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jnishi's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic book. Great for history and theatre enthusiasts of all ages.
debstubb's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
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? Yes
4.25
sophjoy's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
erincataldi's review against another edition
5.0
My heart! This was such a tearjerker for me. This middle grade novel set in the months following the fall of the Twin Towers wrecked me emotionally and I can't recommend it enough. 8th grade singer, Shirli Berman, wants to look forward to something positive in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack and the loss of her grandmother. She has her sights set on being Hodel in the spring musical, Fiddler on the Roof. When she is stuck playing Golde, the mother, she is at first disappointed but then realizes her "husband" will be the most popular boy in school. She may not get any solos but she can act and sing her heart out. As a Jewish teen, Shirli relates to the story of the musical, her grandfather was even from Poland not long after the play is set. She wants to really get into the part so she starts going over to her grandfather's house more and trying to get him to talk about his past, something he never does. Even her father (his son) doesn't know about all the terrible things he suffered through during the Holocaust. Shirli and her grandfather start bonding over the musical and start opening up to each other in very powerful ways. A wonderful, moving story.
lisawreading's review against another edition
5.0
Broken Strings is a layered, thoughtful, and ultimately uplifting book about the power of family, memory, and music. Set only months after the terrible events of 9/11, the story follows Shirli and her middle school classmates, all of whom experienced some of the horror of living through 9/11, whether through images on TV, or seeing the towers fall from across the Hudson River, or having lost friends or family in the attacks.
Now, six months later, the school readies for its spring musical production, Fiddler on the Roof. Shirli is initially disappointed not to get the flashier role of Hodel, the daughter in the musical with the best solo, but she grows to appreciate her role as Golde, especially since it means spending hours working with the adorable Ben, who has the star role of Tevye, Golde's husband.
Shirli knows from her parents that her grandfather's parents' families were originally from Eastern Europe and lived through some of the pogroms that took place in the time period of Fiddler, so she begins to ask him questions in hopes of better understanding the characters. And although she's aware that Zayde survived the Holocaust and bears a concentration camp tattoo on his arm, he's never spoken of his experiences to her or to anyone else in the family. But as she visits Zayde, little by little he begins to share the story of what happened to his family during the Holocaust, and why he has never played his violin or even listened to music in all the years since.
There's so much to love about Broken Strings. First, it's a sweet story about middle school friendship and crushes, about talent and hard work and ambition, and about dedication to one's passions. At the same time, it's about family, the power of love, and the devastation of loss and memories too painful to bring into the light of day. And finally, it's about the healing power of sharing oneself and one's stories, about making connections, and about rising above hatred to find common ground in even unlikely places.
The characters are all well-drawn and realistic, and it's beautiful to see how Zayde influences those around him by reaching across divides and making friends. Shirli is a lovely main character, and I appreciated how well the authors show both her insecurities and her devotion to her friends and family.
Broken Strings is really a special book. Highly recommended for middle grade readers as well as the adults in their lives.
Now, six months later, the school readies for its spring musical production, Fiddler on the Roof. Shirli is initially disappointed not to get the flashier role of Hodel, the daughter in the musical with the best solo, but she grows to appreciate her role as Golde, especially since it means spending hours working with the adorable Ben, who has the star role of Tevye, Golde's husband.
Shirli knows from her parents that her grandfather's parents' families were originally from Eastern Europe and lived through some of the pogroms that took place in the time period of Fiddler, so she begins to ask him questions in hopes of better understanding the characters. And although she's aware that Zayde survived the Holocaust and bears a concentration camp tattoo on his arm, he's never spoken of his experiences to her or to anyone else in the family. But as she visits Zayde, little by little he begins to share the story of what happened to his family during the Holocaust, and why he has never played his violin or even listened to music in all the years since.
There's so much to love about Broken Strings. First, it's a sweet story about middle school friendship and crushes, about talent and hard work and ambition, and about dedication to one's passions. At the same time, it's about family, the power of love, and the devastation of loss and memories too painful to bring into the light of day. And finally, it's about the healing power of sharing oneself and one's stories, about making connections, and about rising above hatred to find common ground in even unlikely places.
The characters are all well-drawn and realistic, and it's beautiful to see how Zayde influences those around him by reaching across divides and making friends. Shirli is a lovely main character, and I appreciated how well the authors show both her insecurities and her devotion to her friends and family.
Broken Strings is really a special book. Highly recommended for middle grade readers as well as the adults in their lives.
miszjeanie's review against another edition
4.0
Broken Strings is a strong middle-grade release about the pain of the past and how it can affect future generations. This novel features characters with a deep love of music, a captivating account of surviving the Jewish Holocaust, and the beauty of unlikely friendships. If you enjoy books with any of the themes mentioned, then this book is right up your alley. I would definitely recommend it to fans of middle-grade historical fiction.
Read my full review on my blog.
Read my full review on my blog.
msvenner's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars... I'm very stingy with my five star ratings but I was tempted for a full five stars. This is an outstanding book for middle grade readers. The holocaust themes are difficult but handled with a deft hand. This is a book that has something for every student ... history, tension, drama, even a little romance.
cayleigh08's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book unconditionally. It was so beautiful and Shirli was almost creepily like me in almost every way. For that, I found her so relatable and likeable. This book needs to be read by every single person living. Booktok needs to start hyping this book up because it deserves the world! This was a heartbreaking yet heartfelt book. Broken Strings is a must read for everyone!!