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Closer to Nowhere
A 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.
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.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published October 6, 2020
136 people are currently reading
10.1k people want to read
About the author
Ellen Hopkins
52books18.8kfollowersEllen Hopkins is the New York Times bestselling author of Crank, Burned, Impulse, Glass, Identical, Tricks, Fallout, Perfect, Triangles, Tilt, and Collateral. She lives in Carson City, Nevada, with her husband and son. Hopkin's Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest pages get thousands of hits from teens who claim Hopkins is the "only one who understands me", and she can be visited at ellenhopkins.com.
Like most of you here, books are my life. Reading is a passion, but writing is the biggest part of me. Balance is my greatest challenge, as I love my family, friends, animals and home, but also love traveling to meet my readers. Hope I meet many of you soon!
Like most of you here, books are my life. Reading is a passion, but writing is the biggest part of me. Balance is my greatest challenge, as I love my family, friends, animals and home, but also love traveling to meet my readers. Hope I meet many of you soon!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 570 reviews
May 6, 2023
� 5 stars �
“That home in the distance,
the one I could never reach?
Today, I’m much closer to it
than I am to nowhere.�
What a lovely intensely emotional read Closer to NowhereIt left me feeling so very raw and open with my feelings and train of thought, and to just make sure that I never let anyone ever feel unwanted or unloved. Middle Grade books rarely disappoint me, so to find a gem such as this, makes me so grateful that I took a chance with it.
I think what made the reading experience even rewarding for me was that it was told in a very clever style of verse of alternating points of view between the two cousins, Hannah and Cal. I liked the unique chapter titles that expressed their different personalities, particularly Cal's 'Fact or Fiction'. Each side of their stories was told with a humorous lighthearted yet expressive touch that was carefully balanced throughout.
Hannah and Cal may have had distinctive views on life, but they were still very relatable young kids, that you really empathized with, because what they did, how they felt, it was very normal and believable. Cal especially really grew on me, as a character, and I admired him so much for how he handled some situations, with a very rational train of thought.
There were some really stand-out moments for me, that just left me speechless, not in an 'O-M-G', that's so horrid, but 'wow, that is some very challenging and expressive ways to communicate feelings'. If that makes any sense. I won't mention them in detail, but three that really left a mark on me were his family tree, the birthday party at the skating rink, and the final climax, which really showed just how special a boy he is. 😊😊
“Doesn’t matter. I’m not asking
for hugs
for pats on the back
to be tucked in at night.
But I wish he’d make me feel
understood
encouraged
ɲԳٱ.�
Ouch, this hurt so hard - like a sucker punch in the heart. 💔💔 If it had been written in a normal style, I don't think it would have been as impact for me. But, the way the words are divided in the verse left a gnawing pain in my heart, that I just wanted to ease Cal's pain. Not that Hannah did not have her own personal struggles - they were relatable to me in all ways and I loved that as she spent time with her cousin, she got to see him not as someone who constantly tormented and teased her, but as an actual person who's had to endure a lo throughout his childhood, and that she actually wanted to care for him. But, Cal's growth and gradual acceptance into his aunt's family was the true victory for me, and made this a winner in my book.
I've only read a handful verse books so far, but they've all been incredible reads, which make me cautiously optimistic to be more receptive of them in the future. 🤞🤞
“That home in the distance,
the one I could never reach?
Today, I’m much closer to it
than I am to nowhere.�
What a lovely intensely emotional read Closer to NowhereIt left me feeling so very raw and open with my feelings and train of thought, and to just make sure that I never let anyone ever feel unwanted or unloved. Middle Grade books rarely disappoint me, so to find a gem such as this, makes me so grateful that I took a chance with it.
I think what made the reading experience even rewarding for me was that it was told in a very clever style of verse of alternating points of view between the two cousins, Hannah and Cal. I liked the unique chapter titles that expressed their different personalities, particularly Cal's 'Fact or Fiction'. Each side of their stories was told with a humorous lighthearted yet expressive touch that was carefully balanced throughout.
