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plantybooklover's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
I really enjoyed this book, it was a perfect read for middle grade. Korman addresses disabilities and other-ness perfectly- without turning a disabled character into a moral lesson about overcoming adversity etc.
This is a really fun read for "back to school" We follow the school year in small town America through the points of view of several students in a Special education class, and the very burned out teacher. Each of the students has a different background, bringing problems with learning, and their own personality quirks and foibles in a short but sweet tale of redemption and resolution for the students, their teacher and those around them. Korman achieves this feel good read without turning any of the characters into stereotypes, or martyrs to showcase disabilities. Definitely one to pick up- and enjoy just for the fun of it.
This is a really fun read for "back to school" We follow the school year in small town America through the points of view of several students in a Special education class, and the very burned out teacher. Each of the students has a different background, bringing problems with learning, and their own personality quirks and foibles in a short but sweet tale of redemption and resolution for the students, their teacher and those around them. Korman achieves this feel good read without turning any of the characters into stereotypes, or martyrs to showcase disabilities. Definitely one to pick up- and enjoy just for the fun of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit
Moderate: Ableism
oddduck's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
As someone who has a LOT to say about the US education system, this was a good choice for me. I've seen firsthand how US schools fail so many kids in so many ways. A group of kids everyone calls "unteachable" is something I could see happening in real life (and am the tiniest bit surprised I haven't). Many things could have gone wrong with this book (most notably for me that this could have been an ableist savior-type story), but the message is exactly right. It is outright acknowledged by several characters that the Unteachables are just the kids who were failed by their previous teachers and the system itself. None of them are actually "unteachable"; they just needed someone who paid attention and could reach them. And that's the power of a good teacher and a support network. I loved how blatant the message was and also that this wasn't a one-sided story. Mr. Kermit needed the kids just as much as they needed him.
There were two things I wanted to know that didn't get answered in this book. First, what happened with the superintendent? Yeah, he didn't succeed in getting rid of Mr. Kermit, but there's more to his story, I'm sure. His character arc felt unfinished. It's not a huge deal, since he's a very minor character, and someone we're not really supposed to like, but still. He had a chapter, so I want to know how his story ends. Second, I wanted to know more about the Unteachables. We get to know Kiana, Parker, and Aldo the best, and the last two are arguably in need of the most help/been failed the worst by the school, but I wanted to know more about the other kids too. We spend some time with Barnstorm, and I think we get the perfect amount from him, but we get hardly anything about Rahim, Mateo, and especially Elaine. I really want to know more about Elaine.
Overall, this book felt like a Disney movie and honestly, it's one I'd watch. I laughed, I covered my eyes and read through parted fingers, I cried. This was an excellent read with a phenomenal message for students of any age, but especially middle schoolers.
There were two things I wanted to know that didn't get answered in this book. First, what happened with the superintendent? Yeah, he didn't succeed in getting rid of Mr. Kermit, but there's more to his story, I'm sure. His character arc felt unfinished. It's not a huge deal, since he's a very minor character, and someone we're not really supposed to like, but still. He had a chapter, so I want to know how his story ends. Second, I wanted to know more about the Unteachables. We get to know Kiana, Parker, and Aldo the best, and the last two are arguably in need of the most help/been failed the worst by the school, but I wanted to know more about the other kids too. We spend some time with Barnstorm, and I think we get the perfect amount from him, but we get hardly anything about Rahim, Mateo, and especially Elaine. I really want to know more about Elaine.
Overall, this book felt like a Disney movie and honestly, it's one I'd watch. I laughed, I covered my eyes and read through parted fingers, I cried. This was an excellent read with a phenomenal message for students of any age, but especially middle schoolers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Bullying
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