katiemayveil's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! It made me laugh and cry. I felt connected to the characters in a way that doesn't happen often. The characters are believable and realistic.
I have a teenager with one more child quickly getting there, and I like that this book talks subtly about things kids deal with. Kids go through difficult things and I feel like Squint gives them a way to handle them. Not belittling or making light of their problems, but acknowledging and giving their difficulties credence.
I highly recommend this book to adults and kids alike.
I have a teenager with one more child quickly getting there, and I like that this book talks subtly about things kids deal with. Kids go through difficult things and I feel like Squint gives them a way to handle them. Not belittling or making light of their problems, but acknowledging and giving their difficulties credence.
I highly recommend this book to adults and kids alike.
wombat_88's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
a_manning11's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful book that can change lives. Can't recommend it enough!
shighley's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this title, for which I am happy to offer my honest review.
One of my favorites of the year; this book has it all: humor, pathos, character development, bullying, service learning, and many possible connections for teachers and students. Readers will enjoy the way the comic reflects what is going on with Flint and McKenna; at times, you might think you know what is going to happen, but then the story takes another turn. There are numerous, wonderful metaphors that relate to vision and seeing. There are so many situations that we can all relate to, even if our situation is very different from these characters.
Perhaps some of the parallels I was experiencing at the time that I read this added to the book's impact on me; the day I read most of it, my sister had eye surgery. This was also the same week that Tyler Trent from Purdue University was in the news for his inspiring quest to attend the Ohio State football game. In the case of both Tyler and Danny, we know that death is imminent, but revel in their strength.
Flint is a hero, but a flawed protagonist. His realizations of his own strengths and weaknesses could be such a boon to students who read this. At the same time he can physically see his family and friends better, his perceptions of their relationships sharpen its focus as well. None of the characters are all bad or all good, which Flint eventually realizes. The power of the friendship between Flint and McKenna is transformational in so many ways. I can't count the number of times that I have thought, "If only that student had one good friend or one supportive adult." What a difference that would make.
Students will enjoy the story told through Flint's comic; I imagine that it might take on a different form in the published book. I especially appreciated the fact that even the comic did not have an epic over-the-top, fight-to-the-finish, violent ending, but one of realization.
I would love to see teachers use this books with students; there is so much they could learn. What if they took on #DannysChallenge? What if they reflected on their actions toward others and considered the power of forgiveness?
I highlighted and commented on so many passages while I read; it is a delight to look at them to remind me how much I enjoyed this book.
One of my favorites of the year; this book has it all: humor, pathos, character development, bullying, service learning, and many possible connections for teachers and students. Readers will enjoy the way the comic reflects what is going on with Flint and McKenna; at times, you might think you know what is going to happen, but then the story takes another turn. There are numerous, wonderful metaphors that relate to vision and seeing. There are so many situations that we can all relate to, even if our situation is very different from these characters.
Perhaps some of the parallels I was experiencing at the time that I read this added to the book's impact on me; the day I read most of it, my sister had eye surgery. This was also the same week that Tyler Trent from Purdue University was in the news for his inspiring quest to attend the Ohio State football game. In the case of both Tyler and Danny, we know that death is imminent, but revel in their strength.
Flint is a hero, but a flawed protagonist. His realizations of his own strengths and weaknesses could be such a boon to students who read this. At the same time he can physically see his family and friends better, his perceptions of their relationships sharpen its focus as well. None of the characters are all bad or all good, which Flint eventually realizes. The power of the friendship between Flint and McKenna is transformational in so many ways. I can't count the number of times that I have thought, "If only that student had one good friend or one supportive adult." What a difference that would make.
Students will enjoy the story told through Flint's comic; I imagine that it might take on a different form in the published book. I especially appreciated the fact that even the comic did not have an epic over-the-top, fight-to-the-finish, violent ending, but one of realization.
I would love to see teachers use this books with students; there is so much they could learn. What if they took on #DannysChallenge? What if they reflected on their actions toward others and considered the power of forgiveness?
I highlighted and commented on so many passages while I read; it is a delight to look at them to remind me how much I enjoyed this book.
smithereens's review against another edition
3.0
I found Flint to be hard to deal with throughout this book; he was very self absorbed and a bit of a brat. BUT. His subtle change and perseverance got me, and in the end I’m glad I didn’t give up on his story.
thebookishlibrarian's review against another edition
Squint’s real name is Flint, but he got his nickname because of the fact that he can’t see very well. He doesn’t have many friends, and uses his free time to finish the comic book he’s working on so he can enter it into an upcoming contest.
McKell is the new girl in school and has a hidden talent of her own that she’s shy about sharing. She takes a liking to Squint, and tries to ward off any kids who tease him about his eyesight. The two become great friends and learn a lot about themselves from each other.
Thanks to Netgalley for a review copy of this book.
McKell is the new girl in school and has a hidden talent of her own that she’s shy about sharing. She takes a liking to Squint, and tries to ward off any kids who tease him about his eyesight. The two become great friends and learn a lot about themselves from each other.
Thanks to Netgalley for a review copy of this book.
jbojkov's review against another edition
2.0
I got to chapter 5 and realized that this one was not resonating with me. I it might have been more effective to have the graphic novel descriptions as actual GN panels instead. Those sections felt especially stiff and sluggish. I know the authors were going for a "Wonder" like book, but I don't think the writing and the story line were compelling enough to keep a kid's attention...
aliciakindlereads's review against another edition
5.0
Really cute story about a boy who falls for the “popular” girl at school and why this “always” happen.
Friendship, family, and romance is well written !
Friendship, family, and romance is well written !