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lizaroo71's review against another edition
4.0
Penny is a young girl that has cystic fibrosis. But she tries not to let that define her. When her teacher announces there will be a poetry contest, she continues to wonder about the prompt: What makes Penny Penny? That answer is provided as Penny navigates her flare ups and dealing with being eleven.
Penny and her sister discover a dolphin in the lake behind their house. Penny forms an immediate bond with the dolphin and names her Rose. The dolphin shouldn't be in this water. She is alone and too far from the ocean. What happens over the next few weeks is Penny (with the help of her father and his marine biologist friend) attempts to save Rose and lead her home.
The information on cystic fibrosis and dealing with the symptoms is insightful. This is written in verse which makes it a quick read.
Penny and her sister discover a dolphin in the lake behind their house. Penny forms an immediate bond with the dolphin and names her Rose. The dolphin shouldn't be in this water. She is alone and too far from the ocean. What happens over the next few weeks is Penny (with the help of her father and his marine biologist friend) attempts to save Rose and lead her home.
The information on cystic fibrosis and dealing with the symptoms is insightful. This is written in verse which makes it a quick read.
rdyourbookcase's review against another edition
5.0
Middle readers will enjoy the connection that the main character has with animals. Young teens with health obstacles will appreciate and relate to her perspective as well, as she has CF. The book is in verse, so reluctant readers will be able to read it fairly quickly.
zbrarian's review against another edition
5.0
This AMAZING Novel in Verse, also known as "65 Roses" was a testament to the sheer determination of the author to live life to the fullest. Through friendship, family & a new friend, Rose the Dolphin, Penny is able to discover who she is, as she lives with Cystic Fibrosis. The connection that Rose and Penny have defies everything. Rose is lost, needs help finding her way back to her pod. Penny is lost, trying to figure out how to write a poem about who she is. Together, the two form a bond that helps both of them: Rose, back to her pod and Penny, to discover that she won't always be identified as the girl with "65 Roses". She shows the reader and world that nothing can stop her. I cannot WAIT to get this book on my library shelves.
themichellegray's review against another edition
5.0
Cindy Baldwin has crafted a beautifully heart-wrenching yet hopeful story told in verse about what its like to grow up with a chronic illness and simultaneously not fully understand who you are outside of that diagnosis.
Not only does Baldwin have a nostalgic storytelling method that brought me right back to my own school vacation days but she also has an effortlessly inclusive and comforting writing style too. It was certainly a tear-jerking journey to watch Penny's growth as she came to terms with who she is outside of her illness and find happiness amongst an online community whilst enjoying smaller moments with the people that make life worth living.
I can't recommend this middle grade book enough and am confident readers across all generations can appreciate this story.
Not only does Baldwin have a nostalgic storytelling method that brought me right back to my own school vacation days but she also has an effortlessly inclusive and comforting writing style too. It was certainly a tear-jerking journey to watch Penny's growth as she came to terms with who she is outside of her illness and find happiness amongst an online community whilst enjoying smaller moments with the people that make life worth living.
I can't recommend this middle grade book enough and am confident readers across all generations can appreciate this story.
msdkreadstoomuch's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
miszjeanie's review against another edition
5.0
No Matter the Distance is a beautiful middle grade verse novel about living with cystic fibrosis and finding belonging in community. Also starring an adorable dolphin and warm family dynamics, this book will appeal to kids who love animals, books about sisters, and stories about chronic illness and disability.
Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/no-matter-the-distance-cindy-baldwin-book-review/
Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/no-matter-the-distance-cindy-baldwin-book-review/
audreylee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-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
5.0
A beautiful story about friendship, family, chronic illness, growing up, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. That sounds heavy. However, this book is more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
chrissyz's review against another edition
5.0
"Goodbyes are hard," Daddy says, echoing my words back to me. "Endings hurt, no matter how right they are."
"No matter the distance, no matter the struggle. I am never alone"
This is a wonderfully written middle grade book in verse. It is filled with such hope and wonder while not being too sappy or surreal. The author's note is especially poignant and adds to the impact of the story. Highly recommend it!
Thanks to Netgalley for a chance to read it in exchange for my honest thoughts!
"No matter the distance, no matter the struggle. I am never alone"
This is a wonderfully written middle grade book in verse. It is filled with such hope and wonder while not being too sappy or surreal. The author's note is especially poignant and adds to the impact of the story. Highly recommend it!
Thanks to Netgalley for a chance to read it in exchange for my honest thoughts!