Take a photo of a barcode or cover
diana_reads_and_reads 's review for:
The Unadoptables
by Hana Tooke
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The Unadoptables was a great reading experience, which is why its four stars, but it has some major problems, including the glaringly obvious: the title. While being orphaned is de rigueur for children’s books (how can hijinks ensue with those pesky parents in the way?), this title presses into the idea that some children are defective, and I can only imagine how painful that is. Beyond the title, the author does lean into the unadoptability of the children, especially in the beginning of the book. For that reason alone, I wouldn’t recommend it even though my daughter and I really liked the story.
There is an amount of suspension of disbelief that I think is in line with what I would expect from a middle grade adventure novel. The setting is evocative (and cold, which made it a good winter read aloud for us!). If I wanted to tie this into our curriculum, I would talk about puppet making (and make our own), script writing, the Netherlands, and human trafficking, as well as the harmful adoption stereotypes outlined above.
I rarely comment on the actual read aloud experience, but in this case, the author has a tongue twisting adoration of alliteration that got me more than once.
There is an amount of suspension of disbelief that I think is in line with what I would expect from a middle grade adventure novel. The setting is evocative (and cold, which made it a good winter read aloud for us!). If I wanted to tie this into our curriculum, I would talk about puppet making (and make our own), script writing, the Netherlands, and human trafficking, as well as the harmful adoption stereotypes outlined above.
I rarely comment on the actual read aloud experience, but in this case, the author has a tongue twisting adoration of alliteration that got me more than once.