dlberglund's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book with all my bunny-loving, squishy heart. There's enough realistic conflict in this book to make it a good middle grade book, without introducing significant trauma. I think there could be a little bit of editing how Jack's mom, or Emma's mom, talks to Emma about Jack, but otherwise I thought this was a low risk book to encourage positive social emotional growth in kids.
kytwins's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. The characters and their situations felt authentic, especially for kids who go from being homeschooled into a public school setting and struggle with the transition. The friendship that develops between Emma and Jack will remind us all to be the friend we want to have. I also loved the relationship between Emma and her older brother, Owen, whom she misses now that he is attending high school and getting involved with different activities. The bonus addition of "Lapi" the rabbit will draw lots of young readers to Cynthia Lord's heartfelt story.
evawhite's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.0
sasbybelle's review against another edition
4.0
A sweet story that helps students learn how to be a true friend no matter how different you might be. All because of Monsieur Lapin the rabbit that bridged a gap in new friendships.
shighley's review against another edition
4.0
This book has so many connections and gentle lessons. I could see students putting sayings on rocks, playing the two truths and a lie and making a bulletin board. The aphorisms about rabbits sometimes seemed to describe Emma. And, it was nice for once to have just about all of the adults as nice characters (except for the fact that the lunch ladies flustered Emma), and Owen is a wonderful brother. I have always been concerned about students saving seats and excluding others. I did feel that Emma's long explanation in class at the end was maybe a bit unrealistic, but perhaps with her father, brother, and rabbit there, she felt a little more empowered.
This paragraph near the end is so insightful:
"Maybe it was too much to expect one person to be my "everything" best friend anyway. Maybe I already had what I needed, just spread out across a bunch of people....Some parts to come with kids I didn't know yet."
This paragraph near the end is so insightful:
"Maybe it was too much to expect one person to be my "everything" best friend anyway. Maybe I already had what I needed, just spread out across a bunch of people....Some parts to come with kids I didn't know yet."
nitar8's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
alsahm's review against another edition
2.0
2/5
21-22 Golden Sower Nominee. Lonely after her brother started public school, a homeschooler starts public fifth grade herself, determined to find a Best Friend. Her planned "in" - she has a new pet rabbit. Unfortunate choices are made. Lukewarm read.
21-22 Golden Sower Nominee. Lonely after her brother started public school, a homeschooler starts public fifth grade herself, determined to find a Best Friend. Her planned "in" - she has a new pet rabbit. Unfortunate choices are made. Lukewarm read.
nancidrum's review against another edition
4.0
This charming book would be just right reading for 4th grade through middle school students, but I have to admit as an adult I really liked it also. I have read another of Lord's book, Rules, with a book group we have with our 5th graders at school, which was 5 stars all the way and this had a similar feel. So many good life lessons and hit right on the nose for the targeted age group. As a read aloud, this would work for as young as second grade. It's as clean as a whistle with strong morals, which is sometimes hard to find these days even in children's books.