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Ode to a Nobody
A devastating tornado tears apart more than just houses in this striking novel in verse about a girl rebuilding herself.
Before the storm, thirteen-year-old Quinn was happy flying under the radar. She was average. Unremarkable. Always looking for an escape from her house, where her bickering parents fawned over her genius big brother.
Inside our broken home / we didn't know how broken / the world outside was.
But after the storm, Quinn can't seem to go back to average. Her friends weren't affected by the tornado in the same way. To them, the storm left behind a playground of abandoned houses and distracted adults. As Quinn struggles to find stability in the tornado's aftermath, she must choose: between homes, friendships, and versions of herself.
Nothing that was mine / yesterday is mine today.
Told in rich, spectacular verse, Caroline Brooks DuBois crafts a powerful story of redemption as Quinn makes her way from Before to After. There's nothing average about the world Quinn wakes up to after the storm; maybe there's nothing average about her, either. This emotional coming-of-age journey for middle grade readers proves that it's never too late to be the person you want to be.
Before the storm, thirteen-year-old Quinn was happy flying under the radar. She was average. Unremarkable. Always looking for an escape from her house, where her bickering parents fawned over her genius big brother.
Inside our broken home / we didn't know how broken / the world outside was.
But after the storm, Quinn can't seem to go back to average. Her friends weren't affected by the tornado in the same way. To them, the storm left behind a playground of abandoned houses and distracted adults. As Quinn struggles to find stability in the tornado's aftermath, she must choose: between homes, friendships, and versions of herself.
Nothing that was mine / yesterday is mine today.
Told in rich, spectacular verse, Caroline Brooks DuBois crafts a powerful story of redemption as Quinn makes her way from Before to After. There's nothing average about the world Quinn wakes up to after the storm; maybe there's nothing average about her, either. This emotional coming-of-age journey for middle grade readers proves that it's never too late to be the person you want to be.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published November 8, 2022
32 people are currently reading
2545 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Brooks DuBois
3 books68 followersCaroline Brooks DuBois received a Master of Fine Arts in poetry at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. DuBois writes both poetry and prose and a mixture of the two. She was recognized as a Blue Ribbon Teacher for her dedication to her students and excellence in teaching adolescents. Currently, DuBois is the Director of the Literary Arts Conservatory at Nashville School of the Arts High School in Nashville, Tennessee. She lives with her singer-song writer husband, with whom she’s co-written songs, and their two children and dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
January 22, 2023
A beautiful book of verse telling the story of a thirteen year old girl whose family is struggling because of a tornado.
The book is mainly divided into before the storm and after the storm.
Quinn struggles under a lot of pressure not to be just an average student. She has to choose between homes, friends and who was Vs who she has become.
I find the writing really good. It’s heartfelt and well drafted. However, I still feel it could have been way shorter.
Overall, a good hopeful middle grade read.
Thank you, Holiday House, for the advance reading copy.
The book is mainly divided into before the storm and after the storm.
Quinn struggles under a lot of pressure not to be just an average student. She has to choose between homes, friends and who was Vs who she has become.
I find the writing really good. It’s heartfelt and well drafted. However, I still feel it could have been way shorter.
Overall, a good hopeful middle grade read.
Thank you, Holiday House, for the advance reading copy.
December 19, 2023
This was just...wow.
Started off slow, getting to Quinn and the people in her life. It got more intense once the tornado hit and the aftermath of rebuilding everything.
Quinn comes into herself bit by bit, getting more strong even if she doesn't see it (I can relate to that).
My heart ached for her in part of this.. I wanted hug her and hang out to keep her company.
Two people, her so called friends.. grrr I wanted to drop kick them both and GibbsSmack. I was so glad when she got away from them... though one did kinda redeem himself in the end a bit.
When she met Mr. Jones, his grandson, and Freddie.. their friendship developing was one of my favorite parts.
Seeing her community coming together was beautiful in all kinds of ways..
I don't want to spoil this for you but I'd highly recommend.. I could gush about this one all day and definitely buying a physical copy and checking out her other book :).
Started off slow, getting to Quinn and the people in her life. It got more intense once the tornado hit and the aftermath of rebuilding everything.
Quinn comes into herself bit by bit, getting more strong even if she doesn't see it (I can relate to that).
My heart ached for her in part of this.. I wanted hug her and hang out to keep her company.
