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jenmangler's review
4.0
I adore Jason Reynolds and was thrilled to get this book as a gift. It did not disappoint. I loved this collection of short stories.
liz_morgan73's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
devany's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
novelette's review
3.0
3.7 stars.
I felt this book really needed to be read all in one swoop, otherwise you lose the thread
I felt this book really needed to be read all in one swoop, otherwise you lose the thread
serenereader9's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It was ok, I read it for class. I liked that certain characters made appearances in multiple stories and that the school bus falling from the sky always came just before something changes within the character or they come to some sort of decision (usually about an internal conflict). There was lots of themes and symbolism to unpack which I appreciated. My favourite story was probably 'Ookabooka land,' which deals with dementia. Overall though, I didn't feel particularly connected to any of the characters, to the point that I was really rooting for them. I also don't in general find this particular sense of humor very funny. So lots of the jokes didn't land for me. I enjoyed the overarching theme that your first impressions of people aren't going to be accurate. For several of the stories when we are first introduced to the main characters, we don't nessacarilly like them that much. But as the story progresses we see why the characters act like they do and the depth in their personalities.
moon_rose's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
katykelly's review
4.0
Partially-connected stories about vastly different lives, some funny, some moving.
I had a lump in my throat a couple of times. And laughed at others.
The thread linking these stories is subtly done. One school, home time, all these children are heading home, some alone, some in groups, some have a plan, others are chatting and wandering.
Though it's set in a time and place - a city block-system somewhere in America, ethnically diverse neighbourhood, these are regular kids. Talking about bogies, getting crushes, worried about bullies and dogs, some with family concerns.
We don't get a chance to get to know anyone in depth, which is one thing I always find frustrating about short stories, but if I try to imagine this more as snapshots getting a feel for the school, environment and a cross-section of local characters, it works. I liked seeing the same characters pop up in each other's stories as well, though I couldn't always remember who was who.
Some definitely hit home, the story of a group collecting pennies did give my lip a wobble.
These kids are still young, not yet the adolescents who boast and brag and flirt and flight. Almost past the 'tween' stage of naivety, games of imagination and caring about the world of childhood.
I liked it. Some stories I'd love to see extended into full novels of their own though.
For ages 9-13.
I had a lump in my throat a couple of times. And laughed at others.
The thread linking these stories is subtly done. One school, home time, all these children are heading home, some alone, some in groups, some have a plan, others are chatting and wandering.
Though it's set in a time and place - a city block-system somewhere in America, ethnically diverse neighbourhood, these are regular kids. Talking about bogies, getting crushes, worried about bullies and dogs, some with family concerns.
We don't get a chance to get to know anyone in depth, which is one thing I always find frustrating about short stories, but if I try to imagine this more as snapshots getting a feel for the school, environment and a cross-section of local characters, it works. I liked seeing the same characters pop up in each other's stories as well, though I couldn't always remember who was who.
Some definitely hit home, the story of a group collecting pennies did give my lip a wobble.
These kids are still young, not yet the adolescents who boast and brag and flirt and flight. Almost past the 'tween' stage of naivety, games of imagination and caring about the world of childhood.
I liked it. Some stories I'd love to see extended into full novels of their own though.
For ages 9-13.