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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
lookingforamandaa's review against another edition
5.0
Hopkins has been a long-time favorite author of mine. So, when I heard that her newest novel was going to be a middle-grade story written in verse, I was very excited. Closer to Nowhere follows two cousins, Hannah and Cal. Cal’s mom died and his dad is in prison, so he’s moved in with his aunt and uncle, and his cousin, Hannah. At it’s heart, this is a story about two kids that are learning how their words and actions effect the people around them.
Cal has had a hard childhood. With an abusive father and the death of his mother, he struggles with PTSD. We see this in many examples of Cal ‘running away’ and walking around the neighborhood for hours, screaming when he’s unable to work through his anger or other emotions. He also is just a kid that likes to play jokes. He pulls all kinds of pranks that are objectively hilarious, but Hannah disagrees. I didn’t come from an abusive home, but I do have family history of substance abuse, so I thought this topic of Cal’s dad’s addiction was discussed thoughtfully and how his addiction effected Cal was also really well done, in my opinion.
Hannah has had a relatively happy childhood. She lives in a nice home with both her mom and dad. Both her parents do all they can to support her by showing up to all of her sporting events. But when Cal moves into her house, things start to change. I think it was interesting to see how Hannah’s life changed after Cal moved in and how Hannah dealt with those changes (read: not well, at first). Hannah has lived a privileged life and she wishes things could go back to how they were before Cal moved in. But Hannah slowly learns about the things that Cal has had to deal with. The more she learns about his past, the more she tries to be more understanding. I really liked this aspect of Hannah’s story. She still wishes that things hadn’t changed with her parents, but she starts to realize that none of those changes are Cal’s fault.
I think telling this story with both Cal and Hannah’s points of view was an excellent idea. We get both first-person perspectives from them and the perspective of another. It was thought-provoking to see how two characters experienced the same events in different ways.
Overall, I loved this book. I truly hope that we will get more middle-grade stories from Hopkins. She did a really great job talking about addiction, PTSD and other mental health topics, death, homelessness, marital problems, alcoholism, and blended families in an accessible way for middle school age children. I highly recommend this book.
Cal has had a hard childhood. With an abusive father and the death of his mother, he struggles with PTSD. We see this in many examples of Cal ‘running away’ and walking around the neighborhood for hours, screaming when he’s unable to work through his anger or other emotions. He also is just a kid that likes to play jokes. He pulls all kinds of pranks that are objectively hilarious, but Hannah disagrees. I didn’t come from an abusive home, but I do have family history of substance abuse, so I thought this topic of Cal’s dad’s addiction was discussed thoughtfully and how his addiction effected Cal was also really well done, in my opinion.
Hannah has had a relatively happy childhood. She lives in a nice home with both her mom and dad. Both her parents do all they can to support her by showing up to all of her sporting events. But when Cal moves into her house, things start to change. I think it was interesting to see how Hannah’s life changed after Cal moved in and how Hannah dealt with those changes (read: not well, at first). Hannah has lived a privileged life and she wishes things could go back to how they were before Cal moved in. But Hannah slowly learns about the things that Cal has had to deal with. The more she learns about his past, the more she tries to be more understanding. I really liked this aspect of Hannah’s story. She still wishes that things hadn’t changed with her parents, but she starts to realize that none of those changes are Cal’s fault.
I think telling this story with both Cal and Hannah’s points of view was an excellent idea. We get both first-person perspectives from them and the perspective of another. It was thought-provoking to see how two characters experienced the same events in different ways.
Overall, I loved this book. I truly hope that we will get more middle-grade stories from Hopkins. She did a really great job talking about addiction, PTSD and other mental health topics, death, homelessness, marital problems, alcoholism, and blended families in an accessible way for middle school age children. I highly recommend this book.
apotts's review against another edition
5.0
Perfect balance for middle grade—a difficult story with hope and heartfelt characters. Good pick for a novel study option.
thenextgenlib'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.
crazy_cellist's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
tx2its's review against another edition
4.0
Reading 2021
Book 150: Closer to Nowhere by Ellen Hopkins
From the author that brought us Crank and other awesome YA novels in verse comes a middle grade selection. This book is reviewed for ages 10 and older.
The story is of Hannah who is leading her best life in middle school. Then her world is changed when her cousin Cal moves in with her family. Cal’s mom has died, and he is lost. He makes life difficult for Hannah at school, they are the same age. She also does not appreciate having to share her parents with Cal. Cal is not the easiest child and the added stress in the house brings Hannah’s parents relationship to the brink of divorce.
In typical Ellen Hopkins fashion, this book is intense, and all the feels are on display with all the characters. There are no punches pulled here and everyone is struggling. Contrary to her YA books, the raw events are muted for middle grade readers. Written in verse, the book alternates between Cal and Hannah’s points of view. I enjoyed this book, but if there was a ding it is as an adult reading YA prefer the author’s teen books. My rating 4 ⭐.
Book 150: Closer to Nowhere by Ellen Hopkins
From the author that brought us Crank and other awesome YA novels in verse comes a middle grade selection. This book is reviewed for ages 10 and older.
The story is of Hannah who is leading her best life in middle school. Then her world is changed when her cousin Cal moves in with her family. Cal’s mom has died, and he is lost. He makes life difficult for Hannah at school, they are the same age. She also does not appreciate having to share her parents with Cal. Cal is not the easiest child and the added stress in the house brings Hannah’s parents relationship to the brink of divorce.
In typical Ellen Hopkins fashion, this book is intense, and all the feels are on display with all the characters. There are no punches pulled here and everyone is struggling. Contrary to her YA books, the raw events are muted for middle grade readers. Written in verse, the book alternates between Cal and Hannah’s points of view. I enjoyed this book, but if there was a ding it is as an adult reading YA prefer the author’s teen books. My rating 4 ⭐.
maeve_littooij's review against another edition
5.0
What a magnificent middle grade this was. In the authors' note, the author tells us that Calvin is based on her adopted son. The book was already very impactful, but because of the note even more so. It is a sad book, but I think it is important for children to read this book. The book was brilliant to be honest. Both perspectives were nice to read, the structure of the book was well divided, the writing style wonderful and the message was intense but beautiful and important.
Would love to read other books by this author.
Would love to read other books by this author.
jesze36's review against another edition
5.0
A good ready for people of all ages. Reminds us that you never know what somebody else is dealing with. Be grateful for the things you have and those who love you. This book is a great reminder of these things.
theinkdoe's review against another edition
5.0
Traumatic upbringing with no safe space - What that would do to a child's trust and how well the child adapts to a better place is the crux of the story. The support system for this child is a flawed family with good intentions. When everything has been so bad for you and when things go good suddenly, you would wait for it to turn bad again and blow up your face. The writing is engrossing and engaging. You keep reading till you finish and realize you live in a different world. Highly recommend