amd_'s review against another edition
4.0
I did really like the book. I wish we could have seen more of the family escaping the abusive household. I also think that it is quite mature for middle grades. I do 100% believe we need to discuss mature topics like mental illness, abuse, and sexual orientation during those years, but maybe a lighter hand would be better. I think otherwise, the book could be triggering or scary for younger kids and discourage them from reading contemporary books like this in the future
lreid's review against another edition
2.0
I selected this book for a school project. Alan Cole is struggling with a difficult home life due to his strict father and his brother who is taking out his frustration on Alan. I wanted to like this book because Alan stared off as a character that as a reader you are set up to root for. However, the plot became too predicable.
francisopal's review against another edition
5.0
Young and fresh and sad. A great MG book about bullying and identity. I can't wait for the sequel so Alan can get his happy ending.
emmascc's review against another edition
4.0
This book made me really sad for a lot of it, but I was so happy to see Alan stand up for himself
finntheknight's review against another edition
5.0
Sensationell gefühlvoll. Ein Buch was Situationen ernst nimmt und anspricht. Alan muss man einfach lieben!
milenap's review against another edition
3.0
Wtf was that. Dosłownie przez cały czas bagatelizują PRZEOGROMNĄ przemoc fizyczna i psychiczna. Dałabym 2 ale końcówka troche to uratowała
blombern's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Outing, Homophobia, Fatphobia, and Emotional abuse
sourjapes's review against another edition
5.0
Alan Cole is Not a Coward is one of those rare stories that seem to be processed more in your gut than your mind.
And my gut is still processing Alan's journey. The surprise belly laughs continue to be savored. And the terrors remain chilling.
Many of Alan's experiences feel like amplified versions of near-universal experiences. Like building self-esteem in a rapidly changing environment, finding your friends, and stepping out of your comfort zone. And Alan faces significant adversity, especially in a competitive, bullying brother and a very unhealthy home environment.
As we know from the blurb, Alan's brother forces him to engage in a no-win challenge that will out Alan's gayness to the world if he can't perform a list of impossible tasks. The game becomes Alan's primary quest as he finds his way in school and at home.
That Alan's zany, coming-of-age adventures should be the counterweight to the prospect of forced out of the closet comes off a bit tasteless. But the ill manners come from our society, from the hardship that comes from growing up different, particularly being gay. Cole-vs-Cole is absurd and seems arbitrary, but no more so than in life. And the comedy in Alan Cole is Not a Coward is intoxicating against such a bleak backdrop. When you laugh, it will be triumphantly because it means Alan's starting to win.
Then there's Alan's family. It is rough. All of us have experienced or know many others who have grown-up in similarly hostile environments. Following Alan into his home is challenging as a reader. That he comes to understand his father and brother can be tough to swallow. But an idealized moral victory, in which the hero resoundingly defeats his antagonists, isn't realistic here. He still has to live with his family. Progress is celebrated because total victories are rare in complicated situations.
I enjoyed the read, which made me audibly laugh and cry.
And my gut is still processing Alan's journey. The surprise belly laughs continue to be savored. And the terrors remain chilling.
Many of Alan's experiences feel like amplified versions of near-universal experiences. Like building self-esteem in a rapidly changing environment, finding your friends, and stepping out of your comfort zone. And Alan faces significant adversity, especially in a competitive, bullying brother and a very unhealthy home environment.
As we know from the blurb, Alan's brother forces him to engage in a no-win challenge that will out Alan's gayness to the world if he can't perform a list of impossible tasks. The game becomes Alan's primary quest as he finds his way in school and at home.
That Alan's zany, coming-of-age adventures should be the counterweight to the prospect of forced out of the closet comes off a bit tasteless. But the ill manners come from our society, from the hardship that comes from growing up different, particularly being gay. Cole-vs-Cole is absurd and seems arbitrary, but no more so than in life. And the comedy in Alan Cole is Not a Coward is intoxicating against such a bleak backdrop. When you laugh, it will be triumphantly because it means Alan's starting to win.
Then there's Alan's family. It is rough. All of us have experienced or know many others who have grown-up in similarly hostile environments. Following Alan into his home is challenging as a reader. That he comes to understand his father and brother can be tough to swallow. But an idealized moral victory, in which the hero resoundingly defeats his antagonists, isn't realistic here. He still has to live with his family. Progress is celebrated because total victories are rare in complicated situations.
I enjoyed the read, which made me audibly laugh and cry.
suzannedix's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! From the laughable dialogue between the members of the Unstable Table to the tense and disturbing emotional abuse within Alan’s house, this book is unputdownable! I wish I had grabbed book 2 when I had the chance because I am hooked!
Themes of bullying, coming out and what it means to be brave in a non-superhero way will really resonate with students.
Grades 6 and up.
Themes of bullying, coming out and what it means to be brave in a non-superhero way will really resonate with students.
Grades 6 and up.
alistairlowe's review against another edition
5.0
It's a cute book but I mean this is straight family abuse from literally every member. I don’t care about apologetic brother arc who is obviously under his fathers influence. His mother is an emotionally weak woman afraid of her husband, but listen lady you do not tell your son the truth about how his father "blames him for something" when he couldn’t influence it. He’s a 12 year old boy ffs. And his father? He is both mentally and psychically damaging his children. I just don’t like the ending of the book going with the idea everyone has battles and things will get better. His mother should have packed their stuff, take the kids and ask for a restraining order against her husband.