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trixie_reads's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. You don't often see a book in which a boy is close to his mom and isn't embarrassed about it, or a book about toxic male friendships. The author overused the description of people "sucking their teeth" to indicate disapproval, but that's a minor quibble.
krismarley's review against another edition
3.0
Good reminder that boy friendships can be as complicated as girl friendships.
prof_shoff's review against another edition
3.0
Good middle grades book about choices, friendship, and growing into who you want to be.
dovedovington's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
karis_rogerson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ajaubrey1's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
jennybeastie's review against another edition
5.0
Engrossing read about a boy in an inner city neighborhood negotiating friendships. I like Bryan's personality, I like his growth, as he discovers what makes him happy (peacefulness, comic books, talking video games with friends), I like his unapologetic love for his mother. And I like that this is a book about taking responsibility for not standing up to toxic friendships. It's a book about looking ahead to where anger takes you, and about finding ways to defuse it. There's a lot of meditative moments, there's a lot of thoughtful conversations about refusing a fight. As someone who as struggled with anger, I appreciate this theme and the toolbox of possibilities to step down another road. I also think this is an authentic voice, and I appreciate that as well.