Scan barcode
roseleaf24's review against another edition
3.0
Honor Book 1972
This powerful story is beautifully written, and that would normally earn a higher rating for me. But the darkness never let up and let any light in for me, so it was not an enjoyable read. I appreciated it, but I didn't enjoy it. The characters will stick with me for a while, though.
Junior Brown and Buddy Clark are best friends. They need each other, and come to realize that more and more as their very delicate world falls apart. Both boys carry much more on their young shoulders than a child should have to carry: mental illness, homelessness, and surviving not just for themselves, but for others who depend on them. The few adults in their lives who care are not capable of providing much support. This is a gritty novel that doesn't rely on sex or drugs to provide the edge, and still conveys a lot of heart.
This powerful story is beautifully written, and that would normally earn a higher rating for me. But the darkness never let up and let any light in for me, so it was not an enjoyable read. I appreciated it, but I didn't enjoy it. The characters will stick with me for a while, though.
Junior Brown and Buddy Clark are best friends. They need each other, and come to realize that more and more as their very delicate world falls apart. Both boys carry much more on their young shoulders than a child should have to carry: mental illness, homelessness, and surviving not just for themselves, but for others who depend on them. The few adults in their lives who care are not capable of providing much support. This is a gritty novel that doesn't rely on sex or drugs to provide the edge, and still conveys a lot of heart.
lattelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
What an intriguing premise! Virginia Hamilton is slowly becoming one of my favorite keystone realism authors. She attacks important issues such as mental health, homelessness, and helicopter parents with the additional layer of race and sensitivity. Altogether, it makes for an intriguing read where problems cannot be solved by asking for help--being black and needing help is only cause for institutionalization, and being black and needing help is just another means for white folks to misunderstand their needs.
The premise of this book--a young musical prodigy who sees things and a homeless youth who find comfort in a world that is both their own and not--is wildly interesting, and even more interesting when there are adults both on their side and against it. Where does one find understanding, and when does one ask for help?
Overall, an interesting read and a must read for anyone interested in reading YA lit from touchstone authors and/or authors of color.
Review cross-listed here!
The premise of this book--a young musical prodigy who sees things and a homeless youth who find comfort in a world that is both their own and not--is wildly interesting, and even more interesting when there are adults both on their side and against it. Where does one find understanding, and when does one ask for help?
Overall, an interesting read and a must read for anyone interested in reading YA lit from touchstone authors and/or authors of color.
Review cross-listed here!
bwray1's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
k_lee_reads_it's review against another edition
2.0
This book is weird. I read it in one sitting and I am still not sure that I understood much of what was going on. I also question the mental state of the all the adults, particularly Mr. Poole. Why was he playing hooky from his upstairs job and building a solar system in the secret room in the school basement. And why did he agree to following the lead of a 14 year old and build a winch to lower Junior into the basement of a caved in building? And what janitor at a school in New York has a car?
I liked Buddy. But the book was weird.
I liked Buddy. But the book was weird.
verkiezen's review against another edition
4.0
This is the story of two misfits. Both deemed unworthy because of the color of their skin and their socio-economic status. It's the story of Junior Brown and Buddy Clark. And Mr. Pool who built a solar system in a hidden janitorial closet. Hamilton tackles mental health, homelessness, loneliness, and family drama.
scaifea's review against another edition
3.0
This Newbery Honor Book tells the story of two friends who have been cutting school together to hang out with the kindly janitor in the basement of the school. Both have troubles: Buddy has no family and lives on the streets, struggling to take care of other, younger homeless kids; Junior Brown has an overbearing mother, a mostly absent father, and a piano teacher with some pretty serious mental health issues. Their stories come together in an emotional way, which helps this dark story not go over the edge in to hopelessness.
laurynreads's review
2.0
I just like, genuinely don't even know what I read. Buddy is a sweet boy and I like how much he called people cats, that was great.
More...