thebookguru's review
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I actually liked this graphic novel about Rex who has to wear glasses and is obv traumatised because of how he knows he’ll get bullied.
The bullying was horrible and it was sad he didn’t talk to his parents about it.
It was also sad how his family is poor so they couldn’t afford to get the nice ones and didn’t have health insurance when HE GOT STUNG BY A WASP!
Also, he had to babysit his brother when his parents are working which is obv wrong since he’s underage but not surprising as unfortunately a lot of older siblings have to look after their younger siblings.
I did like the fact that he eventually made a friend and was happy to be himself and finally he spoke to his abuela and she gave him excellent advice about PERSPECTIVE.
It was nice to see a graphic novel with a step parents and half sibling and sad his biological father was trash. Somehow he mustered the courage to deal with the bullying but that isn’t the case for everyone. I also didn’t like how the mum belittled his problems.
Overall I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did. Also especially sad since it’s based on the author’s life so I was looking forward to an Author’s Note and the Acknowlegdements but they didn’t have any 😔
The bullying was horrible and it was sad he didn’t talk to his parents about it.
It was also sad how his family is poor so they couldn’t afford to get the nice ones and didn’t have health insurance when HE GOT STUNG BY A WASP!
Also, he had to babysit his brother when his parents are working which is obv wrong since he’s underage but not surprising as unfortunately a lot of older siblings have to look after their younger siblings.
I did like the fact that he eventually made a friend and was happy to be himself and finally he spoke to his abuela and she gave him excellent advice about PERSPECTIVE.
It was nice to see a graphic novel with a step parents and half sibling and sad his biological father was trash. Somehow he mustered the courage to deal with the bullying but that isn’t the case for everyone. I also didn’t like how the mum belittled his problems.
Overall I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did. Also especially sad since it’s based on the author’s life so I was looking forward to an Author’s Note and the Acknowlegdements but they didn’t have any 😔
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
greenlivingaudioworm's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
kimmarieb's review
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Classism
klsriley's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
leanniefae's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Four Eyes by Rex Ogle and Dave Valeza was such a good read! I also was a geeky middle schooler in the 1990s who got glasses and hated them so, so much. I also got hit in the face with a (basket)ball, but mine was intentional and my glasses didn't break. Has anyone told you before that middle school is the WORST? The kids are awful, the teachers are burnt out, home life sucks because you're grown, *but not enough*, and your parents just don't understand (remember, 90s kid). Four Eyes captures this experience perfectly.
I absolutely love the fact that a character with a stutter is included, and the only mention of it at all is when they talk about how sports helped them make friends. They're never treated any differently and that's beautiful.
My reason for knocking off .25 star is because even though Rex was going through a lot, he was still a little $@*+head to his mom and while she could have been more supportive in some scenes, she really was doing her best for her spoiled American teenager. She did not deserve all his selfish crap, and then she took her distress out on her generous mom! I tried the same actions with my mom and she did not take it as chill as Rex's mom. I still have trauma! I honestly don't know if my peers had my experience, or Rex's.
I received an advance reader copy of this graphic novel free from a local book store, and my review is completely my own opinion and freely given.
I absolutely love the fact that a character with a stutter is included, and the only mention of it at all is when they talk about how sports helped them make friends. They're never treated any differently and that's beautiful.
I received an advance reader copy of this graphic novel free from a local book store, and my review is completely my own opinion and freely given.
Content Warnings
Minor: Ableism and Bullying
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