reading_binosaur's review against another edition
5.0
Alan Gratz is amazing.
Telling stories based on real events from multiple points of view (even though time and distance) and tying everything together.
Heart wrenching storytelling that sucks you in and makes you feel.
Telling stories based on real events from multiple points of view (even though time and distance) and tying everything together.
Heart wrenching storytelling that sucks you in and makes you feel.
sarahannkateri's review against another edition
4.0
Cool to see a middle grade story that's critical of American foreign policy. Good for discussion.
bpol's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Went into this pretty skeptical as it did not seem like a book I would like. I only read it (or even knew about it) because it was the IASL Teen Book Award winner last year. I was pleasantly surprised by it and appreciated the intertwining of Brandon's story on 9/11 and Reshmina's story in Afghanistan 18 years later. I think it would be a good book to read with a middle schooler and talk about to be able help them gain some understanding of 9/11 and the US invasion of Afghanistan. Lots of good empathy building in this book.
gayravenclaw4046's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
This book is so emotional. I shed a few tears at times. It was like reliving the nightmare all over again.
heetlibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
A very intense look at the lives of two children living different but somehow similar lives. The descriptions of events taking place through the eyes of a child during 9/11 were haunting but riveting. The life of a child in modern day Afghanistan was equally interesting and eye opening. I don't recommend this for elementary aged children, but would for Middle School.
bobbys's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
tense
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? No
4.5
This book is about two characters Brandon and Reshima. Brandon is in the world trade center tower as it vet hits by airplanes and he loses his dad in the process. Reshima is in Afghanistan in her local village and her village is a war zone for the Americans vs the Taliban. Both characters lose someone in a war of the world. This shows war is not good and ruins lives.
lanfisch's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
tishreads's review against another edition
3.0
This was a hard book to read, but an important book to read. I'm not sure if middle schoolers and high schoolers will have as hard a time with it as I did since they didn't live through the events of 9/11.
urmomreadsalot's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0