Review: We Come Apart

We Come Apart | Sarah Crossan & Brian Conaghan

Published by: Bloomsbury Children's, February 9th 2017

Genre: YA, Contemporary, Verse

Pages: 320

Format: Ebook

Source: Bloomsbury Children's,  via Netgalley

From two acclaimed authors comes an emotional story told in verse about friendship, love, and overcoming unbeatable odds.

Authors Brian Conaghan and Sarah Crossan have joined forces to tell the story of Nicu and Jess, two troubled teens whose paths cross in the unlikeliest of places.

Nicu has emigrated from Romania and is struggling to find his place in his new home. Meanwhile, Jess's home life is overshadowed by violence. When Nicu and Jess meet, what starts out as friendship grows into romance as the two bond over their painful pasts and hopeful futures. But will they be able to save each other, let alone themselves?
For fans of Una LaMarche’s Like No Other, this illuminating story told in dual points of view through vibrant verse will stay with readers long after they've turned the last page.

This is a quiet, heart-full novel about friendship and abuse and immigration and racism and I loved it. At first I wasn't sure at all. Nicu's broken english made me feel two ways - that it was a stereotypical portrayal of an immigrant and why couldn't he have perfect english, and why should he HAVE to speak in perfect english? The more I read, the more I felt the second way, and his speech was just part of him. And I loved this book. It has so much to say and does it so well.

It's a quick read, despite the heavy-going themes, and I quickly fell in love with the two main characters. I will say one thing - it escalates quickly toward the end, which comes as a bit of a shock. But I love the ending really, and all it says for Nicu.

Honestly, this is just lovely and memorable and upsetting and really well written, and you should read it.

Characters ★★★☆☆
Setting/World ★★★☆☆

Writing ★★★★☆

ARC Review: Moo

Moo | Sharon Creech

Published by: HarperCollins, August 30th 2016

Genre: Children's, Verse

Pages: 304

Format: Ebook

Source: HarperCollins, via Edelweiss

Fans of Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech’s Love That Dogand Hate That Cat will love her newest tween novel, Moo. This uplifting tale reminds us that if we’re open to new experiences, life is full of surprises. Following one family’s momentous move from the city to rural Maine, an unexpected bond develops between twelve-year-old Reena and one very ornery cow.

When Reena, her little brother, Luke, and their parents first move to Maine, Reena doesn’t know what to expect. She’s ready for beaches, blueberries, and all the lobster she can eat. Instead, her parents “volunteer” Reena and Luke to work for an eccentric neighbor named Mrs. Falala, who has a pig named Paulie, a cat named China, a snake named Edna—and that stubborn cow, Zora.

This heartwarming story, told in a blend of poetry and prose, reveals the bonds that emerge when we let others into our lives.

A memorable story with a big heart and unforgettable characters of many species.

I loved this story. I loved Zora. I loved the children discovering themselves in a new town, and transitioning from inside kids to outside kids (although rather them than me...) Many things are wonderful about this book - every animal has its own distinctive personality, the setting itself seems another character, even minor characters are charming and interesting. And I LOVED the preparation for showing Zora and the actual fair. This was just all lovely, and quite emotional toward the end.

Kids will love this big, heartfelt book of stubborn animals and delicate friendships.

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆

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