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corky12's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Bullying
Moderate: Physical abuse
shannonharty's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
sarahbaileyreads's review against another edition
4.0
This book will make your heart feel so warm. This was such a beautiful story filled with friendship, hope, and grit. Every middle schooler should read this and adults too!
amberoooo's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.25
roche01's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
3.5
morganrondo's review against another edition
4.0
This started out phenomenal. I was totally drawn in. Then, it got a bit disjointed and cheesy. It was still a great read though and will likely inspire a lot of kids.
kitsuneheart's review against another edition
4.0
People are different. But Ally doesn't know the full truth of that. She's always thought she was the only one who couldn't follow the dancing letters on the page. How do they do it, reading without getting lost or suffering terrible headaches? maybe her classmates are right, and she is just...stupid.
But when Ally gets a new teacher who takes a closer look at Ally's problems and skills, she is given a little hope that this problem she has with reading might not only be solvable, but could be normal! With the help of new friends, her teacher, and her family, Ally finds that she might be able to make it work.
Luckily, if you have your own problems with reading, there is an audiobook version out there, which is what I listened to. It was fine, nothing award-winning, but well-acted and edited.
Overall, a good book. Not only does it look at Ally's problems, but also those of her friend Albert, whose parents are quite poor. I imagine some parents and educators would decry the ending, where Albert finally pushes back at some bullies who have been bruising him throughout the book, but it was framed as a "last resort" retaliation, not revenge.
If you know a child who is having problems in school, this might be a good pick. The emphasis on everyone having their own talents and skills could be encouraging, though perhaps be careful on giving a book to a kid with dyslexia, even if it's about overcoming dyslexia. Hard line to walk, there.
But when Ally gets a new teacher who takes a closer look at Ally's problems and skills, she is given a little hope that this problem she has with reading might not only be solvable, but could be normal! With the help of new friends, her teacher, and her family, Ally finds that she might be able to make it work.
Luckily, if you have your own problems with reading, there is an audiobook version out there, which is what I listened to. It was fine, nothing award-winning, but well-acted and edited.
Overall, a good book. Not only does it look at Ally's problems, but also those of her friend Albert, whose parents are quite poor. I imagine some parents and educators would decry the ending, where Albert finally pushes back at some bullies who have been bruising him throughout the book, but it was framed as a "last resort" retaliation, not revenge.
If you know a child who is having problems in school, this might be a good pick. The emphasis on everyone having their own talents and skills could be encouraging, though perhaps be careful on giving a book to a kid with dyslexia, even if it's about overcoming dyslexia. Hard line to walk, there.
shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
I loved this middle-grade novel. Main character Ally Nickerson has attended 7 schools in as many years. She's strong in math and art but just can't get the hang of reading. Now in 6th grade, Ally's school life is coming apart at the seams. Fortunately, a long-term sub, Mr. Daniels, recognizes that Ally is dyslexic. Under his tutelage, Ally, and several other kids who think of themselves as misfits, learn to start realizing their potential. Ally's descriptions of what it is like for her to try to read are very helpful for those of us who tutor children with dyslexia and other learning differences. This would be a great book for kids who struggle with dyslexia and for their families and friends too. Besides, it's just a good and hopeful story.
megantheeflamingo's review against another edition
3.0
Listened to this from the Overdrive App. First time on my phone! It's nice to be able to have it on your phone to pick up the story no matter where you are - at home or work on the car. You can connect anywhere. Also this book was kinda bland. Unsure student has dyslexia and is inspired by a helpful teacher. Oliver was the best character.
Also how come in all the audio books I've listened to lately, when a girl is the narrator, and she tries to imitate a male voice, she just sounds like Bart Simpson? JUST GET A MALE VOICE.
Also how come in all the audio books I've listened to lately, when a girl is the narrator, and she tries to imitate a male voice, she just sounds like Bart Simpson? JUST GET A MALE VOICE.