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iris_parsons's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This is a commentary on freedom and nature, in a cosy, easy-to-read and autumnal middle-grade book. I read it on a rainy day, in October, after putting it off for two years. I don't think it was particularly groundbreaking but it was sweet and gave cosy, autumnal vibes. It is also set in a forest, and has some lovely description, particularly about this forest.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content
booksjessreads's review
adventurous
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Katya Balen really has a knack for pulling on the readers heartstrings. This book is so beautiful.
I thought the way that the book was written was creative and excellently depicted the complicated thought processes of someone with anxiety or who is neurodiverse. I certainly related to the writing style a lot. It was told in first person with sentences that flowed with a literary style to the rhythm of a spiral of thoughts. There were also areas where the writing took on more of a verse novel style, or had very large writing for certain words which captured thoughts and feelings visually as well as in the written word.
The story was excellent and there were many moments where I thought the whole thing was simply beautiful. The themes that connected nature, being wild, complicated families and making new friends were all interwoven so well and it crafted such a beautiful world. I thought October's life was also something different and insightful. The themes of being socially excluded, and having to fit in to societal norms is something that a lot of children and adults who read this will identify with. I also found the complicated dynamics of October's family life to be something that people will be able to relate to as well.
Overall, this is beautiful and I can see why it won the Carnegie Award in 2022. I would absolutely recommend!
I thought the way that the book was written was creative and excellently depicted the complicated thought processes of someone with anxiety or who is neurodiverse. I certainly related to the writing style a lot. It was told in first person with sentences that flowed with a literary style to the rhythm of a spiral of thoughts. There were also areas where the writing took on more of a verse novel style, or had very large writing for certain words which captured thoughts and feelings visually as well as in the written word.
The story was excellent and there were many moments where I thought the whole thing was simply beautiful. The themes that connected nature, being wild, complicated families and making new friends were all interwoven so well and it crafted such a beautiful world. I thought October's life was also something different and insightful. The themes of being socially excluded, and having to fit in to societal norms is something that a lot of children and adults who read this will identify with. I also found the complicated dynamics of October's family life to be something that people will be able to relate to as well.
Overall, this is beautiful and I can see why it won the Carnegie Award in 2022. I would absolutely recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Medical content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Blood
yolanda_h's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Medical content
rcsreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
4.25
This was very cute and I regretted finishing it in public because I wanted to cry! I loved October and her voyage of self discovery and I liked how her arc tied into Stig the owl's story too.
I was also a big fan of all the mud larking chat and want to go to the museum. (Is the museum real? Has anyone been?)
I borrowed this one from the library and I'm going to renew it so I can read it to Fox and Tabitha.
.
I did have a few problems/questions but they were all geographical or economical and it's a kids book and they're things I wouldn't have thought about as a child so I forgive them. But seriously where was her dad getting money and where was this huge, remote woodland within a short drive from London that no one ever even walked their dog in?
.
I was also a big fan of all the mud larking chat and want to go to the museum. (Is the museum real? Has anyone been?)
I borrowed this one from the library and I'm going to renew it so I can read it to Fox and Tabitha.
.
I did have a few problems/questions but they were all geographical or economical and it's a kids book and they're things I wouldn't have thought about as a child so I forgive them. But seriously where was her dad getting money and where was this huge, remote woodland within a short drive from London that no one ever even walked their dog in?
.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, and Medical content
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