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mezzythedragon's review
3.0
Middle school is never easy. Yeh writes an engaging story, but some parts I found rather unbelievable. Maybe it’s because I grew up with strict parents or am old or whatever, but Bea’s folks actually let her cut school and take mental days off? And I would have liked better execution on what happened between her and Sammie. But at least there was no obligatory romance and crushing on Bea’s part; I mean, too overdone.
jengennari's review
5.0
A wonderful exploration of what happens when your friend group shifts. Bea and S grow apart and split, and although it is painful she finds new friends at the Broadside. An interesting twist is that one of those friends is Will, who is on the autistic spectrum. A satisfying read.
jbrooxd's review against another edition
4.0
Lovely! Bea is fantastic. I loved her poetic spirit and her evolution through the book. Such terrific characters. Great!
kelmc's review against another edition
5.0
"I'm the only one who gets to walk my path, and I'm the only one who gets to choose which way to go, and this is the only way I know how to be". Loved this book filled with honest middle school angst. And the librarian is super cool. Bonus points.
ksgoetz's review against another edition
5.0
Mystery, friendship, poetry, a relatable 7th grade narrator - what more could you want?
saviorcomplexdiehard's review
5.0
Ok this is the 100 millionth time I've reread this but can I just say I love how it's not just about being yourself it's about building relationships with people who want you to be yourself and aofhskajfksahjsf I love it
katyjean81's review against another edition
3.0
If you’re into poetry, music, and/or kindness, this book is for you. I’m a little flummoxed on his to sell it, but I do love the way the main character is flawed, grows, remains flawed, continues to grow, and becomes truer to herself. It’s a lovely story with a really positive message.
caseyjoreads's review against another edition
4.0
I liked the technique of using initials to refer to people you are so hurt by you can't even use their names. A shoutout to the difference between mazes and labyrinths.
Sending notes through a tree. Cute. But logistical questions - how often did she check when there wasn't a message? Wouldn't that have been a thing? Also, the focus on the syllables of haiku and ignoring other parts of the form (nature driven, time passing, a pause) is a common thing, but it still bothers me.
The character Will seems to be autistic, though I don't think he's named as such. He likes things to be a certain way, and is perhaps light-sensitive, based on the way the school's newspaper office is set up. (What school has a newspaper office??) and bothered by tags in his clothes. Spot-on subtle touches or stereotypes? I'm not autistic, so hard to say, but would appreciate hearing from people who are.
Sending notes through a tree. Cute. But logistical questions - how often did she check when there wasn't a message? Wouldn't that have been a thing? Also, the focus on the syllables of haiku and ignoring other parts of the form (nature driven, time passing, a pause) is a common thing, but it still bothers me.
The character Will seems to be autistic, though I don't think he's named as such. He likes things to be a certain way, and is perhaps light-sensitive, based on the way the school's newspaper office is set up. (What school has a newspaper office??) and bothered by tags in his clothes. Spot-on subtle touches or stereotypes? I'm not autistic, so hard to say, but would appreciate hearing from people who are.