Scan barcode
blamy's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book in the 6th grade and along with Freak the Mighty it is one of the few books from that time in my life that I am really looking forward to re-reading. The entire book is centered around a summer camp for children with disabilities and actively deals with the trials and tribulations of both the counselor and the campers, known as "The Acorn People". There is no immediate acceptance of disabilities as "differently abled", both Ron and his campers go through an exceptional process to learn that despite their individual limitations, there is nothing the group can't accomplish together.
jessholleran's review against another edition
2.0
the writing killed me- i cannot deal with books written in first person. However, the overall story is nice for a quick read. I don’t want to spoil anything, though you can very easily guess what happens as you’re reading it, but it broke my heart. It’s almost bittersweet? Definitely more bitter than sweet but it’s all about finding silver linings in everything and appreciating the moment- themes that are always going to be relevant. In sum: good story-ish, bad writing, and a sprinkle of ableism (more so at the beginning).
I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone who doesn’t already have knowledge about it. Definitely take the descriptions with a grain of salt- it’s meant to take place in the 70s (?) so he likely was trying to convey his mindset at the time rather than what we know now. The whole thing feels a little grey- not entirely right or wrong.
I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone who doesn’t already have knowledge about it. Definitely take the descriptions with a grain of salt- it’s meant to take place in the 70s (?) so he likely was trying to convey his mindset at the time rather than what we know now. The whole thing feels a little grey- not entirely right or wrong.
lauren2000ist's review against another edition
4.0
This book was amazing!!!! 80 pages filled with inspiration and adventure!!!!!!
swiftlyreadingeverything's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent read and I think most people can relate to it in regards to having prejudices against people with special needs, and not being sure how to act with these people. Heart-wrenching end but still a really enjoyable and fast-paced memoir
abinthebooks's review against another edition
1.0
My class read this a few weeks ago, and I still have VERY VERY STRONG feelings about this book, so this review is going to gut this book to the garbage can.
Now here is why I hate this book, and it’s awful!
It was written when offensive terms for disabled people were used. It made me cringe and become angry when we heard the words or phrases ‘handicapped’, or ‘can’t do it because their HANDICAPPED’. It made me mad and I wasn’t a fan.
I also think their was no dialogue that interested me long enough. We get it from Rons prospective, but I wasn’t interested. At all.
The book had a good idea, but the writing is awful. That’s the main part of why I hate this book. No offense to the author, but this book shouldn’t be published. Ron Johnson is just such an awful writer and everything made me cringe and cry in agony in my head.
The representation was fucking awful as well. I have a disabled person in my family and the lack of rep for these characters ASTOUNDED ME.
While yes the book sends a good message, I can’t look past all the problems I listed here.
Ok I’ll shut up now, but I hate this book lmaooo
Now here is why I hate this book, and it’s awful!
It was written when offensive terms for disabled people were used. It made me cringe and become angry when we heard the words or phrases ‘handicapped’, or ‘can’t do it because their HANDICAPPED’. It made me mad and I wasn’t a fan.
I also think their was no dialogue that interested me long enough. We get it from Rons prospective, but I wasn’t interested. At all.
The book had a good idea, but the writing is awful. That’s the main part of why I hate this book. No offense to the author, but this book shouldn’t be published. Ron Johnson is just such an awful writer and everything made me cringe and cry in agony in my head.
The representation was fucking awful as well. I have a disabled person in my family and the lack of rep for these characters ASTOUNDED ME.
While yes the book sends a good message, I can’t look past all the problems I listed here.
Ok I’ll shut up now, but I hate this book lmaooo
ascheetzy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
5.0
staceym's review against another edition
I first read this book in high school and reread it after college. It was a great book about how kids just want to be kids, even with significant physical disabilities.