminds me a bit of Camp Green Lake from Holes, only even stranger. This book is the first in a series for kids. After they put tadpoles in the gravy which nearly choked their nanny, Martha, to death, Tobias and Charlotte's father dropped them off at the gate of Witherwood reform school, a very strange and unpleasant place to be. Scary creatures roam the grounds at night, guards sing in the hallways, and a creepy ugly guy has an unusual voice that convinces everyone to do what he says and be happy about it. I think kids may enjoy this book. It ends with a cliffhanger which should lead to more books. I received this book free to review from Netgalley.
saragrochowski's review against another edition
4.0
Witherwood Reform School is the first book in a new series from Potterwookie author, Obert Skye. Like his other books, Witherwood is funny and often absurd. This offering is particularly reminiscent of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. Like that series, Witherwood features siblings, dark humor, and some rather unfortunate luck.
One of my favorite things about this book was the narrator, who often speaks to the reader and comments on what is happening to the main characters, Tobias and Charlotte. Some books are well served by this kind of narration that breaks the wall between story and real life - I think this is a good example. There is a very distinct impression that, if the reader doesn't mind their parents, they might end up in a similar situation. And the situation - being trapped in a potentially evil reform school - is not a situation they want to be in.
In addition to mystery and adventure, there's some gross-out humor that young readers will likely be on board with. The prank that lands the siblings in reform school is rather disgusting: Tobias releases tadpoles into the dinner gravy, which their governess eats. This made my stomach turn rather unpleasantly - and I admit that I could have done without scenes like this - but I have no doubt many readers will find it hilarious.
This first installment leaves readers with more questions than answers and I'm curious about how the story will progress. And if the siblings will make it out of this dangerous reform school whole.
One of my favorite things about this book was the narrator, who often speaks to the reader and comments on what is happening to the main characters, Tobias and Charlotte. Some books are well served by this kind of narration that breaks the wall between story and real life - I think this is a good example. There is a very distinct impression that, if the reader doesn't mind their parents, they might end up in a similar situation. And the situation - being trapped in a potentially evil reform school - is not a situation they want to be in.
In addition to mystery and adventure, there's some gross-out humor that young readers will likely be on board with. The prank that lands the siblings in reform school is rather disgusting: Tobias releases tadpoles into the dinner gravy, which their governess eats. This made my stomach turn rather unpleasantly - and I admit that I could have done without scenes like this - but I have no doubt many readers will find it hilarious.
This first installment leaves readers with more questions than answers and I'm curious about how the story will progress. And if the siblings will make it out of this dangerous reform school whole.
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