andipants's review against another edition
4.0
I'm really torn on my rating for this book. On the one hand, there were some really heartfelt and funny moments in here, and on the whole I was pretty entertained. On the other hand, it got awfully preachy at some points — you could almost see the narrator turning to the camera and monologuing about the evils of censorship — and it definitely suffered from some "That child did not say that" moments, especially with Rebecca, the budding young lawyer-to-be. She was just slightly too over-the-top to be believable, but not quite so much that it looked like an intentional, humorous choice; instead it just came off as awkward, unrealistic characterization.
Also, and this may be nitpicky, but almost every one of the banned book title drops gave the distinct impression of somebody my age writing about the books they remember from when they were a kid, rather than what a kid today would necessarily be worried about. There are some that make sense in the late 2010s— Captain Underpants, Junie B. Jones, the Magic Treehouse — and there are a few perennial classics that I guess kids are probably still reading — Judy Blume, Laura Ingalls Wilder — but were ten-year-olds in 2018 really that worked up about The Egypt Game? (And in a book with two tween girl protagonists, not one single Raina Telgemeier title makes an appearance? Stretches believability, that.)
That's not to say I didn't like it. As I said, there were definitely some jokes that landed superbly, and the plot overall was satisfying. I also liked the side plot with Amy Anne's family, where she has to learn to stand up for herself and ask for what she needs in her loving but often chaotic household. And of course, I absolutely support the message of not banning books. Overall, I'd probably land on about a 3.5 star rating, but since I have to round one way or the other, I'll bump it up to 4; I'm always a sucker for a plucky heroine standing up to unfair authority.
Also, and this may be nitpicky, but almost every one of the banned book title drops gave the distinct impression of somebody my age writing about the books they remember from when they were a kid, rather than what a kid today would necessarily be worried about. There are some that make sense in the late 2010s— Captain Underpants, Junie B. Jones, the Magic Treehouse — and there are a few perennial classics that I guess kids are probably still reading — Judy Blume, Laura Ingalls Wilder — but were ten-year-olds in 2018 really that worked up about The Egypt Game? (And in a book with two tween girl protagonists, not one single Raina Telgemeier title makes an appearance? Stretches believability, that.)
That's not to say I didn't like it. As I said, there were definitely some jokes that landed superbly, and the plot overall was satisfying. I also liked the side plot with Amy Anne's family, where she has to learn to stand up for herself and ask for what she needs in her loving but often chaotic household. And of course, I absolutely support the message of not banning books. Overall, I'd probably land on about a 3.5 star rating, but since I have to round one way or the other, I'll bump it up to 4; I'm always a sucker for a plucky heroine standing up to unfair authority.
erinj254's review against another edition
3.0
3.5. Took a long time to get through but that’s because we’re so busy, not because we didn’t like it. I really enjoyed this one but Amy Anne really got on my nerves with all the braid sucking.
Very timely though, as our town just elected a new school board member and one of the first thing she wants to do is remove books she doesn’t like from our school libraries.
Very timely though, as our town just elected a new school board member and one of the first thing she wants to do is remove books she doesn’t like from our school libraries.
rharrington's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
janerose123's review against another edition
5.0
This is so amazing book I've ever read but not the only one. This is so Enjoyable and fun and I admire this book:D I use an ebook on this and I really like it:) The characters, the plot, and the end of the story so I'm going to give it 5 stars. Overall, the book affirms the message that different kinds of books fit different readers. The main character is in fourth grade, but this story fits 5th and 6th grade very well, especially with its themes of family and school injustice.
It all started the day Amy Anne Ollinger tried to check out her favorite book in the whole world, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, from the school library. That's when Mrs. Jones, the librarian, told her the bad news: her favorite book was banned! All because a classmate's mom thought the book wasn't appropriate for kids to read then Amy Anne decides to fight back by starting a secret banned books library out of her locker. Soon, she finds herself on the front line of an unexpected battle over book banning, censorship, and who has the right to decide what she and her fellow students can read.
It all started the day Amy Anne Ollinger tried to check out her favorite book in the whole world, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, from the school library. That's when Mrs. Jones, the librarian, told her the bad news: her favorite book was banned! All because a classmate's mom thought the book wasn't appropriate for kids to read then Amy Anne decides to fight back by starting a secret banned books library out of her locker. Soon, she finds herself on the front line of an unexpected battle over book banning, censorship, and who has the right to decide what she and her fellow students can read.
megansgc's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent book for ALL ages. A must read. Wonderful take always for kids and adults alike. Well done Mr. Gratz
gemmapz's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
5.0
Delightful way to teach about critical thinking, the Bill of Rights and censorship. I particularly enjoyed the reference to the mirror, world librarian.
spillminttea's review against another edition
5.0
If you want to ban the book, you have to ban all the books. Why only specific that could caused a bad behavior? It's only parent psychic forget how to be kids afterwards.
lanica's review against another edition
3.0
I had a hard time getting into this book. The main character kept having long replies to other characters in her head, then the narrator would say, 'that's what I wanted to say...but didn't.' or something similar. Once or twice may have gotten the point across, but I almost didn't finish the book because I was tired of being tricked. I thought she was saying something, and was ready to move one, but then she'd say 'but I did't say anything...' which would break my concentration and pull me out of the story.
I am glad I finished the book, it has a good ending with a great message...but it was a hard slough to get to the midpoint.
Maybe others will not notice...maybe.
I am glad I finished the book, it has a good ending with a great message...but it was a hard slough to get to the midpoint.
Maybe others will not notice...maybe.
eleiser's review against another edition
5.0
My daughters and I loved this book! AmyAnn is my new hero. I think that this book needs to be required reading in schools! I told our librarians to put it front and center in their displays and tell everyone, young and old, to read it! AmyAnn and her friends might be 4th graders, but they definitely have a powerful message!
jaimebz's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
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