taysreads_'s review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I loved this book.
kytwins's review against another edition
5.0
What a wonderful, inspiring story! I can only hope that this book helps us all appreciate others who see things a bit differently than us. April is in sixth grade and seems to be struggling to find her place. Her friends have changed and she isn't sure where she fits in. She volunteers to be a "Buddy Bench" friend at her school to find some peace and quiet. A sweet, shy girl named Veena also volunteers for the fourth grade lunch "Buddy Bench." The author tells the story from both April's and a little bit of Joey's points of view, helping us to see things from both perspectives. When Joey Byrd comes out to recess, April and Veena at first think there is something wrong with Joey. All he seems to do is walk in spirals and drag his feet through the mulch, leaving marks all across the playground. With the help of a kind and wise custodian, however, they find out that Joey is actually very intentional with those scratchings that turn out to be beautiful works of art. April and Veena along with the rest of their classmates learn to see Joey--the boy many students used to tease and make fun of-- in a whole new light. With themes of kindness, celebrating differences, and friendship, Things Seen From Above is one not to miss.
sasbybelle's review against another edition
3.0
While the theme was good and parts were interesting, I found myself trying to figure out which type of reader to recommend this to in the library. I enjoyed parts, but some of the book seemed to jump timelines too quickly. I’m not sure the parts that skipped ahead to prom and high school for Veena and April were necessary since elementary/middle school readers don’t really know how to relate. Overall the read was ok for me, but I did love the theme of looking for those who were rare.
suzannedix's review against another edition
3.0
I trudged through this one but only because I was so caught up with back to school craziness. I really enjoyed how the author fictionalized her real life nephew to create the character of Joey Byrd. April is a relatable 6th grade narrator and the story is part mystery, part realistic fiction.
Grades 4 and up.
Grades 4 and up.
nerfherder86's review against another edition
5.0
What a wonderful story! A great book for tweens about accepting others as they are, reminding us all to see things from a new perspective, to look up, to be kind, and to pay attention to the "rare birds." Pair this with "Wonder" by Palacio. Excellent middle grade read. Also would lend itself to so many art extension activities. Just a sweet sweet story.
Review written based on advance reader copy.
Review written based on advance reader copy.
em_and_em's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting, it kind of felt like stargirl- especially towards the end.
sylviamariereads's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic. Pearsall has such an incredible talent for writing about middle grade kids. Her writing brought up several memories for me, and I don't think I've related to sixth graders so much in my life, but I wish I had this book when I was 12. I would have felt a lot less alone.
bibliocharylodis's review against another edition
4.0
Lovely book about being different and accepting people for who they are.
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