Hannah and Cal may have had distinctive views on life, but they were still very relatable young kids, that you really empathized with, because what they did, how they felt, it was very normal and believable. Cal especially really grew on me, as a character, and I admired him so much for how he handled some situations, with a very rational train of thought.
There were some really stand-out moments for me, that just left me speechless, not in an 'O-M-G', that's so horrid, but 'wow, that is some very challenging and expressive ways to communicate feelings'. If that makes any sense. I won't mention them in detail, but three that really left a mark on me were his family tree, the birthday party at the skating rink, and the final climax, which really showed just how special a boy he is. 😊😊
“Doesn’t matter. I’m not asking
for hugs
for pats on the back
to be tucked in at night.
But I wish he’d make me feel
understood
encouraged
ɲԳٱ.�
Ouch, this hurt so hard - like a sucker punch in the heart. 💔💔 If it had been written in a normal style, I don't think it would have been as impact for me. But, the way the words are divided in the verse left a gnawing pain in my heart, that I just wanted to ease Cal's pain. Not that Hannah did not have her own personal struggles - they were relatable to me in all ways and I loved that as she spent time with her cousin, she got to see him not as someone who constantly tormented and teased her, but as an actual person who's had to endure a lo throughout his childhood, and that she actually wanted to care for him. But, Cal's growth and gradual acceptance into his aunt's family was the true victory for me, and made this a winner in my book.
I've only read a handful verse books so far, but they've all been incredible reads, which make me cautiously optimistic to be more receptive of them in the future. 🤞🤞
Want to read
February 26, 2022"Only my brain is broken.
I don't talk about that
Instead, I read. Books quiet
the noise inside my head."
No one has ever understood me this much! Thank you, author!
I really do not like the mean, clueless adult characters (and I have come across such people in real life almost everyday which is quite disturbing!) who are supposed to be taking care of these "troubled" kids. Instead they are the ones who are being the bigger bullies.
*deals with losing someone close to cancer, broken families, bullying
I don't talk about that
Instead, I read. Books quiet
the noise inside my head."
No one has ever understood me this much! Thank you, author!
I really do not like the mean, clueless adult characters (and I have come across such people in real life almost everyday which is quite disturbing!) who are supposed to be taking care of these "troubled" kids. Instead they are the ones who are being the bigger bullies.
*deals with losing someone close to cancer, broken families, bullying
November 21, 2020
Hold on---
*Sobs
Finally got a good cry after a while. This book made me feel variety of emotions and this is absolutely one of my favourites now.
This story follows the life of two cousins, Cal and Hannah. Cal is currently in the custody of Hannah's parents after his mother passed away due to cancer and his father locked in the jail because of abuse and possession of illegal drugs. Things gone complicated as Hannah's parents' relationship became shaky and she slightly blamed Cal over this sad event.
This story was stated through alternate viewpoints by the two main characters so we got to see their different point of views. All around this book was carefully written and apprised angles like PTSD, grief, drug abuse, and physical abuse in a cautious way that still made this book suitable for younger audience.
If y'all want a book that will you make bawl as hell, this story is highly recommend.
*Sobs
Finally got a good cry after a while. This book made me feel variety of emotions and this is absolutely one of my favourites now.
This story follows the life of two cousins, Cal and Hannah. Cal is currently in the custody of Hannah's parents after his mother passed away due to cancer and his father locked in the jail because of abuse and possession of illegal drugs. Things gone complicated as Hannah's parents' relationship became shaky and she slightly blamed Cal over this sad event.
This story was stated through alternate viewpoints by the two main characters so we got to see their different point of views. All around this book was carefully written and apprised angles like PTSD, grief, drug abuse, and physical abuse in a cautious way that still made this book suitable for younger audience.
If y'all want a book that will you make bawl as hell, this story is highly recommend.
