dawn_dickerson's review against another edition
4.0
I received an ARC from the publisher and I am oh so glad they sent this book my way! What an endearing middle grades book. Maddie, a 12 year old in sixth grade, is struggling to figure out the social structures of her pre-teen years. She has a distinct sense of human and love for all things mustaches, because what isn't funnier when you slap on a mustache? Maddie seems to be navigating the waters of 6th grade well, despite a small physical abnormality, when she learns she has a brain tumor.
I would rate this novel as Wonder meets TFIOS. It is endearing, funny, and oh-so-believable (it is based on a real story after all). Although the "mean girls" characters as well as Maddie's other classmates are fictional, they are well and truly depicted. I could visualize the scenes developing as they were so real world. Maddie's real life parents wrote this novel based on their real life experience of their daughter going through similar experiences.
I would recommend this book to a) anyone wanting to read an endearing, funny, uplifting story and b) parents (to read w/ their children) of late elementary school aged children. I think this story could be a talking point about bullying in the school system as well as forgiveness and caring.
This book will be released October 2017.
I would rate this novel as Wonder meets TFIOS. It is endearing, funny, and oh-so-believable (it is based on a real story after all). Although the "mean girls" characters as well as Maddie's other classmates are fictional, they are well and truly depicted. I could visualize the scenes developing as they were so real world. Maddie's real life parents wrote this novel based on their real life experience of their daughter going through similar experiences.
I would recommend this book to a) anyone wanting to read an endearing, funny, uplifting story and b) parents (to read w/ their children) of late elementary school aged children. I think this story could be a talking point about bullying in the school system as well as forgiveness and caring.
This book will be released October 2017.
ashtonbakerreads's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. It was funny, creative, heartwarming, cute, and a book I highly recommend to everyone looking for something meaningful to read.
tishreads's review against another edition
5.0
This book feels authentic because it is. Based strongly off the story of the author's own daughter, Maddie is diagnosed with a brain tumor and has to endure surgeries. This story of friendship, middle school, and mustaches is uplifting and inspiring. While Maddie is going through very risky medical situations, things turn out alright and in the end, we even hear from the real Maddie as she shares a little bit about her story in the endnotes.
Beautifully written.
Beautifully written.
bricope1017's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
megan_stine's review against another edition
This a cute middle level book. The main character is funny and has a great imagination as she works through difficult life circumstances. This book doesn’t contain any questionable content.
bethgiven's review against another edition
3.0
A sweet story of a kind-hearted and imaginative preteen with a silly sense of humor. In the course of this story, Maddie navigates the usual -- popularity, the class play, crushes -- and then she's faced with something even more scary: a brain tumor. I loved how this book taught the principle of empathy (a good lesson for kids and adults alike) and modeled a kind, supportive family. This is not quite on the level of Wonder (I thought Wonder's biggest strength was from telling the story from different perspectives, but Mustaches stays firmly in Maddie's head) but middle-graders will still enjoy this one.
resslesa's review against another edition
4.0
Sweet, honest look with humor of what happens when a girl gets cancer. Based on author’s daughter’s life. Those with similar experiences or friends going through similar experiences will find helpful. Like that it is upbeat and doesn’t dwell or gloss over issues that arise.
lovegirl30's review against another edition
5.0
Previously posted on The Young Girl Who Loved Books
Oh how this book is so cute! I really haven't thought that in quite a while. This book is adorable, cute, quirky, and meaningful. This book is something that is needed in a world filled with so much turmoil and sadness lately. I didn't realize that Maddie in this book was real. Or at least that the character was based on her. I am glad to see this girls heart, soul and spirit are real. The world needs more Maddies. She has so many good character traits. She is strong, quite tough, with a huge heart, a grand imagination, and a wicked sense of humor. She loves mustaches, and let's all be honest who doesn't? She loves them because they make people laugh. Maddie loves to make people laugh.
The story follows Maddie who unfortunately is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Suddenly her world is changed and she is faced with an incredible life-threatening challenge. She never loses her sense of humor through everything. She realizes that she doesn't have to go through this alone and that so many people love her. Everyone is there for her and ready to help when she needs it. The know her love of mustaches they begin to send her pictures wearing these silly things. It really helps her cheer up.
This is one of the best middle-grade novels I have read in quite a while. I normally don't enjoy books that have a theater aspects in them. Normally I find them overdone and boring. This one is really interesting. The class is having several different plays. They all are auditioning and unfortunately, Maddie must deal with a mean girl. This girl doesn't want her to audition for a certain part. She must make a decision and deal with the aftermath. I believe she handles it in a very mature way.
These authors have such a way with words. The story is fast-paced and the book will make you laugh. It is also a tear-jerker, so keep a tissue box nearby. This book will warm your heart, and instantly become a favorite.
Disclaimer: I received this book in ARC format from the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Oh how this book is so cute! I really haven't thought that in quite a while. This book is adorable, cute, quirky, and meaningful. This book is something that is needed in a world filled with so much turmoil and sadness lately. I didn't realize that Maddie in this book was real. Or at least that the character was based on her. I am glad to see this girls heart, soul and spirit are real. The world needs more Maddies. She has so many good character traits. She is strong, quite tough, with a huge heart, a grand imagination, and a wicked sense of humor. She loves mustaches, and let's all be honest who doesn't? She loves them because they make people laugh. Maddie loves to make people laugh.
The story follows Maddie who unfortunately is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Suddenly her world is changed and she is faced with an incredible life-threatening challenge. She never loses her sense of humor through everything. She realizes that she doesn't have to go through this alone and that so many people love her. Everyone is there for her and ready to help when she needs it. The know her love of mustaches they begin to send her pictures wearing these silly things. It really helps her cheer up.
This is one of the best middle-grade novels I have read in quite a while. I normally don't enjoy books that have a theater aspects in them. Normally I find them overdone and boring. This one is really interesting. The class is having several different plays. They all are auditioning and unfortunately, Maddie must deal with a mean girl. This girl doesn't want her to audition for a certain part. She must make a decision and deal with the aftermath. I believe she handles it in a very mature way.
These authors have such a way with words. The story is fast-paced and the book will make you laugh. It is also a tear-jerker, so keep a tissue box nearby. This book will warm your heart, and instantly become a favorite.
Disclaimer: I received this book in ARC format from the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
alistofsydneys's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this! More thoughts on this book to come later.
tayfitz4's review against another edition
5.0
Read this aloud to my students (6th grade) and they absolutely loved it. There were gasps, sniffles, and even an occasional “aww”. SUCH a great story and so inspiring. Got the honor to zoom with Chad Morris and he was an absolute pleasure as well.