nedge's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
roxyc's review
5.0
Tash and Clancy go to visit their beloved grandpa in his care facility. Wheelchair bound and suffering with Aphasia he is only able to say a few words like Yes, No and Bugger! With the help of a mystery cat, and possibly the ghost of grandma, they end up leaving the care facility and embarking on an epic adventure. This book is absolutely delightful. So visual and engaging. I could picture it all so easily and I hope that someone makes this into a film one day. I love that the story is threaded with magic and astronomy, with Clancy always looking for signs to set them on the right course. I am so happy to see more racial diversity making its way into books these days, especially as leading characters. It is refreshing, and a much more realistic portrayal of the world we live in. The relationship between the sisters is tense, but also fierce with love. They are resourceful, and the tenderness and love for their Pa is heartfelt. I love the outcome with Rosella. There is honestly so much to love about this book. Highly recommended for anyone that enjoys middle-grade fiction and lovely family centered stories. Completely adorable book.
melbsreads's review
4.0
Trigger warnings: racism, death of a grandparent (in the past).
I was somewhat hesitant going into this because Crow Country is.......yeah. Not my favourite thing in the world. But this? This was WONDERFUL. I found myself utterly absorbed in it and I read like 70% of it in an hour.
Clancy is a delightful protagonist, and I loved how strong the relationship is between the girls and their grandfather. The fabulism elements of the story were fantastic, and I really enjoyed all the secondary characters that pop in and out of the story. The adventure side of things, journeying all over Melbourne and various places in country Victoria, was great. And I loved the way that Clancy's love of astronomy flows throughout the story.
There are also some very interesting discussions of the fact that Clancy and Tash are biracial and that their grandfather is white and the instant suspicion that people have when they see two kids with Asian heritage pushing an old white dude around.
So yeah, on the whole, this was fantastic and I flew through it. Plus, that cover is GLORIOUS.
I was somewhat hesitant going into this because Crow Country is.......yeah. Not my favourite thing in the world. But this? This was WONDERFUL. I found myself utterly absorbed in it and I read like 70% of it in an hour.
Clancy is a delightful protagonist, and I loved how strong the relationship is between the girls and their grandfather. The fabulism elements of the story were fantastic, and I really enjoyed all the secondary characters that pop in and out of the story. The adventure side of things, journeying all over Melbourne and various places in country Victoria, was great. And I loved the way that Clancy's love of astronomy flows throughout the story.
There are also some very interesting discussions of the fact that Clancy and Tash are biracial and that their grandfather is white and the instant suspicion that people have when they see two kids with Asian heritage pushing an old white dude around.
So yeah, on the whole, this was fantastic and I flew through it. Plus, that cover is GLORIOUS.
ayereads's review
3.0
A sweet and wholesome book, although at times stupid, unbelievable and frustrating. I do wish the 'magical realism' element was explored more.
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