Reviews

Closer to Nowhere by Ellen Hopkins

kfirstbrook's review against another edition

5.0

Closer to Nowhere tackles so many difficult topics, and handles them all with honesty and bravery. 12 year old Cal has lost his mother and moves in with his Aunt and family while his father is incarcerated. Cal suffers from PTSD and his description of the buzzing in his head, his explosive anger and inability to connect will resonate with so many students. And for those students who don't struggle in the same ways as Cal, they will have the opportunity to grow in their empathy right along with Cal's cousin Hannah.
This story oozes with honesty . . . it's not an easy story and the characters are complicated. But this mirrors real life. I'm so thankful for a story where students can either see themselves or learn to see others through more thoughtful and compassionate eyes.

kaydowning's review against another edition

4.0

I listened to the audio of this book. It was a solid read. I enjoy more of Hopkins edgier and grittier teen books, but this tackled some serious issues too. The death of a parent. Parent in prison. Divorce. Having someone join your family(being new to a family) the alternating narrator added depth to the characters.

msseviereads's review against another edition

5.0

Used as a read aloud with seventh grade --

It was just so wonderful and I thought it was a perfect mix of difficult topics and family relationships.

karina_dreamsinwords's review against another edition

emotional reflective fast-paced

5.0

This middle grade novel in verse discusses a multitude of topics including addiction, complex familial relationships, grief, bullying, attempted violence in a school setting, and ultimately love. 

A hard-hitting story that readers of all ages can enjoy and learn from the themes within.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Addiction, Violence, Domestic abuse, and Gun violence

laurennnnt's review against another edition

i just fell into a reading slump and had no want to pick it back up

kristinakg's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

p3jamie's review against another edition

5.0

I just want to thank Ellen Hopkins for writing this story. It's true, heart felt, and was a story that needed to be shared. Her books have saved me on countless occasions and I'm sure this book will do the same for children. Her books make u feel heard, understood, and not alone. This book is no exception and as her first middle grade, this one is special. Please give it a read :)

anslow's review against another edition

emotional hopeful fast-paced

4.0

nerdygirlk's review against another edition

emotional reflective 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

4.0

maryjanepatterson's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted 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

4.0