Reviews

Closer to Nowhere by Ellen Hopkins

blogginboutbooks's review against another edition

4.0

Hopkins' novels-in-verse are always well-written and compelling. Her first foray into MG is no exception. CLOSER TO NOWHERE is fast-paced, engrossing, and even funny in places despite its heavy subject matter. Both Cal and Hannah are sympathetic characters who are easy to root for. The book teaches important lessons about seeking to understand before judging, the need for kindness and compassion, the true meaning of family, and standing up for one another. It also shows the far-reaching consequences of addiction and how dealing with it in its many forms affects all members of an addict's family. Hopkins' personal note at the end is especially poignant. Hopefully, it will help kids dealing with tough situations feel seen and understood while teaching all readers to be kinder and more empathetic.

adambwriter's review against another edition

5.0

Probably my favorite Hopkins novel, after Tricks and up there with People Kill People. We're so lucky to have Hopkins' courageous and talented voice in young people's fiction right now.

Extended thoughts available 11/15 at https://roofbeamreader.com/2020/11/15/closer-to-nowhere-by-ellen-hopkins/.

thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition

5.0

Addiction. Abuse. Alcoholism. Drug abuse. PTSD. Divorce. Neglect. This MG book deals with it all and in such a way that is relatable and necessary for kids.

lizaroo71's review against another edition

4.0

Calvin’s mother has died and his father is in prison. He is sent to live with his mother’s twin sister and her family. This means he is forced to get along with his cousin Hannah who couldn’t be more different.

The story is written in verse and in alternating viewpoints: Cal’s and Hannah‘s. I like that we hear the story from the pre-teen’s perspective. The characters are twelve, but they read older to me; more evolved with their thoughts and understanding of the world.

The story focuses on Cal’s PTSD from living in a home filled with addiction and violence. This is the second book I’ve read recently on this topic. The other is [b:Fighting Words|48945757|Fighting Words|Kimberly Brubaker Bradley|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1574716879l/48945757._SY75_.jpg|73825464]. Both handle the subject matter with grace and respect. I think it’s important that kids in this age group (10 and up) understand the emotional trauma many of their classmates are dealing with on a daily basis. A great one for teachers to read also.

Thanks to PenguinRandomHouse for the ARC.

lady_n_beautiful_reads's review

adventurous challenging emotional funny informative sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

mrs_bookdragon's review against another edition

5.0

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for sharing this book with me in exchange for an honest review. I DEVOURED this novel in verse. I loved the way Ellen Hopkins showed the struggle Hannah has with Cal and how she changes when she learns his story. This is a powerful story of family, understanding, and standing up for yourself. I cannot express my love for this book enough and will definitely have a copy in my classroom for my students.

teaoles's review against another edition

5.0

“The truth dies when no one is willing to say it out loud.”

sbojo32's review against another edition

4.0

When I got this book, I didn't realize it was a novel in verse. However, once I opened it, it was obvious and the perfect format for this story. This book alternates from the point of view of Hannah and her cousin Cal. Both are 12 years old. Hannah is the only child of her two parents, who aren't getting along well. Her dad is constantly traveling and missing her gymnastics meets and dance recitals. Cal is the son of a mother who recently died of leukemia and a father that is abusive and was sent to jail. Cal's mother and Hannah's mother were twin sisters, so Cal moves in with Hannah's family.

Cal has a tough time adjusting not only to life in a new school but life in his new family. He's used to not knowing if he'll get a meal and not knowing what will anger a parent to hurt him. He has walls up to protect himself and often needs to escape in order to calm down.

The way this book is written lets you truly feel for both Hannah and Cal. Both perspectives are extremely well-written and I think this would be a great book for any middle schooler to read. (Trigger warnings for abuse, guns, school lockdown/shooting, divorce, cancer/loss of a parent).

tammys_take's review against another edition

5.0

Consistently, middle grade reads can move me emotionally again and again, this book was no exception. Cal has moved in with his cousin Hannah and her family after his mom has passed away and his dad put in prison. Told in verse from the alternating perspectives of Cal and Hannah, this is a story about family, change, grief, learning to adjust and redefine your family, how families aren’t perfect and that some people in your family can be toxic while others uplifting. Most of all, this coming of age story illustrates what it feel like to be accepted and to love and be loved in all your imperfections. Another book that had me tearing up.

avajade's review against another edition

dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense 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? It's complicated

5.0