novelesque_life's review against another edition
3.0
RATING: 3.5 STARS
(Review Not on Blog)
When I first read the synopsis of this book, I was really intrigued by it. A child's perspective of 1963, Birmingham (USA) seemed pretty heavy a subject. This novel in a sense is for middle school children and the adult issues are balanced with children's humour and perspective. I found Kenny, quite endearing, and his family so interesting and fun. This is a well-written novel that I think would be perfect for children as well as adults. I took off a star for this novel because in a sense the title of the book didn't actually happen towards the end of the book. I was waiting for them to travel to Birmingham so I kind of didn't enjoy the stories as much.
(Review Not on Blog)
When I first read the synopsis of this book, I was really intrigued by it. A child's perspective of 1963, Birmingham (USA) seemed pretty heavy a subject. This novel in a sense is for middle school children and the adult issues are balanced with children's humour and perspective. I found Kenny, quite endearing, and his family so interesting and fun. This is a well-written novel that I think would be perfect for children as well as adults. I took off a star for this novel because in a sense the title of the book didn't actually happen towards the end of the book. I was waiting for them to travel to Birmingham so I kind of didn't enjoy the stories as much.
jcpdiesel21's review against another edition
3.0
Not bad, but overall a little more disjointed than expected. Most of the book had an easy feel and was comprised of a collection of stories about the titular family, some amusing and others a little forgettable. But the final two chapters delicately wove in an important piece of history that took place at this time and the events in them took on a lot more weight and meaning; I wish that the rest of the book had resonated as much as these did.
gracelynnreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
frannyr's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-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
nglofile's review against another edition
4.0
With more humor than I expected, and a structure comprised of linked short stories rather than composed in true novel form, this book took me by surprise. The narrative voice is engaging, and the side-route into a tragic historical episode is not only handled especially well but further expounded in the epilogue with a light but informative touch, perfectly tailored to the audience.
Also, a wonderfully realistic depiction of a sibling relationship equally contentious and devoted.
audiobook note: LeVar Burton imbues each episode with the right mix of naïveté, concern, and amusement. A delightful listen.
Also, a wonderfully realistic depiction of a sibling relationship equally contentious and devoted.
audiobook note: LeVar Burton imbues each episode with the right mix of naïveté, concern, and amusement. A delightful listen.
risingballoons's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
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? No
4.5
ktxx22's review against another edition
5.0
Delightful middle-grade/ YA social justice novel. This is a great family life example and I really enjoyed each of the characters little quirks. Overall this books Big Bang occurs in Birmingham during the civil rights movement. Specifically the bombing of a church that resulted in the deaths of 4 young African American girls. There is some great symbolism that can be learned from if this is taught in schools, which it should be. 5/5 from me. Another book I feel like I should have read many years ago, but I’m grateful to having rectified that now!
bethgee's review against another edition
5.0
Utterly charming. Curtis nails the first-person child perspective and hints at the gravity of the central tragedy without being too graphic for young readers.