rachgallant's review against another edition
3.0
Read this to my class of students and I gave it 3 stars because of the love hate reaction I got from them. Some kids found it a book full of valuable lessons while other found it lacking much action. While I can’t disagree with either way of thinking it has landed me in the middle.
lbb00ks's review against another edition
Poignant, immediate, and written from the heart, this novel gives voice, vocabulary and tools to middle schoolers making their way through the morass of friendships and relationships while struggling with devastatingly all-too-common family issues. A GREAT read-aloud for a mid-upper elementary classroom for someone who can read without sobbing (not a spoiler, just a testament to the emotional impact!).
beccap104's review against another edition
4.0
Read this one with the kids. It was a great book to discuss differences in other kids personalities and family issues within their class/school.
kiperoo's review against another edition
4.0
My daughter loved this book and thrust it upon me. Really nice book! Especially nice to see a teacher making a difference in action, just like they do in real life.
lissajean7's review against another edition
4.0
A beautiful picture of the difference one person can make. I really liked it and recommend it.
lpip's review against another edition
4.0
I loved. Probably one of my favorite children’s chapter books. I laughed and cried and am going to be thinking about Dollar-words for a long time. A sweet story with important lessons.
crystal_reading's review against another edition
4.0
Nice book about taking personal responsibility and not allowing bullying to happen around you. Sometimes the characters' voices don't seem authentically "fifth grade" and the ending is rather contrived, but overall a good book.
chandraleereads's review against another edition
3.0
I read this out loud with my 9 year old niece. It prompted some good conversation and she really enjoyed the story and characters (she would give it 4 stars). I wouldn’t read this book without my niece, but it’s good for what it is.
theroadjones's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5