staceym's review against another edition
3.0
This book was beautifully written about life in tenants of Harlem, NYC at the beginning of the Harlem Renaissance. However, some of the story really bothered me. I didn't like how the main character didn't go to school and the parents ignored the truant officer. Then the parents abandoned him without any food. I know those situations happen but I don't understand what message the author was trying to send about it. I will leave this book on my shelves for students to read if they wish but I don't think I'll be recommending it to anyone anytime soon.
scaifea's review against another edition
2.0
A young boy in living in Harlem spends his days looking out the apartment window across to other windows, keeping up with the neighbors' lives. He's particularly intent on waiting to see who moves into an empty place and is delighted when it turns out to be a jazz pianist. He also struggles with his unhappy parents and is even abandoned by them for a short period (? The narrative is fuzzy here). The premise is good, but the writing is wonky, it seems. Zeke's abandonment seems sudden and not really in line with where the story was going, and then the ending is way too abrupt and pat, making the arc even more strange and difficult to follow.
debnanceatreaderbuzz's review
3.0
Newbery Honor. Sad, sad, sad. Why do all Newbery Honor books have to be sad? An African American family lives in an apartment building. The mother works hard and doesn’t make much money. The dad is always getting and losing jobs. The boy is handicapped and doesn’t go to school. Next door is the jazz man who plays beautiful music, music that gives everyone renewed strength and hope.
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