sandraagee's review against another edition
2.0
This was a nice book and everything, but I got crabby every time something political came up. Unfortunately, that was quite often.
I'm totally fine with lessons in social responsibility and being good to your neighbor or even references to specific historic political events, but it seemed to me that these authors had a clear political agenda. Only one end of the political spectrum was ever mentioned and it was brougt up repeatedly and only in glowing terms. I don't care what political party you belong to; it's not cool to preach politics to children via literature. It made me very uncomfortable. And the thing is, the plot of the story could have functioned perfectly well without the political posturing. There was no terribly compelling reason for it to be present other than as a sounding board for the authors' own beliefs.
Then again, maybe I'm just so sick of "listening" to my friends and family rant about politics on Facebook that my opinions on the matter are skewed.
But if you can look past the politics this is a pretty good story about two pen pals who seem very different at first but find that they actually have a lot in common. And the writing is solid, even if I don't think the characters' voices are terribly realistic for their age.
Would normally give this book 3 stars thanks to the writing, but I can't ignore my own personal dislike for the book in my rating.
I'm totally fine with lessons in social responsibility and being good to your neighbor or even references to specific historic political events, but it seemed to me that these authors had a clear political agenda. Only one end of the political spectrum was ever mentioned and it was brougt up repeatedly and only in glowing terms. I don't care what political party you belong to; it's not cool to preach politics to children via literature. It made me very uncomfortable. And the thing is, the plot of the story could have functioned perfectly well without the political posturing. There was no terribly compelling reason for it to be present other than as a sounding board for the authors' own beliefs.
Then again, maybe I'm just so sick of "listening" to my friends and family rant about politics on Facebook that my opinions on the matter are skewed.
But if you can look past the politics this is a pretty good story about two pen pals who seem very different at first but find that they actually have a lot in common. And the writing is solid, even if I don't think the characters' voices are terribly realistic for their age.
Would normally give this book 3 stars thanks to the writing, but I can't ignore my own personal dislike for the book in my rating.
kytwins's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book, as I do everything else I read by Silas. We are lucky to have him nearby here in Kentucky. If you get the chance, listen to him read this book. It puts an authentic "voice" to the story :)
jengm's review against another edition
5.0
Clever book demonstrating how similar we all are despite our cultural differences. Love this book cover also!!
chenoadallen's review against another edition
5.0
This book is lovely for many reasons. But the thing I loved most - which is subtle but so important - is modeling for kids that you can tell someone when you're hurt (or when they're being offensive or are misinformed), and that doesn't destroy healthy relationships. If someone tells you that you've done something to hurt them, it isn't the end of the world - it's an opportunity for relationship repair. No one modeled this for me as a kid, and I love to see an opportunity for kids to learn this
shelby_d714's review against another edition
4.0
This book was much better than I expected! The stories both characters told were so heartfelt. Meena and River are so cute, and I really cared about them. I also loved the letter format. I just wish there was more! The ending was such a cliffhanger.
danavanderlugt's review against another edition
Lovely. I listened on Audible and adored hearing the story in the authors’ voices.
jnaylorphotog's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
carolinecollis18's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Same Sun Here by Neela Vaswani and Silas House is about two young teenagers, Meena and River, that write letters to each other and find connections with each other even though they come from different backgrounds. Meena, is an immigrant from India now living in New York with her family but they are living in a time of inequality against immigrants (2008, 2009) so they have a rather low income. Their family came from a Hindu background and so they practice Hinduism when they can. River is a typical boy from Kentucky living in the area with grassy fields and mountains. He feels connected to the mountains in his area and his family is all about Christianity. Meena’s family had a very low income and they could not afford a home while River’s family has a home and is able to access the internet. The more that Meena and River write to each other, the more the more connections they find within each other even though they practice different religions. This book is about how River and Meena become best friends without even seeing each other in person and how your religion doesn’t define who you are friends with.
“They were all surprised that we are best friends but we haven't ever met. Ms. Bledsoe said that's what happens when you find a 'kindred spirit'.”
(Pg. 189, Vaswani and House)
I selected this clown as my favorite because it shows how they made a huge connection and became friends even though they live so far away.
I would recommend this book to a friend he teaches you about how people from different backgrounds can still become best friends. It is also just very intriguing because there are some very sad and amazing cliffhangers like deaths, protests, and more.
“They were all surprised that we are best friends but we haven't ever met. Ms. Bledsoe said that's what happens when you find a 'kindred spirit'.”
(Pg. 189, Vaswani and House)
I selected this clown as my favorite because it shows how they made a huge connection and became friends even though they live so far away.
I would recommend this book to a friend he teaches you about how people from different backgrounds can still become best friends. It is also just very intriguing because there are some very sad and amazing cliffhangers like deaths, protests, and more.
ckkurata529's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 I read this as a potential book club choice for my fifth graders. I think it encompasses many important topics, but it also feels slow and doesn’t seem realistic for 12 year old narrators.
tschmitty's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very charming read about how two children living in two different worlds can find a common place, form a unique friendship, and learn and grow from one another.