November 22, 2022
I had this book recommended to me and I am so glad I read it. All families make up of different people and this family has there nephew living with them after his mother died. Struggling and not sure where he belongs he causes a lot of problems especially for his cousin who all she wants is that normal family. But when the family starts to break up can he find a way to make it right? I think if you are taking care of a relative child you will have many ups and downs. Even in this book the parents separate because they don't know how to handle the new living situation, will they start to learn to before its to late? Really a wonderful story that is a recommendation to all especially for those who have or having to face this situation.
May 26, 2020
A sincere and heartfelt 5 stars! Bless you Ellen Hopkins for telling a story you know to be true in nature, and help others to see into "troubled kids". A truly beautiful story illustrating the inner thoughts of kids from troubled families, and how their classmates can perceive them and learn to understand them. So glad I mowed through it in about 5 hours before my free copy expired!
And I cried over the leotard ;)
And I cried over the leotard ;)
Read
January 3, 2022I loveeee!!! this book it is interesting and theres alot of conflict. overall this book was amazing.
definitely recommend.
definitely recommend.
November 15, 2021
ছোট্� একটা মানু�, তাকে নিয়�, তা� আশেপাশের মানুষক� নিয়� বল� গেছে�
November 30, 2020
Wow, this one really hit me in the gut. It was the perfect time to read it, too, since they were preparing for Thanksgiving dinner near the end. The story focuses on Hannah and her cousin, Cal. These two couldn’t be more different from one another, even though they look very much alike. Hannah lives in a home with a loving mother and father, she’s an accomplished gymnast, and she’s very popular at her school. Cal’s father is in prison and his mother (who was twins with Hannah’s mother) recently died. While Cal seems quite intelligent and clever, he appear to be accomplished at anything except for making jokes and pulling constant pranks. So when he must move in with Hannah’s family, it shakes everyone’s routine up.
The relationships here are so intricate and we witness mistakes, growth, and reconciliation. There’s also very real fear of the unknown and everyone must come to terms with their need for one another. This story beautifully addresses numerous topics, such as death, abuse, incarceration, blended families, homelessness, marital problems, multigenerational conflicts, and alcoholism, and drug addiction. I can’t say enough good about Closer to Nowhere. Even that cover is gorgeous!! I rated it 5-stars and would gladly put it on my re-read list!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at !
----------------------------
FANTASTIC!! 🥰 Review to come...
The relationships here are so intricate and we witness mistakes, growth, and reconciliation. There’s also very real fear of the unknown and everyone must come to terms with their need for one another. This story beautifully addresses numerous topics, such as death, abuse, incarceration, blended families, homelessness, marital problems, multigenerational conflicts, and alcoholism, and drug addiction. I can’t say enough good about Closer to Nowhere. Even that cover is gorgeous!! I rated it 5-stars and would gladly put it on my re-read list!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at !
----------------------------
FANTASTIC!! 🥰 Review to come...
November 4, 2021
This review and many more can be found on my blog:
This is a powerful story of how trauma can affect a person and a family. The book is told from two perspectives: Hannah and her cousin Cal, who throws her life into chaos in many ways when he comes to live with her after his mother dies and his father is imprisoned on drug and abuse charges. Because we get both sides to the story, it is easy to relate to both of these characters. We sympathize with Hannah, who tries so hard to understand her cousin but can't help but be frustrated when he complicates her life. And we truly feel for Cal, who is trying to process a world that feels impossible and who feels guilt over problems in the family that he sees as his fault. I think this book will help build empathy in anyone who reads it. Seeing through the eyes of someone who is "troubled" can be a powerful way to help kids understand each other in real life. Wouldn't the world be a better place if we could all take a step back and realize that often people (especially kids) who are acting out are doing so out of pain? This book doesn't try to give easy answers, but it does help build bridges of understanding.
