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wondaponda's review against another edition
4.0
This book was lovely. Lu was a layered, complex character who experiences incredible growth. At times her journey was difficult to read. Her life has been topsy-turvy due to her father's alcohol addiction for so long that she struggles to find balance. Between her mother's new (and fast-paced) marriage, her sister's fight for independence, and a move to a new house and school district... Lu has a lot going on. I love how realistic the descriptions of her house and former apartment were. Most middle grade tends to place their character in flawless environments. But Lu's was real, from the stains in the carpet to the old bunk bed. Prior to reading, I did not realize there were themes of Christianity, but they never felt overwhelming or overstated. Christianity was just a facet of the novel, not the main element.
The only reason I docked a star was for the lack of mental health awareness. Lu experienced a lot of trauma in her short life. This trauma resulted in frequent disassociation and kleptomania. While these issues seemed to improve the more stable her life became, she would have truly benefitted from seeing a therapist or counselor. There was some talk of Lu and her sister attending Alateen, but it just didn't feel like enough. However, this was a great read and is sure to bring comfort to many children facing similar difficulties.
#netgalley
The only reason I docked a star was for the lack of mental health awareness. Lu experienced a lot of trauma in her short life. This trauma resulted in frequent disassociation and kleptomania. While these issues seemed to improve the more stable her life became, she would have truly benefitted from seeing a therapist or counselor. There was some talk of Lu and her sister attending Alateen, but it just didn't feel like enough. However, this was a great read and is sure to bring comfort to many children facing similar difficulties.
#netgalley
miszjeanie's review
5.0
A Song Called Home is a realistic, heartrending depiction of the process of blending a family while dealing with the trauma of having an alcoholic parent. This book centers a girl who’s coming of age even as her family seems to be evolving before her eyes. Excellently written with well-drawn characters who feel familiar and relatable, this one is going to be loved by readers young and old alike. If you like books about sisters, family, community, and music, pick this up ASAP.
Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/a-song-called-home-sara-zarr-book-review
Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/a-song-called-home-sara-zarr-book-review
kiank's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
chrissyz's review
4.0
4.5*
I really loved the relationships in this book and the faith elements that I have not yet seen in a middle grade book.
As with most books in this genre it deals with very difficult, challenging topics in an age-appropriate, hopeful way.
I really loved the relationships in this book and the faith elements that I have not yet seen in a middle grade book.
As with most books in this genre it deals with very difficult, challenging topics in an age-appropriate, hopeful way.
nodrian_grimm's review
3.0
It was a good read. I enjoyed reading it, but it's not the most original story. Was good for learning about people's lives that are affected by achoholics.
froydis's review
4.0
Thanks to Edelweiss and Balzer & Bray/Harperteen for early access to this title.
This was so good! I really enjoyed this story, and how real it was. Lou is a compelling character dealing with some fairly heavy things for a middle schooler. I really felt for her and everything she was going through. All the characters are having struggles - Lou's older sister, Casey, her mother and her new stepdad, not to mention her alcoholic father. Add a move with a new school, and its a lot for a kid! Zarr's writing perfectly captures Lou's thoughts, and lets us see more than perhaps Lou is capable of for her age. This is a great book for any tween going through problems, and for those who are not, to develop empathy and understanding. Parents will also get a lot from this book, reminding them of how hard life can be for kids and teens. Highly Recommended!
This was so good! I really enjoyed this story, and how real it was. Lou is a compelling character dealing with some fairly heavy things for a middle schooler. I really felt for her and everything she was going through. All the characters are having struggles - Lou's older sister, Casey, her mother and her new stepdad, not to mention her alcoholic father. Add a move with a new school, and its a lot for a kid! Zarr's writing perfectly captures Lou's thoughts, and lets us see more than perhaps Lou is capable of for her age. This is a great book for any tween going through problems, and for those who are not, to develop empathy and understanding. Parents will also get a lot from this book, reminding them of how hard life can be for kids and teens. Highly Recommended!
pib003's review
5.0
Wow. This author really knows how to write about fear and pain, and complex emotional experiences. Thank god for all the wonderful adults in Lu's life.
jennms_qkw's review
4.0
Recommended at Millcreek for "Utah author" - set in the Bay Area (San Francisco and Pacifica). Hmmmm.
YA story about remarriage parents and teens and new schools.
YA story about remarriage parents and teens and new schools.