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jnishi's review against another edition
4.0
Wonderful novel in verse. I’ve been reading books with different types of families represented and this book was a perfect window into a kinship family. The verse style was perfect and so personal as Laura works through her feelings of anger, guilt, and love for her family after having to call 911 when her parents are non responsive. The book dealt with addiction in a very middle grade friendly way. Also deals with chronic illness / pain in children and the mental effect it has on them. A great window into a life different than my own. I couldn’t put it down.
megpancoast's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.5
wordmind's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? N/A
4.5
Family, foster care, Novel in verse
librerika's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
This deals with tough topics that are not covered nearly enough in children's lit and it's all handled with so much thought and nuance and yet is still written in a way that's very accessible for middle grade readers. And the sweet story about the therapy dog in training brings just the right amount of happiness and humor to the story to tie everything together perfectly. Can't recommend it highly enough.
bibliobrandie's review against another edition
5.0
Laura has a lot of secrets. She has been placed in the care of her aunt, Titi Silvia, whom she barely knows by the foster care system, and now she has to go to a new school. As the new kid in school, it's tough to make friends, so she has to keep her secrets safe. She also doesn't want to get too comfortable at this new school because she believes it will only be temporary, and she is just awaiting the day she can be reunited with her parents. Laura does make a friend, Benson, and finds solace in a lost puppy. The reason why she was put in the foster care system remains a secret, one that she's not willing to share with anyone. This story is sad but full of hope, and I was rooting for Laura from the beginning.
bookbuyingwithkatie's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jadedandylions's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0