A review by librarymouse
Sheets by Brenna Thummler

adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The illustration style of Sheets is gorgeous and expressive. The characters are expressive and illustrated with realistic proportions. The color scheme and setting tie into the colors of the main characters and make the the setting look inviting.

I really liked that there were adults and kids willing to stand up for and with Marjorie. The story had a really unique way of addressing grief and death.

This book is written for an elementary to middle grade audience, so it makes sense that most of what Marjorie sees of her father's grief is is absence and his resignation to losing the laundromat. His alcohol abuse is referred to as 'special coffee', and while she is trying to protect her brother from seeing their father's depression spiral, she still needs to be cared for. The swim instructor and his family, as well as Colton reaching out and helping her where she's at by supporting her and buying her detergent to help her save the home she loves is a really profound statement on empathy. I also really like that Colton always liked Marjorie, and the only thing that changed about Marjorie for him to properly ask her on a date, and for her to accept, was her confidence and trust in herself. The fact that she gets to take the coveted piano lessons her bully had taken for granted is an added plus. Wendell coming to terms with his own death, Marjorie coming to terms with her mother's death, and the two of them jumping into the shallows of the river together is the perfect end. Neither of them forget why they're afraid or sad, but they are moving on.
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