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erinmccurdy's review against another edition
3.0
This was a sweet story that dealt with tough topics like depression and divorce. However, it was a super slow start for me. I nearly abandoned several times, but ultimately stuck it out. I felt like I was almost done with the book before I was really into it. There was a bit of a mystery involving a piece of art and Olympia’s dad and I found myself confused as to what the focus of the story was... was it the mystery or was it Olympia’s mother and her depression?
marielouise17's review against another edition
4.0
Very Rebecca Stead-ish. Just moved a little too slowly.
muddypuddle's review against another edition
5.0
This is a book about color and art and being part of an artist community in Soho, NYC, in 1981. There is both innocence and maturity in Ollie that makes her a really interesting protagonist. Character development, setting, and plot were all very strong in the wonderful book. Exceptionally well narrated. There's an afterward talking about depression in parents and helping to explain a bit about it to a middle grade reader, telling where they could get help for themselves and the parent who may suffer from it.
honey_ob's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
this is most definitely a middle school read as opposed to a middle grade read in my opinion. The writing is beautiful and the story is heart rendering. The details of the 80’s era, of New York and the process (actually driving need) to create art, balance the realities of a story of abandonment. Olympia is neglected by her Mom who is in the grips of depression and her father has disappeared. She is processing it all as she traverses her days with the help of her friends and other adults she has grown up with. Well written, All the Greys on Greene Street by Laura Tucker is worth the read.
this is most definitely a middle school read as opposed to a middle grade read in my opinion. The writing is beautiful and the story is heart rendering. The details of the 80’s era, of New York and the process (actually driving need) to create art, balance the realities of a story of abandonment. Olympia is neglected by her Mom who is in the grips of depression and her father has disappeared. She is processing it all as she traverses her days with the help of her friends and other adults she has grown up with. Well written, All the Greys on Greene Street by Laura Tucker is worth the read.
yapha's review against another edition
5.0
I tagged this as both Historical Fiction and Realistic Fiction -- although it is firmly set in 1981, it could easily have taken place today. The only thing missing was cell phones. That's how timeless this book is. The friendship issues, the family issues, Ollie's need to draw, Alex's need to climb -- everything essential to the book is still relevant and relatable. Parts of it did remind me of Under the Egg, but this book had a lot more layers to it. Highly recommended for grades 5 & up.
ARC provided by publisher
ARC provided by publisher
danyell919's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! What a powerful book! I thought Laura Tucker did a fantastic job shedding light on depression in a way that is understandable for upper elementary/middle grade kids. I thought it was just beautiful. Olympia was such an endearing character and I really enjoyed all of the ways are was woven into the story.
abigailbat's review against another edition
This is a richly emotional story about a young artist who's on her own after her dad leaves the country and her mom takes to her bed with a severe bout of depression. Young artists will appreciate the artistic detail as Ollie processes her feelings through her sketching. I loved the detailed sense of place as Olympia describes her NYC neighborhood. This is a moody read for kids who want to feel some feels. Although billed as a mystery, I did not feel that was a strong aspect of the book. Readers of other art mysteries may still appreciate it.
Hand to readers of NEST by Esther Erlich or UNDER THE EGG by Laura Marx Fitzgerald.
Hand to readers of NEST by Esther Erlich or UNDER THE EGG by Laura Marx Fitzgerald.
sandsing7's review against another edition
3.0
A solid middle grade read that may have been just a bit too long for it’s intended audience. (Clean)
jengennari's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful, evocative story rich with details. Set in Soho in the 1980s, Olympia's parents are artists and her mother suffers from depression. I loved the touch of mystery and the kids' desire to solve a big problem by themselves.
A side note: the description of (Fire) Island, and its carefree, sandy days made me yearn for beach time!
A side note: the description of (Fire) Island, and its carefree, sandy days made me yearn for beach time!