This is a powerful story of how trauma can affect a person and a family. The book is told from two perspectives: Hannah and her cousin Cal, who throws her life into chaos in many ways when he comes to live with her after his mother dies and his father is imprisoned on drug and abuse charges. Because we get both sides to the story, it is easy to relate to both of these characters. We sympathize with Hannah, who tries so hard to understand her cousin but can't help but be frustrated when he complicates her life. And we truly feel for Cal, who is trying to process a world that feels impossible and who feels guilt over problems in the family that he sees as his fault. I think this book will help build empathy in anyone who reads it. Seeing through the eyes of someone who is "troubled" can be a powerful way to help kids understand each other in real life. Wouldn't the world be a better place if we could all take a step back and realize that often people (especially kids) who are acting out are doing so out of pain? This book doesn't try to give easy answers, but it does help build bridges of understanding.
November 29, 2020
Um dos melhores livros infanto-juvenis que já li. Um romance em verso sensível, emocionante e com uma escrita muito poética sobre família, perda e aceitação.
March 12, 2021
I've read some of Hopkins' other books and while they're impactful, they're also very sad. I'm excited to say that while this book deals with some tough issues, it is appropriately middle grade and has a happy ending.
The story alternates between Hannah and Cal's points of view. Hannah is popular at school, a great gymnast, and doesn't really like having her cousin Cal living with her. He plays pranks on her, tells crazy stories, and has 'blow ups' as she calls them. Cal has lost his mother to cancer and escaped an abusive father. He's dealing with PTSD from all the trauma he's been through and is happy to have a safe place to live.
I felt really bad for Cal and wished he felt like he could confide in his family. Hannah's mom does a good job of loving him, but Hannah doesn't fully understand the situation and her dad is absent a lot. When Cal's dad is released from prison and Cal starts struggling, Hannah learns the truth of her cousin's situation and the two grow closer.
This book kind of crammed in the issues; PTSD, abuse, drug and alcohol use, bullying, and divorce are a lot for a middle grade reader. I did think things were dealt with pretty well, but be advised before letting your young reader jump in.
The story alternates between Hannah and Cal's points of view. Hannah is popular at school, a great gymnast, and doesn't really like having her cousin Cal living with her. He plays pranks on her, tells crazy stories, and has 'blow ups' as she calls them. Cal has lost his mother to cancer and escaped an abusive father. He's dealing with PTSD from all the trauma he's been through and is happy to have a safe place to live.
I felt really bad for Cal and wished he felt like he could confide in his family. Hannah's mom does a good job of loving him, but Hannah doesn't fully understand the situation and her dad is absent a lot. When Cal's dad is released from prison and Cal starts struggling, Hannah learns the truth of her cousin's situation and the two grow closer.
This book kind of crammed in the issues; PTSD, abuse, drug and alcohol use, bullying, and divorce are a lot for a middle grade reader. I did think things were dealt with pretty well, but be advised before letting your young reader jump in.
July 4, 2021
What I love about this novel-in-verse is the dual perspective between Hannah and Cal. Hannah is the popular girl at school, she has friends, a loving family, and there's nothing really wrong with her life until Cal moves in with her. Cal is her cousin and he's known for having episodes at school when he is stressed out and/or bullied. No one really hangs out with him, and he often keeps to himself. However, when he is at "home" with Hannah and her family he loves to prank Hannah on the regular. Sadly, Hannah's father cannot believe Cal is living with them and every time he gets in trouble at school or there is an issue the father hides no emotion. Throughout the story we see how Hannah despises Cal and how she hardly knows who he is and exactly what his childhood was like living with his mother and partially with his father. Cal has had a traumatic life with death of his mother, the incarceration of his drug addicted father, PTSD, and his homelessness on the streets with his terrible Uncle. Over time, Hannah learns more and more about Cal and why he reacts the way he does. Even when Cal goes missing when he realizes that he is the reason why Hannah's dad wants to "have some space" away from Hannah's mom. The two realize that they are more alike than they originally believed. The ending in particular was very special!
This was absolutely beautiful. Hopkins writes about the real-life truths that surround families: incarceration, blended families, abuse, death, addiction, & more. Some I connect with myself too. Another outstanding novel-in-verse for middle grade readers!
