alliejm00's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying
fmchan's review against another edition
5.0
This was such an exceptional book. I've been reading more middle grade books recently, and this novel is easily the best I've read.
Day allows the mystery of Edie's mother's adoption to build up naturally, slowly doling out the old letters from Edith in a way that makes the readers feel like they absolutely need to find out what happened to her. And the revelation of why Edie's mother was adopted was absolutely phenomenal. Typically, when I read middle grade novels with a mystery included, the ultimate reveal isn't as satisfying to me as I expect it would be for a member of the target audience. Of course, this is what I would expect since I am an older reader. However, the reveal that came towards the end of this book was not at all what I was anticipating. It truly felt like a punch in the gut when I read what happened to Edith, and Day's depictions of the other characters' reactions only served to heighten the response I had to this book.
This book is an excellent addition to anyone's bookshelf, and I would highly recommend reading Day's author's note at the end.
Day allows the mystery of Edie's mother's adoption to build up naturally, slowly doling out the old letters from Edith in a way that makes the readers feel like they absolutely need to find out what happened to her. And the revelation of why Edie's mother was adopted was absolutely phenomenal. Typically, when I read middle grade novels with a mystery included, the ultimate reveal isn't as satisfying to me as I expect it would be for a member of the target audience. Of course, this is what I would expect since I am an older reader. However, the reveal that came towards the end of this book was not at all what I was anticipating. It truly felt like a punch in the gut when I read what happened to Edith, and Day's depictions of the other characters' reactions only served to heighten the response I had to this book.
This book is an excellent addition to anyone's bookshelf, and I would highly recommend reading Day's author's note at the end.
mflake's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
jennabuythebook's review against another edition
5.0
Caudill read for work. Quick, easy, enjoyable. Discusses Native American heritage and the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978.
gallagirlreads's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
steffiraquel's review against another edition
Spoiler
My family hid my adoption from me until I was 18. I don't think I have still fully processed it so I don't think this is healthy for me
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Racism, and Abandonment
la_bibliofille89's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ejbheartsrbg's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
5.0
One of the best books I ever read! I was so sad to see it end.