jimmypat's review against another edition
3.0
I read this book a couple of times as a kid and I had a lot of fond memories of it, especially of it being a pretty creepy book. I decided to pick it up again and read it to my kids. I found it to be fairly tame at this point in my life, but I still enjoyed it and so did my kids (although they didn't think it was scary, either).
stuart213's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
iffer's review against another edition
4.0
I originally started reading The Headless Cupid about ten years ago, but then had to stop because I had to return it to the library or something. I began reading on the recommendation of a friend, and didn't remember particularly liking it, which made me more afraid that, despite the fact that it's a Newbery Honor book, that I wouldn't like it, just like childhood cartoons that we've cherished don't hold up to the scrutiny of our older minds. However, I did like The Headless Cupid, not only because the Stanley children are so lovable, with such characterizing quirks that let you know that the author has spent much time with young children, but also because it deals simply, and not too cheesily with the way that preteens might feel about a parent's death, a parent's remarriage, relocation, and forming relationships with step-siblings. The novel was also well-written, although at a little higher reading level than for 4th and 5th graders.
rachel_abby_reads's review against another edition
3.0
The entry of a new step sister into the family brings a touch of the occult, as well.
The author pretty much gives the surprise away in her introduction. Still, I liked it better than Villette!
The author pretty much gives the surprise away in her introduction. Still, I liked it better than Villette!
k_lee_reads_it's review against another edition
3.0
Four siblings and their new two sister thrown together in the country at the start of their first summer together. Everyone is experiencing adjustment and growing pains and then a poltergeist shows up to make it interesting.
I am afraid I am Ingrid.
I am afraid I am Ingrid.
wintermote's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
I didn’t care for this book. It just didn’t engage me. I picked it up without reading the back matter etc. it may be that I didn’t like these kids messing around with occult ideas and that whole angle.
quietjenn's review against another edition
4.0
i dunno why i never read zilpha keatley snyder when i was a kid. i wish i had because she's sort of awesome.
smimholt's review against another edition
4.0
This is my favorite of the Stanley kids stories. I love how some questions are left unanswered, some mystery left unresolved. The transformation of Amanda in this story is interesting to read about; especially since I also have an older sister.
innae's review against another edition
3.0
I am not sure why this book won a Newberry, it is a good book, but not sure it is at the caliber of award winning. I may have to look at the qualifications for that particular award. I did enjoy the book, and the story. Amanda is an interesting character, but really, my true love of this book is Blair. What an interesting character, and I may seek out more of the Stanley Family books just for more about him.
update 01/04/2020: This book won a Newberry Honor (basically a runner-up) in 1972. The award is given out by a selected group of children's librarians for books that challenge the norm for children's books. And it was the first award FOR children's literature. So, yes, it makes sense, this book was a bit different than most in 1972, and it has been challenged (oh the "witchcraft"!!).
update 01/04/2020: This book won a Newberry Honor (basically a runner-up) in 1972. The award is given out by a selected group of children's librarians for books that challenge the norm for children's books. And it was the first award FOR children's literature. So, yes, it makes sense, this book was a bit different than most in 1972, and it has been challenged (oh the "witchcraft"!!).