thebamabuckeye's review
adventurous
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
sophiebhk's review
3.0
I do not remember everything about this book, because it was a battle of the books book in 5th grade. I do remember enjoying this book as my mom read it to me, it is really sad but a great story. Told in great perspective.
clairedaniel3's review
4.0
I read this book years ago. . .in fact, my copy doesn't even have the Newbery Medal on it! Re-read it before using it in class and still love it.
rannetteh's review
5.0
We all loved this book so much!!! We had some great moments reading this book- some sad & some very laughable moments!!!
orizenda's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
Honestly can’t believe how much I fell in love w this. We never read this in school and I wish we had. I really liked the audiobook, too. I’m in library school rn so I loved the parts about the library 😂Very, very enjoyable! ✨
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, and Death of parent
stinamoore1971's review
3.0
Read this along with my daughter for her summer reading project. The author writes as if he were the main character, a 10 year old depression era boy. He uses such terms as "human beans" rather than "human beings". This is probably not a concern for most, however, my daughter has been diagnosed with dyslexia and we are struggling with spelling. I would have preferred to see an author of books geared towards children to either write items such as this correctly, or at least self correct later in the context of the book.
All in all, however, I did enjoy the book. I really like the ending since we learn why the main character's mother followed a particular musical group.
All in all, however, I did enjoy the book. I really like the ending since we learn why the main character's mother followed a particular musical group.
starfish912's review
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
3.75
eweindesign's review against another edition
5.0
If this book were a movie, it'd be in a shade of sepia. Not exactly fast-paced, but a great kid's historical fiction book nonetheless.
aapollo917's review
4.0
I never read this book as a child. I read it this summer. It is a fun story of a young boy finding his roots. Great storytelling!