Two people, her so called friends.. grrr I wanted to drop kick them both and GibbsSmack. I was so glad when she got away from them... though one did kinda redeem himself in the end a bit.
When she met Mr. Jones, his grandson, and Freddie.. their friendship developing was one of my favorite parts.
Seeing her community coming together was beautiful in all kinds of ways..
I don't want to spoil this for you but I'd highly recommend.. I could gush about this one all day and definitely buying a physical copy and checking out her other book :).
February 5, 2024
This was as beautiful as its cover for sure and I wish it had more ratings cause more people should be picking it up.
November 4, 2022
this is one of the best covers i have ever seen
this read less like a poetry collection and more like a full blown story written in poetry format but nonetheless, it still broke my heart.
it touches on the complicated relationships between siblings and young friendships with a poignant family background. it takes place over a short period of time but it felt like a life-time, probably how we all viewed the world in our middle school ages
it lacks a lot of representation that i would have looked for and that would have personally made it more relatable for me but i’m weary of saying even that since this is a story that obviously a lot of other people would probably find hitting close to home
this middle grade poetry bind is definitely more for when you are looking for a heart wrenching and poignant story to go through though
my favorite piece was probably the last
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
— 3.0 —
⇢ content warnings// death, emotional abuse, post traumatic stress disorder
this read less like a poetry collection and more like a full blown story written in poetry format but nonetheless, it still broke my heart.
it touches on the complicated relationships between siblings and young friendships with a poignant family background. it takes place over a short period of time but it felt like a life-time, probably how we all viewed the world in our middle school ages
it lacks a lot of representation that i would have looked for and that would have personally made it more relatable for me but i’m weary of saying even that since this is a story that obviously a lot of other people would probably find hitting close to home
this middle grade poetry bind is definitely more for when you are looking for a heart wrenching and poignant story to go through though
my favorite piece was probably the last
“Does a rating
help adults pretend
they can forecast and protect
from forces bigger than themselves?”
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
— 3.0 —
⇢ content warnings// death, emotional abuse, post traumatic stress disorder
November 15, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, Holiday House, and Caroline Brooks DuBois for the opportunity to read Ode to a Nobody in exchange for an honest review.
This is a brilliant novel told in a poetic verse structure featuring the power of words, dealing with hardship, and learning about family and friendship during the tail end of eighth grade year. I absolutely love the cover for this novel. It holds quite a significance with its meaning without being overly detailed or complicated, not to mention the gorgeousness of the simplicity.
This novel-in-verse is told from the perspective of eighth-grader Quinn. She cares about her best friend Jack, skateboarding, and her new pet hamster. All the while, she must write poems for her English class. When a tornado hits Quinn's neighborhood, she must live elsewhere for the time being, while her father works on fixing up her house. Her father and mother don't get along well, and her older brother no longer lives at home, so the family dynamic is a bit complicated.
While Quinn's family, among others, work together to help each other through the tornado's destruction, Jack and his new friend could care less, because they weren't even effected. Quinn loves her friendship with Jack, but as he becomes more and more of a bad influence, Quinn must learn to let go, if she can, but at that age, letting go of a friend for the betterment of oneself is the ultimate challenge.
Quinn does make a new friend in Ian, the grandson of the man her family is staying with, and she enjoys the way Ian sees life in a different way. Ian's grandfather also mentions how words can save lives. Quinn rethinks everything with that phrase, using her poetry to tag tornado debris, to see new perspectives, and possibly thinking about going to a school for the arts. All this because of the shifts in her life, mostly triggered by the devastation of a natural disaster.
This book is brilliantly written, and excellent read that flows with ease. It is hard to put down, and there is something to say about the various poetry forms in this book as they are tied to Quinn's English assignments. Seeing Quinn learn as she gains more experiences and continues to write poetry is a reflection of what many thirteen-year-olds go through and experience in their own right. This is an excellent novel for a middle grade or young adult audience alike, and even adults (such as myself) can find a spritely enjoyment from this somber-yet-inspiring novel. Certainly a must-read!
This is a brilliant novel told in a poetic verse structure featuring the power of words, dealing with hardship, and learning about family and friendship during the tail end of eighth grade year. I absolutely love the cover for this novel. It holds quite a significance with its meaning without being overly detailed or complicated, not to mention the gorgeousness of the simplicity.
