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jade13's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Minor: Addiction
honuzbubbles's review
- 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
Graphic: Addiction, Chronic illness, Death, and Terminal illness
library_kb's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Minor: Addiction, Cancer, and Medical content
emily_mh's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The authors’ clear passion for tech shines through the book. While hindering at times (more on that later), it was very cool seeing the uses that VR can be put to. Often we think of futuristic tech as something that is only going to take from our lives, but Mass and Mendez put forward the other side of the argument. I was particularly interested in how VR could be used in a medical setting. The story also delves into augmented reality - I would highly recommend using the QR codes on the author’s website (details in book) to enhance your reading experience! Another of Mass’ interests, geocaching, was included, and while I liked learning about it, it did feel like a random inclusion. Moon seeds were yet another topic explored, except this time I thought it was incorporated well. It was again fascinating to learn about.
My main issue with this graphic novel is that the middle section feels more like an ad for VR and augmented reality than a book with plot and active characters. Thus the resolution feels rushed, because a lot of the book isn’t dedicated to developing the plot or characters.
Even though the character development was hasty for the above reason, I did like seeing Addie’s growth. Through VR she learns empathy skills, which means she changes from a self-absorbed person to one who is able to truly connect with others. I liked how she opened up and found some real direction. Addie also represents kids who have an imprisoned parent experiencing drug addiction, which is not something I’ve read in MG before. I think this rep is so important, not only for kids going through this who could find validation and comfort, but for kids who aren’t so that they can understand experiences that aren’t theirs.
Rep: Latine (possibly Argentinian-American) SCs, SC with chronic pain, Black SC, East Asian SC, Indian-American SC
Moderate: Addiction, Cancer, Drug abuse, and Medical content
Minor: Ableism, Genocide, Blood, Vomit, Grief, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: loss of a loved one, imprisonment Minor: 1 HP ref, reference to the Holocaustshelbyl's review
- 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
4.0
Minor: Addiction, Cancer, and Child death
kayladaila's review
- 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
Moderate: Addiction and Cancer
Minor: Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Medical content, and Grief
katiemack's review
5.0
This is not only a fun, vividly illustrated graphic novel about the merits of VR, but also a sensitive portrayal about struggling with loneliness, grief, separation from a parent, and having a family member with an addiction. I think readers will see themselves in Addie as she struggles to adapt to her dad's summer work environment and tries to, paradoxically, find a way to belong and also isolate herself on the college campus. I didn't have a chance to check out the other VR resources author Wendy Mass mentions, but I'm sure they enhance the story and provide ample opportunity for further research.
Overall, this is sweet, delightfully nerdy, and poignant and would appeal to middle-grade, YA, and adult readers alike.
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Minor: Child death
mellasmusings's review
5.0
Minor: Addiction, Cancer, and Grief