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kim_j_dare's review
4.0
Grades 4-6
Julia Gillian is back, and sixth grade is off to a tough start as she and her friends have to face the Sevvies and Crazy Eights-- the older middle school kids. To make matters worse, she and her third grade reading buddy need to work together to complete a reading project, and neither of them likes to read. And her beloved St. Bernard, Bigfoot, who has already lived beyond the normal life expectancy for his breed, is in poor health. As much as Julia tries to take her teacher's advice and "control for variables," she is finding that she cannot control the circumstances of her life. Beautiful writing and charming illustrations combine to create a story that deals with love and loss sensitively. The larger print and many illustrations make this accessible for middle grade readers and a quick read despite the 300+ pages. Fans of Julia Gillian will definitely want to stick with her during her sixth grade year, and this latest installment stands alone well enough that she will probably pick up many new fans along the way.
Julia Gillian is back, and sixth grade is off to a tough start as she and her friends have to face the Sevvies and Crazy Eights-- the older middle school kids. To make matters worse, she and her third grade reading buddy need to work together to complete a reading project, and neither of them likes to read. And her beloved St. Bernard, Bigfoot, who has already lived beyond the normal life expectancy for his breed, is in poor health. As much as Julia tries to take her teacher's advice and "control for variables," she is finding that she cannot control the circumstances of her life. Beautiful writing and charming illustrations combine to create a story that deals with love and loss sensitively. The larger print and many illustrations make this accessible for middle grade readers and a quick read despite the 300+ pages. Fans of Julia Gillian will definitely want to stick with her during her sixth grade year, and this latest installment stands alone well enough that she will probably pick up many new fans along the way.
quietjenn's review
4.0
i think this continues to be a good series, especially for kids who are only beginning to explore longer chapter books. among the difficulties of starting sixth grade - and thus being around middle school kids - a big part of this has to do with the aging and (spoiler!) eventual death of julia gillian's beloved dog, bigfoot. unlike in a lot of other "dead dog" books - like the hated green book of julia gillian's own past - this is something that you know is coming for a good long while and mcghee does a really good job of writing a book that is moving and affecting - and dare i say my comfort kids experiencing their own pet loss - without being tiresomely issuey and didactic.
aneelee's review
4.0
Daughter was in tears tonight over this sad and hard little story. She'll hopefully have the heart to revisit it.
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