Good way to read about the Syrian war and its fallout for younger readers. Scary and sad, but uplifting at the same time. It gives a message that people are kind and strong and résiliant. This is a message kids need, and parents should remember: we need to do the hard work of making the world a better place for our amazing kids who are trying to change the world.

It bugged me. Best parts were the Oregon setting, and the main character‘s growth, but I just didn‘t like the concept that much, surprisingly. I wanted her to just wake up immediately, and do the real work, not just be in her head. Maybe teens would like it more.

I think this is a great book for upper primary and early middle school aged kids. It‘s not too violent, and mild sexual innuendo, but manages to create a dystopian world with an interesting premise. I think it manages to add perspective to the abortion debate in a fairly meaningful way, and perhaps provide a way to discuss that and other difficult topics with the freedom of a fantastic dystopia as a framework.

Great for junior readers! A bit simple for adults but great themes of responsible risk taking, friendship, and critical thinking for 7-11 year olds.

Short vignettes that are perfect for engaging reluctant readers. Beautifully drawn and good pacing.

I read this book a few years ago and didn‘t love it. I don‘t know if it‘s because I‘ve recently rewatched the Back to the Future series or because I‘ve studied literature since then, but this book BLEW ME AWAY on my second reading.

There is a self awareness and reflexivity in the novel that encourage certain feelings (motherly feelings, engagement with the characters, falling into the world of the main characters). A top notch novel!

A solid book, with good characters, good pacing, and an interesting premise (twins who separate and potentially find each other again). I like how it doesn‘t stick with one generation but examines the twins‘ children.

A beautiful story of navigating one‘s past. One must confront ghosts (literally), and figure out how to live the life you have, given all the pain your ancestors have been through. What happens to pain when it takes its toll? When can you be free? Can we ever really move on?

I have to say as a parent it was hard to read Jojo‘s struggles with his neglectful mother. But she is depicted with humanity as well. I liked the complexity.