Paul Mosier

This reminded me of See You at Harry's by Jo Knowles. No one really wants to think about little kids dying, but of course it happens. People write heartbreaking books about it. I read those books even though I know I will be sad for days. The world of childhood cancer is not a fun world to dive into. But dive I did. I read this whole book on an airplane with my daughter sitting next to me happily absorbed in Frozen while I clutched her little hand and sobbed.

Reading literary fiction breeds empathy. (This is science: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/novel-finding-reading-literary-fictio... A kid may pick up this book and discover a newfound gratitude for their siblings. They may find themselves reaching out to a classmate who seems sad. Or donating to a good cause. They may find strength to help them through their own sadness or struggle.

So while books like this can be hard to read, they are important and they should have a place in the reading lives of children (and grown-ups).… (más)

When a book makes me cry and think and consider reading beat poetry (which I hate), I have to give it five stars.

This book is not flawless, but it's beautiful. The writing, the characters, the journey. All beautiful. I hate to hear people say this book is too sad, because I think it's actually a very optimistic book. Rydr is so strong in the face of all she's gone through with her mother's addiction and death, not to mention being cared for by a stern grandmother who then also passes away.

This book is about resilience.

I have high hopes for it come Newbery time.… (más)

Anyone with a heart, read this!
A Paul Theroux by a twelve year old girl and a precious coming of age. Lively written. Easily in a good way, every word is meaningful. A smile is never far away. You travel and discover. The train as a set and as a metaphor: changing landscape, a place in between, a safe territory to connect, process and growth. Friendship and more; and the lack of it. You will cry, even if it is only in your heart. It is touching, not sentimental. Closer, Clever, Star

Iedereen met een hart, lees dit!
Een Paul Theroux door een twaalfjarig meisje en een kostbare coming of age. Levendig geschreven. Gemakkelijk op een goede manier, elk zin is betekenisvol. Ook met glimlach. Je reist en ontdekt mee. De trein als decor en als metafoor: veranderend landschap, een plek tussenin, een veilig territorium om te verbinden, te verwerken en te groeien. Vriendschap en meer; en het gebrek daaraan. Je gaat huilen, al is het alleen in je hart. Het is ontroerend, niet sentimenteel. Dichter, Slim, Sterk.… (más)