A Scholastic book directed to Middle Schoolers, this is simply a wonderful story! There is nothing "childish" about the story nor the storytelling; thA Scholastic book directed to Middle Schoolers, this is simply a wonderful story! There is nothing "childish" about the story nor the storytelling; this is a wonderful tale that pulls you into a world of Kinde Folk, Travelers, and Pookas. Hahn was inspired to create this tale on a visit to Ireland and reading it at bedtime, when I woke the next morning I felt like I was in the detailed world she creates in her tapestry of images.
Guest is the changeling, and once he begins talking, he becomes one of the most beguilingly charming character I've read in quite some time. The young girl whose journey of (self)discovery this is, Mollie Cloverdell and the mysterious man who aids her, Madog, are also wonderfully drawn.
I found myself thinking this tale is incredibly cinematic and would make a wonderful film. If you enjoy some fairy tale magick, especially of the Celtic type, then no matter your age, this you cannot lose with this one!...more
Wow! This book really strikes some deep places in people which is -- in my opinion -- a real function and consequence of good art. The reader reviews Wow! This book really strikes some deep places in people which is -- in my opinion -- a real function and consequence of good art. The reader reviews here at Goodreads are filled with passion, with some really hating this book and most really passionately loving and defending it. What seems common to all is that they relate to this tale so personally and again, I think that's what makes this book so valuable.
As both a cancer patient myself and the father of two daughters, I too got fairly personally involved. I, like Hazel's dad, am a bit of a weeper and yes, there were several scenes in this book where -- while no real tears were produced -- my eyes burned with the tears that did not fall. That a book written for "young adults" or a "middle school" demographic can go to the places this book goes is fairly astounding. Those who criticize the two protagonists as either "being wise beyond their years" or simply talking in a way no 'real' teenager would talk -- to my mind -- miss the point. After all, this is a freaking NOVEL!
I read this book because my 12-year old daughter and several of her girlfriends shared it amongst themselves and, knowing the Green brothers for their YouTube work, I thought I'd read it as a window into what these young women are reading, thinking, and talking about. I found it engrossing, non-condescending, and somehow inspiring while almost aggressively not wallowing in suffering-porn. The acerbic wit and purposeful undercutting of the tendency toward mawkishness I found refreshing. ...more
Every once in a while I read a book my daughter has enjoyed. I think it helps keep me closer to her and more in touch with her preferences, her likes,Every once in a while I read a book my daughter has enjoyed. I think it helps keep me closer to her and more in touch with her preferences, her likes, and interests. She read two books on our trip to Antarctica and liked both of them and specifically said to me that she thought I'd like this one. Perhaps because it features a strong-willed, intelligent girl (like my daughter) and the relationship with a very loving dad, that played a part in her suggesting I read it. It's also fun and creepy!
Behind the horror narrative, this is a book about friendship, an unlikely friendship between three very superficially different kids who overcome their distrust and dislike for each other through going through an ordeal that required them to work together. During peak covid, my daughter became very good friends with a boy and a girl (like in this novel) who on the surface would have seemed unlikely candidates for a really close friendship that continues to this day.
In any event, this is the first in a series that tracks the spooky adventures of Ollie, Coco, and Brian and I think my daughter will be following their story....more
Frank Jude
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Books:
middle-school
(3)
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