Reviews

Cut Loose! by Stacy Davidowitz, Ali Stroker

kimiloughlin's review against another edition

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medium-paced

4.25

A sequel to my favorite middle grade of 2021! As a theater kid, my heart sings every chapter when I hear the chapter titles (which are all song titles from various Broadway shows). I love the new middle school Jimmy Awards, the TIMMY'S, and Nat's journey in middle school theater and navigating a new school. I especially enjoyed the discussion of accessibility within Broadway theaters (not just for audience members but for performers and crew and all creatives) and school buildings.

esmemazzeo's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

ldbaker628's review

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  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

tracithomas's review

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4.0

This such a cute book for all the theatre kids in your life. Very sweet and earnest and formulaic. Fantastic disability representation and a real thought sparker around accessibility and what that can and should look like.

shelbylynn198's review

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hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

rebeccap's review

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emotional reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Thank you to NetGalley and ABRAMS Kids, Amulet Books for an advanced reader copy.  The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Cut Loose! by Ali Stroker and Stacy Davidowitz is the second book in The Chance to Fly series. It takes place during the first half of Natalie (Nat)’s 8th grade year. Middle school is hard for everyone but especially when you have a disability (been there). Nat is the new kid which also doesn’t help make things easier. I both liked and disliked this book more than the first one. In this book Nat’s experiences felt more “real” to me as an adult with a disability. Nat grappled with more real world accessibility / disability focused issues on top of the typical middle school growing pains. This is also part of the reason I disliked the book at times: I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be in middle school and found some of Nat’s behavior to be annoying (so much “screaming” and a little bit of being self centered). But, I think readers who are actually in middle school will relate well.  I’d give this 4.5 stars. 

lyss_reads's review

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adventurous hopeful reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

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