Reviews
Similar in tone to A Separate Peace but with the separation of years, not as poignant. http://pussreboots.com/blog/2019/comm...
[8.25 stars ⭐️.] It had a slow start, but once it started to pick up, I couldn’t get enough.
Sigh. The book is finished and has left an empty space. Today a student asked me what was the most terrifying book I had in the Library and I replied “it’s not the books about ghosts or ghouls that are terrifying, it’s the books about what one human does to another” and that’s how I felt about this one. After reading the first chapter weeks ago I could not continue as I was afraid of its cruelty. Yet finally I persisted and it was both worth it and I wish I hadn’t. For humans are terrifying creatures. I hope it leaves the reader more cautious... and more kind ... as people
It took a little while to get into this book which disappointed me a little bit. I thought that I would love it right away because the premise certainly hooked my attention. The first bit with Annabelle dealing with the new girl and bully, Betty, felt old and worn out. It wasn't until Betty went missing that the story started to take a turn. Wolk dangles some interesting information out in front of the readers at first but not enough to hook any but the most dedicated of readers. Many of my middle school students would making barely a few chapters into the book before declaring that they were bored and wanted a new book. Once I reached the last fifth of the book, I could not put the book down. That's too long to wait to hook the reader in. Ultimately though, I felt let down. Wolk left so much potential on the table with the PTSD, although not described that way by Annabelle, of Toby and even exploring the antagonist's, Betty, motives for her actions that I would not recommend this book. I'm actually surprised that it made the short list for the junior book award list, not because it's a bad but because it simply does not stand out and, quite frankly, leaves much to be desired.
This was wholly sad and beautiful.
