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emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This middle grade book offers a little bit of everything, and very successfully. It’s part coming of age, part sports story, a little bit of an animal story and also a tale of the struggles and the supports of family life.
The author is doing a lot, and given this, I think she did well giving each aspect of the story a decent amount of exploration and development.
Best bits
- The family dynamic was believable and lovely - she captures the bustling, busy, challenging and loving experience of being one of many in a large family. I especially liked the sisterly dynamic.
- Josie’s gradual self discovery around her future in gymnastics and where her passions lie was not overdone. I think a lot of kids can relate.
- The family’s financial struggles are presented sensitively but directly.
Howevers
- Perhaps it ended a little too neatly.
- I found it unrealistic that a problem as challenging as “find this giant pig living under our stairs a new home” would be left mostly in the hands of an eleven year old (though I understand that this was a huge part of the tension of the plot and so we just have to suspend disbelief - plus kids would love this drama).
I will happily look out for the follow up to this charming read.
The author is doing a lot, and given this, I think she did well giving each aspect of the story a decent amount of exploration and development.
Best bits
- The family dynamic was believable and lovely - she captures the bustling, busy, challenging and loving experience of being one of many in a large family. I especially liked the sisterly dynamic.
- Josie’s gradual self discovery around her future in gymnastics and where her passions lie was not overdone. I think a lot of kids can relate.
- The family’s financial struggles are presented sensitively but directly.
Howevers
- Perhaps it ended a little too neatly.
- I found it unrealistic that a problem as challenging as “find this giant pig living under our stairs a new home” would be left mostly in the hands of an eleven year old (though I understand that this was a huge part of the tension of the plot and so we just have to suspend disbelief - plus kids would love this drama).
I will happily look out for the follow up to this charming read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death
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