duncnjacksmom's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
literatehedgehog's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent middle grade realistic fiction.
Genie and his family are so lovable in their human imperfections. The problems he faces are both kid-sized and adult-sized, and Reynolds gives all characters the dignity and agency to address or ignore those problems as they see fit.
Audio book has excellent narration, and that kind added track that informs you the disc is complete (it's the little things in life).
Considering this for a student book club next year.
Genie and his family are so lovable in their human imperfections. The problems he faces are both kid-sized and adult-sized, and Reynolds gives all characters the dignity and agency to address or ignore those problems as they see fit.
Audio book has excellent narration, and that kind added track that informs you the disc is complete (it's the little things in life).
Considering this for a student book club next year.
dpearson5257's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
I’m convinced Jason Reynolds can do no wrong. All of his work is so thought provoking and empowering. I absolutely loved the story and relationship of the grandparents. Such a wonderful and unique setting of learning your family history and making those bonds. I laughed and my heart strings were tugged on. Love, love, loved this story!!
megpancoast's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
amymck05's review against another edition
2.0
Read this with my 7th graders. We were all disappointed. The plot just didn't go anywhere.
afro8921's review against another edition
4.0
This book reminded me so made me think of my relatives down south. They lived in a way that was at times completely foreign to me, but also the same. It's not only a story about finding your way in a new place, but also about forgiveness and what it means to be brave. The questions that genie asks are funny and thought provoking. This book would be a great sibling read, or read aloud book.
hlparis's review against another edition
4.0
This story sucked me in immediately. I listened to it and the reader did all the voices well. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and it was nice to read another story with a loving family, with well-rounded characters. Of course, there was conflict, and it wasn't all wrapped up perfectly at the end, but things were resolved. I didn't want the boys to leave their grandparents' house, as I thought they earned so much and I especially loved the relationship between Grandpop and Jeannie. The metaphor of the birds was clear yet didn't become maudlin. I would recommend this book to others and plan to recommend it to the kids at my school library.
I look forward to reading more of Jason Reynold's work.
I look forward to reading more of Jason Reynold's work.
greenrain's review against another edition
4.0
A wonderful story about brothers and family relationships. The author captured the pain and uncertainty that comes with realizing the adults around you are deeply flawed. Genie's voice came through the third person narrative very strongly, and I was impressed with the author's ability to craft an insightful and interesting story. Would recommend.