littleghost6044's review against another edition
5.0
Sooo good! Immediately ordering the next two in the series!
christinesreads's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
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? No
5.0
mransford's review
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
raechsreads's review against another edition
5.0
Such an amazing graphic novel about a young man figuring out where he fits in with friends, school, clubs, and more. Highly recommend.
taberiusrex's review against another edition
5.0
I was surprised to hear that the Newbery Medal went to a graphic novel, and even more so when I realized this was it. I'd already had it on my list for the MCBA and was looking forward to reading it, so I just scooted it to the top.
I'll admit, I wasn't on board at first. The story was interesting and the characters were promising, but I was having a hard time connecting with the artwork. But after the first couple of chapters (which are each only a few pages long, so not much of a time investment) I realized I was completely sucked in. The art is really suited to the story, which is itself a nuanced and deep experience. Every character has multitudes and not every mystery is answered, which I found critical to the feeling of realism that's necessary in this sort of story.
And that, I think, is where the Newbery Medal comes from. The narrative speaks to our times and to what middle school students are currently experiencing. (He said, polishing his "middle school librarian" badge.) It also speaks personally to my experience. Though I was in a much more privileged position than Jordan, I had to change schools three times in the four years that covered middle school. I deeply relate to his woes about being the new kid.
In all, this is a great book and its Newbery win is well-deserved. It's hard to think of a more timely and more appropriate book to be the first graphic novel winner.
I'll admit, I wasn't on board at first. The story was interesting and the characters were promising, but I was having a hard time connecting with the artwork. But after the first couple of chapters (which are each only a few pages long, so not much of a time investment) I realized I was completely sucked in. The art is really suited to the story, which is itself a nuanced and deep experience. Every character has multitudes and not every mystery is answered, which I found critical to the feeling of realism that's necessary in this sort of story.
And that, I think, is where the Newbery Medal comes from. The narrative speaks to our times and to what middle school students are currently experiencing. (He said, polishing his "middle school librarian" badge.) It also speaks personally to my experience. Though I was in a much more privileged position than Jordan, I had to change schools three times in the four years that covered middle school. I deeply relate to his woes about being the new kid.
In all, this is a great book and its Newbery win is well-deserved. It's hard to think of a more timely and more appropriate book to be the first graphic novel winner.
c_rewie6's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
gschroeder's review
funny
hopeful
reflective
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? No
4.0