Scan barcode
elliereadsss's review
4.0
This middle grade fantasy follows Penny and David after their move to an old house in the countryside- the house where Pog, a mystical tiny figure, has lived for years.
I was surprised by how emotional I found this book- I think the author tackled the theme of grief phenomenally, particularly for the target middle grade audience. I would've liked to see even more scenes between the family rather than a focus on Pog. I liked the pacing of this book which made it really enjoyable and therefore a quick read. I really recommend this book!
I was surprised by how emotional I found this book- I think the author tackled the theme of grief phenomenally, particularly for the target middle grade audience. I would've liked to see even more scenes between the family rather than a focus on Pog. I liked the pacing of this book which made it really enjoyable and therefore a quick read. I really recommend this book!
kelamity_reads's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I really, really, REALLY wanted to like this book. I wanted to witness the family come to terms with their grief. I wanted to know about Pog. I wanted to learn about the first ones.
But the story was...plodding. It was slow and mostly uneventful. The story is weighted in grief, but there is no touching or uplifting conclusion.
The story is great in theory, the idea of painful memories having power. But the entire book could have been condensed into a short story a quarter the size of the original text.
Maybe my own history with grief and loss has coloured my views on the story. Perhaps others will find more meaning to it.
But the story was...plodding. It was slow and mostly uneventful. The story is weighted in grief, but there is no touching or uplifting conclusion.
The story is great in theory, the idea of painful memories having power. But the entire book could have been condensed into a short story a quarter the size of the original text.
Maybe my own history with grief and loss has coloured my views on the story. Perhaps others will find more meaning to it.
maireador20's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
jordanisreading's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
isileebee's review
3.0
I thought it was an okay story which attempted to address grief through the lens of young teens/older kids. I have a slight niggle however; I know their father was also grieving, but he came across as really selfish and irresponsible. He never apologised when he snapped at them... denying them enrollment at school? This is safeguarding stuff and I think it was a bit too much to unpack for a kids book. Overall though, the message was nice and I think would be quite palatable for kids.
dinkydoodah's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thesapphiccelticbookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0