mldavisreads's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Middle grade contemporary realistic fiction. Matt and Eric are best friends and band dorks. But the course of their friendship is altered when Eric finds out he's moving across the country after the school year finishes. Suddenly everything seems bittersweet, because it's the last time they go through the year together. When they find out they are going to World of Amazement for their spring band trip, they are so excited. But when they find out their favorite comic book artist will be at DefenderCon the same week, they set about planning an epic last hurrah. Can two rule-following kids pull off such a rule-breaking adventure?
This book took me right back to my marching band days (but I found it interesting that the marching band was at the middle school- it was only available at the high school level for us). The rapport between the sections and with the band director rang true. We also went on an extended band trip, to Disney World, so the bus and hotel shenanigans seemed pretty accurate too. Besides the general band atmosphere, it was also refreshing to see two boys who were cool with being themselves, even though that was comic-loving not super athletic and occasionally even emotional. Matt and Eric often get ridiculed for being gay, but they themselves see their relationship as more of a brotherly nature. Nice to read a middle grade book with male protagonists.
This book took me right back to my marching band days (but I found it interesting that the marching band was at the middle school- it was only available at the high school level for us). The rapport between the sections and with the band director rang true. We also went on an extended band trip, to Disney World, so the bus and hotel shenanigans seemed pretty accurate too. Besides the general band atmosphere, it was also refreshing to see two boys who were cool with being themselves, even though that was comic-loving not super athletic and occasionally even emotional. Matt and Eric often get ridiculed for being gay, but they themselves see their relationship as more of a brotherly nature. Nice to read a middle grade book with male protagonists.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
The two main characters are often teased about being homosexual, though they are not. The two main characters themselves are not homophobic, but several classmates are.niche's review against another edition
emotional
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Homophobia
Minor: Racism and Religious bigotry
library_kb's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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? No
4.0
I really enjoyed this middle grade book. It features a really strong friendship between boys, celebration of nerdiness, music and more and an adventure that hits a few snags along the way. I though the characters, dialogue and events were really realistic to middle school. However, do be aware there is a lot of bullying related to homophobia, which is challenged, but still present.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Bullying
audreylee's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
fast-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
4.0
Finally! A book about true friendship between young boys. I really wish there would have been a more positive resolution for the young bullies. There was so much negativity around being "gay" and so many sexist and racist sayings but this wasn't developed at all...just dropped into conversation frequently.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Racial slurs, Sexism, and Homophobia
lilradridinghood's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Homophobia and Racism
Minor: Racial slurs
mxrumphius's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism, Racial slurs, Homophobia, and Bullying
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