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proudjosh's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
mannim's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
greenlivingaudioworm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
lazygal's review
3.0
Poor Jordan: his teacher hates him. That's enough, right there, to ruin a school year. And this isn't "hate" as in "she's strict and I don't like her teaching/correcting me" it's definitely hate. Plus Jordan's a little different, between the asthma and his pet snake and allergies, he gets bullied and no one really stops it. Of course moving to another school helps, particularly since the students there are a very diverse group, which makes being a little different easier than when your school is not diverse.
Since this is a fictionalized memoir, I won't dispute the idea that fifth graders still have show-and-tell (in my school, it stopped after first or second grade). And I will say that the Jordan/Mrs. Fisher interactions are being remembered by what the author felt and went through back then, so there's nothing to mitigate how horrible she is (aka "the humanizing element"). I can imagine middle grade boys enjoying this as they navigate similar feelings and circumstances.
ARC provided by publisher.
Since this is a fictionalized memoir, I won't dispute the idea that fifth graders still have show-and-tell (in my school, it stopped after first or second grade). And I will say that the Jordan/Mrs. Fisher interactions are being remembered by what the author felt and went through back then, so there's nothing to mitigate how horrible she is (aka "the humanizing element"). I can imagine middle grade boys enjoying this as they navigate similar feelings and circumstances.
ARC provided by publisher.
danyell919's review
5.0
I loved this memoir! It was written so much like a novel, I didn’t even realize it was based on the author’s childhood until he mentioned record players! This is also the first MG book I’ve read that talks about hair pulling from the perspective of the puller and how he feels. That was really important to me.
lost_goddess's review
4.0
Another winner from Jordan Sonnenblick. I knew nothing about this book when I ordered it. I bought it because Sonnenblick never disappoints.
This biography of his 4th grade year gives tremendous insight into his other writings. It's entertaining, fast-paced, witty, and insightful. It definitely took me back to what it was like to be in elementary school in the 70's!
Highly recommended.
This biography of his 4th grade year gives tremendous insight into his other writings. It's entertaining, fast-paced, witty, and insightful. It definitely took me back to what it was like to be in elementary school in the 70's!
Highly recommended.
lauralynnwalsh's review
4.0
All the pain and hilarity of elementary school with the boy who is really trying to be good, but not quite succeeding. This would make an interesting read-aloud.
jamikaye1980's review
5.0
I really liked this book. The author was able to tell his own story of growing up as a hyperactive kid who had trouble with certain aspects of both school and home life. I would recommend this book to anyone struggling with ADHD or knows someone who is.