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jenmangler's review against another edition
3.0
This is a beautiful book. Yes, there's sadness, but there are also moments of great joy and kindness and love. Sonnenblick has created wonderful characters that you instantly care about and root for, even when they hurt you or disappoint you. I especially loved the way he wrote Steven. He just felt so real in a way that many book characters don't.
Several students recommended this book to me, and now I understand why. This one will definitely be added to my classroom library.
Originally read: July 5-7, 2015
Re-read: April 17, 2016
Re-read: March 2024
Several students recommended this book to me, and now I understand why. This one will definitely be added to my classroom library.
Originally read: July 5-7, 2015
Re-read: April 17, 2016
Re-read: March 2024
iman_hanif_3's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
galro's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
olyviaaa's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
cvaught's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer and Bullying
book_worm12's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
anvithegoat's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
grayscale08's review against another edition
emotional
funny
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
Moderate: Blood, Death, and Medical content
onesmartcupcake's review against another edition
4.0
Can't believe I waited so long to read this wonderful book! Just loved it--great voice, strongly structured story with excellent balance of humor & believable heartbreak, and an exemplary middle school novel. I snorted and sniffled in equal measure. A hope-filled but non-saccharine story about family, community, illness, and all kinds of love.
sagarific's review against another edition
4.0
Steven is a middle-schooler so painfully realistic as he struggles with his brother's diagnosis and his family's financial troubles while continuing school and growing his passion for drumming. Tell me, are any of us immune to being selfish and craving attention? We've all been selfish at some point. It's amazing, though, to see his emotional struggle as he takes his frustration out on his mother and is angry with the way things in his life are playing out, but he also feels remorse and tries to help in any way he can. Honestly, Steven's one of the best characters I've read.