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What Members Thought
A hard look at the way we treat others: strangers, friends, and family, set against the backdrop of a small farm community during WWII. A tragic book, not maudlin or unnecessarily grim, but definitely not a cheerful story. I have heard nothing but praise for it, even before the Newbery Honor, and I hope it continues to hold people's attention, because it should be widely read.
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Crisp writing, vivid characters (even the bit parts), lots of details to ground the historical setting (the food, the chores, the woods). A dark story in some ways, but not depressing.
This may be the best book I've read this year, certainly the best middle grade. I don't want to say too much about it, but the writing flowed well, and the characters are all so well rounded with many layers. There's lots to think about after finishing this one, about choices made and not made, about compassion, and about trying to better understand others, no matter how they treat us, or what anyone else thinks.
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Errrrr. Lots of goods themes. Beautifully written. I can see that kids could probably relate. And really tragic ending. But honestly for me, aside from the mom, most of the characters were really unlikeable. I get that the protagonist is 11 and dealing with a lot. But this story felt like a prime example of what happens when you try to solve things yourself with your dumb 11 y/o brain. And highlights the worst things about small insular towns.
I don't not recommend it though. I just personally wo ...more
I don't not recommend it though. I just personally wo ...more
A beautifully written and very moving book.
Feb 18, 2016
Carmine
marked it as to-read
Apr 04, 2016
E
marked it as to-read
Apr 16, 2016
Liz
marked it as to-read
Nov 29, 2016
Kathe
marked it as to-read
Mar 17, 2017
Kerry (The Roaming Librarian) O'Donnell
marked it as to-read
May 25, 2017
Sarah
marked it as to-read
Jan 08, 2018
Kate
marked it as to-read
Dec 07, 2018
Laurie
marked it as to-read
Dec 07, 2019
Christine
marked it as to-read
