pwbalto's review
5.0
Our pick for the 2011 Newbery Award.
Reviewed by my friend Paula and her daughter:
ESP: So it’s a book about a magic bread box? Is that how you would describe it?
Not just about a magic bread box. It’s about school drama, family, and how unfair it is when adults make decisions for you that you don’t like.
ESP: How did the book make you feel when you were reading it?
I was excited and on edge! I couldn’t guess what was going to happen at all. She (Laurel Snyder) did a great job with the entire story. There wasn’t too much of anything or too little of anything. It was a perfect book. The ending is a good set up for a sequel, hint-hint!
Full review on Pink Me: http://pinkme.typepad.com/pink-me/2011/08/bigger-than-bread-box-laurel-snyder-review.html
Reviewed by my friend Paula and her daughter:
ESP: So it’s a book about a magic bread box? Is that how you would describe it?
Not just about a magic bread box. It’s about school drama, family, and how unfair it is when adults make decisions for you that you don’t like.
ESP: How did the book make you feel when you were reading it?
I was excited and on edge! I couldn’t guess what was going to happen at all. She (Laurel Snyder) did a great job with the entire story. There wasn’t too much of anything or too little of anything. It was a perfect book. The ending is a good set up for a sequel, hint-hint!
Full review on Pink Me: http://pinkme.typepad.com/pink-me/2011/08/bigger-than-bread-box-laurel-snyder-review.html
readingthroughtheages's review
4.0
I think a lot of kids are going to see themselves in this book! Whether it's coming from a divorced home or because everyone needs some wishes now and then, this is a book that will be passed on from reader to reader.
yapha's review
4.0
Rebecca's life is falling apart. Her mother and father have separated, and Rebecca and her little brother Lew are dragged down to their grandmother's house in Georgia with no warning. Rebecca must start all over at a new middle school, part way through the school year. When she finds a magic bread box in her grandmother's attic, she starts wishing for things to make her life better. While her wishes help her fit in to the popular crowd at school, the bread box stays empty as she wishes for ways to fix her family. Soon, though, the repercussions of her wishes begin to catch up with her, and Rebecca must find a way to untangle the web of deception that she has created. A rich and satisfying adventure.
hopiescopie's review
3.0
3.5 stars
I think this is a wonderful book for upper elementary school kids :)
I think this is a wonderful book for upper elementary school kids :)
jshettel's review
4.0
I really liked this book. This book took me back to my elementary reading days and all the books I loved, which I have now learned are called "magical realism." I always call them fantasy, but that's neither here nor there. This book was great. A very real voice for the 12- year old protagonist grappling with her parents separation, loved the magical breadbox. I mean, seriousy, who wouldn't love a magical breadbox? Who even remembered that people used to have a breadbox?!? Highly recommend, and I will be reading more by Laurel Snyder.
ajacks's review
4.0
I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.org
quietjenn's review
4.0
3 1/2 maybe, but Laurel seems pretty cool on twitter, so up we go. Also, I'll be humming Springsteen for the rest of the night, which is not a bad thing.
asealey925's review
4.0
Originally published at www.apatchworkofbooks.com.
Rebecca's parents have just separated and she is having an incredibly difficult time dealing with the changes. Her mom takes her to live with her Gran, far away from her father and her home, mixing up her entire world and confusing her even more.
When she discovers a bread box in her Gran's attic, one that just happens to be magical, delivering whatever Rebecca asks for, she believes she's found the answers to all of her troubles. Not only can she use the breadbox to fit in with the kids at her new school, asking for cool clothes and such, but she can also use the breadbox to help get her parents back together. Or so she thinks...
A very eloquent and intelligent child, Rebecca explains her emotions regarding the separation of her parents in a thought-provoking, yet age-appropriate way. It definitely has a touch of fantasy, but the bread box portion of the story is blended so seamlessly into the different changes in Rebecca's life that it felt like complete realistic fiction. I would imagine it would be quite difficult to accomplish that, so kudos to Snyder!
Bigger Than a Bread Box is a smart story with great elements of humor and hope. I could definitely see this being helpful to children going through significant changes in their lives, as well as being simply an enjoyable leisure read. Super cute cover too!
Rebecca's parents have just separated and she is having an incredibly difficult time dealing with the changes. Her mom takes her to live with her Gran, far away from her father and her home, mixing up her entire world and confusing her even more.
When she discovers a bread box in her Gran's attic, one that just happens to be magical, delivering whatever Rebecca asks for, she believes she's found the answers to all of her troubles. Not only can she use the breadbox to fit in with the kids at her new school, asking for cool clothes and such, but she can also use the breadbox to help get her parents back together. Or so she thinks...
A very eloquent and intelligent child, Rebecca explains her emotions regarding the separation of her parents in a thought-provoking, yet age-appropriate way. It definitely has a touch of fantasy, but the bread box portion of the story is blended so seamlessly into the different changes in Rebecca's life that it felt like complete realistic fiction. I would imagine it would be quite difficult to accomplish that, so kudos to Snyder!
Bigger Than a Bread Box is a smart story with great elements of humor and hope. I could definitely see this being helpful to children going through significant changes in their lives, as well as being simply an enjoyable leisure read. Super cute cover too!