ebonfanti30's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.5
sandylovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Oh this was very cute. I was going to give it 3 stars because most of the beginning was a bit slow. But by the end I was really enjoying it. Poor Austin, he has a problem. It isn't said but I think he is dyslexic. And his mom, I think she is depressed. A good book for older juveniles to read.
hrmason's review against another edition
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
keanym's review
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ljrinaldi's review
4.0
When my mother was young, her family had to move every six months, because she grew up in the Depression, and the family would make money and move back to the home they owned, and not make enough money and have to rent out their home, and move to the beach, which was cheaper.
This went on for most of her elementary school time.
The reason I bring this up, is because, like Austin, you get to know what different schools are like, as you go to each new one. You have eiether learned it, or will learn what is being taught, and either be ahead or behind. As she used to say, she would learn up to the Romans, and then find herself back at the caveman.
Austin has an unnamed issue with reading. It is never clear exactly what the issue is, because he knows that letters are, and he can sound out words, but he has trouble reading, and often sees things in colors or as ants. He has been able to hide this disability for most of his school life, by not standing out. Suddenly, he is at a school where he is having trouble not standing out.
The whole story is sweet, and good. He makes a friend, with Bertie, and even when she is angry at him, she doesn't stop being his friend. It is all a reassuring story, of it being ok to have a learning disability, because there are ways around that.
Sort of wish there had been books like this when I was growing up. Perhaps even when my mom was as well.
The author used to be a teacher, so I think she gets it. And her voice for Austin is great.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
This went on for most of her elementary school time.
The reason I bring this up, is because, like Austin, you get to know what different schools are like, as you go to each new one. You have eiether learned it, or will learn what is being taught, and either be ahead or behind. As she used to say, she would learn up to the Romans, and then find herself back at the caveman.
Austin has an unnamed issue with reading. It is never clear exactly what the issue is, because he knows that letters are, and he can sound out words, but he has trouble reading, and often sees things in colors or as ants. He has been able to hide this disability for most of his school life, by not standing out. Suddenly, he is at a school where he is having trouble not standing out.
The whole story is sweet, and good. He makes a friend, with Bertie, and even when she is angry at him, she doesn't stop being his friend. It is all a reassuring story, of it being ok to have a learning disability, because there are ways around that.
Sort of wish there had been books like this when I was growing up. Perhaps even when my mom was as well.
The author used to be a teacher, so I think she gets it. And her voice for Austin is great.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
wordnerd153's review
4.0
I really enjoyed the characters and appreciated how supportive the teachers were, since adults in middle grade are often portrayed as uncaring or clueless.
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