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evamadera1's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected, especially since this was the third middle grades novel that I had read via audiobook in the same day. (Trying to do better on not overloading myself going forward.)
Hopkins crafted unique voices for each of the main characters, cousins, dealing with a whole lot of life changes that have happened in the past couple years for them with the death of the mother of one of the cousins, the aunt of the other, as a well as numerous other things. I knew, and would have even without the different narrators for each character, which character narrated the chapters.
The nuance in the story as the relationship between these two 12 year olds grows and changes I found so realistic and both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
After finishing the story, I looked up the author because her name sounded familiar and realized that I had indeed read a novel by her before. Even though I did not end up vibing with that other story, I could still see her craftsmanship in that novel, Crank, and recognized it in this middle grade work from her.
Hopkins crafted unique voices for each of the main characters, cousins, dealing with a whole lot of life changes that have happened in the past couple years for them with the death of the mother of one of the cousins, the aunt of the other, as a well as numerous other things. I knew, and would have even without the different narrators for each character, which character narrated the chapters.
The nuance in the story as the relationship between these two 12 year olds grows and changes I found so realistic and both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
After finishing the story, I looked up the author because her name sounded familiar and realized that I had indeed read a novel by her before. Even though I did not end up vibing with that other story, I could still see her craftsmanship in that novel, Crank, and recognized it in this middle grade work from her.
lrcartee's review against another edition
4.0
Calls mother has died and his father is in prison. Lost and alone, he is taken in by his aunt and her family. Cal’s arrival has caused significant disruption to the family because he is not an easy child. Suffering from PTSD due to the trauma in his life, Cal is prone to angry outbursts, meltdowns and running away. This especially causes problems for his cousin, Hannah.
This is the story of understanding, of being aware of another person’s plight and finding empathy. A story we could use more of in these times.
This is the story of understanding, of being aware of another person’s plight and finding empathy. A story we could use more of in these times.
readinme's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
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
readsforlove's review against another edition
5.0
That was so good. From the first poem, I was hooked--heart and soul. Cal's story is heart-wrenching, and Hannah is super relatable. Between the two of them, I think most readers will connect pretty deeply with this book. Not to mention the poetry--it's so lyrical and beautiful, and I love the unique way each character's POV is written, with trademark intros and different fonts. I'd definitely recommend this novel--it's a really good story about learning to empathize and learning to accept the love you don't think you deserve.
jennybeastie's review against another edition
5.0
Ellen Hopkins moving into middle grade is a good thing. She's very good at telling hard stories in verse, and at keeping them realistic. She's got a real gift for connecting with readers.
This book tells the story of Cal and Hannah -- two sides of a family story, with dual viewpoints. Hannah: accomplished gymnast and dancer, stable family, popular in school. Cal: has lost his mother to cancer and his father to a combination of addiction and incarceration. Cal's inclusion into family life is hard on everyone, and he finds it hard to trust that he's landed in a safe place. Meanwhile, Hannah's parents are going through a rough patch, and the grandmother is mean as a viper. Good times. I think Hopkins handles the material well for the age group -- there's a lot going on under the surface, and while some specific abuse is mentioned, Cal mostly keeps the details of his previous life private. Hannah has several moments of coming of age and while everything isn't completely happy families at the end, there is some resolution and growth. I have mixed feelings about the school lockdown at the end, where Cal comes into his own and keeps several kids safe. On the one hand, a chilling reminder of that all too realistic facet of every day school life. One the other, somewhat of a convenient deus ex machina to make Hannah's dad and vicious Grandma change their tunes a little bit. Based on Hopkins' adoption of a 9 YO grandchild. Unclear what age the kids are in the book -- probably 6th/12 or early teen.
This book tells the story of Cal and Hannah -- two sides of a family story, with dual viewpoints. Hannah: accomplished gymnast and dancer, stable family, popular in school. Cal: has lost his mother to cancer and his father to a combination of addiction and incarceration. Cal's inclusion into family life is hard on everyone, and he finds it hard to trust that he's landed in a safe place. Meanwhile, Hannah's parents are going through a rough patch, and the grandmother is mean as a viper. Good times. I think Hopkins handles the material well for the age group -- there's a lot going on under the surface, and while some specific abuse is mentioned, Cal mostly keeps the details of his previous life private. Hannah has several moments of coming of age and while everything isn't completely happy families at the end, there is some resolution and growth. I have mixed feelings about the school lockdown at the end, where Cal comes into his own and keeps several kids safe. On the one hand, a chilling reminder of that all too realistic facet of every day school life. One the other, somewhat of a convenient deus ex machina to make Hannah's dad and vicious Grandma change their tunes a little bit. Based on Hopkins' adoption of a 9 YO grandchild. Unclear what age the kids are in the book -- probably 6th/12 or early teen.
erikalovesb00ks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
readingwithtaco's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
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
charlene_coffee_and_a_book's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
4.0
kacat's review against another edition
4.0
7.86 on CAWPILE.
A fast, well-written novel in verse.
I found Hannah slightly annoying (ok, really annoying) in the beginning but her character development is great. And she is actually pretty relatable, and her feelings are understandable under the circumstances.
Cal is a great character, in the start I wasn't sure what to think of him but the more I read, the more I understood this misunderstood character.
I definitely thought it could have been longer, but I still enjoyed it. And the cover is gorgeous too!
A fast, well-written novel in verse.
I found Hannah slightly annoying (ok, really annoying) in the beginning but her character development is great. And she is actually pretty relatable, and her feelings are understandable under the circumstances.
Cal is a great character, in the start I wasn't sure what to think of him but the more I read, the more I understood this misunderstood character.
I definitely thought it could have been longer, but I still enjoyed it. And the cover is gorgeous too!