juani's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
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? No
5.0
mochavonbee's review against another edition
3.0
Not sure what to say about this one. The first half of the book was well-written but run of the mill and seemed very predictable and similar to many other stories. In the second half nothing was predictable and the consequences were far more serious and long-term than the first half had me prepared for. While I'm glad I persisted with the book to reach the surprises the author had in store, I'm not too sure what I think at the end of it. Parts of this book are very strong but the beginning is slow. 3 stars may not be a fair assessment, but 2 isn't enough and 4 feels like too much...
ricegod's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.75
authorisasauthordoes's review against another edition
emotional
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? No
4.75
shewhoknows10kthings's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
maidmarianlib's review against another edition
4.0
Nice story with themes of race relations, prejudice, and the power of money. Very funny in parts. Listened to the Audio Version.
imbookingit's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed listening to this book.
In this book, Turner learns that adults don't always do the right thing, but that doesn't stop his attempts to do so.
Thinking back on it, the book could be seen as heavy on the lessons, but the story was about Turner learning them, and they were well balanced with the more adventurous aspects of the story.
For the most part, Turner seemed like a real kid to me. Perhaps he was a little too good to be true, but he wasn't perfect. I liked seeing how he grew as the book continued. The secondary characters were an interesting bunch. . Just as I'd start to think that although they were interesting, they were also flat, one of them would surprise me with some character development.
I'll recommend this book to my 11 year old. I actually wish I'd saved it for our upcoming road trip, I'm not sure I'll want to listen to it again that soon.
In this book, Turner learns that adults don't always do the right thing, but that doesn't stop his attempts to do so.
Thinking back on it, the book could be seen as heavy on the lessons, but the story was about Turner learning them, and they were well balanced with the more adventurous aspects of the story.
For the most part, Turner seemed like a real kid to me. Perhaps he was a little too good to be true, but he wasn't perfect. I liked seeing how he grew as the book continued. The secondary characters were an interesting bunch. . Just as I'd start to think that although they were interesting, they were also flat, one of them would surprise me with some character development.
I'll recommend this book to my 11 year old. I actually wish I'd saved it for our upcoming road trip, I'm not sure I'll want to listen to it again that soon.
borrowedandbacklist's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
summervl's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful and very sad story based on a shameful chapter of American history. It has echoes of To Kill a Mockingbird.
megmccuis's review against another edition
4.0
I have so much love for everything Gary Schmidt writes. In each of his books there are passages that make me hold my breath (the whales!). He always manages to turn tragedy into something beautiful. His tragedy grips you. This one was no exception.
This book covers a story of a piece of history I’d never known. It’s a bit heavy for a kid’s book, but also so important.
This book covers a story of a piece of history I’d never known. It’s a bit heavy for a kid’s book, but also so important.