kayalynne's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
natcommon's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this a lot. It felt real and I liked the characters, especially Benjamin. He was flawed and acted like his age. I also liked how the author merged Ojibwe teachings into the narrative. I think this should be required reading in schools. Let's make it happen!
Thank you for the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an eARC in exchanged for my honest review.
Thank you for the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an eARC in exchanged for my honest review.
ex_libris_volantes's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.0
Loved the way this worked through the flaws of its MC, and the characters were all pretty well fleshed out and interesting in their own ways. Something about the plot structure felt too forced on me for the last 30% of the book, hence the 4/5 stars, but I think this book has a great message of growth an community to share, and I will definitely keep an eye on this author’s future endeavors.
afro8921's review against another edition
5.0
Benny is such a likable character even though he has a huge character flaw. His relationship with his father and his newly realized community is so believable and poignant. I loved the magical realism and humor in this book! I found myself laughing out loud more than once. Perfect for fans of magical realism and realistic fiction.
cedardleland's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
readsreaders's review against another edition
5.0
James Bird did it again with this powerful Native American Middle Grade about becoming the inner Superhero we all have inside of us! Bird has a way with words that make the story come alive! I listened to the Audiobook which was just as phenomenal! (Im glad I did. It helped me a lot with the Native American language. I can barely pronounce English as it is hahaha) This is a Story about Benjamin where he gets in trouble with the Law with Shoplifting so he is sent to the Objibwe reservation to live with his Father and a Boot Camp of sorts. He meets some amazing and wonderful people who help him on his journey of Forgiveness (self-forgiveness as well) and Acceptance of himself to pull the inner Superhero out! I will state I think my fav character in this has to go to Niimi. She is a wise and powerful young lady! Also I loved the cameo of Grandma and Seven from Brave. I cried my eyes out and related so heavily with Benny and his Fathers relationship hardcore! I will be recommending this book to everyone!!!! I can’t wait to read more from James Bird in the future! I need it!!!!!!!!!!
kitvincent's review against another edition
5.0
A heartfelt story that tackles difficult issues with humor and adventurousness and a touch of magic. To anyone pandering about how and what children should or shouldn’t do - maybe you should actually open your eyes and look at the world we live in these days. Kids deal with seriously messed up stuff. Pretending like it isn’t so isn’t doing those kids any good.
pkeegan's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
stacyroth's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Benjamin Waterfalls likes to steal things and sell them to make money. After getting caught one too many times, the judge wants to send Benny to juvenile detention, but his mom offers an alternative solution: send him to his dad to a “boot camp” on the Ojibwe reservation where they used to live. Benny does <i>not</i> want to live with his father, whom he hasn’t seen for years, but he does not have a choice. The boot camp is nothing like he expected; his rehabilitation is led by a girl about his age who always wears a mask. Will Benny find the answers he needs to turn his life around?
I think middle grade readers will really enjoy this story of embracing our inner superhero. Each character in the book is lovable in their own unique way. The story had some funny parts and some difficult issues among the character growth. Christopher Salazar did a phenomenal job channeling Benny’s sarcasm. I would recommend this book to older elementary students, especially those who need to work on forgiveness.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.