Reviews

Ebb and Flow by Heather Smith

kayalbs11's review against another edition

3.0

This book was not what I expected. It was Heartbreaking, beautiful, and showed the raw colors of who people are. Truly stunning writing and an emotional story written in verse. Everyone is capable of forgiveness, change, and second chances.

sc104906's review against another edition

2.0

Jett finds himself at his grandmother's house for the summer after he got into some major trouble. His summer is spent unpacking what led up to the events of last year. He discusses problems with his father being in jail, his bully friend, who is also going through his own tough time.

This novel in verse will appeal to reader who may be experiencing similar issues.

tyson_and_rainbow's review against another edition

challenging dark sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

this felt like it was missing the beginning of the book

shighley's review against another edition

4.0

A gentle book about some tough subjects. As parts are unveiled, it's almost like a mystery. You could ask students: What do you think happened before this? What do you think that meant? And who is Alf? And what would have happened if Jett had not visited his grandma?
I can't remember who recommended this to me, or under what context; I wish I could!

booksxbananas's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

sandylovesbooks's review against another edition

4.0

A good little book about a boy, Jett, who made some bad decisions after his father went to jail and he made a friend with a bad kid who was getting abused at home. It was written in free-verse poetry and was heartbreaking and full of hope. The author did a wonderful job making me feel for these boys and the circumstances they had to deal with.

This is another book where, I think, parents and care-givers should read the book before letting younger kids read it. It is written for juvenile readers but parents should decide if their kids are ready for this book.

amygo's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

curiousherring's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is so beautifully raw 🥺

'I knew then
that I had a heart
because a terrible pain
shot right through it.'

readingthroughtheages's review against another edition

4.0

I loved the way this is crafted - I think written in verse was a great choice as we learn, bit by bit, about the narrator. Gave the reader perspective as we learn about the MC and slowly find out about his past.

alltheowls's review against another edition

5.0

This book got me right in the gut. I loved the poetry form in which the story was told and Jett the main character. He struggled while going through some major life changes, and makes bad choices.

The story takes place with Jett spending the summer with his loving grandma. She constantly encourages him to look for the good parts of himself and to become more of those things.

Jett is loveable because he is a flawed 11-year-old and every reader can relate to that kid inside of themselves.

Trigger warning: drunk driving, death, abuse


I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.