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nicolemhewitt's review
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
One-Third Nerd is a heartwarming middle grade story about a typically atypical family just trying to get by. I say typically atypical because, let’s face it, in today’s world very few families fit the standard nuclear family mold. Liam’s parents are divorced and they struggle financially. His youngest sister has Down’s Syndrome and his other little sis is brilliant (but maybe a bit of a handful). I think that Chodenko captured the family dynamic well. None of them are perfect, but they love each other and they’re doing their best.
Liam is sometimes self-conscious about his apartment and his brainy sister’s antics (she’s 100% nerd—perfect for her, but not great as far as Liam’s concerned). He’s especially concerned about how he looks to the new kid, Moses, who he thinks has it all together (especially since Moses is a superstar at tennis, Liam’s sport). To top everything off, the family dog is sick and has been peeing all over the house, and the landlord says they have to solve the problem or get rid of their beloved pet. Liam’s little sister isn’t about to let that happen so she puts her brain power toward saving her. Along the way, Liam starts to see his sister in a new light (at least a little) and he learns that maybe he doesn’t have to try to impress Moses—he’s just a kid looking for a friend. This is the type of middle grade where everything is tied up in a neat little bow, which might feel trite to some adult readers, but will probably go over well with the younger middle graders the book was written for. Overall, it’s a sweet story that will teach kids about the power of family, friendships, and not giving up.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and Rockstar Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
One-Third Nerd is a heartwarming middle grade story about a typically atypical family just trying to get by. I say typically atypical because, let’s face it, in today’s world very few families fit the standard nuclear family mold. Liam’s parents are divorced and they struggle financially. His youngest sister has Down’s Syndrome and his other little sis is brilliant (but maybe a bit of a handful). I think that Chodenko captured the family dynamic well. None of them are perfect, but they love each other and they’re doing their best.
Liam is sometimes self-conscious about his apartment and his brainy sister’s antics (she’s 100% nerd—perfect for her, but not great as far as Liam’s concerned). He’s especially concerned about how he looks to the new kid, Moses, who he thinks has it all together (especially since Moses is a superstar at tennis, Liam’s sport). To top everything off, the family dog is sick and has been peeing all over the house, and the landlord says they have to solve the problem or get rid of their beloved pet. Liam’s little sister isn’t about to let that happen so she puts her brain power toward saving her. Along the way, Liam starts to see his sister in a new light (at least a little) and he learns that maybe he doesn’t have to try to impress Moses—he’s just a kid looking for a friend. This is the type of middle grade where everything is tied up in a neat little bow, which might feel trite to some adult readers, but will probably go over well with the younger middle graders the book was written for. Overall, it’s a sweet story that will teach kids about the power of family, friendships, and not giving up.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and Rockstar Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
megmro's review against another edition
3.0
Three siblings, whose parents have recently divorced, deal with their changing domestic and financial circumstances. Centers around their attempts to come up with enough money to take their dog Cupcake to the vet, or else lose her forever. The middle sister is neurodivergent, compounding the older brother’s frustrations.
Happy ending, but frustrating sister actions throughout, which aren’t properly resolved for the reader. You sort of end up hating her. Also, the Mom is super passive. Both the parents seemed kinda lame to me.
Happy ending, but frustrating sister actions throughout, which aren’t properly resolved for the reader. You sort of end up hating her. Also, the Mom is super passive. Both the parents seemed kinda lame to me.
ashleyaewert's review against another edition
4.0
This super relatable story had me laughing! Sibling love, parents of divorce, pesky landlords and forty-seven chromosomes all working together to keep their dog Cupcake from having to find a new home.
jengennari's review
5.0
Another page-turner adventure from Choldenko! Everyone is lovable in this story, including the leaky dog. I love that the storytelling focuses on the kids solving the dog dilemma without calling attention to this divorced family and the siblings' neurological differences.
fernandie's review against another edition
3.0
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
cmcahill's review against another edition
4.0
5th grader Liam is one-third nerd, which is fine with him, but little sisters Dakota (all nerd, all the time), and super friendly Izzy are raising his percentage. Their dog, Cupcake, is having accidents in their apartment and their landlord says the dog has to go. The family can't afford to take the dog for an expensive procedure at the vet. Will the kids be able to figure out how to save Cupcake.
jillcd's review
3.0
Although the protagonist is a 5th grader, I can see my 3r -4th graders enjoying it more. It covered a lot of topics but wasn’t my favorite book.