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sammysteven's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Terminal illness
Minor: Pregnancy
lubleu's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Angela Moon and Harry Christmas are 'almost-twins'. Born on the same day in the same hospital, they live next door to each other and have always been friends. Their parents build a treehouse for them filled with all their favourite things- art supplies for Angie and cloud-spotting guides for Harry. Angie documents how they spend their days together in this diary formatted book until Harry starts feeling ill.
This story tries to combine many different elements, which is admirable- they're all worthwhile topics- but in such a short book, they don't end up feeling particularly explored. It feels like the focus will be on the pressures on the children's friendship throughout these challenges but that is diluted by the other plotline. Angie's great-grandmother comes to stay and shares her stories from her time spent interned by the Japanese in Singapore in the early 1940s, including the quilt her and other children made.
There were too many elements included in this book, which felt like a shame as what is in it, is nice, but more was needed. There was also the odd phrase that felt jarring to the rest of the text, feeling like an old-fashioned viewpoint and not one that matched other books of this ilk.
This story tries to combine many different elements, which is admirable- they're all worthwhile topics- but in such a short book, they don't end up feeling particularly explored. It feels like the focus will be on the pressures on the children's friendship throughout these challenges but that is diluted by the other plotline. Angie's great-grandmother comes to stay and shares her stories from her time spent interned by the Japanese in Singapore in the early 1940s, including the quilt her and other children made.
There were too many elements included in this book, which felt like a shame as what is in it, is nice, but more was needed. There was also the odd phrase that felt jarring to the rest of the text, feeling like an old-fashioned viewpoint and not one that matched other books of this ilk.
idreamofallthebooks's review against another edition
4.0
A fast and enjoyable read that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page!
The friendship between Angie and Harry was beautiful and sweet. Their adventures together were the perfect backdrop for the more serious themes that Williams wove within the story. I particularly enjoyed how their tree house was the perfect escape for the realities of the world, and how it represented the need for privacy in times of intense emotional situations.
One of the most standout parts of the story was how the seriousness of terminal illness was reflected through the innocence reactions of a child. It showed how the emotions of a child are just as raw as those of an adult, and that their feelings are just as powerful. The exploration of loss and grief is a necessary one, as everyone, no matter their age, will one day have to experience this for themselves.
Thank you @walkerbooksaus for gifting me a copy to review!
The friendship between Angie and Harry was beautiful and sweet. Their adventures together were the perfect backdrop for the more serious themes that Williams wove within the story. I particularly enjoyed how their tree house was the perfect escape for the realities of the world, and how it represented the need for privacy in times of intense emotional situations.
One of the most standout parts of the story was how the seriousness of terminal illness was reflected through the innocence reactions of a child. It showed how the emotions of a child are just as raw as those of an adult, and that their feelings are just as powerful. The exploration of loss and grief is a necessary one, as everyone, no matter their age, will one day have to experience this for themselves.
Thank you @walkerbooksaus for gifting me a copy to review!
madhamster's review
4.0
***Spoiler Alert***
Anger often comes out when grieving, something that is vividly - and so really - depicted in this novel.
Angie, the first person narrator in this diary format story, runs the gamut of emotions as her best friend and nearly-twin, Harry gradually succumbs to illness. (Although not stated, it seems to be a brain tumour.)
Threaded through their story is that of Angie's great-grandmother and her time spent in Changi prison during World War Two, in the Japanese occupation of Singapore.
Anger often comes out when grieving, something that is vividly - and so really - depicted in this novel.
Angie, the first person narrator in this diary format story, runs the gamut of emotions as her best friend and nearly-twin, Harry gradually succumbs to illness. (Although not stated, it seems to be a brain tumour.)
Threaded through their story is that of Angie's great-grandmother and her time spent in Changi prison during World War Two, in the Japanese occupation of Singapore.
themaliciousreader's review
4.0
I got a physical ARC at Deptcon 4 because Deptcon is the best.
Cloud Boy told the story of Angie Moon through diary entries.
I liked this format and enjoyed reading her story. Since it was a diary, the author wrote the book through a child voice. It was a very fast read and I enjoyed it. It was cute at times and a bit more unnerving at others, but all around this was very enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone, no matter their age.