This novel-in-verse is told from the perspective of eighth-grader Quinn. She cares about her best friend Jack, skateboarding, and her new pet hamster. All the while, she must write poems for her English class. When a tornado hits Quinn's neighborhood, she must live elsewhere for the time being, while her father works on fixing up her house. Her father and mother don't get along well, and her older brother no longer lives at home, so the family dynamic is a bit complicated.
While Quinn's family, among others, work together to help each other through the tornado's destruction, Jack and his new friend could care less, because they weren't even effected. Quinn loves her friendship with Jack, but as he becomes more and more of a bad influence, Quinn must learn to let go, if she can, but at that age, letting go of a friend for the betterment of oneself is the ultimate challenge.
Quinn does make a new friend in Ian, the grandson of the man her family is staying with, and she enjoys the way Ian sees life in a different way. Ian's grandfather also mentions how words can save lives. Quinn rethinks everything with that phrase, using her poetry to tag tornado debris, to see new perspectives, and possibly thinking about going to a school for the arts. All this because of the shifts in her life, mostly triggered by the devastation of a natural disaster.
This book is brilliantly written, and excellent read that flows with ease. It is hard to put down, and there is something to say about the various poetry forms in this book as they are tied to Quinn's English assignments. Seeing Quinn learn as she gains more experiences and continues to write poetry is a reflection of what many thirteen-year-olds go through and experience in their own right. This is an excellent novel for a middle grade or young adult audience alike, and even adults (such as myself) can find a spritely enjoyment from this somber-yet-inspiring novel. Certainly a must-read!
March 15, 2024
I loved this story written in verse. Quinn is thirteen and going through big changes. Her older brother has gone away to college. Quinn is left behind with parents that are on the break of a divorce. And then a tornado devastates part of her community including her home.
Quinn's English teacher has been guiding the class through using poetry to express their thoughts. Quinn finds that she not only likes wriing poems, but she's good at it. But Quinn is at an age where what her peers think matters. Her best friends, Jade and Jade, like skateboarding and gaming, so Quinn follows along because she's not really sure where she belongs and what she does well.
The tornado brings big changes, but Quinn soon learns that change is good and part of life. It is so hard to learn at this age. I have a soon to be thirteen year old. I'm always telling her that junior high is when you stretch your wings and find your thing that sets you apart from all of those friends you've known since elementary school. And it's ok.
This book embodies this part of growing up so well. The confusion and the loneliness and the maturing. I'm so glad I picked it up.
Quinn's English teacher has been guiding the class through using poetry to express their thoughts. Quinn finds that she not only likes wriing poems, but she's good at it. But Quinn is at an age where what her peers think matters. Her best friends, Jade and Jade, like skateboarding and gaming, so Quinn follows along because she's not really sure where she belongs and what she does well.
The tornado brings big changes, but Quinn soon learns that change is good and part of life. It is so hard to learn at this age. I have a soon to be thirteen year old. I'm always telling her that junior high is when you stretch your wings and find your thing that sets you apart from all of those friends you've known since elementary school. And it's ok.
This book embodies this part of growing up so well. The confusion and the loneliness and the maturing. I'm so glad I picked it up.
October 10, 2023
Actual Rating: 4.5/5 stars
“Unreal - There is no other word.
Inside our broken home, we don’t know how broken the outside world is.”
Ode to a Nobody is a powerful middle-grade novel in verse that managed to exceed my already high expectations with how impactful it was. Through a series of school-issued poetry assignments and journal entries, we’re offered an intimate look into the mind of a young girl as she navigates finding her voice in the aftermath of a storm (literally and figuratively) uprooting her home.
We first meet Quinn during the spring of her eight-grade year, through her first attempts at writing a poem about herself for a school assignment. Much like herself; Quinn’s not expecting her poem to be much of anything. Afterall, she’s an unremarkable nobody, average at best at all she does, and happy to fade into the background while her brilliant older brother takes the spotlight. Being invisible however, is no longer an option when an devastating tornado tears through her town and leaves destruction in its wake. With everything she knew changed, Quinn takes to her poetry as an outlet for her emotions. As she openly writes about the destruction of her home, the changing dynamics of her family and friendships, and her own insecurities, we slowly see her finding her voice and gaining the confidence to rebuilt a place for her own in this world.
