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typedtruths's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
For the third time, Levithan nailed it. An insightful novel exploring book bans in the US for a young audience. It was heartfelt, heart-wrenching, and heart-warming all at once. A new favourite.
And yes, I did sob ✌️
▷ Representation: achillean protagonists; Mexican love interest.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
And yes, I did sob ✌️
▷ Representation: achillean protagonists; Mexican love interest.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
➸ Trigger warnings for homophobia (discussed, on-page).mamadonna's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
If I had a 5th grader, I would want their teacher to assign this book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
jaelovesbooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Just finished Answers in the Pages and I absolutely adored it! It's a middle grade book about censorship and queer youth. Not too heavy but powerful and sweet! It masterfully weaves between the stories of different kids in one town (including one boy whose mother challenges a book assigned in class) as well as excerpts from the fictional book being challenged. I was smiling like an idiot at parts that were simply too precious. I highly recommend this book to everyone, kids and adults alike. You just might learn something new or maybe you'll even see yourself on the page!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
jfalb330's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
alyceno's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
befrazzledenby's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Beautiful little MG novel I can't wait to recommend. I teared up in a lot of places. As a queer librarian and educator (especially one from the South), this one meant a lot. :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
reading_diaries's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
While this book is intended for a much younger audience, I enjoyed it thoroughly. David Levithan just has a way of writing dynamic, engaging and loveable characters like no one else can.
The connection between Gideon and Donovan was my absolute favourite. While it was a little confusing at times to go back and forth through POVs, it was incredibly beautiful. I will say, the POVs from the actual book were annoying and I skipped them as I didn't find them to be an essential part of the story until the very last chapter.
It saddens me to know that this is a very real thing that students face. The idea that children don't understand gender or their own sexuality is completely ridiculous because if you can shove science and math at children and expect them to understand completely unnecessary formulas, then you expect them to know more about themselves than you do. Banning books from school doesn't change the fact that children might eventually read books about self expression, different types of love or sexuality but rather changes the (already difficult and hard) journey they faces as they navigate themselves in a society that seems to think it has a right to tell you who you are.
To the children, teenagers and adults still figuring themselves out - just know that there are communities and people that accept you for who you are regardless of your journey.
The connection between Gideon and Donovan was my absolute favourite. While it was a little confusing at times to go back and forth through POVs, it was incredibly beautiful. I will say, the POVs from the actual book were annoying and I skipped them as I didn't find them to be an essential part of the story until the very last chapter.
It saddens me to know that this is a very real thing that students face. The idea that children don't understand gender or their own sexuality is completely ridiculous because if you can shove science and math at children and expect them to understand completely unnecessary formulas, then you expect them to know more about themselves than you do. Banning books from school doesn't change the fact that children might eventually read books about self expression, different types of love or sexuality but rather changes the (already difficult and hard) journey they faces as they navigate themselves in a society that seems to think it has a right to tell you who you are.
To the children, teenagers and adults still figuring themselves out - just know that there are communities and people that accept you for who you are regardless of your journey.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Lesbophobia, Biphobia, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Transphobia
missrosymaplemoth's review against another edition
3.75
A book about a book taught in a classroom challenged for being “gay.” Donovan is reading “The Adventurers” in his fifth-grade class. When his mom checks out the book, she disapproves of the two male main characters being in love with each other. She challenges the book through the school administration and the situation snowballs.
This book explores what it means to censor a part of the human experience and how hatred is taught rather than inborn.
The multiple POVs were distracting at times, as I didn’t see a fundamental need to read excerpts from “The Adventurers.” However, I enjoyed Gideon’s chapters and they made sense in the end.
I would recommend this book to readers aged 9 to 13, although anyone older could read and enjoy this as well.
This book explores what it means to censor a part of the human experience and how hatred is taught rather than inborn.
The multiple POVs were distracting at times, as I didn’t see a fundamental need to read excerpts from “The Adventurers.” However, I enjoyed Gideon’s chapters and they made sense in the end.
I would recommend this book to readers aged 9 to 13, although anyone older could read and enjoy this as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
cateemma's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
augustar14's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
A wonderfully written book that is another great example of David Levithan's incredible ability to masterfully weave together storylines in a way that never fails to leave me awestruck. It is also, unfortunately, incredibly necessary, showing how a book that simply includes love that isn't heteronormative, even if it isn't anywhere close to the focus, can cause uproar amongst parents if that book is assigned in a classroom. The students themselves aren't the ones who hold the hate. However, it is also a beautiful story about how conversations between children and their parents can be a place for connection and growth for both sides, and how initial impressions and reactions don't always mean they lack space for growth. A poignant book for young people and parents alike, Levithan has created yet another masterpiece.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Homophobia