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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
slow-paced
What an amazing example of what can go wrong when kids believe what they read on the internet. It is fun, quirky, and a bit scary for parents thinking what their kids may be looking at.
This was a fairly simple audiobook about a girl in middle school. While trying to cope with the fact that her mother has passed, her blind best friend might be changing schools, normal middle school tribulations, and her grandfather's "crazy" Dooms Day prepping, she learns about an asteroid that is supposed to hit the earth. She latches on to the conspiracy. Some have commented that because she seemed so scientific, it was odd that she doesn't verify the story. Or believe when others try to tell her it's a hoax. But I was able to tell. She needed to latch on to something, to keep her world from spinning out of control. And why not an asteroid? This would be a good book for middle schoolers, teaching them about successful and healthy ways to cope with stress (some adults could use that lesson as well). It is also a lesson in information literacy, and how to find reliable sources. While not a great work, or hugely thought provoking, I did enjoy it. And really, if we find ourselves in a group that makes us feel like we belong, how many want to risk losing that?
I adored the author's first book, so I had to pick this one up. I didn't click with the characters in the same way, but this was fascinating. My heart broke for Elle in the end as she puts herself out of her comfort zone to warn her peers about the coming asteroid, and then deals with the repercussions from there. It took me awhile to catch on to WHY Elle found herself where she did in the end, but once I caught on, it endeared her to me even more. There are some fascinating family dynamics in the story as well as some social/friend pieces that are also well done. Good information on science, asteroids, and trusting sources on the internet. Great back matter. This would be an interesting book for a class read aloud or a book group - lots of interesting things to discuss!
A good listen during April during a global pandemic. Light hearted yet relatable and a nice diversion from the news.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
A good lesson about survival, organizing, and fact checking. A nice book with thoughtful ideas and creativity waiting for that big moment of surprise.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
*see-saw hand gesture* While the plot was a bit lacking for me, I LOVED the representation of her blind friend Mack, and all the great explanation that went along with him. I learned a lot about the various levels of blindness in a very gentle way! The plot felt a little stretched out and thin at times. I kind of needed a fast-forward button. But I liked that she wasn't free from the consequences of her actions (whether they were good-intentioned or not) and the cover is excellent. I won't stock this in hardcover but I'll probably carry it once it comes out in paperback!
This was a cute middle grade novel about a girl who believes something re read online (written by someone who she believes to be from a reliable source) stating that the world will end in April. Eleanor's grandfather is a "prepper" and she has had plenty of opportunity to train for the end of the world. The question is, will her friends and family heed her warning?