There’s something deeply powerful to middle-grade fiction that manages to approach difficult topics through a lense that is accessible, relatable and understandable for readers of all ages. Combining that power with the ease and flow of its verse makes for an unforgetable reading experience. I loved every step of Quinns journey of charactergrowth, and it’s a testament to the skill of the writing that all that growth is portrayed through journal-entries/poems written by the character herself.
Although the format of verse may not be everybody’s cup of tea, I still beg you to give this book a chance if you’re looking for an impactful and emotional journey that still brims with hope, lightness and joy. If you enjoy a coming-of-age novel about finding your innerstrenght (e.i. The Hate U Give, A Heart in a Body in the World or The Poet X) than this is a must read, regardless if you’re an adult, young adult or middle-grade reader.
Many thanks to Holiday House for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
“Unreal - There is no other word.
Inside our broken home, we don’t know how broken the outside world is.”
Ode to a Nobody is a powerful middle-grade novel in verse that managed to exceed my already high expectations with how impactful it was. Through a series of school-issued poetry assignments and journal entries, we’re offered an intimate look into the mind of a young girl as she navigates finding her voice in the aftermath of a storm (literally and figuratively) uprooting her home.
We first meet Quinn during the spring of her eight-grade year, through her first attempts at writing a poem about herself for a school assignment. Much like herself; Quinn’s not expecting her poem to be much of anything. Afterall, she’s an unremarkable nobody, average at best at all she does, and happy to fade into the background while her brilliant older brother takes the spotlight. Being invisible however, is no longer an option when an devastating tornado tears through her town and leaves destruction in its wake. With everything she knew changed, Quinn takes to her poetry as an outlet for her emotions. As she openly writes about the destruction of her home, the changing dynamics of her family and friendships, and her own insecurities, we slowly see her finding her voice and gaining the confidence to rebuilt a place for her own in this world.
There’s something deeply powerful to middle-grade fiction that manages to approach difficult topics through a lense that is accessible, relatable and understandable for readers of all ages. Combining that power with the ease and flow of its verse makes for an unforgetable reading experience. I loved every step of Quinns journey of charactergrowth, and it’s a testament to the skill of the writing that all that growth is portrayed through journal-entries/poems written by the character herself.
Although the format of verse may not be everybody’s cup of tea, I still beg you to give this book a chance if you’re looking for an impactful and emotional journey that still brims with hope, lightness and joy. If you enjoy a coming-of-age novel about finding your innerstrenght (e.i. The Hate U Give, A Heart in a Body in the World or The Poet X) than this is a must read, regardless if you’re an adult, young adult or middle-grade reader.
Many thanks to Holiday House for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 30, 2022
3.75
"Don't let life tell you who you are.
I don't have to be the best, like Forrest.
I just have to be me.
And I'm enough.
Choose a path-and do what it takes to walk it, even when it hurts."
Goodness gracious, this book was just....
I just wanted to start with the disclaimers so let's get that out of the way...
I received an ARC for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Okay so now that, that's out of the way I just want to start out by saying that this book is so very good!!! Ugh, it has been a really long time since I read something even close to this format and actually enjoyed it.
In this book we follow the journey of Quinnie or Quinn or Quinn(ie), depending on who you ask, a thirteen year old girl just trying to find her way after a devastating storm tears through everything that she once knew.
Before the storm Quinn is a nobody, an average skater, an average student and honestly a below average daughter. Before the storm Quinn and Jake are best friends, both relying on the other to get through the hard times. Quinn is okay with everything, she's okay with being under average for most things as long as she has the things that make her happy, Jake, her hamster and her video games.
But after the storm, Quinn is forced to face the hard truths of a lot of different things. Things that were once important to her have become unimportant but hard to let go of. In an Ode to a Nobody we take a deeper look into the life changing events that can happen to you at any stage in your life. The book takes a deeper dive into how even though everything in your life can be crumbing, that it's not the way that you fell down but the way you pick yourself back up.
Such an amazing read and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves to see character development and great world building. An Ode to a Nobody was a great read and I can't wait to add it to my collection when it finally releases.
I highly recommend this book if you like the following:
-Great world building
-Great character building
-rising from the ashes
-coming of age story
-natural disaster POV
-broken home
"Don't let life tell you who you are.
I don't have to be the best, like Forrest.
I just have to be me.
And I'm enough.
Choose a path-and do what it takes to walk it, even when it hurts."
Goodness gracious, this book was just....
I just wanted to start with the disclaimers so let's get that out of the way...
