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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
My students (5th grade) absolutely loved this book!
A few even went as far as to say it's one of the best books they've ever read!
They were so into it the whole time and it started really good conversations.
A few even went as far as to say it's one of the best books they've ever read!
They were so into it the whole time and it started really good conversations.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
tense
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:
Complicated
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
an incredibly pleasant, very quick, wholesome read!
I always enjoy reading Newberry books, so I checked this one out to see. I can agree that this book will spark a lot of important conversations kids should have with parents and each other, but I'm not sure if it feels timeless enough for a Newberry. I would say that's my perception as an adult when reading a book aimed at children, but I've loved other Newberry winners and honor books no problem.
There are some parts of the book that just don't make any sense. For example, Virgil is in a special class because he's having trouble with his multiplication tables. So why wasn't he given a tutor? And why didn't Valencia's parents want her to learn ASL? And as usual, the adults are either non-entities or don't have good conversations with their children.
I do like that some things were left open to interpretation. Like the whole thing with the universe and fate and stuff. I like that there was no definite "this is the way it is" concerning that. Though admittedly all the coincidences got to be a little too much. And I also liked the kid logic going on. Also, I weirdly liked how the bully character was dealt with, because it was different from my expectations.
Parent warning: the word "retard" is used a LOT in this book, as is discrimination toward deaf people and general nastiness from two characters-- one is an adult. A bit of animal endangerment as well.
Like I said, it will generate conversation, but I'm not sure that's enough to win the Newberry.
There are some parts of the book that just don't make any sense. For example, Virgil is in a special class because he's having trouble with his multiplication tables. So why wasn't he given a tutor? And why didn't Valencia's parents want her to learn ASL? And as usual, the adults are either non-entities or don't have good conversations with their children.
I do like that some things were left open to interpretation. Like the whole thing with the universe and fate and stuff. I like that there was no definite "this is the way it is" concerning that. Though admittedly all the coincidences got to be a little too much. And I also liked the kid logic going on. Also, I weirdly liked how the bully character was dealt with, because it was different from my expectations.
Parent warning: the word "retard" is used a LOT in this book, as is discrimination toward deaf people and general nastiness from two characters-- one is an adult. A bit of animal endangerment as well.
Like I said, it will generate conversation, but I'm not sure that's enough to win the Newberry.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
adventurous
inspiring
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