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mjenae's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Caitlin is a 5th-grader on the autism spectrum who, along with her widowed father, is grieving the death of her older brother. (Since this book was written in 2010, the author does call it Aspergers; the difference between the two terms is alluded to now and then.) Devon died in a school shooting before the story begins, and the journey in this book is the family and town's search for closure. In the middle of all this sorrow, Caitlin is also struggling to stay on her feet socially. She works on understanding, empathy, and making friends, which underlines the theme of how people are more than just black and white, good or bad. Sometimes the colors blur a little, but you have to give them a chance. Plus, color makes everything more beautiful.
Through a timely story of healing, Ms. Erskine takes us backstage into the brilliant mind of this beautiful young girl, highlighting her strengths (drawing, courage, intelligence, kindness) and helping readers to understand that just because a mind works differently than your own does not mean it is weird or defective. As Caitlin says: Everyone is special because this world is special—and everyone has difficulties because this world is difficult (paraphrased).
Caitlin made me grin, cry, and laugh through my tears. By the end of the book, I was so proud of her and everyone on the autism spectrum. Facing such challenges with such grace and stamina deserves a medal.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Mass/school shootings
maxthefish's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Ableism, and Death
librarydreams's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I had a hard time investing in the characters of this book. Caitlyn is portrayed with very stereotypical features of "high-functioning" autism (called Asperger's in the book, which was the term at the time of publication). Her lack of awareness of her own emotions makes it difficult for the reader to empathize with her (though, as empathy is something Caitlyn learns over the course of the book, perhaps that's the point).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Mass/school shootings and Child death
Minor: Cancer and Death of parent
lepasseportlitteraire's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Mockingbird is a sweet yet deeply touching middle-grade novel about Caitlin, a young girl affected by Asperger and her struggles to understand society, friendship and, on top of all that, grief.
The fact that we can get to see the world through her eyes makes the novel unique, and her behaviours that might seem odd from the outside, become Cristal clear.
I found the book was incredibly insightful and a nice reading if you are looking to better understand how a person with asperger sees the world. On top of that, it makes the case for early intervention and the importance of a support network outside of family and friends, in this case the one that the education system might provide when resources are present.
Highly recommend this read !
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Gun violence
cleogray's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mass/school shootings, Bullying, Grief, Death of parent, and Child death
seawarrior's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Mockingbird is not a recent book, but is still a relevant one which highlights the importance of working to understand one another. I was pleasantly surprised by how well Caitlin is characterized throughout it. She is a smart, talented and stubborn young girl who is determined to find closure for herself and her loved ones after her brother is killed in a school shooting. While her emotions and behaviors often seem bizarre to her guardians and peers, she always has a rational thinking process behind them. I appreciated that Caitlin's father and counselor realize that while attempting to teach Caitlin social skills they must also learn from her perspective. Empathy between autistic and allistic people goes both ways, which this story repeatedly depicts.
The writing is strongest while describing Caitlin's thought process and how she views the world. I felt that many of the transitions between chapters and the finale of the book were somewhat abrupt. However, this book is written to hold the attention of readers much younger than myself and to feel cathartic for them. I would still recommend it for middle grade and adult readers alike. Erskine effectively and sensitively tells a tragic story glimmering with hope through the eyes of a eleven-year-old, which is no small accomplishment.
The writing is strongest while describing Caitlin's thought process and how she views the world. I felt that many of the transitions between chapters and the finale of the book were somewhat abrupt. However, this book is written to hold the attention of readers much younger than myself and to feel cathartic for them. I would still recommend it for middle grade and adult readers alike. Erskine effectively and sensitively tells a tragic story glimmering with hope through the eyes of a eleven-year-old, which is no small accomplishment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, Death, and Gun violence
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