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jenzo117's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
freakette's review against another edition
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
evasheartt's review against another edition
4.0
This is a short middle grade fiction that deals with the emotions of a child and how they perceive things around them, along with the grief of losing someone beloved. Brie is a bright child, excellent at studies and co-curricular activities. She is, as many people comment, a child to be proud of. But behind Brie's facade of being perfect at everything she does is hurt and pain that she does not know what to do with.
The book evidently shows how the behaviour of adults, even the things they don't give much thought about, affects children. Brie is extremely upset about the fact that her father can't find time to be with her, but as she is only a child, she doesn't realise why this happens. It shows how parents, especially single parents, struggle to juggle everything and find a balance, just so that they can provide their children a good upbringing. It also shows how important each action from parents is to kids. At the same time, it also shows how parents miss their kids' milestones because they were too busy.
The ending is very sweet! Dede, Brie's mother, left Brie such a beautiful gift that I felt so happy for Brie. I loved how Brie's friends were actually excited for her. Their friendship was so wholesome! And that last talk between Brie and her father - I think that's what all children need every now and then.
Overall, it was a short and really sweet read :)
The book evidently shows how the behaviour of adults, even the things they don't give much thought about, affects children. Brie is extremely upset about the fact that her father can't find time to be with her, but as she is only a child, she doesn't realise why this happens. It shows how parents, especially single parents, struggle to juggle everything and find a balance, just so that they can provide their children a good upbringing. It also shows how important each action from parents is to kids. At the same time, it also shows how parents miss their kids' milestones because they were too busy.
The ending is very sweet! Dede, Brie's mother, left Brie such a beautiful gift that I felt so happy for Brie. I loved how Brie's friends were actually excited for her. Their friendship was so wholesome! And that last talk between Brie and her father - I think that's what all children need every now and then.
Overall, it was a short and really sweet read :)
orbitingpluto's review against another edition
5.0
A beautifully written book about loss and grief, but mostly about processing, acceptance and carrying on living. Gently and sometimes shatteringly realistic, this book immerses you so deeply into the world of its characters that you cannot help but feel right alongside them. A massive recommendation!
the_loudlibrarian's review against another edition
3.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this heartwarming tale of finding yourself and your family. On her twelfth birthday, Brie receives a letter from her deceased mother, reviving their shared love of scavenger hunts and adventures. This gift takes her to her grandparents’ house to unlock something extraordinary, and helps her find her way back to her father (emotionally). Short and sweet, hand to readers who long to be seen. Recommended for grades 4-6.
edsfsousa's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I'm really sorry to say, this wasn't a page-turner for me. I struggled to finish it as it felt too cheesy and too predictable.
thereal_naema's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
twiinklex's review against another edition
3.0
A moving tale of love, loss, grief, family and self-discovery. I enjoyed following Brie on her adventure. I also appreciate the book acknowledging the very fine line between being spontaneous and irresponsible as I had the exact same thoughts, though I would have preferred a more nuanced approach to the subject of coping with a family member who has dementia.
While the book was a bit too short for me to be fully invested in the story and characters, it was nevertheless a heartwarming read overall.
Thank you to Pushkin Press for the Netgalley ARC.
While the book was a bit too short for me to be fully invested in the story and characters, it was nevertheless a heartwarming read overall.
Thank you to Pushkin Press for the Netgalley ARC.
ashleegb46's review against another edition
5.0
Even though the book is dealing with grief, it was a sweet read of dealing with loss and how hard it is to understand at any age.