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raleyv12's review against another edition
3.0
I remember reading this book when I was in elementary school. It became my favorite books. Rereading it now, I love Lily’s and Albert’s connection. They both were lonely in Rockaway and missed someone they loved. This is a wonderful story about friendship during a difficult time. I would recommend this for any young child.
lydiajoylove's review against another edition
3.0
I loved this book when I read it in fifth grade. As an almost 30-year-old, I didn’t love it as much, but I still enjoyed it. I think it’s a good way to introduce the topic of war to children.
finchm90's review against another edition
5.0
Favorite childhood book ever. Read this over and over.
jennyyyyyyyyyyyy's review against another edition
5.0
I remember this was the first chapter book I had chosen myself and completed in around the 4th grade.
I spotted it at the library and remembered it right away.
Still, 20 years later I still identify with Lily and am moved by the writing of Patricia Reilly Giff.
I spotted it at the library and remembered it right away.
Still, 20 years later I still identify with Lily and am moved by the writing of Patricia Reilly Giff.
echo_finished_cake's review against another edition
2.0
I have to say, I thought the story really didn't do the synopsis justice. I found this book hard to follow and quite frankly, the development of this good friendship between Albert and Lily as described here left much to be desired. It was only by reading the author's notes/letter at the end that the whole story of the importance and impact of love and friendship was put into perspective for me.
I did like how we did get to see Lily mature some throughout this story. We see her become more emotionally intelligent and more aware of other's feelings and the impact her lies were having on other people's lives. I also liked the cleverness of how her father let her know where he was without telling her directly in his letters. I also appreciate the history in this book.
Otherwise, I was honestly bored reading this.
I did like how we did get to see Lily mature some throughout this story. We see her become more emotionally intelligent and more aware of other's feelings and the impact her lies were having on other people's lives. I also liked the cleverness of how her father let her know where he was without telling her directly in his letters. I also appreciate the history in this book.
Otherwise, I was honestly bored reading this.
adhdreader77's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
it’s a “girl attached to a mid book she read a few years ago” typa book but 🫶🏼🫶🏼
mschmug's review against another edition
3.0
Nice read but somewhat boring. On my list of Newberry's.
sonia_reppe's review against another edition
5.0
Picked this up at a garage sale. Published thirteen years ago. Even though it's for pre-teens, I really enjoyed the writing.
aglitterofseas's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0