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polly__flint's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
alexbe2ab4's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
4.75
mick's review against another edition
There was a bit too much going on in this for not enough payoff.
tiffani_reads's review against another edition
4.0
When I asked for a copy of this book to review I knew very little about it going into it. I knew it was about a girl named Jack and her younger brother that was struggling with the concept of gender.
This book is so much more than that! While it does discuss gender openly and how you should not be forced to fit into a box, it covers so many more topics. Grief plays a huge part throughout the book and both Jack and Birdie are still grieving the death of their mother and the life that they use to have.
Birdie is being bullied, and at first it seems to be because he dresses different from the other boys in his class but really there is no cause and that is so true when it comes to bullies sometimes. Birdie is figuring out and exploring the fact that he is different, he knows that he likes to wear rainbow tights and a purple jacket but he doesn't know if he is transgender or gay, and says so when asked. All he knows is that those clothes make him happy and really that is the most important thing.
We should always allow people to be who they are on the outside, to match what they feel on the inside and I think this book does a good job of shedding some light on this issue. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see what else this author does in the future.
This book is so much more than that! While it does discuss gender openly and how you should not be forced to fit into a box, it covers so many more topics. Grief plays a huge part throughout the book and both Jack and Birdie are still grieving the death of their mother and the life that they use to have.
Birdie is being bullied, and at first it seems to be because he dresses different from the other boys in his class but really there is no cause and that is so true when it comes to bullies sometimes. Birdie is figuring out and exploring the fact that he is different, he knows that he likes to wear rainbow tights and a purple jacket but he doesn't know if he is transgender or gay, and says so when asked. All he knows is that those clothes make him happy and really that is the most important thing.
We should always allow people to be who they are on the outside, to match what they feel on the inside and I think this book does a good job of shedding some light on this issue. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see what else this author does in the future.
abigailbat's review
This heartfelt story focuses on the strong sibling bond between Jack and her little brother Birdie who is gender nonconforming. Birdie was allowed to be who he was when Mama was alive, but now that Mama's gone and they've been put into Uncle Jack's custody, all bets are off. This is a story of a sister and brother who are fiercely protective of each other and clinging to each other in a turbulent sea.
I loved the characterization, Birdie's for sure and the representation of a gender nonconforming kid without tons of labels - Birdie's not sure if he's gay, he's not sure if he's transgender. He just wants to be who he is and wear what he likes to wear. But I also really loved Jack's characterization, particularly how like her Uncle Patrick she is even though absolutely neither of them realize it. Jack tends to keep things close to the vest, having big thoughts but somehow unable to make the words come out of her mouth. She's an observer and a writer more than a talker and that sometimes makes it hard for her to make friends or express how she's feeling. Uncle Patrick's the same way, strong and silent but holding a world of emotions within his stoic demeanor that isn't revealed until close to the end of the book.
I'd hand this one to readers of See You at Harry's.
I loved the characterization, Birdie's for sure and the representation of a gender nonconforming kid without tons of labels - Birdie's not sure if he's gay, he's not sure if he's transgender. He just wants to be who he is and wear what he likes to wear. But I also really loved Jack's characterization, particularly how like her Uncle Patrick she is even though absolutely neither of them realize it. Jack tends to keep things close to the vest, having big thoughts but somehow unable to make the words come out of her mouth. She's an observer and a writer more than a talker and that sometimes makes it hard for her to make friends or express how she's feeling. Uncle Patrick's the same way, strong and silent but holding a world of emotions within his stoic demeanor that isn't revealed until close to the end of the book.
I'd hand this one to readers of See You at Harry's.
mslibrarynerd's review against another edition
5.0
What a delight. Good Characters, funny and endearing. Sweet support. Although there is a part of the story where the gender fluid Birdie is required to wear traditionally boy clothes, the family eventually gets in a place of defending him and the bullying takes place mostly off scene and does not feel too traumatic. I would let my gender fluid child read this.
ginkansas's review against another edition
5.0
Birdie and Jack are siblings who have to move in with their uncle after their mother's sudden death. The new scenery and people in their life throw them through a loop, but also pulls them out of their comfort zones. But when Birdie is bullied for being gender fluid and their uncle doesn't stand up for them, it's the last straw.
This was SUCH a good book! The overarching themes of discovering yourself and your place in the world as well as family and support aren't exactly new, but Nuanez handles them with a gentle and empathetic hand, making Jack and Birdie come to life. Fans of Kate Dicamillo, Ann M. Martin and Dan Gemeinhart will find something of great value in this novel.
This was SUCH a good book! The overarching themes of discovering yourself and your place in the world as well as family and support aren't exactly new, but Nuanez handles them with a gentle and empathetic hand, making Jack and Birdie come to life. Fans of Kate Dicamillo, Ann M. Martin and Dan Gemeinhart will find something of great value in this novel.
margotnelson's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
ninebookishlives's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5