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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
challenging
medium-paced
Loved this MG story!! If you are unfamiliar with churches like FLDS this story will seem unbelievable. I was saddened by families torn apart, but loved the strong sibling bonds. In my mind I keep wondering "hmm where are they now?"
challenging
emotional
inspiring
fast-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:
Complicated
When I received an advance copy of this book, I couldn't wait to dig in.
The novel's setting in a fundamentalist polygamist community is unique among middle grade novels. Although it is realistic fiction, the portrayal of strict gender divisions and leaders who rule by oppression almost resembled a dystopian teen novel. As in those novels, the heroine questions the power structure and rejects oppression. She reminded me of an American Girl: bright, plucky, and kind--perhaps even unrealistically so.
I found the villains in this story (the male prophet and his henchmen) one-dimensionally grotesque, but I appreciated its portrayal of Gentry's relationship with a younger sister Amy, who has Down's Syndrome. Amy is bright and perceptive, neither helpless nor simply the impetus for development of typically-abled characters. Gentry is a caring older sister who learns as much from her sister as she teaches her.
I wasn't as enthralled by this book as I expected to be; nonetheless, I look forward to recommending it to elementary/middle school students who have outgrown American Girl stories but not quite grown into Anne of Green Gables. It will resonate among readers who feel out of place in conservative religious communities or who have/have loved ones with developmental disabilities.
The novel's setting in a fundamentalist polygamist community is unique among middle grade novels. Although it is realistic fiction, the portrayal of strict gender divisions and leaders who rule by oppression almost resembled a dystopian teen novel. As in those novels, the heroine questions the power structure and rejects oppression. She reminded me of an American Girl: bright, plucky, and kind--perhaps even unrealistically so.
I found the villains in this story (the male prophet and his henchmen) one-dimensionally grotesque, but I appreciated its portrayal of Gentry's relationship with a younger sister Amy, who has Down's Syndrome. Amy is bright and perceptive, neither helpless nor simply the impetus for development of typically-abled characters. Gentry is a caring older sister who learns as much from her sister as she teaches her.
I wasn't as enthralled by this book as I expected to be; nonetheless, I look forward to recommending it to elementary/middle school students who have outgrown American Girl stories but not quite grown into Anne of Green Gables. It will resonate among readers who feel out of place in conservative religious communities or who have/have loved ones with developmental disabilities.
5 stars!
I don't read a lot of middle grade, so I don't have much to compare this book to, but it blew me away. It's such a great story with amazing characters and amazing character development. (Before reading, be aware that a lot of the content and more violent scenes are really of a YA nature, but the writing style and age of characters caters more middle grade readers.)
I loved everything about this book, especially the violin plot because I used to play violin and chamber music, so there was a huge nostalgia factor for me (also every description of Gentry and Tanner playing is super accurate and well-put). I loved that there is Downs Syndrome representation that is incredibly positive and empowering, which I think is great for younger audiences to read about.
I read a YA book about a girl who escapes a cult about a month ago, but I prefer this one because the characters have more personality and are all very distinct. I think readers (especially younger ones) might have trouble relating to the characters because their situation is so drastically different from the typical experience of an adolescent, yet I think this is an important story because cults still exist, and ultimately, it's a story about finding hope in a situation that seems hopeless and also about learning and choosing things for yourself, rather than blindly trusting what everyone has taught you.
I would probably recommend this book for (advanced/mature) sixth grade and up, but I would give a content warning for violence (not incredibly graphic but pretty disturbing), and I think parents should be prepared to discuss some of the more upsetting events.
I don't read a lot of middle grade, so I don't have much to compare this book to, but it blew me away. It's such a great story with amazing characters and amazing character development. (Before reading, be aware that a lot of the content and more violent scenes are really of a YA nature, but the writing style and age of characters caters more middle grade readers.)
I loved everything about this book, especially the violin plot because I used to play violin and chamber music, so there was a huge nostalgia factor for me (also every description of Gentry and Tanner playing is super accurate and well-put). I loved that there is Downs Syndrome representation that is incredibly positive and empowering, which I think is great for younger audiences to read about.
I read a YA book about a girl who escapes a cult about a month ago, but I prefer this one because the characters have more personality and are all very distinct. I think readers (especially younger ones) might have trouble relating to the characters because their situation is so drastically different from the typical experience of an adolescent, yet I think this is an important story because cults still exist, and ultimately, it's a story about finding hope in a situation that seems hopeless and also about learning and choosing things for yourself, rather than blindly trusting what everyone has taught you.
I would probably recommend this book for (advanced/mature) sixth grade and up, but I would give a content warning for violence (not incredibly graphic but pretty disturbing), and I think parents should be prepared to discuss some of the more upsetting events.
challenging
emotional
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this book! It was a window into a way of life that is heartbreaking, but non of it was told in a graphic way that was a turnoff. You couldn’t help but root for Gentry whoever she began to question the validity of what “the prophet” or other adults said. Great, quick read!
2.5 stars… interesante conocer sobre cómo viven en la secta pero la narración aburridilla..
emotional
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
No
A quick, but infuriating read. Some of the characters were awesome (Amy and Tanner) and believable, and others just didn't work for me (Gentry and her bio parents). I know it's written for middle grade or YA, but it just didn't have enough depth to make me really care about any of the characters or buy into the changes they made. It's supposed to take place over a longer period of time (atone point the story jumps forward 3 months and then at another point it jumps forward a month) but without describing any of that, the author lost me. The events before the jump forward might have precipitated the character development, but they also might <i>not</i> have so I had a hard time buying into it completely.
If you enjoy books about cults, this is a book for you. Otherwise, it's skippable.
If you enjoy books about cults, this is a book for you. Otherwise, it's skippable.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-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:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse