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motherbird76's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
4.0
Chosen for prompt “musical instrument on cover. Nice story. Can’t believe I’d never read it.
andreatypesbraille's review against another edition
3.0
Completed for work.
It was fine, there were parts that were funny (hello vampire bat and fishhead guards, nor will I look at a Ticonderoga pencil the same way again), and plenty of passages that were heartfelt, but the middle seemed so draggy, and the ending was predictable.
I appreciate the historical points-the Depression era food lines, the racism, men trying to ride the rails of trains to travel the country, families living in "Hoovervilles", workers trying to bring unions into their area. I think the author may have attempted to cram too many historical facts into the story. It was a bit scattered and there was no driving factor to the plot.
I liked how this was told from the perspective of Bud, even some of the spelling throughout the book reflects that perspective. However, Bud doesn't seems to just float through the first half of the story--the foster home to sleeping under a tree, to trying to ride the trains. I found it to be a slightly frustrating read as I was left wondering, "So what?"
It was fine, there were parts that were funny (hello vampire bat and fishhead guards, nor will I look at a Ticonderoga pencil the same way again), and plenty of passages that were heartfelt, but the middle seemed so draggy, and the ending was predictable.
I appreciate the historical points-the Depression era food lines, the racism, men trying to ride the rails of trains to travel the country, families living in "Hoovervilles", workers trying to bring unions into their area. I think the author may have attempted to cram too many historical facts into the story. It was a bit scattered and there was no driving factor to the plot.
I liked how this was told from the perspective of Bud, even some of the spelling throughout the book reflects that perspective. However, Bud doesn't seems to just float through the first half of the story--the foster home to sleeping under a tree, to trying to ride the trains. I found it to be a slightly frustrating read as I was left wondering, "So what?"
zpitts's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
emilycirrus's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
laila4343's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to the audiobook version of this and it was PHENOMENAL. The late James Avery (arguably most famous for portraying the dad on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air) was one of the best readers I've ever heard. I'd never read the book before and had no idea it was so hilarious - seriously laugh-out-loud funny - as well as incredibly touching. If you need a good read for a car trip with school-age kids, this can't be beat. If you need a good read and you don't have kids, check it out too! So heartfelt and entertaining. Shot right into my all-time favorites. Can't wait to read more from Mr. Curtis.
laila4343's review against another edition
5.0
I started reading this aloud with my son but he wasn’t into it so I finished it myself. I love this book. The first time I read it was on audio, and reading it in paper form, it is just as wonderful. Bud is an indomitable little boy and the people he encounters on his adventure for the most part are kind and want to help him, which is a lovely thing. I cried at the end; it really touched me. A very worthwhile Newberry winner.
readingonthehudson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
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
4.5