I received an ARC for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Okay so now that, that's out of the way I just want to start out by saying that this book is so very good!!! Ugh, it has been a really long time since I read something even close to this format and actually enjoyed it.
In this book we follow the journey of Quinnie or Quinn or Quinn(ie), depending on who you ask, a thirteen year old girl just trying to find her way after a devastating storm tears through everything that she once knew.
Before the storm Quinn is a nobody, an average skater, an average student and honestly a below average daughter. Before the storm Quinn and Jake are best friends, both relying on the other to get through the hard times. Quinn is okay with everything, she's okay with being under average for most things as long as she has the things that make her happy, Jake, her hamster and her video games.
But after the storm, Quinn is forced to face the hard truths of a lot of different things. Things that were once important to her have become unimportant but hard to let go of. In an Ode to a Nobody we take a deeper look into the life changing events that can happen to you at any stage in your life. The book takes a deeper dive into how even though everything in your life can be crumbing, that it's not the way that you fell down but the way you pick yourself back up.
Such an amazing read and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves to see character development and great world building. An Ode to a Nobody was a great read and I can't wait to add it to my collection when it finally releases.
I highly recommend this book if you like the following:
-Great world building
-Great character building
-rising from the ashes
-coming of age story
-natural disaster POV
-broken home
April 23, 2025
The only reason this got four stars and not five was because the beginning was a little boring. Very touching story.
December 26, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read & review this book for an honest review.
This book was beautiful. The prose is well done & I loved the poetry. The writing is stunning. My favorite middle grade novels are those that make you feel all the emotions. I felt like the author did a wonderful job of putting you into Quinn’s life. The experiences felt real and authentic.
I 100% recommend!
This book was beautiful. The prose is well done & I loved the poetry. The writing is stunning. My favorite middle grade novels are those that make you feel all the emotions. I felt like the author did a wonderful job of putting you into Quinn’s life. The experiences felt real and authentic.
I 100% recommend!
June 11, 2023
this is a really beautiful story written in a poetry format and even though the story takes place in a short period of her life, it still feels like it’s so much longer (in a good way) because of the character development. the author found a way to bring hard and delicate topics in such a beautiful and sensitive way. it flows really nicely and it’s more on the middle grade side, so it’s really recommended to younger readers. i honestly recommend this book for those who are looking for a quick read.
December 9, 2022
This is the sort of book that every middle grade reader should read. It shows the struggle of learning how to be your own person, while also not knowing how to do it. Quinn(ie) is a character I wish I had when I was 12 or 13, and I can easily see how many young readers will be able to connect with her.
The poems are also lyrical and emotional without all the heaviness of teen novels in verse have. I also loved how Quinn(ie) learned that perhaps not all friends are created equal, specifically when Jack and Jade are spray painting houses, or throwing rocks to create more damage, while Quinn(ie)’s house is almost beyond repair, and she’s not able to live with both her parents.
Thank you to NetGalley, Holiday House and the author for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The poems are also lyrical and emotional without all the heaviness of teen novels in verse have. I also loved how Quinn(ie) learned that perhaps not all friends are created equal, specifically when Jack and Jade are spray painting houses, or throwing rocks to create more damage, while Quinn(ie)’s house is almost beyond repair, and she’s not able to live with both her parents.
Thank you to NetGalley, Holiday House and the author for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 13, 2023
An amazing novel in verse all about the heartache that comes with change. Quinn survived a tornado, family changes, and eighth grade thanks to her poetry. As my professor who recommended this book said, “it reads like a love letter to English class”. Will definitely be using this book in my future classroom!
May 17, 2023
This was a beautiful story written poetry style.. a whirlwind of emotions for a 14 year old girl named Quinn. 🥀
July 21, 2022
Quinn feels she has no one except her friend Jack, and her skateboarding hobby. Her parents lavish praise on her older brother, who once accused her of destroying their parents' marriage. Jack also has a new BFF, Jade, who will put Quinn down every chance she can get. But when a tornado hits her small town, Quinn's world is literally (and figuratively) turned upside down.
I often feel that prose novels are written in this style without a real reason, but here, it resonates with Quinn's desire to write and become a poet. I love coming-of-age stories, and budding writers are particularly dear to my heart.
Thank you to Edelweiss for an ARC.
I often feel that prose novels are written in this style without a real reason, but here, it resonates with Quinn's desire to write and become a poet. I love coming-of-age stories, and budding writers are particularly dear to my heart.
