pagesofpins's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Well written, but didn't move quickly enough for me in some places. I really liked the buddies and Dave's shenanigans, and I think I would have liked the jazz parties portrayed in Harlem if the female character wasn't pure wish fulfillment. In fact, there are several details that were a bit rosy for the time period, but all in all, I think kids will still enjoy this one.
aotora's review against another edition
2.0
I have mixed feelings on this book. On the one hand I liked it a lot because it was a unique story set in history- but at the same time I really didn't care for the ending.
At the beginning of the book we meet Dave. Dave becomes an orphan because his dad dies and his step mother doesn't want to take care of him so she leaves him in the orphanage. The first night he sneaks out and meets Solly the old man that starts calling him grandson and they go to parties together. I really wish that we learned more about Solly because we only learn that he is a scam artist travelling around parties with his parrot Bandit and giving people fake fortune shows.
I also wish that we learned more about Irma Lee and her relationship with Dave- I mean she starts by saying that she wishes she wasn't so sheltered and she could go to school like other kids but that goes nowhere. And I feel like the book ended rather abruptly. I am glad that Dave got happy ending and he ended up staying at that orphanage and learning how to draw and that things changed for the better when Irma Lee and her mother threatened the old principal that was violent and beating kids but still, I feel like this book ended way too fast and so many things were left open.
I did like the setting and descriptions of the parties though, that was interesting to read about.
As for the book I am not sure if I am picking this one up again any time soon.
At the beginning of the book we meet Dave. Dave becomes an orphan because his dad dies and his step mother doesn't want to take care of him so she leaves him in the orphanage. The first night he sneaks out and meets Solly the old man that starts calling him grandson and they go to parties together. I really wish that we learned more about Solly because we only learn that he is a scam artist travelling around parties with his parrot Bandit and giving people fake fortune shows.
I also wish that we learned more about Irma Lee and her relationship with Dave- I mean she starts by saying that she wishes she wasn't so sheltered and she could go to school like other kids but that goes nowhere. And I feel like the book ended rather abruptly. I am glad that Dave got happy ending and he ended up staying at that orphanage and learning how to draw and that things changed for the better when Irma Lee and her mother threatened the old principal that was violent and beating kids but still, I feel like this book ended way too fast and so many things were left open.
I did like the setting and descriptions of the parties though, that was interesting to read about.
As for the book I am not sure if I am picking this one up again any time soon.
violetpapillon's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good book. Quite differant from her normal stuff.
readerturnedwriter's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of the few Gail Carson Levine books I hadn't read yet and I really enjoyed it!
Although my favorite will always be her fantasy, I've loved both historical fiction I've read by her. This one was rich with history, characters, and relationships I was cheering on. I loved Dave's growth throughout the book and was especially touched by his forgiveness of his brother.
Overall, I thought it was a great middle grade read for kids and adults.
Although my favorite will always be her fantasy, I've loved both historical fiction I've read by her. This one was rich with history, characters, and relationships I was cheering on. I loved Dave's growth throughout the book and was especially touched by his forgiveness of his brother.
Overall, I thought it was a great middle grade read for kids and adults.
rebecita's review against another edition
4.0
Gasp, another plucky orphan! Still, this one is just right. Funny and moving, unique history. Great details of Dave's burgeoning artistic eye. I remain unconvinced by the lack of significant racial tension, but when was the last time you read historical fiction where the main kid was a SEPHARDIC jew, and all the black people were rich! Marvel!
chelseas_books's review against another edition
5.0
I can't believe I put off reading this for so long; truly a wonderful and charming book.
drlainie's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.0
emslovestoread's review against another edition
2.0
I had a really hard time getting into this book. I've quite enjoyed all her others (except The Wish...didn't like that one), so it was a surprise to me that this was so hard to read.
pochollin's review against another edition
4.0
this was a fantastic story!! i was so impressed by the goodness she shows in this lovely, lovely story...i seriously recommend it!! you won't be disappointed!! it starts a bit slow, just fyi!!