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scaifea's review against another edition
3.0
A young girl and her parents struggle with her grandfather's swiftly declining health as they all travel back to the rural area where he was born. Jess's grandfather is a painter, and his efforts to finish his last painting seem to be bound to both his own life and the mysterious boy who appears to Jess in the river near their vacation home.
The idea behind this one is really good, and potentially could be a great way to open up a conversation with kids about how to process the death of a loved one. But the writing wasn't great, and the character of Jess seemed a little flat, so the whole thing fell a bit short for me.
The idea behind this one is really good, and potentially could be a great way to open up a conversation with kids about how to process the death of a loved one. But the writing wasn't great, and the character of Jess seemed a little flat, so the whole thing fell a bit short for me.
havoc's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book years ago but I'm currently going through my bookshelves rereading books that I'm ready to pass on to new owners, after reading I don't think I'm going to let "River Boy" go.
I usually don't like books that have a strong feel-good, life-messages, but this one is definitely an exception. There were times I had to stop and wipe my eyes because I could no longer see through my tears, but I didn't care. A nice fairly quick read, appropriate for all.
I usually don't like books that have a strong feel-good, life-messages, but this one is definitely an exception. There were times I had to stop and wipe my eyes because I could no longer see through my tears, but I didn't care. A nice fairly quick read, appropriate for all.
peebee's review against another edition
3.0
Part 1 of the three books I suddenly have to read and teach to my students... I can say this for it, the kind of book that feels it has to tell you explicitly what its metaphor is about is an easy read. This would have two stars if I didn't think my being WAYYYYY beyond the age I should have read it at didn't affect my perceptions. Much the same way as I think the Sandlot was kinda.... eh.
ellielabbett's review against another edition
4.0
A simple but intriguing story about a grandfather and his family, who take a visit to his childhood home in an attempt to capture a part of him that was lost. Their stay is long and difficult, and the protagonist, Jess, finds a heavy presence in the wake of an inevitable loss.
Whilst quite a simple plot, I think that it is the relationship between grandchild and grandparent is what carries this story. Between these two characters is a feeling of continuation, ending and renewal, which connects beautifully with the natural setting that is shrouded in mystery.
Sharing the story with children would be a joy, particularly in the debating of who or what the River Boy is.
Whilst quite a simple plot, I think that it is the relationship between grandchild and grandparent is what carries this story. Between these two characters is a feeling of continuation, ending and renewal, which connects beautifully with the natural setting that is shrouded in mystery.
Sharing the story with children would be a joy, particularly in the debating of who or what the River Boy is.
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