Scan barcode
ashleighsbooks's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.0
this was a quick and lovable story of three kids finding their place in the world. a little bit of mystery, a little bit of humor, and a lot of emotions. overall a very simple and predictable story, but fun and enjoyable nonetheless.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Bullying
Minor: Body shaming, Self harm, Dementia, and Grief
nxclx's review
adventurous
informative
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
As someone that is fully abled, I want to preface this review by saying just that: this is an outsiders review and should be taken as such. Please see other reviews for a more first hand perspective. I have looked over other reviews before writing this one, as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. For the main plots, I liked it a lot, save for the ending with the adoption reveal. I personally could have done without that. I found the mystery aspect to be fun and just as silly as middle graders would make it be. I personally liked how the disabilities of the two characters were addressed and progressed throughout the book, and how all three were considered outcasts and banded together before branching out to others at the end. I can see how certain parts could be handled better ("be a man" and other gender enforcing wording for example) , but it didn't ruin the book for me. I think this would be a great book to show middle graders and to have a discussion about after the fact. It seems like a great starting point to introduce heavier topics and open up discussions.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. For the main plots, I liked it a lot, save for the ending with the adoption reveal. I personally could have done without that. I found the mystery aspect to be fun and just as silly as middle graders would make it be. I personally liked how the disabilities of the two characters were addressed and progressed throughout the book, and how all three were considered outcasts and banded together before branching out to others at the end. I can see how certain parts could be handled better ("be a man" and other gender enforcing wording for example) , but it didn't ruin the book for me. I think this would be a great book to show middle graders and to have a discussion about after the fact. It seems like a great starting point to introduce heavier topics and open up discussions.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming, Bullying, Fatphobia, and Death of parent
Minor: Stalking and Murder
annalisaely's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Bullying
story_goblin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
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
4.5
This book surprised me. I put it on my list a while back because it seemed cute, and I choose it at this particular time as a palate cleanser between heavy sf/f. I've been reading a lot of "how do we fix the world" type stories, and I wanted a small break to read something different. It did work well for that! It was sweet and funny in places and, even though I saw the main twist coming a mile away, I didn't guess everything. What I wasn't expecting was for this book to make me cry. Aven's conversation with her dad echoed a LOT of feelings I have about my adhd. Her frustrations and fears hit much harder than I expected since I didn't realize I would relate to her so much. Other adults on goodreads expressed that the beginning was slow and/or the ending too syrupy sweet, but I didn't really feel the same way. I agree with them however, that just about any older elementary/middle school-aged child would devour this and be eager for more. I may or may not read the sequel myself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Dementia
Minor: Fatphobia
A minor character, who the main character interacts with several times, has dementia. It's portrayed realistically during each encounter but is not really dwelled on or discussed too much outside of the interactions. Aven and her two friends all feel like outsiders and describe moments in which they have been bullied or otherwise ostracized. Aven explicitly discusses various reactions/comments/looks she gets at school and out in public. Students repeatedly make fun of Connor's ticks and once
More...