natalievinh's review
5.0
This book was beautifully written and terribly sad. Not what I expected, but worth it all the same. Three cheers for a happy ending.
dilemma's review
5.0
It’s been a while since I’ve read middle grade and I’m so glad I read this—so, so real, heartbreaking, and good
lspignese's review
4.0
I received this ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June Bug Jordan keeps watch over the neighborhood from her perch on the copper beech tree. When Ziggy's mom drops him off at Nana Jean's, she's instantly captivated by this strange boy with the long red hair, and the albino ferret dancing around his shoulders. The two are fast, if unlikely, friends - something they both desperately need. Each is keeping secrets from home lives others can't imagine.
There were portions of this book that were hard to read. My heart broke for June and my stomach lurched as I read some of the cleaning rituals. I am so grateful for the real Uncle Tobys and Nana Jeans of the world.
June Bug Jordan keeps watch over the neighborhood from her perch on the copper beech tree. When Ziggy's mom drops him off at Nana Jean's, she's instantly captivated by this strange boy with the long red hair, and the albino ferret dancing around his shoulders. The two are fast, if unlikely, friends - something they both desperately need. Each is keeping secrets from home lives others can't imagine.
There were portions of this book that were hard to read. My heart broke for June and my stomach lurched as I read some of the cleaning rituals. I am so grateful for the real Uncle Tobys and Nana Jeans of the world.
stenaros's review
3.0
Read for Librarian Book Group
On the one hand, the writing in this is gorgeous. On the other hand, the drama is turned up so high I found myself sighing when it was time to read. There's a lot of crying in this book. Like crying done by the characters. They cry all the time. It makes sense for what's going on, but after a point it felt like a writing crutch. Plus there's child abuse, plus mental illness, plus ramifications of a fatal illness.
On the one hand, the writing in this is gorgeous. On the other hand, the drama is turned up so high I found myself sighing when it was time to read. There's a lot of crying in this book. Like crying done by the characters. They cry all the time. It makes sense for what's going on, but after a point it felt like a writing crutch. Plus there's child abuse, plus mental illness, plus ramifications of a fatal illness.
clari_nat's review
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
giufsg's review
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Great for kids
lauramct's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
rym201's review
4.0
Wonderful, difficult book. The main character is just incredible and watching her endure the trauma that she does is heartwrenching. Beautifully written.
ms_la's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0