Reviews

I loved this poignant, moving book about an adopted girl's search for her own identity. As the adoptive mother of a mixed-race child, I related to her plight and the questions she asks about herself and her two families, birth and adoptive. Family history and World War II stories are also two topics I find fascinating, so this novel spoke to me on many levels. Besides being about subjects I find intriguing, it also features likable characters, solid prose, a compelling plot, and a story that is upbeat and uplifting despite some difficult content. The dual-timeline structure worked well for me—although I usually find myself caring more about the past story, in this case I found both equally engrossing. For all these reasons and more, I really enjoyed this book. I'd give it 4 1/2 stars if I could; since I can't, I'm rounding up.

okiegirl4's review

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5.0

Turning the last page in this book I said "Wow, that was a great story". Now I just want to hand it to someone and say "you have to read this story so we can talk about it".

tammys_take's review against another edition

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5.0

I want everyone to read this book! It was just that good! I can’t believe this book doesn’t have more ratings/reads on here. This story is told from two perspectives and dual timelines. Present day, Imani is an adopted 12 year old girl preparing for her Bat Mitzvah, and while researching comes across a diary of her great-great grandmother Anna. In 1941, 12 year old Anna Hirsch is sent from Luxembourg to America to live with her father’s cousin as the Nazi’s take over Luxembourg, leaving behind her 5 siblings, including a twin sister and her parents. Both Imani and Anna embark on a journey of self-discovery, redefining family, and grieving lost family as they battle coming to terms with events not in their control. A beautiful story of love, friendships and family.

apotts's review against another edition

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4.0

Great for younger middle school (although other levels would enjoy, too), The Length of a String ties together two stories--that of an seventh grade, present day American girl and that of her maternal great-grandmother who was the only child from a family of six sent over to escape the Holocaust. Both voices are engaging and realistic, while true to their time. What I love the most about this book is the connections the main character is able to make based on her relatives' tragedies and triumphs so long ago, which will not only help readers understand a part of the past, but connect it to modern day, as well.

sydneyraereads's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring 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

kbucheit's review

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emotional inspiring 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? Yes

5.0

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