Reviews

Mostly Monty by Johanna Hurwitz

melmie's review against another edition

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4.0

Solid start to a series. Good introduction to a main character. Great vocabulary.

hezann73's review against another edition

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3.0

A cute, quick read for a child who is just reading on his/her own.

Monty doesn't feel like he really fits in with the other kids in his first grade class, but he has many special talents.

lanica's review

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4.0

As a parent, I liked the idea behind this book. I liked that it showed a boy with asthma living his life and having fun. My boys are tough - they like to run and tackle and play hard with everyone...of every age, gender and race. I've taught them to be gentle with babies, and they usually are. But, I like that this book opens a discussion about why they have to be careful with kids their own age and size, too. They can never know who they need to be gentle around, and for what reason...

As a teacher, I agree that his parents are stifling him a bit more than is needed, but I think the idea is still sound. It is realistic that some parents will treat their child this way. And, as Monty is only in first grade, it's likely that he will learn where his limits lay as he gets older. I will not condemn the book for keeping Monty too safe. I will praise it for opening discussion about health issues in a way that is non-threatening and shows the child in an upbeat way. Monty is honest about his illness with the reader and lets other children learn from him.

hezann73's review

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3.0

A cute, quick read for a child who is just reading on his/her own.

Monty doesn't feel like he really fits in with the other kids in his first grade class, but he has many special talents.