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gourmetsoda's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
deschatjes's review against another edition
4.0
I’m probably one of the few people who didn’t like Pax, but picked this up anyway and loved it. A great story about finding who you are and self-acceptance while taking action to help a small part of your own world
Great for middle grade
Great for middle grade
jesstele's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-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
4.0
hominid's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing book. Sparked several good conversations with my almost 9 year old.
lyssie25's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-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
3.5
A very plesant read. I liked seeing the world through a child’s eyes and ideals again. As the reader, you are very much in the mind of an eleven year-old boy and what he thinks of the events happening around him. I liked how the author built the story. The plot was a bit slow and didn’t keep you hanging on to every word, but I enjoyed it all the same. A beautiful read that introverts and artists especially will enjoy.
nellyschdt's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
fernandapalhari's review against another edition
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
jmkhaima's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
happylilkt's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
This was a sweet story. Ware is an eleven year old who feels stunted by the disappointment he perceives himself to be to his parents, other adults, and in many cases his peers as he is off in "his own world." As Ware's summer unfolds he finds himself learning about "the real world" and his own place in it.
This was a sweet story. Ware is an eleven year old who feels stunted by the disappointment he perceives himself to be to his parents, other adults, and in many cases his peers as he is off in "his own world." As Ware's summer unfolds he finds himself learning about "the real world" and his own place in it.
oneanjana's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It's incredible to me that I managed to finish this book in just one sitting. It’s really that good, I guess.
Ware, an eleven-year-old boy, was sent by his mother to spend his summer in Rec. Despite going there every year, he felt that he's too old for it this year. So, he sneaked out and met Jolene, a tough and secretive girl who grows a garden in the rubble of an abandoned church. This lot eventually became their refuge and sanctuary.
The blurb of this book caught my attention. It says: it's an ode to introverts, dreamers, and misfits everywhere, ideal for readers aged 9-12. The truth is, it’s even so ideal for a mom like me. It pleases both of my sides. It's easy to comprehend Ware's preference for being invisible and ‘off in his own world’ because I'm also an introvert. Sometimes it's nice to have some alone time. I can also relate to Ware's mother. How she, as a mother, automatically acquires the ability to plan everything and does the best she can for her child's happiness. But sometimes, as parents, we also forget to see things from the child's perspective. I was left questioning myself: does the act I do to make my child happy really bring her joy? Or, did my child lie to me because she was just mean or because she didn't feel comfortable sharing her feelings with me? I appreciate that Ware and his mother had good communication at the end and both were open to seeing things from different perspectives.
The plot is well-done and there is a lot of character development. Ware and Jolene's personalities and perspectives on the world are diverse, but eventually, they can learn from one another. It's a delight to witness their innocence, curiosity, and pure heart.
Every middle-grade student should read this book, but it's also a great tool for parents to gain insight into their children's perspectives.
Ware, an eleven-year-old boy, was sent by his mother to spend his summer in Rec. Despite going there every year, he felt that he's too old for it this year. So, he sneaked out and met Jolene, a tough and secretive girl who grows a garden in the rubble of an abandoned church. This lot eventually became their refuge and sanctuary.
The blurb of this book caught my attention. It says: it's an ode to introverts, dreamers, and misfits everywhere, ideal for readers aged 9-12. The truth is, it’s even so ideal for a mom like me. It pleases both of my sides. It's easy to comprehend Ware's preference for being invisible and ‘off in his own world’ because I'm also an introvert. Sometimes it's nice to have some alone time. I can also relate to Ware's mother. How she, as a mother, automatically acquires the ability to plan everything and does the best she can for her child's happiness. But sometimes, as parents, we also forget to see things from the child's perspective. I was left questioning myself: does the act I do to make my child happy really bring her joy? Or, did my child lie to me because she was just mean or because she didn't feel comfortable sharing her feelings with me? I appreciate that Ware and his mother had good communication at the end and both were open to seeing things from different perspectives.
The plot is well-done and there is a lot of character development. Ware and Jolene's personalities and perspectives on the world are diverse, but eventually, they can learn from one another. It's a delight to witness their innocence, curiosity, and pure heart.
Every middle-grade student should read this book, but it's also a great tool for parents to gain insight into their children's perspectives.