Scan barcode
jennrocca's review against another edition
4.0
Good - particularly for middle school ages. Darker than I was expecting. I thought it was going to be a lighthearted relationship but the book deals heavily with coping with loss.
sophiesaur's review against another edition
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? Yes
3.0
Still enjoyable coming back to it years later
gmamartha's review against another edition
3.0
Based on a real work of art, this fictionalized story of how a boy got involved with the trash man shows how "where there is no vision the people perish" helps him change his life.
khalvorson07's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
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
bickie's review against another edition
3.0
In November of 1963, Arthur, 13, picks up a brick and throws it at the neighborhood Junk Man, who rummages around people's trash pushing a rusted shopping cart. The community is shocked, and views Arthur as a hardened hooligan when in fact, the conflicting feelings about his father's death a few months previously rose to a head when he saw the Junk Man wearing his father's prized cap just after realizing that his mother had cleared the house of the father's belongings. After some time in a juvenile detention center, Arthur wears his "funeral suit" to his hearing with a notoriously tough judge who wants nothing more than to send him back to "juvie" for a long time. The Junk Man, James Hampton, has a discussion with the judge, however, and Arthur moves back home, thankful for the room he shares with his 7-year-old sister, even with all the stuffed animals and Barbies that usually irritate him. Every Saturday, he needs to work with the Mr. Hampton for 4 hours. Over time, we see what Mr. Hampton is up to with his junk collecting, while Arthur battles prejudice at school based on his criminal background.
Arthur is realistically drawn; he is full of contradictions and is fairly unlikable on the surface. Under it all, Arthur has goodness, but it rings true for an average teenager.
Best for ages 11-14 (alcoholism, bullying, meaning of life).
Arthur is realistically drawn; he is full of contradictions and is fairly unlikable on the surface. Under it all, Arthur has goodness, but it rings true for an average teenager.
Best for ages 11-14 (alcoholism, bullying, meaning of life).
sunscanid's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.5
my childhood favorite
chickchick22's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Inspiring.
lil1smith's review against another edition
4.0
It was the first chapter that really drew me in. "On a bitter November day in Washington, D.C., when everything felt metallic-when the sky was gray and the wind stung and the dry leaves were making death-rattle sounds in the alleys- thirteen-year-old Arthur Owens picked up a brick from the corner of a crumbling building and threw it at an old man's head."
I really like the way the author described things throughout this book. She was able to really build the story well through her choice of description. Her writing style was unique, but similar to many other middle grade/Newberry books I've read.
I wouldn't say this was my most favorite middle grade book I've ever read, but I certainly enjoyed it. I liked the historical aspect and learning about the artist James Hampton, and the character Arthur Owens is one you want to cheer on.
My only real issue is that it just didn't go over the top for me on a story scale. It was good, it just wasn't really good, and didn't have that peak moment I was expecting. The moment that I think was supposed to be the peak fell more flat for me than I was expecting, especially with the way I loved the beginning. To be fair, I did have to start and stop this book over the course of about a month, which can sometimes ruin the cadence of a book, but I think well written books can still be interrupted and picked back up without having been ruined.
Overall, it was an enjoyable, easy read, and I would recommend it if you enjoy middle grade or historical fiction.
I really like the way the author described things throughout this book. She was able to really build the story well through her choice of description. Her writing style was unique, but similar to many other middle grade/Newberry books I've read.
I wouldn't say this was my most favorite middle grade book I've ever read, but I certainly enjoyed it. I liked the historical aspect and learning about the artist James Hampton, and the character Arthur Owens is one you want to cheer on.
My only real issue is that it just didn't go over the top for me on a story scale. It was good, it just wasn't really good, and didn't have that peak moment I was expecting. The moment that I think was supposed to be the peak fell more flat for me than I was expecting, especially with the way I loved the beginning. To be fair, I did have to start and stop this book over the course of about a month, which can sometimes ruin the cadence of a book, but I think well written books can still be interrupted and picked back up without having been ruined.
Overall, it was an enjoyable, easy read, and I would recommend it if you enjoy middle grade or historical fiction.