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farzeenather's review against another edition
4.0
8.5/10
This was really hard to read... and I'm not sure I'd give it to a 10 year old, for a multitude of reasons ranging from pacing to subject matter.
However, as an adult, it broke my heart. I wish I could give Rowan a big, big hug. I wish I could give every kid in a home like that a big hug. He asks so many sad, important questions that many other kids must ask as well. This book is a deeply impactful dive into the minds of lonely, mistreated children, and what we as grownups need to do to bring joy and hope into their lives.
This was really hard to read... and I'm not sure I'd give it to a 10 year old, for a multitude of reasons ranging from pacing to subject matter.
However, as an adult, it broke my heart. I wish I could give Rowan a big, big hug. I wish I could give every kid in a home like that a big hug. He asks so many sad, important questions that many other kids must ask as well. This book is a deeply impactful dive into the minds of lonely, mistreated children, and what we as grownups need to do to bring joy and hope into their lives.
lizwuestefeld's review against another edition
5.0
Powerful and beautiful. Best book I’ve read all year. Would suggest to readers who love “Speak” and “The Miseducation of Cameron Post.”
erinsbookshelves's review against another edition
I tried so hard to like this audiobook but the long strange pauses & narrator’s often audible breaths distracted from the listening experience.
cathgrin's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest, Transphobia, and Bullying
good_names_dont_exist's review against another edition
A bunch of people were waiting for the book and I’m in a borderline slump so I felt guilty
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Sexual assault, and Transphobia
Moderate: Child abuse, Homophobia, and Alcoholism
Minor: Incest and Racism
moon_rose's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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? No
3.75
sahelwig's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
gae's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
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
4.5
Rowan's not the "right kind" of girl, and not the "right kind" of boy. This middle grade epistolary novel takes us to Rowan's journey from being Ellie. It was a journey of self discovery and self acceptance. He was shunned away by his friends because he was "different". He found a way to share his secrets by writing letters and attaching them to balloons, hoping that someone would read them. Until he found a friend in the name of Sofie who understood and accepted him for who he was. This story was gentle yet it touches sensitive topics such as bullying and sexual abuse. I also like the fact that this was set in 1997 and 1998 so expect 90s shows and music mentioned in the novel such as Boy Meets World and the Backstreet Boys. My favorite characters would definitely be Sofie and their teacher, Mr. B who were supportive of Rowan's journey. Mr. B surprised me the most, and I was deeply touched by his support.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Sexual assault