#1 New York Times bestselling author Ellen Hopkins's poignant middle grade novel in verse about coming to terms with indelible truths of family and belonging.
For the most part, Hannah's life is just how she wants it. She has two supportive parents, she's popular at school, and she's been killing it at gymnastics. But when her cousin Cal moves in with her family, everything changes. Cal tells half-truths and tall tales, pranks Hannah constantly, and seems to be the reason her parents are fighting more and more. Nothing is how it used to be. She knows that Cal went through a lot after his mom died and she is trying to be patient, but most days Hannah just wishes Cal never moved in.
For his part, Cal is trying his hardest to fit in, but not everyone is as appreciative of his unique sense of humor and storytelling gifts as he is. Humor and stories might be his defense mechanism, but if Cal doesn't let his walls down soon, he might push away the very people who are trying their best to love him.
Told in verse from the alternating perspectives of Hannah and Cal, this is a story of two cousins who are more alike than they realize and the family they both want to save.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
.
Initial thoughts: this story explored a lot of experiences and emotions through the eyes of two MG-aged characters. Cal & Hannah’s voices were created so well & I think representative of the age group they are in. This story took me on a roller coaster of emotions, but it was definitely an experience that needs to be told more often. I really do believe this story can inspire empathy, especially empathy for children like Cal who have gone through a lot and might seem “different” but are really just trying to deal with emotions & experiences & heal as best they can. I liked seeing Hannah & Cal’s relationship develop and how they began to understand each other a little bit better by the end of the novel. I loved how this story showcased that not all families are perfect and that at the end of the day everyone is just trying to do the best they can and that love is such an important part of that. Anyway, a longer review to come!
Reading updates
-
Started reading
-
12 July, 2020:
Finished reading
-
12 July, 2020:
Reviewed