Reviews

Discovering Wes Moore (The Young Adult Adaptation) by Wes Moore

saltsandandink's review against another edition

3.0

Overall, I enjoyed this biography but I wish the stories of the two Wes Moore’s would have been intertwined more through out the novel. About 85% of the novel was about the author Wes Moore’s life and experiences, which don’t tie in to the “other” Wes Moore until the novel is almost over. I was left wanting to know more and feel more of a reflection on how small choices and differences in background can lead to very different lives.

lblanke724's review against another edition

An interesting biography of a boy from the Bronx who went on to Johns Hopkins and becomes a Rhodes Scholar with the help of those around him. Wes discovers another Wes Moore who came from the same area, but who is serving time for murder. Hand this to a student looking for some real life grit.

the_long_potato's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

kate_m_m's review against another edition

3.0

I'd like to read his original book for adults, but I think this is such a great bio for middle school kids. He works with a great balance of his story and the lessons learned, until the very end when he finally veers towards slightly over-preachy and didactic. But his message is good, and one that is helpful to hear from adults other than teachers.

gadrake's review against another edition

Front Cover: Young (13?) African American boy on his bike looking over his shoulder
Back Cover: Handsome classy author pic

This is the young adult version of "The Other Wes Moore" for adults.

Pages: 147

Highly accessible book, complete with resources in the back for support organizations.

Larger font, family photos in the middle.

Tone: Speaks like a young man.

deweywells's review against another edition

5.0

Wes is a stellar story teller who shares the lessons of his life and those of others in a compelling and thought-proving narrative.

heidibranch5's review against another edition

3.0

This book is a memoir of one man then contrasted with the life of another man by the same name and from the same city (Baltimore). This is the abbreviated YA version -- only 150 pages. Great concept but I didn't like the execution. Basically he quickly describes key moments in his own life, leaving huge gaps. Then he spends one chapter summing up the other Wes Moore's life. The final chapter is him drawing what conclusions he can about life choices. He addresses this to young adults, and it could feel a little preachy to some. Some kids need to be hit over the head with the moral, but others would rather draw their own conclusions.

I intend to pull out some passages for my classes next year for writing prompts and class discussion. The book does raise thought-provoking questions about how our choices and environments affect our ultimate outcome.
I would like to read the original book The Other Wes Moore as it appears to alternate between the two men's stories and go more in depth.

kara_mom's review against another edition

4.0

This book was assigned as summer reading to my rising 9th grader. For that, I believe it is an excellent choice. Moore writes an a relatable and approachable way, without being too simplistic or pedantic. Great discussion topics for young adults post-read would be: when does one become an adult? How do different cultures commemorate adulthood? How do adults model behavior, parent, teach and guide children, both in good and bad ways?

One thing that struck me was that once Wes dug into military school and started to succeed, many more additional opportunities for success came his way. All it takes is for one person with connections to decide you show promise; but then it is up to you to exploit those opportunities.

maddie_1999's review against another edition

inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

kim_j_dare's review against another edition

4.0

An accessible and engaging look at the impact that caring adults can have on tweens and teens.