amymck05's review
2.0
Read this with my 7th graders. We were all disappointed. The plot just didn't go anywhere.
afro8921's review
4.0
This book reminded me so made me think of my relatives down south. They lived in a way that was at times completely foreign to me, but also the same. It's not only a story about finding your way in a new place, but also about forgiveness and what it means to be brave. The questions that genie asks are funny and thought provoking. This book would be a great sibling read, or read aloud book.
hlparis's review against another edition
4.0
This story sucked me in immediately. I listened to it and the reader did all the voices well. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and it was nice to read another story with a loving family, with well-rounded characters. Of course, there was conflict, and it wasn't all wrapped up perfectly at the end, but things were resolved. I didn't want the boys to leave their grandparents' house, as I thought they earned so much and I especially loved the relationship between Grandpop and Jeannie. The metaphor of the birds was clear yet didn't become maudlin. I would recommend this book to others and plan to recommend it to the kids at my school library.
I look forward to reading more of Jason Reynold's work.
I look forward to reading more of Jason Reynold's work.
greenrain's review
4.0
A wonderful story about brothers and family relationships. The author captured the pain and uncertainty that comes with realizing the adults around you are deeply flawed. Genie's voice came through the third person narrative very strongly, and I was impressed with the author's ability to craft an insightful and interesting story. Would recommend.
kaydowning's review
4.0
Genie and his older brother, Ernie, live in Brooklyn, but their parents take them on a trip to Virginia to visit their grandparents for a month. Genie is a curious kid, and he loves to ask questions. He becomes even more curious when he finds out his grandpa is blind. Genie cannot figure out how his grandpa can do the things he does without being able to see. Ernie turns fourteen while they are in Virginia, which by family tradition is when you become a man and learn to shoot a gun. However, Ernie doesn't want to learn to shoot, but to please his grandpa he concedes and tries to shoot in spite of his trepidation. A great middle-grade novel about leaving home for the first time and experiencing a different kind of life than what you are used to.
hgraybrown's review
4.0
This might be my new favorite Jason Reynolds book. I highly recommend this book in audio format, as the narrator, Guy Lockard, is incredible. I am looking forward to listening to Sunny next.
msethna's review
4.0
While this one took a bit of time to get into, Jason Reynolds does not disappoint in his middle grade novel about two brothers. It reminded me of my own boys and the experiences that they have with their grandparents.
pziemlewicz's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0