Book obtained from: Library, E-book
[2012]
Description: This is a
middle grade book about August Pullman, a kid with a facial
difference who has been homeschooled because of all the medical
procedures he's had to endure. But now he is starting fifth grade in
a private school, and all he wants is to be treated like a normal
kid.
Plot: The story tracks
August from the summer before he starts fifth grade, through his
first year in a regular school environment. He endures stares and
taunts, and makes a few friends.
Characterization: The
book is mostly written in August's first person POV, but it does
include several other first person narrators, including his older
sister and several of his friends. All of the narrators are true to
life, and portray the various practical and emotional aspects of
living with, or having a brother/friend living with, such a
noticeable difference.
Setting: New York City.
The descriptions were good, somewhat minimal at times,
but I was able to picture every scene.
Other: I know a kid like
August, he's 17 now. I don't pretend to know what his life's been
like, but I pictured him while I was reading this book and lots of
things made sense. Also, middle school in my area is usually grades
7-8, or sometimes 6-8. I did find it odd that middle school in this
book started in grade 5.
Overall: This book is
amazing. The author is able to portray the conflicting feelings of
the characters, and simultaneously making the reader laugh and cry.
The only negative I can find, is that there wasn't really an overall
story goal or question, beyond “will August make it through his
fifth grade year, and will it be overall a positive or negative
experience.”
Grade: A
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