Scan barcode
mon_ique's review against another edition
5.0
I understand why this was a favorite, from 2012 Monique's perspective. I still love it, although it took a few chapters for everything to get into a good rhythm. The hate-able characters were sooo hate-able (it outraged my soul, the behavior of Brianna and her posse, their bullying). The loveable characters were... The guy who's name started with an M and Kippy. KIPPY y'all. Makes the book, I'd recommend.
The thing I love about rereading books is I completely forget what happens most of the time. The connection in the last 1/4 part?! Completely unexpected. Loved the drama, the resolution, although I really would have loved an epilogue 5 years in the future, where they're about to graduate or something. Or a second book, although I have no plot ideas.
Anyways, I thought it was really heartfelt, although the character development was annoying for everyone, except Walk.
The thing I love about rereading books is I completely forget what happens most of the time. The connection in the last 1/4 part?! Completely unexpected. Loved the drama, the resolution, although I really would have loved an epilogue 5 years in the future, where they're about to graduate or something. Or a second book, although I have no plot ideas.
Anyways, I thought it was really heartfelt, although the character development was annoying for everyone, except Walk.
jessalynn_librarian's review against another edition
4.0
Told from the points of view of Kirsten and Walk, 7th graders from different backgrounds who find they have something unexpected in common. The resolution is strong and believable, but the real charms of the story are the build-up and characters. Definitely one to reread.
reesiecup7's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't really understand the point of this one. It seemed like it could be interesting about halfway through, but the author doesn't really finish the story. The characters are cliche and even the drama caused by the mean girls seems purposeless. Just didn't see the point of this one....
aliyaaa's review against another edition
2.0
Kind of problematic??? It also just feels like the author ran out of ideas halfway through the first draft and decided to pull something out of the bag
chwaters's review against another edition
3.0
While the day to day dilemmas faced by the two main characters feel spot-on, the overall story line feels a bit contrived. I felt as though the "big secret" that Kirsten discovers is almost a bit soap-opera-y , even though it does open the doors for Choldenko to bring issues of racial identity into the forefront. I actually was really liking the "b-story" of Matteo and Brianna, which felt far more timely and realistic. Unfortunately, while this story is introduced and begins to feel as though it might be the real conflict in the story, it is never really resolved. Still, a compelling, swift read that should work quite well for my middle schoolers to discuss tomorrow night. I'll be interested to hear what they've got to say about it.
lottpoet's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
writerjholland's review against another edition
3.0
I expected something a lot different from the story. I felt like the race issues were thrown away in favor of a more sensational plot line. I also thought the weight issues between Kirsten and her mom were never resolved. The book is engaging, I'm just disappointed in it.
hezann73's review against another edition
3.0
I think I would have given this book more stars if it had had a bit more of a resolution. I didn't have any confidence that the characters would make it through their difficulties and I wanted to be reassured.
readingonfordearlife's review against another edition
3.0
I'm still unsure how to review and rate this book, but here's my best shot! It is a book clearly intended for a middle grade audience, but I personally felt that at times the tone and themes seemed much more adult to me. All in all, I did find it to be entertaining to read. Here's the story in brief: Kirsten is beginning 7th grade with trepidation, low self-confidence, and an extra 30 pounds she did not have last year. Her best friend Rory seems more concerned with hanging with the popular girls than with her, and her parents appear to be on the verge of divorce. Walker is a new boy at the school, and he soon discovers that he just doesn't quite fit in with the students there. When he and Kirsten begin a friendship, things begin to look a bit brighter...until Kirsten unearths a secret that could change both their lives.
The book alternates between the viewpoints of Kirsten (who is white--I generally wouldn't report this, but racism and prejudice are major threads throughout the book) and Walker (who is black). I thought Choldenko did an excellent job capturing their unique voices. Kirsten is especially funny and clever as a narrator. The middle-school setting is very vivid and realistic. The book does deal with pretty adult themes, like racism, classism, prejudice, and marital discord. In my opinion and experience, some middle grade readers will not understand these themes, which are very subtly woven throughout the story. Advanced readers ages 12/13 and up will likely enjoy this one if they like realistic fiction stories with a school setting.
The book alternates between the viewpoints of Kirsten (who is white--I generally wouldn't report this, but racism and prejudice are major threads throughout the book) and Walker (who is black). I thought Choldenko did an excellent job capturing their unique voices. Kirsten is especially funny and clever as a narrator. The middle-school setting is very vivid and realistic. The book does deal with pretty adult themes, like racism, classism, prejudice, and marital discord. In my opinion and experience, some middle grade readers will not understand these themes, which are very subtly woven throughout the story. Advanced readers ages 12/13 and up will likely enjoy this one if they like realistic fiction stories with a school setting.
library_brandy's review against another edition
3.0
If a Tree Falls is told in alternating voices, Kirsten and Walk. Walk's chapters tend to be shorter, which is a shame since he's the more interesting (or at least, less annoying) character. Ordinarily this alternating-voice thing wouldn't bother me--but Kirsten's chapters are first-person and Walk's third-person, making it sound like Kirsten has a strange omniscience. The budding friendship between these two was more interesting before the Big Discovery That Changes Everything, the repercussions of which felt rushed and insincere.
After Al Capone Does My Shorts, I guess I'd expected something better. This wasn't bad, but it wasn't really great, either--it's just another addition to the long list of mediocre books I've read.
After Al Capone Does My Shorts, I guess I'd expected something better. This wasn't bad, but it wasn't really great, either--it's just another addition to the long list of mediocre books I've read.