A review by mikaylay
All the Ways to Go by Jessie Janowitz

adventurous funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

  

Thank you to Netgalley, publisher, and author for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. 

All the Ways to Go is a charming children's book by Jessie Janowitz that will appeal to both young and adult readers. I enjoyed reading about Milo's bond with his grandmother Ruth, as well as their excursions. The author effectively portrays the concerns and interests of young children, such as wanting to go to summer camp, feeling too tall or short for their age, and how they, along with their interests, change over time. The book uses vivid analogies that both children and adults can relate to, such as the car being as green as a green apple Blow Pop and the cat appearing as large as Clifford the Big Red Dog. These analogies help readers visualize the descriptive writing while also providing them with something to relate to that they might see, do, or have in their own lives. There was plenty of comedy throughout the novel, giving it a lighthearted and amusing tone. The novel also features comedy while highlighting the loveable behaviors of kids, such as flushing a harmonica down the toilet, and the wonders of their brains.

The characters, particularly Milo and Roxie, show excellent character development and growth. The writing is descriptive, well-written, and inventive, allowing readers to vividly picture settings, characters, games, and scenes. The plot is well-developed, simple to follow, and engaging, with each chapter leaving readers curious about the next adventure. The book also provides readers with an opportunity to learn about games like Go and other games like Mahjong and Chess through Milo and Roxie. I liked how the author dedicates pages at the end to explain the history, rules, and plays of the game Go while also providing additional resources for readers to play the game themselves.

However, the author's use of the phrase "truth" pulls the reader out of the story. I understand the author's use of this to make a point about Milo telling himself truths, but I felt the flow of the book would be better without this declaration of sorts since I believe the author's writing does an excellent job of conveying Milo's truths without it.

All the Ways to Go is a gripping children's book by Jessie Janowitz that includes intriguing adventures about interests, life changes, friendships, experiences, and games like Go. This book is appropriate for children aged 10 and older, as well as adults who appreciate stories about adventures in libraries, daycares, the strange habits of cats and humans, and games such as chess and Go.