Your rating:
A thirteen-year-old nonbinary kid discovers that life doesn't always go according to plan, especially when they start public school for the first time, in this heartfelt middle grade novel about family, friendship, LGBTQIA+ identity, and Jewish heritage, perfect for fans of The List of Things That Will Not Change and Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World. Thirteen-year-old Shai is an expert problem-solver. There’s never been something they couldn’t research and figure out on their own. But there’s one thing Shai hasn’t been able to logic their way picking at the hair on their arms. Ever since their mom lost her job, the two had to move in with family friends, and the world went into pandemic lockdown, Shai’s been unable to control their picking. Now, as the difficult times recede and everyone begins to discover their “new normal,” Shai’s hoping the stress that caused their picking will end, too. After reading that a routine can reduce anxiety, Shai makes a plan to create a brand new normal for themself that includes going to public school. But when their academic evaluation places them into 9th grade instead of 8th, it sets off a chain of events that veer off the path Shai had prepared for, encouraging Shai to learn how to accept life's twists and turns, especially when you can't plan for them.
No posts yet
Kick off the convo with a theory, question, musing, or update
Your rating:
Thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for letting me read an ARC of this book through NetGalley!
Just Shy of Ordinary
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .5 (4.5/5) or 9.00/10 overall
Characters - 9
The characters in this book were amazing. Each of them had their own unique personality and many had personal growth along the way.
Atmosphere - 9
The atmosphere was pleasant and relatively peaceful. While there were a few touches on deeper topics, there was still a hopeful ending.
Writing - 9
A. J. Sass's writing style always leaves me thoroughly engaged in their books. He has enough description to picture the environment and characters, but also enough action to keep the story moving.
Plot - 8
I enjoyed the overall plot of this story. It had its fair share of unique experiences combined with everyday moments that helped to make it more relatable. The only thing that curbed my enjoyment in terms of the plot was the ending. It was heartfelt, but it left some threads of the story still unsolved that I would've liked to have seen play out. Maybe a sequel would clear up the final plot points?
0A great MG story.
Characters-9
Shai and their friends & family had fun personalities. I loved how each character in this had a unique personality, and something they were passionate about. I also loved the journey some of these characters went on.
Atmosphere-9
I liked the atmosphere in this book. I felt that the locations were described well, and added to my enjoyment of the story.
Writing-10
I love A.J. Sass as a writer. I love how he writes with a style that keeps the reader interested, and draws the reader into their world. I loved the style of this book and how we had diary entries mixed in with the of the story.
Plot-9
The plot to this one was interesting. I loved learn about the VIP projects, and how the dynamic between Shai, their mom, and the Martel's. As a Jewish person, I loved seeing the Jewish rep in this book. I also loved Shai's journey in this book.
Intrigue-8
This was an interesting story. The pace was a little so for me in the middle.
Logic-9
I saw the logic in this story.
Enojyment-9
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I had a fun time reading it.
0
© 2024 Pagebound