blakehalsey's review against another edition
5.0
Adorable! I loved the diverse perspectives, handled with authenticity and sensitivity, and adored this inside look into this fifth grade class's community! LOVE!
literatehedgehog's review against another edition
4.0
Solid multiple perspective middle grade novel in verse. Feels like contemporary Konigsburg.
lornarei's review
4.0
I have really been enjoying middle grade novels in verse lately. It took me awhile to "hear" the narrative and keeping eighteen voices straight was a bit of a challenge, but it all comes together. I might have gone with three stars, but I'll bump it up to four simply for Jason's homage to Prince's "Let's Go Crazy" in his moving up speech! One of my favorite songs and it made me smile.
marimoose's review
4.0
This book hit me really hard, because fifth grade is SUCH A FUN GRADE to teach, and listening to these poems being narrated by different voices was like being there and actually knowing the fifth graders personally. I was sobbing by the time they'd said their goodbyes. I'm such a sap.
lovegirl30's review
5.0
Previously posted on. The Young Girl Who loved books
Lately, I have really been loving poetry and different types of fiction, This makes for a great read for a read-a-then or a younger reader . This book was so deeply moving, and so surprising. I have a book hangover. I was quite worried about this book but it exceeded my low expectations. It is a rather deep story, exploring issues, people, and major historical events. It didn't preach about it. There was a tale of the march on Washington. As well as current social justice issues.
This book takes the individual stories of eighteen different students. They aren't really dynamic or really thought out but you feel like you at least get an idea of them. The children are phenomenal and quite believable. The class is extremely diverse with many cultures and religion present. In front not faded into the background.
These children come from such different backgrounds but some how to live in harmony, although there are a few issues with some. This makes it completely believe able. It is set up like a real school would be. Some times the poems are silly but it's authentic for little kids. Each poem is entertaining, full of love, and quite insightful. The journal is passed around and given to the teacher every day. I feel like having no comments from the teacher is pretty cool. I thought the concept of making a time capsule and putting the poems in it was a genius.
It also teaches kids now quick things change, the school being closed really showed them that nothing is set in stone. The kids work through grief and sadness by trying to save their beloved school. I enjoyed the bonus poem tips content. It made it seem like the writer really gave some thought to the how situation.
Overall The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary was a delightedly fun read. With lessons for any child. Although this is a big book I would recumbent it to middle schoolers and up. Fasten your seatbelt and dive into this lovely book.
Lately, I have really been loving poetry and different types of fiction, This makes for a great read for a read-a-then or a younger reader . This book was so deeply moving, and so surprising. I have a book hangover. I was quite worried about this book but it exceeded my low expectations. It is a rather deep story, exploring issues, people, and major historical events. It didn't preach about it. There was a tale of the march on Washington. As well as current social justice issues.
This book takes the individual stories of eighteen different students. They aren't really dynamic or really thought out but you feel like you at least get an idea of them. The children are phenomenal and quite believable. The class is extremely diverse with many cultures and religion present. In front not faded into the background.
These children come from such different backgrounds but some how to live in harmony, although there are a few issues with some. This makes it completely believe able. It is set up like a real school would be. Some times the poems are silly but it's authentic for little kids. Each poem is entertaining, full of love, and quite insightful. The journal is passed around and given to the teacher every day. I feel like having no comments from the teacher is pretty cool. I thought the concept of making a time capsule and putting the poems in it was a genius.
It also teaches kids now quick things change, the school being closed really showed them that nothing is set in stone. The kids work through grief and sadness by trying to save their beloved school. I enjoyed the bonus poem tips content. It made it seem like the writer really gave some thought to the how situation.
Overall The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary was a delightedly fun read. With lessons for any child. Although this is a big book I would recumbent it to middle schoolers and up. Fasten your seatbelt and dive into this lovely book.
corvid_ai's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
johannawilbur's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
4.5
lmkennedy's review
4.0
I really enjoyed seeing the profession of the kids and their own independent voices with how this was written!
heisereads's review
4.0
A collection of poems (in various forms, which are explained in the back matter with writing ideas) from the various voices of this last fifth grade class before the school is demolished. A story that speaks to the early adolescent angst in various forms as this diverse group of students works through their home life issues in their writing. A turning point, saying goodbye, moving on.
julieartz's review
5.0
Such a sweet and inspiring collection of poems told from the alternating POVs of an entire fifth grade class. This story also doubles as a mini-age-appropriate poetry masterclass and teachers will love the resources at the back of the book as much as kids love the front of it.