This was absolutely beautiful. Hopkins writes about the real-life truths that surround families: incarceration, blended families, abuse, death, addiction, & more. Some I connect with myself too. Another outstanding novel-in-verse for middle grade readers!
May 28, 2020
Calvin’s mother has died and his father is in prison. He is sent to live with his mother’s twin sister and her family. This means he is forced to get along with his cousin Hannah who couldn’t be more different.
The story is written in verse and in alternating viewpoints: Cal’s and Hannah‘s. I like that we hear the story from the pre-teen’s perspective. The characters are twelve, but they read older to me; more evolved with their thoughts and understanding of the world.
The story focuses on Cal’s PTSD from living in a home filled with addiction and violence. This is the second book I’ve read recently on this topic. The other is . Both handle the subject matter with grace and respect. I think it’s important that kids in this age group (10 and up) understand the emotional trauma many of their classmates are dealing with on a daily basis. A great one for teachers to read also.
Thanks to PenguinRandomHouse for the ARC.
The story is written in verse and in alternating viewpoints: Cal’s and Hannah‘s. I like that we hear the story from the pre-teen’s perspective. The characters are twelve, but they read older to me; more evolved with their thoughts and understanding of the world.
The story focuses on Cal’s PTSD from living in a home filled with addiction and violence. This is the second book I’ve read recently on this topic. The other is . Both handle the subject matter with grace and respect. I think it’s important that kids in this age group (10 and up) understand the emotional trauma many of their classmates are dealing with on a daily basis. A great one for teachers to read also.
Thanks to PenguinRandomHouse for the ARC.
November 30, 2020
Middle-schooler Hannah has two great parents, friends at school, and a budding dance or gymnastics career, but a year ago her same age cousin Cal had to move in with them after his mom died and dad went to prison. She tolerates his outbursts and tall tales, but knows he's put a strain on her parents, which all comes to a head on Thanksgiving. EH's first middle grade novel is based on her experiences raising her 9yo grandson and the PTSD he suffered between his addicted mom and absent dad. It rings true, and has the reader thinking about the people they encounter and especially with children, what they may have suffered in their lives. A well done and needed story for this age group.
January 12, 2021
Absolute brilliance. The structure. The message. Another masterpiece by Ellen Hopkins.
January 26, 2022
I love this book because it made me kept reading and not want to stop and made me happy when I read it.
March 4, 2023
Consistently, middle grade reads can move me emotionally again and again, this book was no exception. Cal has moved in with his cousin Hannah and her family after his mom has passed away and his dad put in prison. Told in verse from the alternating perspectives of Cal and Hannah, this is a story about family, change, grief, learning to adjust and redefine your family, how families aren’t perfect and that some people in your family can be toxic while others uplifting. Most of all, this coming of age story illustrates what it feel like to be accepted and to love and be loved in all your imperfections. Another book that had me tearing up.
March 18, 2023
Yay, I finally finished a book!! I definitely recommend Closer to Nowhere if the synopsis interests you. I love reading realistic fiction, and this one touches on a lot of important issues. It also has loveable characters and an amazing storyline!! Go pick it up!! 🫶🏻
March 2, 2022
"It's like off in the distance I can see something that could be home, but every time I start in that direction it's farther away.
And no matter how hard I try to reach it, I only get closer to nowhere."
Wow, what a powerful novel! This was my first Ellen Hopkins book, and I'm happy to say that I really enjoyed it! It made my heart ache when I heard about what inspired this story, the author's note at the end was such a sweet addition.
Both of our main characters were so lovable, and you start to root for them instantly. They both have so many hard things to deal with it, and being put inside their heads made their struggles all the more real. Hannah struggles with trying to keep her family together, while her cousin Cal struggles with PTSD, and the uncontrollable outbursts that come with it. Hannah has a hard time warming up to Cal, but seeing her try to understand him is something only a sweet cousin like her would do, especially since all Cal wants is a loving family. These two are such a power duo, and I was invested in both their stories as soon as they introduced themselves.