Cloud Boy told the story of Angie Moon through diary entries.
I liked this format and enjoyed reading her story. Since it was a diary, the author wrote the book through a child voice. It was a very fast read and I enjoyed it. It was cute at times and a bit more unnerving at others, but all around this was very enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone, no matter their age.
brona's review
4.0
Yes, there are lots of books about childhood friendship morphing into childhood illness, resulting in death and grief out there for kids these days. But every now and again you come across one that is so well done, you simply have to share about it.
Williams has written a touching story that is mostly told through journal entries.
Of particular interest (for me though) was the grandmother's story of her time in Changi prison as a child in WWII, that is told alongside the main story of Harry Christmas (cloud boy) and his best friend and neighbour, Angie Moon. Her story is told via the letters she wrote in secret, whilst in captivity, to her lost kitten. They reveal how a Girls Guide group was created to give the young girls a purpose during their time in Changi. They secretly sewed a quilt for their Guide leader to show her their love and appreciation.
This part is based on the true story of Olga Henderson - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/7768593/The-secrets-of-the-Changi-Girl-Guide-quilt.html
Grandma's story reminds us that awful thing have happened to children all through the ages, and that despite the hardship, suffering, fear, loss and grief, we can survive. We can even do better than that - we can go on to live happy, full lives.
So as Angie and Harry deal with their own childhood crisis, we, the reader, can feel hope for the future and trust that any sadness can be dealt with and lived through.
As a bonus, you will also learn all about the various cloud types as you read the story and pour over the front and end papers.
Highly recommended for mature 10+ readers.
Williams has written a touching story that is mostly told through journal entries.
Of particular interest (for me though) was the grandmother's story of her time in Changi prison as a child in WWII, that is told alongside the main story of Harry Christmas (cloud boy) and his best friend and neighbour, Angie Moon. Her story is told via the letters she wrote in secret, whilst in captivity, to her lost kitten. They reveal how a Girls Guide group was created to give the young girls a purpose during their time in Changi. They secretly sewed a quilt for their Guide leader to show her their love and appreciation.
This part is based on the true story of Olga Henderson - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/7768593/The-secrets-of-the-Changi-Girl-Guide-quilt.html
Grandma's story reminds us that awful thing have happened to children all through the ages, and that despite the hardship, suffering, fear, loss and grief, we can survive. We can even do better than that - we can go on to live happy, full lives.
So as Angie and Harry deal with their own childhood crisis, we, the reader, can feel hope for the future and trust that any sadness can be dealt with and lived through.
As a bonus, you will also learn all about the various cloud types as you read the story and pour over the front and end papers.
Highly recommended for mature 10+ readers.
ellielabbett's review
5.0
At times hillarious and at others upsetting and hardhitting. Cloud Boy is told through the diary entries of Angie Moon, as she and her inseparable best friend Harry spend long days filled with play and cloud spotting. Interrupted by illness, Williams delves into the mind of a child coming to terms with a friend who is no longer able to live the life that they are used to. This is a story fraught with internal dilemma; trying to understand what a good friend should do and make a path through emotions and circumstances that are beyond control.
Williams does well in depicting a narrator that is often in conflict with herself, her family and the reader. I found myself really emphathising with Angie and her often frustrating, understandble stream of thoughts and actions, as she tries to do what is right for herself and her friend. A story which should not be shyed away from with children who are capable of navigating a sensitive subject matter. Seeing illness through the eyes of another child is something that could really comfort young readers. Particularly thorough the fact that another person also sees the unfairness of the change and upset that comes with illness.
Williams does well in depicting a narrator that is often in conflict with herself, her family and the reader. I found myself really emphathising with Angie and her often frustrating, understandble stream of thoughts and actions, as she tries to do what is right for herself and her friend. A story which should not be shyed away from with children who are capable of navigating a sensitive subject matter. Seeing illness through the eyes of another child is something that could really comfort young readers. Particularly thorough the fact that another person also sees the unfairness of the change and upset that comes with illness.
aoife26935's review
4.0
Heartbreaking but ultimately life-affirming, this is a story that will stay with you for a long time. It's fantastically written and touching without going too far. I hope this book does well; it would be great in schools.
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