authorisasauthordoes's review
emotional
hopeful
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
4.75
shewhoknows10kthings's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
maidmarianlib's review against another edition
4.0
Nice story with themes of race relations, prejudice, and the power of money. Very funny in parts. Listened to the Audio Version.
imbookingit's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed listening to this book.
In this book, Turner learns that adults don't always do the right thing, but that doesn't stop his attempts to do so.
Thinking back on it, the book could be seen as heavy on the lessons, but the story was about Turner learning them, and they were well balanced with the more adventurous aspects of the story.
For the most part, Turner seemed like a real kid to me. Perhaps he was a little too good to be true, but he wasn't perfect. I liked seeing how he grew as the book continued. The secondary characters were an interesting bunch. . Just as I'd start to think that although they were interesting, they were also flat, one of them would surprise me with some character development.
I'll recommend this book to my 11 year old. I actually wish I'd saved it for our upcoming road trip, I'm not sure I'll want to listen to it again that soon.
In this book, Turner learns that adults don't always do the right thing, but that doesn't stop his attempts to do so.
Thinking back on it, the book could be seen as heavy on the lessons, but the story was about Turner learning them, and they were well balanced with the more adventurous aspects of the story.
For the most part, Turner seemed like a real kid to me. Perhaps he was a little too good to be true, but he wasn't perfect. I liked seeing how he grew as the book continued. The secondary characters were an interesting bunch. . Just as I'd start to think that although they were interesting, they were also flat, one of them would surprise me with some character development.
I'll recommend this book to my 11 year old. I actually wish I'd saved it for our upcoming road trip, I'm not sure I'll want to listen to it again that soon.
storied76's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
summervl's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful and very sad story based on a shameful chapter of American history. It has echoes of To Kill a Mockingbird.
megmccuis's review against another edition
4.0
I have so much love for everything Gary Schmidt writes. In each of his books there are passages that make me hold my breath (the whales!). He always manages to turn tragedy into something beautiful. His tragedy grips you. This one was no exception.
This book covers a story of a piece of history I’d never known. It’s a bit heavy for a kid’s book, but also so important.
This book covers a story of a piece of history I’d never known. It’s a bit heavy for a kid’s book, but also so important.
mary00's review against another edition
4.0
Another awesome book by Gary Schmidt. A sad, but hopeful, coming of age novel, set in the early 20th century in a seaside town dealing with race and economic issues. Gary Schmidt is one of the the best, if not THE best, writers for young adults today. I will read anything he writes.
amdame1's review against another edition
4.0
Again, a bit heavy-handed with theme/message. But his diction is so amazing...