Thank you to Edelweiss for an ARC.
January 23, 2025
i am very glad i found this book <3
November 7, 2022
Ode to a Nobody is a beautiful story written in verse about a young girl finding herself through the written word. Quinn(ie) is broken down, blames her parents’ split on herself, and can’t seem to click with her best friend as well as she used to. During the poetry unit at school, she finds that she can grow and thrive and use writing as a tool to navigate the hardships in life. This discovery is accompanied by a devestating tornado destroying her neighborhood. As the neighborhood rebuilds, Quinn also rebuilds into the person she wants to be.
In regards to my own feelings about this book, I loved it. It was a story of a young girl growing into herself, but it also highlighted the devestation one person and a whole community goes through in the wake of a natural disaster. I think the strongest element of this was the voice of Quinn. The growing confidence, the hesitancy, the embarrassment a 14-year-old so often feels. The struggles of trying to please everyone while also trying to do what she feels is right. It came through in the poetry so strongly it felt like I was actually reading a tennagers journal. It is an entirely unique story on its own, but it will also remind readers of many coming-of-age tales, especially those told in verse (like The Poet X or Free Verse). If you want to feel all the emotions (devastation, heartbreak, hope, happiness), then pick up this book and enjoy the ride.
Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For any Taylor Swift fans out there: this book is the embodiment of You’re on Your Own, Kid told through the eyes of an eighth grader finding herself.
In regards to my own feelings about this book, I loved it. It was a story of a young girl growing into herself, but it also highlighted the devestation one person and a whole community goes through in the wake of a natural disaster. I think the strongest element of this was the voice of Quinn. The growing confidence, the hesitancy, the embarrassment a 14-year-old so often feels. The struggles of trying to please everyone while also trying to do what she feels is right. It came through in the poetry so strongly it felt like I was actually reading a tennagers journal. It is an entirely unique story on its own, but it will also remind readers of many coming-of-age tales, especially those told in verse (like The Poet X or Free Verse). If you want to feel all the emotions (devastation, heartbreak, hope, happiness), then pick up this book and enjoy the ride.
Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For any Taylor Swift fans out there: this book is the embodiment of You’re on Your Own, Kid told through the eyes of an eighth grader finding herself.
January 6, 2023
2022, realistic/verse novel
Themes of identity, friends, divorce, middle school, siblings, natural disasters (tornado).
Following in her perfect brother's step, Quinn considers herself the "bad kid" where she is failing school, choosing poor friends, hanging out at a skate park, playing video games versus doing homework, etc.
It doesn't help that her parents are separated and verbally fight all of the time. When a tornado hits her community and home this causes stress in the family but also is a wake-up call for Quinn. Her mother and she have to move out of their unsafe for a couple of weeks.
Instead of going off with the friends she has always gotten in trouble with before, she ends up volunteering to clean up and help her neighbors as they recover from the tornado. Learning about the devastation of what these twisters do in a fictional story was really eye opening for me.
I loved how the book cover illustrator integrated the tornado into Quinn's hair with all of the items (even her pet hamster) are scattered in her beautiful locks.
A really good read that kids who are the 2nd/3rd/4th born will be able to relate too. But also kids who are angry and mad about life situations (parents fighting, natural disasters). Ultimately even though Quinn's family overcomes this horrible tonado, it is her journey--finding herself--in all of the mess of life and natural disasters that gives everyone HOPE. We can all survive!
Themes of identity, friends, divorce, middle school, siblings, natural disasters (tornado).
Following in her perfect brother's step, Quinn considers herself the "bad kid" where she is failing school, choosing poor friends, hanging out at a skate park, playing video games versus doing homework, etc.
It doesn't help that her parents are separated and verbally fight all of the time. When a tornado hits her community and home this causes stress in the family but also is a wake-up call for Quinn. Her mother and she have to move out of their unsafe for a couple of weeks.
Instead of going off with the friends she has always gotten in trouble with before, she ends up volunteering to clean up and help her neighbors as they recover from the tornado. Learning about the devastation of what these twisters do in a fictional story was really eye opening for me.
I loved how the book cover illustrator integrated the tornado into Quinn's hair with all of the items (even her pet hamster) are scattered in her beautiful locks.
