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krivas91's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
3.5
I definitely see the kid appeal, especially for reluctant readers, in this illustrated novel. I don’t recall having something to read quite like this when I was growing up: a fast-paced novel told through kind of stream-of-consciousness kid narration.
I think my beef with this book is the same as others: the sexism that Jack holds (at first) just isn’t confronted head on or strongly enough. Even though he does learn (ok yay for growth) that girls/women shouldn’t be assumed to need (his) help and are strong themselves, there was still a whole thing over “dibs” (though Quint does say he’s wrong about that) and even more so about June being “his girl.” (This was never corrected.) Anyway, I think I’ve read in other reviews that this issue does get better across the following books.
I do think it’s important to keep in mind that while this book only has light, humorous horror elements about zombies and monsters, it could still be too much for some upper elementary (and lower elem. if they were trying it) kids. I recall one random sentence being kind of jarring for me (though it couldn’t have been that impactful, since I can’t remember what it was).
What I really liked about this book were the bold illustrations, especially ones that pointed out details in drawings (reminded me of Amelia’s Notebooks by American Girl and other similar titles); Dirk’s quick reform and redemption as a former bully; and honestly, that this book is about found family. It really spoke to me that Jack wanted to protect his treehouse because it represented this little family/community he had found that finally made him feel at home, and among friends. Also, Rover is awesome.
I’m glad to now have this book/series in my read-toolbelt to recommend to kids!
I think my beef with this book is the same as others: the sexism that Jack holds (at first) just isn’t confronted head on or strongly enough. Even though he does learn (ok yay for growth) that girls/women shouldn’t be assumed to need (his) help and are strong themselves, there was still a whole thing over “dibs” (though Quint does say he’s wrong about that) and even more so about June being “his girl.” (This was never corrected.) Anyway, I think I’ve read in other reviews that this issue does get better across the following books.
I do think it’s important to keep in mind that while this book only has light, humorous horror elements about zombies and monsters, it could still be too much for some upper elementary (and lower elem. if they were trying it) kids. I recall one random sentence being kind of jarring for me (though it couldn’t have been that impactful, since I can’t remember what it was).
What I really liked about this book were the bold illustrations, especially ones that pointed out details in drawings (reminded me of Amelia’s Notebooks by American Girl and other similar titles); Dirk’s quick reform and redemption as a former bully; and honestly, that this book is about found family. It really spoke to me that Jack wanted to protect his treehouse because it represented this little family/community he had found that finally made him feel at home, and among friends. Also, Rover is awesome.
I’m glad to now have this book/series in my read-toolbelt to recommend to kids!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Abandonment
Minor: Death and Sexism