Reviews

Finn Jones Was Here by Simon James Green

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alinfazakas's review

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adventurous emotional funny reflective

5.0

silverspur's review

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emotional funny sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

My class adored this one and I cried when reading it to them. Sad but funny. It was a lovely story about making the most of your life.

jsncnrd's review

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4.0

I loved Simon James Green going into this book. Heartbreak Boys and Boy Like Me are two of the best books I've read this year. Finn Jones Was Here serves as further proof of how versatile a writer the Simon is. What is most impressive about his writing is his ability to tackle different genres, different tones, and stories -- aimed at different audiences - i.e., YA and middle grade audiences.

Heartbreak Boys is a light-hearted, low-stakes, feel-good book filled to the brim with wit, levity, and love. Boy Like Me is a somber, introspective, often heartbreaking novel that is hopeful.

Finn Jones Was Here is a middle grade book that invites the reader to laugh, to cry, and to dream. It is a story that is ultimately about living your life in absence of fear and cherishing the time you have with your loved ones.

Eric learns to do the things that terrify him -- a lesson that his best friend, Finn, teaches him posthumously. The book illustrates a 12-year-old learning to deal with grief for the first time. Watching Eric compartmentalize that grief so that he doesn't have to face the reality of his friend no longer being with him was so emotionally affecting.

I was a wreck for the last 2 chapters of the book -- the message that Finn left for Eric was beautiful. I cried the entire time I read it. And then I read it again, and kept crying. It was a brilliant reflection on life and a reminder to Eric that he doesn't need to be afraid to live. And the final chapter, showing us how the boys first met and became friends? Had me in tears as well. The final illustration of Eric and Finn hugging made me cry, too. Can you tell this book affected me to my core?

It's a quick read, but in the short period of time it'll take you to get through it ... you will become attached to Eric and root for him. It's hard not to.

Overall, this was a joy to read. A lovely story that will no doubt help middle grade readers understand the grieving process and how to manage those emotions.

Also, the illustrations add to the story and the art is just delightful. Truly an added bonus of the book.

Simon James Green has done it again. Over and out. / Roger that.

darkereader44's review

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad fast-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? No

5.0

tobellaornottobella's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

jce's review

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adventurous emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

4.25

nietnoah's review

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5.0

I absolutely fell in love with Simon James Green’s latest middle-grade book, and I can’t wait to snatch up all of his other middle-grade books. This one truly resonated with me, managing to be both sweet and funny while also tugging at my heartstrings. Simon’s writing is simply fantastic, skillfully blending serious topics with a perfect touch of humor. I might be a bit biased as a fan of his books, but it’s hard to imagine anyone not enjoying this gem. Trust me, you need to grab a copy as soon as possible because it’s an absolute must-read. It’s not only an easy and engaging read, but it also teaches valuable life lessons that both you and I, as readers, can learn from. I won’t spoil the plot, but let me just say that this book had me completely hooked. By the end, I found myself shedding a few tears—I was so emotionally invested! I approached it with little prior knowledge, and boy, was I unprepared for the profound impact it would have. Without hesitation, I give it a 5-star rating! If it were possible, I’d even go as far as giving it 6 stars.