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katievh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Graphic: Body shaming and Fatphobia
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Cursing
jobarber's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Minor: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Death of parent
natreadstheworld's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I loved the whimsical spirit of this book. The first couple of chapters are a bit intense, featuring the excessive abuse from his aunts, but once the magic starts, it's an easier read. I do think the magic of the story is enough to overcome the intensity of the first few chapters, at least for most readers. Spurred by mysterious magic, James sets out on an adventure unlike any other, quickly forming close friendships with his unusual traveling companions, the bugs within the peach. The adventures are light-hearted and fully of whimsy. Often, the fantastical elements of the story are presented without explanation, they're simply a part of the story, accepted as-is. This makes for an easy, simple read that allows the reader to focus only on the story as it happens, rather than puzzling out the way the magic works in this world.
I found this to be an easy and enjoyable read. The chapters are also short and simple, making it a perfect beginning chapter reader.
Graphic: Child abuse
Minor: Death of parent
Note: I've seen some comments present the book as being fatphobic, due to the large size of one of the villainous sisters. I do not believe the fatphobic label is accurate, because the other sister is just as equally thin, and still villainous, and both are presented as vain and selfish. Thus, their villainy is not tied to their actual physical appearance, so I don't consider it to be fatphobic. However, it's still worth noting that there does happen to be a villain in this story who is extremely large.bitterseason's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Fatphobia
Minor: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Physical abuse, Racism, and Death of parent
em8ly's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Death, and Death of parent
shayh's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Fatphobia
Moderate: Cursing and Death of parent
Minor: Racism
nrogers_1030's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Child abuse and Physical abuse
nemonobody11's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Also there are some very problematic things in the book like fat phobia and a hint of racism when the grasshopper says he would rather be cooked and eaten by a Mexican, which was a very unnecessary line and honestly a gross thing to write.
Moderate: Child abuse and Fatphobia
Minor: Racism
araeofbooks's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Moderate: Child abuse and Death