You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
raethereviewer's reviews
859 reviews
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
This was such a great, gothic horror. I think the characterization was really strong in this one and the atmospheric writing was done very well. The house truly felt like its own character within the novel. Definitely a good one for 4th - 6th graders.P
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was excellently written. I like the way the newspaper articles and scientific studies were added to the novel in a way that made sense for the story. It breaks it up but keeps things engaging. This topic is particularly important for middle grade and it’s addressed really well. The growth that we see from Rylee brings things together in a full circle way. This is definitely one I’d add to middle school classrooms.
I’ve read Marie Arnold’s debut, The Year I Flew Away, and I went in expecting the vivid writing but I was not expecting to cry as much as I did. This was such a beautifully told story of family, loss, and community. The way that Sunny, Miles, and Mr. Evens grow together over the course of the novel is beautiful and absolutely needed in classrooms and home libraries. The main character is 10 but I think this could work for the 6th and 7th grade end of middle grade too due to how these heavier topics are covered. This is definitely one I’ll be recommending.
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This was a really interesting sci-fi story. I wasn’t expecting the turn that the novel took rather than just focusing on aliens but I think the future element made it a lot more fun. Time travel is always tricky to play with and there are a few parts that I questioned but overall, this would be great for 5th - 7th graders with a love of science.
This was such a spectacular novel in verse. I read it alongside a student and it’s such a great book for bridging empathy and giving students a more global perspective. Highly recommend!
This was such a well told story of friendship, growing up, and figuring out what it actually means to be mature. It’s done in such an age appropriate manner where it truly is perfect for that upper elementary, lower middle school age range. This is definitely one I’ll be recommending to tweens.
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
The amount of talent that Amber McBride has needs to be studied which is why this book should be in every middle school classroom. I devoured it in an afternoon and was left to fend for myself against my own tears. Onyx & Beyond is a masterpiece.
I was not expecting the conflict to hit so hard but this was so excellent. It covers parental expectations and what it means for kids to make their own decisions about their passions. There’s also the tension of parents and how that feels for a kid to go through. I love the way the friendships were shown.
Definitely a great addition for upper elementary classrooms and 6th grade.
Definitely a great addition for upper elementary classrooms and 6th grade.
This is such a fun gothic novel and great for introducing students to the genre when you’re looking for something other than Edgar Allan Poe.
I have nothing but hate for this novel.