A really good read that kids who are the 2nd/3rd/4th born will be able to relate too. But also kids who are angry and mad about life situations (parents fighting, natural disasters). Ultimately even though Quinn's family overcomes this horrible tonado, it is her journey--finding herself--in all of the mess of life and natural disasters that gives everyone HOPE. We can all survive!
October 14, 2022
I’m so happy to have had the chance to read this. This was one of the most beautifully written things i’ve read in a while. I think the story is one that’s important for people in every walk of life. I could resonate with her struggles and couldn’t help but love the catalyst being a tornado. (as a huge Oz fan)
February 24, 2023
This brilliant middle grade novel-in-verse tells the story of one teen’s experience living through a tornado. Since I've lived through a tornado myself, I can tell you this account was not only accurate but also profound and moving. I also found the story totally absorbing. A must-read for all young people and anyone who's lived through a natural disaster.
May 29, 2023
It's so hard to describe why I loved book...but for me, I love how Quinn changed. You witness so much happen to her, most of it out of her control, and the way Dubois wrote the poems really brought her anxieties and emotions to the front. I highly recommend.
February 16, 2024
It all started with the beautiful cover!
But this book just blew me away! Could not put it down!
Spectacular versed!❤️
But this book just blew me away! Could not put it down!
Spectacular versed!❤️
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December 17, 2023Turmoil swirls around Quinn, or Quinnie or Quinn(ie). Even her name is tumultuous. Her parents are not getting along. Her lifelong best friend Jack is smitten with the new girl Jade. Quinn likes to write poetry, but no one besides her English teacher accepts it as a real thing. Her grades are terrible, and her brother is an academic star. Quinn’s friends are skateboarders, but she isn’t very good at it. And then a tornado strikes her home and community, forcing Quinn and her mother to relocate to a new house owned by a strange older man. In Ode to a Nobody, author Caroline Brooks DuBois’s middle-grade verse novel, the traumatic natural disaster provides a reset for Quinn who finds that she isn’t a nobody after all. As Quinn discovers her strengths, she faces choices about whether to embrace them and become who she seems meant to be. DuBois tells Quinn’s story through inventive poems with shifting points of view and sometimes jarring forms that reflect the chaos in Quinn’s world.
December 13, 2023
If only I could go back in time and read the ode as a teen ...
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the smooth transitions.
"more than an address, holder of my childhood"
"why do we always have to be sweet, we could be Home Melancholy home, home embarrassment home, home nostalgic home, home hopeful home"
"nature rearranged my room, but we have different tastes, so I am going to move things back :)
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the smooth transitions.
"more than an address, holder of my childhood"
"why do we always have to be sweet, we could be Home Melancholy home, home embarrassment home, home nostalgic home, home hopeful home"
"nature rearranged my room, but we have different tastes, so I am going to move things back :)
November 29, 2024
One of the most powerful books I've ever read. The entire time I was either laughing, crying, or on the edge of my seat; desperate to know what happens next. This shared a beautiful message that I longed to receive and it was an absolutely rememberable journey.
Don't be scared to read it because it's a poetry book; if anything it adds to the characterization and meaningful plot that makes this book breathtaking.
Highly recommend reading it; you won't regret it!
Don't be scared to read it because it's a poetry book; if anything it adds to the characterization and meaningful plot that makes this book breathtaking.
Highly recommend reading it; you won't regret it!
December 21, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Holiday House for the chance to read and review Ode to Nobody by Caroline Brooks Dubois.
Ode to Nobody is a middle grade book set in verse. In the aftermath of the storm Quinn deals with her own emotions and her parents marriage falling apart.
I think this book is great for middle grade readers. Very sweet and straightforward with a message of hope pinning it together.
Ode to Nobody is a middle grade book set in verse. In the aftermath of the storm Quinn deals with her own emotions and her parents marriage falling apart.
I think this book is great for middle grade readers. Very sweet and straightforward with a message of hope pinning it together.
April 21, 2023
This is a beautiful coming-of-age novel written in free-verse and perfect for middle-grade readers. I loved watching Quinn develop over the course of the story and find her voice. The events are partly inspired by the 2020 Nashville tornado and it features one of my all-time favorite teachers, Ms. Koval.
May 25, 2024
I love a good novel-in-verse and this story was so heartfelt and moving! The story and realism were intensely wonderful as the main character Quinn moves through the last half of 8th grade. I wanted to sit and cry with the character, and then laugh when she laughed.
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