swegarjl's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.25
read_with_miss_g's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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
4.25
dlberglund's review against another edition
4.0
Aven (also known as Sheebs... Long story), is a spunky middle schooler with a morbid sense of humor but some difficultly making friends after a move to a new state. She was born without any arms, which keeps small minded people from reaching out to her. So in her new life, she assembles a friend group of other kids who choose (are pushed to) spend time away from the other kids. Then she decides to solve a mystery. It's mostly fun, though some puzzle pieces that come together just a little too nicely are, well, implausible. But it is a middle grade novel, where kids can explore their relationships to their families and their own independence, and have it all end okay. It's important to have several different abilities represented in ways that seem realistic. (They may be a little smoothed over, but again... This is middle grade. Not YA.) I enjoyed reading it, and I think the targeted readers would, too.
jlworley's review against another edition
4.0
Great middle grades story. Inspiring but not sappy. My kids loved it too.
megpancoast's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.25
lreid's review against another edition
3.0
Aven is your average girl, expect for one thing she was born without her arms. When her parents get a new job that forces her family to move to a new city Aven has to adjust to new people. I enjoyed this book because of Aven's realness about being the new kid at a school and standing out.
whitne_ey's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol, Animal death, Body shaming, and Ableism
jhen_squared's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It was beautiful, wholesome, and motivating. The characters were all so different and I felt for them and just wanted them to be happy. I can't speak for the representation, like if it was done well or not but I do think it's nice that different people and their own personal challenges were there.
schiller23's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-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? Yes
3.75
imperfectnightmare's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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? Yes
3.75
A girl who never let her disability stop her goes on an adventure with her newfound friends.