I'm surprised this book isn't being talked about a ton, because this can be so beneficial for kids out there who want to be understood, and for those who want to understand. Don't be shy, spread the love! I promise you won't regret it!
And no matter how hard I try to reach it, I only get closer to nowhere."
Wow, what a powerful novel! This was my first Ellen Hopkins book, and I'm happy to say that I really enjoyed it! It made my heart ache when I heard about what inspired this story, the author's note at the end was such a sweet addition.
Both of our main characters were so lovable, and you start to root for them instantly. They both have so many hard things to deal with it, and being put inside their heads made their struggles all the more real. Hannah struggles with trying to keep her family together, while her cousin Cal struggles with PTSD, and the uncontrollable outbursts that come with it. Hannah has a hard time warming up to Cal, but seeing her try to understand him is something only a sweet cousin like her would do, especially since all Cal wants is a loving family. These two are such a power duo, and I was invested in both their stories as soon as they introduced themselves.
I'm surprised this book isn't being talked about a ton, because this can be so beneficial for kids out there who want to be understood, and for those who want to understand. Don't be shy, spread the love! I promise you won't regret it!
February 1, 2021
Coño, this book hit me deep. I don't talk about it often here, but I was a foster mom up until this past summer. I fostered teens. I don't know if/when I'll keep fostering. Letting go of my last foster daughter is something I am not fully over, nor can really discuss here. But wow this book took me back.
Stories like these are so important, y'all. Whether or not kids realize it, there will always be someone in their classroom struggling with trauma. With PTSD. With foster care or kinship care or homelessness. With abuse. With neglect.
And what Ellen Hopkins has crafted here - a story of a 12 yr old girl whose cousin moves in with her family after his mom dies and dad goes to jail - is nothing short of an empathetic middle grade miracle.
Told in alternating point of views between Hannah and Cal, CLOSER TO NOWHERE is a novel-in-verse about patience, listening, and loving that every kid and educator should take the time to read. I am so grateful to have found it, and I will 100% be making sure my school library adds this one to their collection. 🥺
Stories like these are so important, y'all. Whether or not kids realize it, there will always be someone in their classroom struggling with trauma. With PTSD. With foster care or kinship care or homelessness. With abuse. With neglect.
And what Ellen Hopkins has crafted here - a story of a 12 yr old girl whose cousin moves in with her family after his mom dies and dad goes to jail - is nothing short of an empathetic middle grade miracle.
Told in alternating point of views between Hannah and Cal, CLOSER TO NOWHERE is a novel-in-verse about patience, listening, and loving that every kid and educator should take the time to read. I am so grateful to have found it, and I will 100% be making sure my school library adds this one to their collection. 🥺
April 21, 2024
I flew through this verse novel this week, at first because I wanted to see if I could let my 5th and 6th grade readers read it or only my 7th and 8th grader readers, but I was quickly gripped by Hannah and Cal's alternating viewpoints. Popular Hannah is an only child whose comfortable life is upended when her cousin Cal moves in. At first you only know that Cal's mom has died and his dad is in jail, but you can tell that Cal is deeply affected and secrets will be revealed. The way the characters are developed, particularly in how they relate to each other, grabs your heart and doesn't let go. Cal's story is all the more gut-wrenching when you get to the author's note at the end. As for my classroom, this will be one that gets a content warning for abuse and gun violence, but I will recommend it to my more mature readers.
March 8, 2023
This was a sweet coming of age story told in-verse that dealt with some big issues like acceptance, drugs&alcoholism, blended families, domestic abuse, and death. I loved the double narrative between Cal and Hannah, and that their story did have a fairly happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2021
I really enjoyed this. The one thing I do wish is we got to see more of Cal and Hannah together and how they mended their relationship. I liked all the tough topics talked about like abuse, addiction, gun violence, and PTSD. I do think this is a great middle grade about hard topics.
