tishreads's review
5.0
This book feels authentic because it is. Based strongly off the story of the author's own daughter, Maddie is diagnosed with a brain tumor and has to endure surgeries. This story of friendship, middle school, and mustaches is uplifting and inspiring. While Maddie is going through very risky medical situations, things turn out alright and in the end, we even hear from the real Maddie as she shares a little bit about her story in the endnotes.
Beautifully written.
Beautifully written.
bricope1017's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
megan_stine's review
This a cute middle level book. The main character is funny and has a great imagination as she works through difficult life circumstances. This book doesn’t contain any questionable content.
bethgiven's review
3.0
A sweet story of a kind-hearted and imaginative preteen with a silly sense of humor. In the course of this story, Maddie navigates the usual -- popularity, the class play, crushes -- and then she's faced with something even more scary: a brain tumor. I loved how this book taught the principle of empathy (a good lesson for kids and adults alike) and modeled a kind, supportive family. This is not quite on the level of Wonder (I thought Wonder's biggest strength was from telling the story from different perspectives, but Mustaches stays firmly in Maddie's head) but middle-graders will still enjoy this one.
resslesa's review
4.0
Sweet, honest look with humor of what happens when a girl gets cancer. Based on author’s daughter’s life. Those with similar experiences or friends going through similar experiences will find helpful. Like that it is upbeat and doesn’t dwell or gloss over issues that arise.
lovegirl30's review
5.0
Previously posted on The Young Girl Who Loved Books
Oh how this book is so cute! I really haven't thought that in quite a while. This book is adorable, cute, quirky, and meaningful. This book is something that is needed in a world filled with so much turmoil and sadness lately. I didn't realize that Maddie in this book was real. Or at least that the character was based on her. I am glad to see this girls heart, soul and spirit are real. The world needs more Maddies. She has so many good character traits. She is strong, quite tough, with a huge heart, a grand imagination, and a wicked sense of humor. She loves mustaches, and let's all be honest who doesn't? She loves them because they make people laugh. Maddie loves to make people laugh.
The story follows Maddie who unfortunately is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Suddenly her world is changed and she is faced with an incredible life-threatening challenge. She never loses her sense of humor through everything. She realizes that she doesn't have to go through this alone and that so many people love her. Everyone is there for her and ready to help when she needs it. The know her love of mustaches they begin to send her pictures wearing these silly things. It really helps her cheer up.
This is one of the best middle-grade novels I have read in quite a while. I normally don't enjoy books that have a theater aspects in them. Normally I find them overdone and boring. This one is really interesting. The class is having several different plays. They all are auditioning and unfortunately, Maddie must deal with a mean girl. This girl doesn't want her to audition for a certain part. She must make a decision and deal with the aftermath. I believe she handles it in a very mature way.
These authors have such a way with words. The story is fast-paced and the book will make you laugh. It is also a tear-jerker, so keep a tissue box nearby. This book will warm your heart, and instantly become a favorite.
Disclaimer: I received this book in ARC format from the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Oh how this book is so cute! I really haven't thought that in quite a while. This book is adorable, cute, quirky, and meaningful. This book is something that is needed in a world filled with so much turmoil and sadness lately. I didn't realize that Maddie in this book was real. Or at least that the character was based on her. I am glad to see this girls heart, soul and spirit are real. The world needs more Maddies. She has so many good character traits. She is strong, quite tough, with a huge heart, a grand imagination, and a wicked sense of humor. She loves mustaches, and let's all be honest who doesn't? She loves them because they make people laugh. Maddie loves to make people laugh.
The story follows Maddie who unfortunately is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Suddenly her world is changed and she is faced with an incredible life-threatening challenge. She never loses her sense of humor through everything. She realizes that she doesn't have to go through this alone and that so many people love her. Everyone is there for her and ready to help when she needs it. The know her love of mustaches they begin to send her pictures wearing these silly things. It really helps her cheer up.
This is one of the best middle-grade novels I have read in quite a while. I normally don't enjoy books that have a theater aspects in them. Normally I find them overdone and boring. This one is really interesting. The class is having several different plays. They all are auditioning and unfortunately, Maddie must deal with a mean girl. This girl doesn't want her to audition for a certain part. She must make a decision and deal with the aftermath. I believe she handles it in a very mature way.
These authors have such a way with words. The story is fast-paced and the book will make you laugh. It is also a tear-jerker, so keep a tissue box nearby. This book will warm your heart, and instantly become a favorite.
Disclaimer: I received this book in ARC format from the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
tayfitz4's review
5.0
Read this aloud to my students (6th grade) and they absolutely loved it. There were gasps, sniffles, and even an occasional “aww”. SUCH a great story and so inspiring. Got the honor to zoom with Chad Morris and he was an absolute pleasure as well.
lindseycrouch's review against another edition
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I read this for book club--otherwise I wouldn't have picked it up on my own. I kind of hate the kid-with-cancer trope in books and when it's based on a true story it kind of feels a little exploitive. I feel weird about people getting internet famous for being sick or injured. Anyway, one of the reviews called this book "unsentimental" and I'd agree. The brain tumor is a huge part of the story and yet it really doesn't get sappy often, which I did appreciate. If I had to pick a word to describe it, I'd say it's goofy. The 12 year old humor was pretty over the top and I wasn't a fan. I can see 12 year olds loving the crap out of this book, though, and I love that for them. The mark of a great middle grade book is that it can be loved by someone outside the target audience, and this is not it. I did like that the moral of the story was more than just "you can survive hard things" and that was a pleasant surprise. All this to say is I didn't like it and knew going into it I probably wouldn't like it, but it's not a terrible book.
thebookishlibrarian's review
Twelve-year-old Maddie loves carrying mustaches in her pocket. They’re perfect for making people laugh, which is what she loves to do. All she has to do it take a mustache out and put it on and giggles ensue. Maddie focuses on her mustaches, but not enough to ignore the fact that her arm only feels right when she curls it against her, and she is constantly tripping over her feet. Unable to stop these things from happening to her body, she tells her parents and they take her to the doctor, It is there that she receives shocking news about why this is happening to her limbs: she has a brain tumor and needs surgery to remove it. Maddie is very scared and wonders if the doctors will be able to do what they need to do to get rid of the tumor. It is then that her imagination kicks into high gear and she needs her funny mustaches more than ever.
Thanks to School Library Journal for a review copy of this book.
Thanks to School Library Journal for a review copy of this book.