Kate Mester

Started off with promise and pretty spot on descriptions of depression (though with way too much repetition of kinetic/potential energy theme). But the book then took a very misguided turn into teen-love-can-fix-depression territory. That's a scary message to set as an example for kids. I had higher hopes

Solid 4 1/2. Really well written, maybe the best I've read by him. Haven't seen other books deal with the subject in such an authentic way

The audiobook narrator did a great job with giving all of the female characters distinct voices and personalities. I really enjoyed her reading. The content, meh. Unlike Gone Girl, I didn't find it as obvious from the beginning because Hawkins did a good job of making all of her characters unlikeable and possible suspects.

Wanted it to be better because it's realistic fiction set in DC, but the characters felt like an adult's version of middle school kids and the focus on race issues from the main character's white outsider perspective was uncomfortable at best, especially because the book was designed to be semi-preachy about tolerance

Empowering and funny. Will happily recommend to 8th and HSers

Particularly delightful as an audio book. Narrator gives such unique voices to Turnage's already snappy and humorous dialogue. I'm always ready for more Mo LaBeau!

I think 4th/5th grade me would have really enjoyed this. Can see some 4-6th graders liking it, though the librarian-ness was too heavy handed. I did really like the constant references to other great kids books. I know some kids will seek out some of those titles.

Good but overly long. Better than the breathless YA publishing oversell (claimed as the new Fault in Our Stars meets Eleanor & Park) would have you believe.

3 1/2. Was surprised by the audio narrator's voice, but his timing and comedic tone bumped my rating up a half star. He made the constant full name repetition and use of catchphrases like dynamo circle back to re-funny. I liked Austin's exploration of friend and romantic relationships within the end of the world/monsters trope. The ending wasn't my favorite, but much of the book felt fresh.

Wanted to understand the Caldecott controversy. Illustrations are gorgeous, but I think saying this is for Caldecott age group is a stretch, even allowing for the up to 14 argument. Skim was solidly YA, I see this as the same.

So whimsical and sweet. The tape on the back of Beekle's crown just tugged at my heart. Can definitely see why it won the Caldecott. A few of our schools picked it as the winner, they're so excited for Beekle!

Good content but too many unnecessary personal stories. Much better skimmed for main and worthwhile ideas

His art is always enjoyable and the story was interesting, but I much preferred Hazel's character to Katie's. His aim of exploring the hardships of “adult” life would have been better served with a stronger, more likeable protagonist.

Liked that each title was a song, the 80s setting, and the exploration of Harry's friendships, but enjoyed Wise Young Fool more as a band novel.

Like all Sheinkin books, I learned so much through a great story. Man really knows how to write captivating narrative nonfic for his MS target audience.

Solid 3 1\2, thanks in large part to keeping Kid genderless

Her voice and the side bits with other actors made for a more enjoyable experience than I would imagine having with just the book.

I wonder if I've just aged out of empathy for the main character, and if teen me would have liked this more, since I went through such a Sylvia phase. The supporting characters were better than Jam. I suspected she was making Reeve up, and once the truth came, it just made me angrier at her privilege.

Solid 4 1\2. A few parts dragged, but overall engrossing and worth the time investment. I'd happily take a Boris spinoff!

Solid 3 1/2. Believable and strong characters, great boy friendships. Audio narrator was perfect

What 11 year old describes an adult male as brooding? Fun and sweet, though, with good messages about tween friendship, science, and learning from your grandparents.

So very disappointing. I forced myself to finish in the hopes that maybe, somehow, because it's Rainbow Rowell, it would salvage itself. Nope, the ending was an anticlimactic wreck. Her YA is excellent, filled with complex and believable characters and situations. Yet this “adult” book included a pandering attempt at a love triangle and a magic, time-traveling phone. Say what? This was whiny, poorly written, plot-less dreck. I believe you to be better than this, RR.

My shelf listing is a lie, it's not really read, I still haven't finished. I've tried for 2 years and can't make this book work for me. The writing is gorgeous and lush and heartbreaking and the story is interesting. It's not the book, it's me. I loved I Am the Messenger....does that help? I'm feeling a lot of bookshame, here. I'm sorry, Leisel. It's me, not you.

Only made it through Part 1 of the audio book. The narrator sounded like he was bored and everything sounded like lists instead of narrative. Might try the actual book, because I want to be interested in the story

Yes, you're white, with blue eyes and blonde hair. Thanks for never giving me a chance to forget that. Despite that, it was interesting to see what writing for the show was actually based on her story, especially because her character is one of the worst (except for Larry, who is TRULY the worst)