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katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Partially-connected stories about vastly different lives, some funny, some moving.
I had a lump in my throat a couple of times. And laughed at others.
The thread linking these stories is subtly done. One school, home time, all these children are heading home, some alone, some in groups, some have a plan, others are chatting and wandering.
Though it's set in a time and place - a city block-system somewhere in America, ethnically diverse neighbourhood, these are regular kids. Talking about bogies, getting crushes, worried about bullies and dogs, some with family concerns.
We don't get a chance to get to know anyone in depth, which is one thing I always find frustrating about short stories, but if I try to imagine this more as snapshots getting a feel for the school, environment and a cross-section of local characters, it works. I liked seeing the same characters pop up in each other's stories as well, though I couldn't always remember who was who.
Some definitely hit home, the story of a group collecting pennies did give my lip a wobble.
These kids are still young, not yet the adolescents who boast and brag and flirt and flight. Almost past the 'tween' stage of naivety, games of imagination and caring about the world of childhood.
I liked it. Some stories I'd love to see extended into full novels of their own though.
For ages 9-13.
I had a lump in my throat a couple of times. And laughed at others.
The thread linking these stories is subtly done. One school, home time, all these children are heading home, some alone, some in groups, some have a plan, others are chatting and wandering.
Though it's set in a time and place - a city block-system somewhere in America, ethnically diverse neighbourhood, these are regular kids. Talking about bogies, getting crushes, worried about bullies and dogs, some with family concerns.
We don't get a chance to get to know anyone in depth, which is one thing I always find frustrating about short stories, but if I try to imagine this more as snapshots getting a feel for the school, environment and a cross-section of local characters, it works. I liked seeing the same characters pop up in each other's stories as well, though I couldn't always remember who was who.
Some definitely hit home, the story of a group collecting pennies did give my lip a wobble.
These kids are still young, not yet the adolescents who boast and brag and flirt and flight. Almost past the 'tween' stage of naivety, games of imagination and caring about the world of childhood.
I liked it. Some stories I'd love to see extended into full novels of their own though.
For ages 9-13.
rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
5.0
There is an element of magical realism in this book: the bus that fell from the sky. Tale after tale, block after block, the reader follows the stories of that section's protagonists, but the bus is a looming presence that grows larger with each new tale.
The first story took me back to teaching younger kids with their fondness for boogers and their fantastical explanations for everyday occurrences. Then the story veers into a vignette of a broken family and sickle-cell anemia before going back to conversational shenanigans.
The second "block" introduces us to a group of young thieves and out hearts soften and melt as we learn their ethical code and their plight.
I could go on block by block, but ultimately what you need to know is this: you read the list of topics being discussed in each block and they seem innocuous, but one you start reading you will be in awe of how layered and nuanced these stories are.
Another gem from Reynolds.
The first story took me back to teaching younger kids with their fondness for boogers and their fantastical explanations for everyday occurrences. Then the story veers into a vignette of a broken family and sickle-cell anemia before going back to conversational shenanigans.
The second "block" introduces us to a group of young thieves and out hearts soften and melt as we learn their ethical code and their plight.
I could go on block by block, but ultimately what you need to know is this: you read the list of topics being discussed in each block and they seem innocuous, but one you start reading you will be in awe of how layered and nuanced these stories are.
Another gem from Reynolds.
roseleaf24's review against another edition
4.0
This was a charming collection of stories about what happens after the final bell rings. They all tie together, especially in the last story when we find the explanation for the bus falling from the sky. I really enjoyed getting just these small pictures of the lives of these kids and finding out some of the backstory to understand them further.
librarydosebykristy's review against another edition
5.0
I love the compassion Reynolds has for this characters. I also think that he perfectly captures the experience of being a kid. His prose rings so so true.
oliviaaschmitz's review against another edition
5.0
fantastic. incredible. read it for my children’s lit class and it’s invigorated my passion for the power of children’s lit.
isalime's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
analyticalchaos's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this book. I liked this book a lot. It was a great slice-of-life kind of story that makes you smile. It shows you that in a way, everything’s always connected. Pure and sweet.
theythemsam's review against another edition
4.25
I loved placer streets story with the low cuts. There wasn’t a story I didn’t like tbh. All of them exploring black childhood and the different lives we all love, whether known to each other or not. Ty giving Bryson the roses in burman street😭😭😭
whatmrsharperisreading's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5