km_loves_books's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4 out of 5 stars. This book is about a young girl dealing with the transition from being an only child to becoming part of a large blended family when her mom gets married. She also has to leave her traditional school and take on her new family's adoption of “free schooling” which is similar to what teachers would call student driven project based learning. The main character brings with her a talent for baking and playing the drums. Each of her sisters also play musical instruments. The adjustment is difficult for the main character at first, but eventually she bonds with her sisters once they decide to create a community block party/ wedding celebration for their parents where they join together and perform as a band.Overall, I would recommend this book to students. I would say that it would be appropriate for 4th grade and up.
ltwardwriter's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
cinnabal's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.5
pib003's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars, but rounding up to 4 because it was a very enjoyable story. It had a slice of life feel, with lots of little tangents that didn't drive the plot but successfully contributed to the quirky family vibes. I loved the whole concept of free-schooling and the natural curiosity and ambition that the sisters displayed. I also really liked how the author delved into the complexities of finding one's place in a "patchwork" family, and the pressures of being forced into your niche (for Bo, being the "organized" one). The one thing that I couldn't help but feel frustrated by was the fact that every little interest or thought that one of the sisters had was immediately turned into a huge project that would require tons of work. I think as a society, we're moving away from the whole constant hustle idea (thank god) and as a reader it actually made me feel bad about myself for needing rest and relaxation. I know the author explores that issue a little bit with Bo, but I would hate to think that a young reader would get the idea that they need to be doing way more than they are. That's capitalism out to get you.
dorawinifredread's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
beththeawkward's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.5
1toughgfcookie's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
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
ljrinaldi's review
4.0
This is the story of Bo, who’s mother marries Bill, who already has a daughter, about her age. Bill lives in a brownstone, in Harlem, with another couple, who also have two girls. So it is very much a blended family. And Bo has to go from being a single child, to being part of a sisterhood of four.
There are wonderful details about Harlem sprinkled throughout the book, and because the sisters are all freeschooled, a form of home schooling where the girls all do projects, such as sewing or baking, or researching local history, Bo is doing school all summer long, whether she wants to or not. She even gets to go on a tour of Louis Armstrong’s house, as part of her research.
The girls are into music, and Bo, who likes to do drums, fits right in, that aspect.
It is a fun, story, full of both liking to be in a full household with her “sisters” and wanting things to be the way they used to be when it was just her mother and her.
THanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
There are wonderful details about Harlem sprinkled throughout the book, and because the sisters are all freeschooled, a form of home schooling where the girls all do projects, such as sewing or baking, or researching local history, Bo is doing school all summer long, whether she wants to or not. She even gets to go on a tour of Louis Armstrong’s house, as part of her research.
The girls are into music, and Bo, who likes to do drums, fits right in, that aspect.
It is a fun, story, full of both liking to be in a full household with her “sisters” and wanting things to be the way they used to be when it was just her mother and her.
THanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
dreabenvenuto's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes