Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by kailey_luminouslibro
Boy Underground by Isabelle Marinov
3.0
Hugo has autism and he is obsessed with maps. His classmates make fun of him, and even his old friends from elementary won't hang out with him anymore since they entered middle school. All they care about is looking cool. So when Hugo hears about "cataphiles" who love to explore the catacombs beneath Paris, he knows that that is where he will find his true friends. He prepares to go exploring in the underground, but it's illegal to go down there because it's so dangerous. Hugo memorizes the maps of the underground, and prepares for a solo expedition anyway. His former friends, Alex and Julie, see him sneaking underground through a basement entrance, and they follow him. Can Hugo find his way through the maze of tunnels and get them all out?
I really enjoyed reading this book from the perspective of a person with autism. It was so interesting to learn about the types of difficulties and strengths that come with autism. In the beginning, Hugo is bullied, but gradually his former friends begin to appreciate all that he brings to their friendship. His kindness and courage wins them over!
However, I was dismayed at Hugo's and his friends' lack of a moral compass. They just seem to do whatever they want without asking if it is right or wrong. They go underground even though they know it is illegal. They run from the police when they should have asked the police for help. Hugo runs away from home and leaves a cryptic note for his parents, without considering how much emotional and mental anguish he is putting them through. He breaks into his friend's basement by lifting the door off the hinges, and he doesn't care that he's breaking and entering a private home. Hugo steals something because he really wants to give it to someone else in order to earn their friendship. In the end, he returns it anonymously, but doesn't admit his guilt or ask for forgiveness. There are just so many problems with the moral choices of these kids! For Hugo, it's a little more understandable, since his mind is sometimes unable to grasp the repercussions of his actions, but the other kids have no excuse!
To see the details of sensitive content in this book, including bullying, profanity, and stealing, check out the book on the Screen It First website! https://screenitfirst.com/book/boy-underground-2480682
I really enjoyed the writing style! Hugo's voice is so unique and compelling. I loved his character right away, and I got so interested in his adventures. The story is fast-paced, and I loved the focus on friendships and family relationships. These kids are all struggling with inner fears and insecurities, and through their adventures their personalities grow and develop. The writing did a great job of balancing those inward and outward journeys.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.
I really enjoyed reading this book from the perspective of a person with autism. It was so interesting to learn about the types of difficulties and strengths that come with autism. In the beginning, Hugo is bullied, but gradually his former friends begin to appreciate all that he brings to their friendship. His kindness and courage wins them over!
However, I was dismayed at Hugo's and his friends' lack of a moral compass. They just seem to do whatever they want without asking if it is right or wrong. They go underground even though they know it is illegal. They run from the police when they should have asked the police for help. Hugo runs away from home and leaves a cryptic note for his parents, without considering how much emotional and mental anguish he is putting them through. He breaks into his friend's basement by lifting the door off the hinges, and he doesn't care that he's breaking and entering a private home. Hugo steals something because he really wants to give it to someone else in order to earn their friendship. In the end, he returns it anonymously, but doesn't admit his guilt or ask for forgiveness. There are just so many problems with the moral choices of these kids! For Hugo, it's a little more understandable, since his mind is sometimes unable to grasp the repercussions of his actions, but the other kids have no excuse!
To see the details of sensitive content in this book, including bullying, profanity, and stealing, check out the book on the Screen It First website! https://screenitfirst.com/book/boy-underground-2480682
I really enjoyed the writing style! Hugo's voice is so unique and compelling. I loved his character right away, and I got so interested in his adventures. The story is fast-paced, and I loved the focus on friendships and family relationships. These kids are all struggling with inner fears and insecurities, and through their adventures their personalities grow and develop. The writing did a great job of balancing those inward and outward journeys.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.