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argonchimera17's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
reader4evr's review against another edition
4.0
This was very good depiction of friendships and relationships in middle school.
Students will not only enjoy this but can totally relate to it as well.
Students will not only enjoy this but can totally relate to it as well.
ayla_steigerwald's review against another edition
inspiring
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? No
3.25
handsliftedhigh's review against another edition
4.0
While the writing is probably three stars, the themes of the book make it a four. I've never read a middle school book that makes such a clear point of how important it is to talk about what we're going through, how we're feeling, and what we need. A needed message for all the middle schoolers I know.
gracepizza40's review against another edition
4.0
The only book with good scoliosis representation I've seen. Thank you, Alyson Gerber!!
karen_hallam's review against another edition
5.0
“Sometimes it’s easier to pretend to be someone else, especially when who you really are makes you feel sad.”
Twelve-year-old Rachel Brooks learns she must wear a back brace for scoliosis as her mother did, or risk a complicated surgery, in this intimate and heartfelt story.
At school, Coach Howard has just placed her forward on the team, (she’s that good) and while Rachel loves soccer more than anything, the brace now controls her life. If she misses another practice for a last-minute doctor’s appointment, she won’t make the A team. If she can maneuver like she used to, wearing the brace.
Reluctant to tell BFFs at first, Frannie and Hazel, both on the soccer team, support her. Determined like no one’s business, Rachel works to strengthen her moves on the field, so she’s not cut from the team. But the kids at school are whispering and Rachel feels like a freak wearing the brace. Can she trust her friends?
Rachel finds power through asking for what she wants. She finds her voice to speak out when something bothers her. This empowers Rachel. It empowers the reader. I loved Rachel’s voice her emotions are real and raw. Although I’ve never worn a back brace, this book comforted me. Who hasn’t felt like an outsider? Or felt different than others?
The dynamic between Rachel and her mother, the emotion from their struggle wearing the brace, and their delicate relationship, felt very real and personal. Written from the author’s experience of scoliosis, she takes us on a journey with Rachel, who must face a new normal. A place where not giving up, and speaking out when something bothers you, rule.
Debut Author, March 28th, 2017 by Scholastic Press
“The first contemporary novel about a disorder that bends the lives of ten percent of all teenagers: scoliosis.”
Twelve-year-old Rachel Brooks learns she must wear a back brace for scoliosis as her mother did, or risk a complicated surgery, in this intimate and heartfelt story.
At school, Coach Howard has just placed her forward on the team, (she’s that good) and while Rachel loves soccer more than anything, the brace now controls her life. If she misses another practice for a last-minute doctor’s appointment, she won’t make the A team. If she can maneuver like she used to, wearing the brace.
Reluctant to tell BFFs at first, Frannie and Hazel, both on the soccer team, support her. Determined like no one’s business, Rachel works to strengthen her moves on the field, so she’s not cut from the team. But the kids at school are whispering and Rachel feels like a freak wearing the brace. Can she trust her friends?
Rachel finds power through asking for what she wants. She finds her voice to speak out when something bothers her. This empowers Rachel. It empowers the reader. I loved Rachel’s voice her emotions are real and raw. Although I’ve never worn a back brace, this book comforted me. Who hasn’t felt like an outsider? Or felt different than others?
The dynamic between Rachel and her mother, the emotion from their struggle wearing the brace, and their delicate relationship, felt very real and personal. Written from the author’s experience of scoliosis, she takes us on a journey with Rachel, who must face a new normal. A place where not giving up, and speaking out when something bothers you, rule.
Debut Author, March 28th, 2017 by Scholastic Press
“The first contemporary novel about a disorder that bends the lives of ten percent of all teenagers: scoliosis.”
lyramadeline's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content and Drug abuse
sunshine169's review
4.0
I picked up this book because the main protagonist Rachel has scoliosis and has to wear a super uncomfortable back brace. I had gone through a similar thing when I was her age. I have a double curve. The descriptions of the brace and what it is like wearing one are pretty spot on. I had one of those monstrosities. The descriptions of the bullying that happened to Rachel were also spot on. I remember the taunts that I have boobs growing out my back or that I am stuffing my bra because of the way the brace stuck out my back and pushed everything up. I stopped wearing it because I couldn't stand the bullying anymore. Not wearing it has been one of my life's biggest regrets. I never related to a middle grade book as much as I have to this one.
erincataldi's review against another edition
4.0
Knocked this out in about two hours. This is such an important book for middle school kids to read. It addresses the fears and challenges of being labeled "other" and is heartfelt and real. Rachel is a seventh grader who likes to play soccer with her friends, dress up, watch girly movies, and have a good time. She's a pretty average kid, that is except for her special doctor appointments twice a year. She has scoliosis and they have to measure her spine and keep an eye on her. No big deal. But one visit the summer before school starts, it becomes a very big deal. Her back is getting worse and the doctor says she has to wear a brace. For 23 hours a day. How will she be able to stay on the soccer team? What clothes can she wear? How will she ever talk to her crush or go to school? She gets made fun of, struggles with soccer, and doesn't feel like her mom is listening to her. Clearly it's not smooth sailing but with the help of her pregnant mother, her dad, and her friends she learns how to adjust and how to make the best of an unfortunate situation. All kids should have to read this and learn a thing or two about empathy. Great story!
talkingscribe's review against another edition
3.0
First and foremost, I am so glad there's a story now that confronts this medical issue, and does so in a very compassionate (and dare I say accurate) fashion. I finished reading it yesterday, and realized I'd become hyper-aware of my back muscles and felt very sore, even when going to bed. I think it was genuine aching because lately I've felt stressed...but I'm also sure that reading this book intensified the feeling, since it brought back fears and emotions I went through when I had the scoliosis-correction surgery in my senior year of high-school. Anyway, I found the main character to be very oblivious to things like her dad's doctor profession affecting more than just her, but overall I really liked the story, especially the mood of its conclusion. :)