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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I enjoyed this book far more than I expected ,I mean it kept me enthralled and glued to it
I love found family, the bonds of the children and the mystery and the ending everything was tied up
I agree with other reviewers that Sem and Egg were kinda similar, I had trouble too and that the girls were fleshed out, but you rooted for each kid
And honestly clever well done story
Yes I can see how someone might think Rotman is 1 dimensional he was, but sometimes a classic villian is okay though I suppose more on why is bad, but he was so well described that it was fun
And yes a slight element of disbelief
I will say, there are some darker themes here, death and violence so know it isn't 100% light hearted
But it was a hopeful book in the end and a very fun enjoyable read and mystery
Also the title I don't think Says children with disabilities can't be adopted, rather that society and the villians viewed them that way. But I think the author makes a strong point that the children are are valued with skills and character. It is the villains and uneducated who see them as less
I love found family, the bonds of the children and the mystery and the ending everything was tied up
I agree with other reviewers that Sem and Egg were kinda similar, I had trouble too and that the girls were fleshed out, but you rooted for each kid
And honestly clever well done story
Yes I can see how someone might think Rotman is 1 dimensional he was, but sometimes a classic villian is okay though I suppose more on why is bad, but he was so well described that it was fun
And yes a slight element of disbelief
I will say, there are some darker themes here, death and violence so know it isn't 100% light hearted
But it was a hopeful book in the end and a very fun enjoyable read and mystery
Also the title I don't think Says children with disabilities can't be adopted, rather that society and the villians viewed them that way. But I think the author makes a strong point that the children are are valued with skills and character. It is the villains and uneducated who see them as less
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Violence, Death of parent
Minor: Child abuse, Racism
What a fun, quick read. The plot was simple enough and the pace really quick, and the characters are lovable. A cosy tale about found family, tenacity and friendship.
Like similar books intended for middle grade, the villains are very one-dimensional and mean for the sake of being mean (which I understand, it's MG!), the plot isn't too complicated (it didn't quite live up to the blurb, what's that about pirate ship adventure?), but there's the twist I didn't see coming. Some characters feel underdeveloped e.g. Pieter. Egbert and Sem feels rather similar to me, on the other hand the girls stand out more in their own way.
It's sufficient to admit the ending did make me tear up a bit. I was touched by the children's loyalty and friendship with each other, and I enjoyed the book, hence 4 stars.
Like similar books intended for middle grade, the villains are very one-dimensional and mean for the sake of being mean (which I understand, it's MG!), the plot isn't too complicated (it didn't quite live up to the blurb, what's that about pirate ship adventure?), but there's the twist I didn't see coming.
Spoiler
I knew Poppenmaker defo isn't Milou's dad, but I thought they're completely unrelated. I didn't guess she's his grandkid, not until he discovered the cat puppet is Liesel's. That's when I realised.It's sufficient to admit the ending did make me tear up a bit. I was touched by the children's loyalty and friendship with each other, and I enjoyed the book, hence 4 stars.
Wonderful middle grade children's book, set in Amsterdam and the surrounding countryside in the winter of 1872, that I think will be a classic. Five misfits live in an autsterity-ridden orphanage and at the age of 12 are considered unadoptable. They each have unique and endearing talents and qualities. The baddies consist of Gassbeek, who runs the orphanage, with cruelty and fear and Rutman, an evil child-slaver. I loved how the children fought for freedom and utilised their creativity and smarts. I loved the beginning and think that the published edition (versus my proof copy) will help the reader remember who is who. A truly lovely read.
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The Unadoptables was a great reading experience, which is why its four stars, but it has some major problems, including the glaringly obvious: the title. While being orphaned is de rigueur for children’s books (how can hijinks ensue with those pesky parents in the way?), this title presses into the idea that some children are defective, and I can only imagine how painful that is. Beyond the title, the author does lean into the unadoptability of the children, especially in the beginning of the book. For that reason alone, I wouldn’t recommend it even though my daughter and I really liked the story.
There is an amount of suspension of disbelief that I think is in line with what I would expect from a middle grade adventure novel. The setting is evocative (and cold, which made it a good winter read aloud for us!). If I wanted to tie this into our curriculum, I would talk about puppet making (and make our own), script writing, the Netherlands, and human trafficking, as well as the harmful adoption stereotypes outlined above.
I rarely comment on the actual read aloud experience, but in this case, the author has a tongue twisting adoration of alliteration that got me more than once.
There is an amount of suspension of disbelief that I think is in line with what I would expect from a middle grade adventure novel. The setting is evocative (and cold, which made it a good winter read aloud for us!). If I wanted to tie this into our curriculum, I would talk about puppet making (and make our own), script writing, the Netherlands, and human trafficking, as well as the harmful adoption stereotypes outlined above.
I rarely comment on the actual read aloud experience, but in this case, the author has a tongue twisting adoration of alliteration that got me more than once.
really fun intrigueing story. def has issues such as the title and predictability
This was a very interesting book. There were twists and turns, adventure, and many happy moments. I was left with a warm feeling, and the urge to call my family.
4.5/5
I surprisingly loved this book. Although Milou regularly frustrated me, I found each of the five children so endearing and precious, and I loved their bond with one another. The book also wrapped up beautifully (it actually made me tear up a couple of times towards the end, which I definitely was not expecting).
As for the question of whether or not the book is sending out a harmful message regarding orphans and the foster care system, I personally believe that although the title could have been improved upon, the core message of the book is that each child is brilliant in their own way and they definitely are not 'unadoptable'. The reader and the 'good' characters in the book appreciate and welcome their individuality, and even without their unique quirks and talents, we love each and every one of them for their kind hearts and strong spirits. The only ones who treated them as misfits and outcasts are the villains of the story. I do not think that it was the author's intention to alienate these children - I actually think the book does the opposite by teaching children that those who might look or behave differently to them are no less respectable or adoptable, and that we should all welcome and embrace everyone's differences, regardless of race, skin colour, appearance, personality traits, lived experiences etc.
I surprisingly loved this book. Although Milou regularly frustrated me, I found each of the five children so endearing and precious, and I loved their bond with one another. The book also wrapped up beautifully (it actually made me tear up a couple of times towards the end, which I definitely was not expecting).
As for the question of whether or not the book is sending out a harmful message regarding orphans and the foster care system, I personally believe that although the title could have been improved upon, the core message of the book is that each child is brilliant in their own way and they definitely are not 'unadoptable'. The reader and the 'good' characters in the book appreciate and welcome their individuality, and even without their unique quirks and talents, we love each and every one of them for their kind hearts and strong spirits. The only ones who treated them as misfits and outcasts are the villains of the story. I do not think that it was the author's intention to alienate these children - I actually think the book does the opposite by teaching children that those who might look or behave differently to them are no less respectable or adoptable, and that we should all welcome and embrace everyone's differences, regardless of race, skin colour, appearance, personality traits, lived experiences etc.