behindthegossip's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
scott_thelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
This is a book that adults and kids need right now. Like David Levithan's Answers in the Pages, this book explores censorship and book banning, which are things we are having to deal with a lot lately even though it's 2022. I get so frustrated when individuals (parents, politicians, etc.) tell us what we can and cannot read or try to censor/ban titles simply because they are uncomfortable with certain words or topics. They say they are doing it to protect others, but that is bullshit. They are doing it for themselves because they believe they know better than other people. This is why I think books like Attack of the Black Rectangles and Answers in the Pages are so important. Kids deserve to learn the truth about our history and deserve the respect of the adults in their lives to determine whether they want to read something or not.
writethruchaos's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
tense
slow-paced
3.5
elisinwonderland's review
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
butle2em's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
erykahjoy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
roseannearchy's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
mmingie's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
I'm trying to read through as many of the books being banned/challenged in my home state as possible. I did find it funny that a book on censorship is being censored, but I'm pretty sure whoever made the report did it for the same reason "The Devil's Arithmetic" was challenged in the book, which seems pretty meta.
This is Frindle if Clements had wanted to discuss EVERY SINGLE THING that could be seen as problematic in society, and not just an overbearing teacher. In the end there are just too many things commented on in a way that isn't really important to the story, just to prove that this kid knows his stuff and will be on the right side of every issue.
The idea that a 35 year old 6th grade teacher is able to control a city through editorials is absurd. The teachers and administration were almost comedic villains in this. It comes off poorly, especially when teachers are NOT the ones censoring right now and are under enough attacks already.
I was sympathetic to the characters, they were sweet even when they were preachy. (Mac says he doesn't think white people should feel bad because of our ancestors, but we should be aware of the historical wrongs we've done, but then when Marci talks about feminism he says it makes him feel bad to be a guy.)
I dunno. It was fine. It shouldn't be banned. I know it's stressful for folks when kids learn that their opinions matter and so does history, but they figure that out whether you remove books or not.
This is Frindle if Clements had wanted to discuss EVERY SINGLE THING that could be seen as problematic in society, and not just an overbearing teacher. In the end there are just too many things commented on in a way that isn't really important to the story, just to prove that this kid knows his stuff and will be on the right side of every issue.
The idea that a 35 year old 6th grade teacher is able to control a city through editorials is absurd. The teachers and administration were almost comedic villains in this. It comes off poorly, especially when teachers are NOT the ones censoring right now and are under enough attacks already.
I was sympathetic to the characters, they were sweet even when they were preachy. (Mac says he doesn't think white people should feel bad because of our ancestors, but we should be aware of the historical wrongs we've done, but then when Marci talks about feminism he says it makes him feel bad to be a guy.)
I dunno. It was fine. It shouldn't be banned. I know it's stressful for folks when kids learn that their opinions matter and so does history, but they figure that out whether you remove books or not.
prisca_lam's review against another edition
adventurous
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I enjoyed reading this book. It made me feel like I was right there in the story protesting with the kids.
elmeeks's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25
There’s a lot going on in this book! A.S. King does a nice job bringing attention to censorship and it’s effects on everyone.