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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read this as part of the public library's 5th grade reading challange (even though I haven't been in 5th grade for a while). It was well written, emotional and deals with relatable topics. Great choice, library!
Strong character development:
Yes
Ant is really into playing cards. Spades, to be specific. His family has a strong tradition of competitive card players. After a disappointment at last year’s annual Spades tournament, Ant is looking forward to redeeming himself and representing his family at this year’s competition. But when things go sour with his best friend and Spades partner, Ant must find someone new to enter the competition with. Johnson roots this story in Black heritage and culture. Ten-year-old Ant struggles with his height, a first crush, and most of all, his relationships with his parents. Throughout the text Johnson weaves in the theme of toxic masculinity. Recommended for public libraries, elementary and middle schools.
The audio version is fantastic! The narrator’s performance is engaging and fun. This is a sweet and thoughtful story with a great message. I think some young readers might struggle because many of them want only super high-action stories, and this is definitely more character-driven than plot-driven. But any kid who is dealing with the same family issues that Ant does will likely feel seen and validated by Johnson’s wonderful writing.
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Great upper elementary/early middle school read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism
Minor: Bullying
There’s so much packed into this great MG novel set against the backdrop of a spades tournament. Themes of friendship, trust, family, vulnerability and strength. *Addresses alcoholism and gambling addiction of a parent.
Jason Reynolds brought the world of track to middle grade novels, and now Varian Johnson has me wanting to play spades.
This book has so much packed in, but it never feels like too much. First, there's the amazing craft move with the narrator. (Not going to say any more about that...you'll see why.) Then there are plot lines that explore all the ways to be your own best young Black male self. Anthony has a flute-paying older brother and a trash-talking best friend. His father is battling addiction. The old guys at the corner store dispense the wisdom of elders. His friends give him grief about playing in the spades tournament with a girl, but Anthony appreciates her intelligence and ability. It's a fun book. Varian Johnson's best, imho.
Thank you, Scholastic, for the review copy.
This book has so much packed in, but it never feels like too much. First, there's the amazing craft move with the narrator. (Not going to say any more about that...you'll see why.) Then there are plot lines that explore all the ways to be your own best young Black male self. Anthony has a flute-paying older brother and a trash-talking best friend. His father is battling addiction. The old guys at the corner store dispense the wisdom of elders. His friends give him grief about playing in the spades tournament with a girl, but Anthony appreciates her intelligence and ability. It's a fun book. Varian Johnson's best, imho.
Thank you, Scholastic, for the review copy.
Tense and fast-paced
I loved the emergence of the narrator’s point of view and opinions over the course of the story. I loved the believability of Ant’s problems *and* the friends and grownup who helped him figure out how to cope. I loved the balance between the games, the friendship problems, and Roland’s struggles. I know some adults will worry that the themes are too mature for 8-12 year old readers but this is an excellent depiction of real-world problems that kids actually face, with the hopeful and empowering ending that books for kids often have.
I loved the emergence of the narrator’s point of view and opinions over the course of the story. I loved the believability of Ant’s problems *and* the friends and grownup who helped him figure out how to cope. I loved the balance between the games, the friendship problems, and Roland’s struggles. I know some adults will worry that the themes are too mature for 8-12 year old readers but this is an excellent depiction of real-world problems that kids actually face, with the hopeful and empowering ending that books for kids often have.