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thebookishlibrarian's review against another edition
Annabelle’s life in a quiet Pennsylvania town has been affected by two world wars, but her life really changes when she meets her new classmate Betty Glengarry. Betty is a typical bully and makes it known. She specifically attacks Toby a veteran of World War I. Will Annabelle, who knows what a kind soul Toby is, be able to stand up for him or will she choke and be a bystander?
This is a 2017 Newbery Honor book.
This is a 2017 Newbery Honor book.
oliviacasellini's review against another edition
3.0
Such a good book until the end. The author just killed off the main characters at the end. It also did not follow up on the first line about learning to lie. I wish it had another chapter to finish it. I thought it was a glitch on my kindle at the end. I wouldn’t say it is worth reading, just because of the end.
belwood303's review against another edition
4.0
More like 4.5 stars but only because I don't hand out 5 stars very often. Reminded me of To Kill a Mockingbird because the narrator is a young 11-year old girl and maybe an unreliable narrator but that's what made it such a page turner. Truly some of the best writing I've seen in a while.
uselesspirateraven's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Blood, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, and War
Minor: Pedophilia, Sexual content, Police brutality, and Pregnancy
deschatjes's review against another edition
5.0
Sigh. The book is finished and has left an empty space. Today a student asked me what was the most terrifying book I had in the Library and I replied “it’s not the books about ghosts or ghouls that are terrifying, it’s the books about what one human does to another” and that’s how I felt about this one. After reading the first chapter weeks ago I could not continue as I was afraid of its cruelty.
Yet finally I persisted and it was both worth it and I wish I hadn’t. For humans are terrifying creatures.
I hope it leaves the reader more cautious... and more kind ... as people
Yet finally I persisted and it was both worth it and I wish I hadn’t. For humans are terrifying creatures.
I hope it leaves the reader more cautious... and more kind ... as people
carmen15044's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
brittneyfike's review against another edition
4.0
A beautifully written middle grades read. I enjoyed the characters and was fully invested in all of them.
allison_sirovy's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful book about resilience and the courage to do what is right. I read this book in one day.
wardo2700's review against another edition
5.0
This is a fantastic book that could have easily been awarded the Newbery instead of just an honor book. The author developed a strong female main character and did that so well that the story hangs on her creative thinking and decision making. I also enjoyed how she handled the odd loner Toby and the surprising information about him revealed at the end of the story. this would be an excellent read aloud in the upper elementary grades as it could promote conversation about bullying and judging people on the surface only. I highly recommend this book to readers 10 and over.