chilmark's review against another edition
3.0
My 10 yr old loved this and asked me to read the book so we could discuss. Great book about censorship in schools. Appropriate for 5th to 8th graders.
ktklaa45's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
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
4.0
summyrenea's review against another edition
4.0
Another great middle grades book to begin the year. This is a wonderful book about censorship and finding your voice and the complexity of human relationships. I think is one of the best written of 2022.
localtxlibrarian's review against another edition
**Middle Grade - no star rating**
kirstenjoan's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this message for kids growing up about truth and censorship in finding your truth. Must read for all. The power of words
okaymalak's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
pagesofpins's review against another edition
4.0
Things I appreciated about this book:
-It discusses a lesser known form of censorship, rather than the more commonly discussed banning and challenging books
-The book banner isn't a cackling villain, but rather a teacher who cares very much about her students, their education, and her town--but also has some very condescending ideas
-The book banner doesn't change her mind at the end. The kids can't convince everyone to come around to their way of thinking, but they do learn that it's important to fight for what's right even if you lose, to stick together, and to get help from adults
-People on both sides of the political spectrum were on both sides of the school board controversy
-It laid out for kids the process of how controversies over censorship work in schools, and what they can do about it
-It made it clear that authors (Jane Yolen, in this case) are also powerhouse allies to the first amendment
What didn't work for me:
-The subplot with Mac's dad was intriguing but really confusing, because first I thought he had an undiagnosed mental illness, but instead he's a liar whose lies make no sense. And I can't figure out how Mac imagined their midnight rides coming true. All in all, not sure what to make of that guy.
At first I thought the ordinances against trick or treating and junk food were ridiculous, but I guess that is actually a thing in some towns? What on earth.
-It discusses a lesser known form of censorship, rather than the more commonly discussed banning and challenging books
-The book banner isn't a cackling villain, but rather a teacher who cares very much about her students, their education, and her town--but also has some very condescending ideas
-The book banner doesn't change her mind at the end. The kids can't convince everyone to come around to their way of thinking, but they do learn that it's important to fight for what's right even if you lose, to stick together, and to get help from adults
-People on both sides of the political spectrum were on both sides of the school board controversy
-It laid out for kids the process of how controversies over censorship work in schools, and what they can do about it
-It made it clear that authors (Jane Yolen, in this case) are also powerhouse allies to the first amendment
What didn't work for me:
-The subplot with Mac's dad was intriguing but really confusing, because first I thought he had an undiagnosed mental illness, but instead he's a liar whose lies make no sense. And I can't figure out how Mac imagined their midnight rides coming true. All in all, not sure what to make of that guy.
At first I thought the ordinances against trick or treating and junk food were ridiculous, but I guess that is actually a thing in some towns? What on earth.
bibliophil_leah's review against another edition
5.0
I was really touched by this book. As a person who loves to read and doesn't like to be told what to do this felt real. I love that this book is based on the real experience of the author. I love that this book touches on slot of difficult topics kids need to read about. So thanks for writing this amazing book!
caprichosbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Excellent story with a great pace. Perfect for middle grades learning about current events.
ashleyreadsanything's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0