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ann_s's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
gmamartha's review
4.0
Just how much do you share with the only best friend you have ever had? Cultures collide as two boys (American Indian reservation kid and career military base kid) meet at a white man's public school.
posies23's review
4.0
This novel does a commendable job of recreating the feel of the middle school experience from the viewpoint of an alienated student. In this case, he's not only poor, but he's one of the only non-white students in his classes. To make matters worse, he draws the attention of the school bully, who seems out to make his life miserable just because of the color of his skin. Fortunately, there's a new kid in school, who doesn't seem to have the prejudiced assumptions most of his school has. This isn't an "action-packed-thrill-ride" kind of book, but it is an effective and engaging read. As a Beatles, Wings, and Queen fan, I was delighted by the author's use of music in the narrative, and felt that he did a great job of recreating the "feel" of the mid-1970's vibe. There's a lot to discuss and think about in this novel, because not everything is simple or tied up into a neat bow at the end.
A bit of a warning to Middle and High School teachers -- there are a few moments in the book that might not fit in with your community standards, so make sure to pre-read this book and consider the audience before handing it to students. There's some adult language and adult content that very much fits with the story, but might offend some people who look for offense regarding that sort of thing.
Highly recommended for people interested in diversity and equality topics (especially about socio-economic status, the military, and native americans), and fans of 1970's music!
A bit of a warning to Middle and High School teachers -- there are a few moments in the book that might not fit in with your community standards, so make sure to pre-read this book and consider the audience before handing it to students. There's some adult language and adult content that very much fits with the story, but might offend some people who look for offense regarding that sort of thing.
Highly recommended for people interested in diversity and equality topics (especially about socio-economic status, the military, and native americans), and fans of 1970's music!
rants_n_reads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
emybooksandcoffee's review
5.0
4,5 stars. This was an amazing and heartwarming story about a boy who's learned the hard way from a very young age. His friendship with George seemd believable from the very first moment and I think it captured very well the tumultous feelings of this age. I also loved how there was no love interest involved. Usually when we're introduced to such character, no matter how interesting the protagonist and the side characters are, they're pushed aside, but this was not the case here thankfully - the Tuscarora reservation is described almost perfectly, transporting the readers into its world. My only complaint might be the countless Beatles references, which I guess is one of the books' points but as I don't particularly like the Beatles, it was repeating and it grew tiring (although it was beautiful to see a character so passionate about music). This is the reason for my 4,5 stars.
allysonbogie's review
5.0
I tried out this book because it was on a list of books you might like if you like Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie. And it was fantastic!
jwinchell's review
4.0
Lewis Blake is now forever enshrined in my heart. This kid.
And if we're using fiction to understand and experience, this novel is worth every page. An unregrettable, important read.
And if we're using fiction to understand and experience, this novel is worth every page. An unregrettable, important read.