jbrooxd's review against another edition
4.0
Loved the characters in this awesome road trip story. More about the journey than the destination.
theartolater's review against another edition
3.0
I appreciate middle grade books that take some chances. This book, however, maybe took a few too many wrong turns along the way.
The story is mostly a road trip tale, where Leo, a caretaker for his afflicted grandmother, has to go with her on her latest fling many states away. He gets on board with his cousin and they effectively drive cross country with a dog and figure out exactly what Gram needs and keep her safe along the way.
It's a strange read in some regards, but I had some personal issues with the fact that the grandmother clearly has dementia or Alzheimer's and it's played less for the conflict and more for laughs. The story itself isn't the most realistic thing, but we know that going in, and while this adult reader was ultimately unhappy with the payoffs, I'm not sure kids will notice enough compared to a lot of the other things the story has going for it.
It didn't work for me, but it might work for other kids. Worth keeping on your radar, but there are a lot of better options available.
The story is mostly a road trip tale, where Leo, a caretaker for his afflicted grandmother, has to go with her on her latest fling many states away. He gets on board with his cousin and they effectively drive cross country with a dog and figure out exactly what Gram needs and keep her safe along the way.
It's a strange read in some regards, but I had some personal issues with the fact that the grandmother clearly has dementia or Alzheimer's and it's played less for the conflict and more for laughs. The story itself isn't the most realistic thing, but we know that going in, and while this adult reader was ultimately unhappy with the payoffs, I'm not sure kids will notice enough compared to a lot of the other things the story has going for it.
It didn't work for me, but it might work for other kids. Worth keeping on your radar, but there are a lot of better options available.
hezann73's review against another edition
4.0
Made me laugh, read parts out loud to my hubby & kids, and miss my grandma. Great read for 5-6th grade
elephant's review against another edition
4.0
This is a fun to read comedy for middle grade children. Leo goes on an unexpected road trip with his grandmother and his cousin Abbey and her dog, Kermit in search of dinosaurs and the meaning of life. Together they have adventures and learn about life and each other on the way.
pussreboots's review against another edition
5.0
How to avoid extinction.
http://pussreboots.pair.com/blog/2016/comments_11/how_to_avoid_extinction.html
http://pussreboots.pair.com/blog/2016/comments_11/how_to_avoid_extinction.html
megj23's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Death
Moderate: Ableism
amdame1's review against another edition
3.0
After Leo's grandfather dies, Leo spends much of his time trying to find and take care of his grandmother. The whole family has been hard hit by the loss and are still grieving, but grandma is having an especially difficult time as the one year anniversary approaches. Gram is determined to go to Utah to a dinosaur quarry and despite his best intentions, Leo, his cousin Abbey, her dog, and Gram all head out in the old Buick on a cross country trek.
A sweet yet funny (at times) look at loss, grieving, and families. May be difficult to find the right audience for, but if you find them, they will like it. Lots of good character development and growth.
A sweet yet funny (at times) look at loss, grieving, and families. May be difficult to find the right audience for, but if you find them, they will like it. Lots of good character development and growth.
mrskatiefitz's review against another edition
5.0
Ever since his grandfather died, Leo has been charged with looking after his grandmother, who wanders off at will and seems lost and sad. When Gram decides to take an impromptu road trip across the country with Leo's cousin, Abbey, to fulfill a ridiculous quest to see some dinosaur fossils, Leo tries to put a stop to it, but finds himself reluctantly tagging along instead. As they travel, Leo begins to learn all the missing details about his own life, including the father he never met, and he and Gram both finally say goodbye to the grandfather and husband they lost. Acampora's I Kill the Mockingbird didn't quite work for me, but this book hits all the right notes: a completely lovable protagonist, lots of heart and humor, unexpected detours and new friendships, and familial bonding. Though some of the events of the story are a little wacky, the emotions are very real, and the characters' dialogue is spot on. This book is likely to appeal most to middle schoolers, especially those looking for something funny and different.
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