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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
Hard to read because of the subject matter, but an important story that will stay with me for quite awhile.
Good book, but why on earth is this being marketed as middle grade? It's solidly YA.
I knew I was going to enjoy this book just by being told the basis of it. But wow. It's such a unique story with a unique concept and I absolutely devoured this.
This was definitely worth the read, I haven't seen any other books like this in middle grade, so it is for sure something that was needed, and I am excited to see what else this author writes in the future!
This book was fascinating! Gentry, a young girl growing up in a polygamous, religious cult in New Mexico just wants to be able to do what she loves, play music, but the Prophet forbids it. This book offers a unique perspective for students and adults alike!
Okay, so I picked up this ARC on a whim because the idea of a middle grade cult novel absolutely fascinated me. And ooh boy I was not disappointed. Truly, I was always on edge to know what would happen next to the citizens of Waiting and the fate of Gentry, a 13-year-old girl with a rebellious spirit and a love for music.
I'll be really excited to see what comes next from Melanie Sumrow!
I'll be really excited to see what comes next from Melanie Sumrow!
As a young adult reader with an interest in the cultastic I would have gobbled this up. It is sensitive to young readers and while some harsh realities are broached the author doesn't delve too deeply too exclude young teens. I like the use of music and the effective message of independent thought.
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.
Ever since we moved to Utah, I’ve read almost everything about modern day polygamy I can get my hands on, especially memoirs. I had seen this book for a couple months and wondered how the FLDS experience would translate as middle grade fiction. Could it even work? It DID.