inareads1587's review
5.0
Great story, lots of emotion, was a bit too old for my 6yr old as this was the selected book for his bookclub, but we both found it interesting and enjoyed seeing Xavier’s confidence grow.
sandraagee's review
4.0
This book dug a little deeper than I was expecting. Xavier is a very likable character and I enjoyed watching him grow.
My one complaint: You don't make socks by sewing pieces of fabric together. I guess you COULD, but socks are basically always knit in the round. It's a big part of what makes them stretchy. Sewn socks wouldn't be nearly as comfortable. They would learn about this in a sewing class. This factual error detracts from one scene with emotional gravitas at the end of the book.
My one complaint: You don't make socks by sewing pieces of fabric together. I guess you COULD, but socks are basically always knit in the round. It's a big part of what makes them stretchy. Sewn socks wouldn't be nearly as comfortable. They would learn about this in a sewing class. This factual error detracts from one scene with emotional gravitas at the end of the book.
msqueenieclem's review
5.0
This story is about a teenager named Xavier who lives with an extended family by the name of Aunt Kat. Xav also lives with his older Shannon and great uncle Frankie. Their parents are in jail. Xav needs help in being confident and Uncle Frankie helps him out with some letters and socks. I really enjoyed this middle grade novel. The characters were realistic, funny, and serious. I could relate to this story in many ways. I recommend this book to all middle graders. I give this book 5 stars.
balto_hon's review
4.0
This upper elementary/middle grade story is about finding the beauty in being unique. Our main character is raised by extended family members, one of whom shows it is possible to be involved even while not in close proximity. There are solid friendships, though I feel the ending is set up for a sequel with the no-show dance date at the end. For teachers looking to incorporate this one into lit circles or classes, there are service projects concerning socks that would easily connect.
ljrinaldi's review
5.0
One of the main things I love about this book is that although Xavier stutters, this book is not about how to make him stop stuttering. In fact, not really a spoiler, he is still stuttering when this book ends.
No, instead this is the story about how Xavier, who wants to be in this elite service organization at his school, learns how to have confidence, and take on leadership skills, despite being stuck in a sewing glass, as the only boy amongst the girls.
And the socks? The socks are a gift from his great uncle who is a musician, and constantly traveling, but he feels that if Xavier will just wear the socks, that the confidence will follow.
Cute story of finding your "voice" to to speak. Well written, and good way to show you don't have to be perfect at everything, to still have confidence in yourself.a
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
No, instead this is the story about how Xavier, who wants to be in this elite service organization at his school, learns how to have confidence, and take on leadership skills, despite being stuck in a sewing glass, as the only boy amongst the girls.
And the socks? The socks are a gift from his great uncle who is a musician, and constantly traveling, but he feels that if Xavier will just wear the socks, that the confidence will follow.
Cute story of finding your "voice" to to speak. Well written, and good way to show you don't have to be perfect at everything, to still have confidence in yourself.a
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
mbladams's review
3.0
This is a cute story that could have used a little more fleshing out.
Xavier is a typical middle school boy. He is trying to find his footing and figure out who he is, and what his "thing" will be. He lives with his great-aunt, sister and his great-uncle (who travels a lot, playing music). His parents are both incarcerated, but he is surrounded by family who love him. His goal this year is to be invited to join the Scepter League, a group of young men at his school who do service projects, dress up in fancy blazers, and receive mentoring from other men of color who are successful. His grandfather, great-uncle and father all were in the Scepter League, and he can't wait to follow in their footsteps.
Before school starts, Xavier receives a package from his great-uncle. He always sends strange presents from the road, and this one is no different. It is a pair of crazy, colorful socks. Why would Uncle Frankie send him those, and does he really want to wear them?
Xavier's year doesn't go exactly as he hoped it would be, but he begins to wear colorful socks every day (Frankie keeps sending him more). People love his socks, and they do give him the "swag" he needs to make his dreams come true.
This is really a 3.5 star book, mostly because while the premise is great, and the characters are great, the story feels too short. The ending is abrupt and while it is satisfying, I feel more could be said about the characters and where they ended up. I also questioned whether the Scepter League was really what Xavier needed, or if he could get the same benefits going his own way.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book!
Xavier is a typical middle school boy. He is trying to find his footing and figure out who he is, and what his "thing" will be. He lives with his great-aunt, sister and his great-uncle (who travels a lot, playing music). His parents are both incarcerated, but he is surrounded by family who love him. His goal this year is to be invited to join the Scepter League, a group of young men at his school who do service projects, dress up in fancy blazers, and receive mentoring from other men of color who are successful. His grandfather, great-uncle and father all were in the Scepter League, and he can't wait to follow in their footsteps.
Before school starts, Xavier receives a package from his great-uncle. He always sends strange presents from the road, and this one is no different. It is a pair of crazy, colorful socks. Why would Uncle Frankie send him those, and does he really want to wear them?
Xavier's year doesn't go exactly as he hoped it would be, but he begins to wear colorful socks every day (Frankie keeps sending him more). People love his socks, and they do give him the "swag" he needs to make his dreams come true.
This is really a 3.5 star book, mostly because while the premise is great, and the characters are great, the story feels too short. The ending is abrupt and while it is satisfying, I feel more could be said about the characters and where they ended up. I also questioned whether the Scepter League was really what Xavier needed, or if he could get the same benefits going his own way.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book!
lhmccar's review
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
realpageturner's review
An excellent read-alike to Jacqueline Woodson’s Harbor Me (2018) or Janae Marks’ From the Desk of Zoe Washington
lverburg's review
5.0
A middle grade book with great themes. The author included many different important aspects to this characters story including a speech impediment. I felt really connected to the main character and think he will connect well with a lot of kids. I’ll be recommending this to a lot of kids. This is good even for you don’t readers reading at a higher level.
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