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Lisa Graff is another favorite author, and this book is yet another reason why. I put so many post-it notes in this book, you can barely see the book - each post-it marks lovely language I couldn't bear to forget. Even with that, I am going to need to reread this to savor it yet again.
A great middle grade chapter book that both broke my heart and lifted my spirits and soul. A must read! ...more
A great middle grade chapter book that both broke my heart and lifted my spirits and soul. A must read! ...more
This book caught me off guard I wasn't sure what to expect with a woven plot around a freak accident in fifth grade. The characters are unique with their own quiet strengths and unique idiosyncrasies. Trent's two teachers although quiet really captured my heart and taught me an important less. Beautifully written.
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Thank you, Universe, for giving me a day when I could read this book all in one gulp.
Thank you, Lisa Graff, for another amazing book.
Thank you, Lisa Graff, for another amazing book.
Grades 5-8. This is my pick for Newbery. Best book I read all year. Trent is in 6th grade. Seven months ago, in a freak accident, another boy died when a hockey puck hit hi in the chest and triggered a heart defect nobody knew about. Trent hit that hockey puck.
Unpersuaded by everyone, he knows the boy's death is his fault. He believes he's unredeemable-- and begins acting out in a way that turns everyone away, even his own family. Everyone but a girl named Fallon. Fallon doesn't care how Trent a ...more
Unpersuaded by everyone, he knows the boy's death is his fault. He believes he's unredeemable-- and begins acting out in a way that turns everyone away, even his own family. Everyone but a girl named Fallon. Fallon doesn't care how Trent a ...more
Lisa Graff writes such solid, realistic stories - this time about a kid who's struggling to deal with guilt over an accident, and realizing that other people are dealing with their own things. Nuanced relationships, nice character development, a bit of sports interest. Recommended.
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Trent is starting middle school with a couple difficult issues under his belt. He was involved in an accident that resulted in the death of another child and his father and his stepmother have a new baby. Graff presents an achingly realistic portrait of a child suffering. Happily, the teachers in this book are helpful.
Great writing. Such well-developed characters. Really feel like people/ kids I know. She's raising the bar for all of us with this one.
Also I wanted to say I haven't read Umbrella Summer, which I learned is a companion novel to this one. I didn't feel like I was missing anything. This stands alone. ...more
Also I wanted to say I haven't read Umbrella Summer, which I learned is a companion novel to this one. I didn't feel like I was missing anything. This stands alone. ...more
Dec 08, 2014
Dan
marked it as to-read
Mar 01, 2015
J.j.
marked it as to-read
Mar 29, 2015
Kristin McIlhagga
marked it as to-read
Apr 29, 2015
Julie
marked it as to-read
Aug 10, 2015
Jenny
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
juvenile-fiction,
ya,
realistic-fiction,
dark,
favorites,
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middle_grade,
mock_newbery_2016
Oct 15, 2015
Jennifer
marked it as to-read
Nov 27, 2015
Alison
marked it as to-read