March 14, 2023
Would give it 3 and a half stars if possible. Never read a novel in verse form before. It took a little getting used to, but then it became a very quick read. Definitely meant for a younger audience than me, but I still enjoyed it.
June 5, 2020
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and G.P. Putman’s Son’s for a digital eARC of this book.
As a first time reader of author Ellen Hopkins, I truly hope that she will continue to share stories for middle grade readers, her MG debut is gut-wrenchingly powerful. A story told in verse, we meet Cal and Hannah who are cousins who have their worlds turned upside down when Cal comes to live with Hannah’s family. Hannah’s mom and Cal’s mom were identical twins and with the death of Cal’s mom due to cancer and his father being in prison, he has come to live with Hannah’s family.
Hannah and Cal could not be more different personally - Hannah has a stable predictable life as an only child and is a high achiever in particular with her gymnastics, while Cal is a prankster and a reader with a wild imagination allowing him to intermix his real life with his fascinating ideas to cover for the life of turmoil he has led.
Hopkins allows the reader to see the personalities of the characters by setting up all of Cal’s sections of the book with a Fact or Fiction topic heading followed by the answer from Cal and his creative details that follow the answer.l This is juxtaposed to Hannah’s section using the logical headings of Definitions to explain and provide the details as defined by Hannah.
Through these two perspectives we see real life dynamics and tension of learning to live together as a new blended family which is compounded by the fact that Cal has been diagnosed with PTSD. Hopkins slowly unravels the true guts of what Cal has had to live through and when family truths are revealed at Thanksgiving, it no longer can be ignored. The growth of both characters as they gain new knowledge and insight about so many topics that so many middle grade readers are living themselves (blended families, privilege, addiction, incarceration, mental health, and death) is tackled with empathy while staying real and not sugar-coating or talking down to the reader. This would work well as a read aloud and provide lots of opportunities to open dialogues on some tough but real topics. Although some may say a bit long (over 400 pages) - it does not and will not read this length. This is a book that once is in the hands of one reader will be passed along to the next. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
As a first time reader of author Ellen Hopkins, I truly hope that she will continue to share stories for middle grade readers, her MG debut is gut-wrenchingly powerful. A story told in verse, we meet Cal and Hannah who are cousins who have their worlds turned upside down when Cal comes to live with Hannah’s family. Hannah’s mom and Cal’s mom were identical twins and with the death of Cal’s mom due to cancer and his father being in prison, he has come to live with Hannah’s family.
Hannah and Cal could not be more different personally - Hannah has a stable predictable life as an only child and is a high achiever in particular with her gymnastics, while Cal is a prankster and a reader with a wild imagination allowing him to intermix his real life with his fascinating ideas to cover for the life of turmoil he has led.
Hopkins allows the reader to see the personalities of the characters by setting up all of Cal’s sections of the book with a Fact or Fiction topic heading followed by the answer from Cal and his creative details that follow the answer.l This is juxtaposed to Hannah’s section using the logical headings of Definitions to explain and provide the details as defined by Hannah.
Through these two perspectives we see real life dynamics and tension of learning to live together as a new blended family which is compounded by the fact that Cal has been diagnosed with PTSD. Hopkins slowly unravels the true guts of what Cal has had to live through and when family truths are revealed at Thanksgiving, it no longer can be ignored. The growth of both characters as they gain new knowledge and insight about so many topics that so many middle grade readers are living themselves (blended families, privilege, addiction, incarceration, mental health, and death) is tackled with empathy while staying real and not sugar-coating or talking down to the reader. This would work well as a read aloud and provide lots of opportunities to open dialogues on some tough but real topics. Although some may say a bit long (over 400 pages) - it does not and will not read this length. This is a book that once is in the hands of one reader will be passed along to the next. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
September 18, 2020
I have been a huge fan of Ellen Hopkins for years, reading everything that she publishes. I was so excited to see she was writing a middle grade story about Cal and his cousin Hannah.
I loved this story! It was so sad but I loved Cal so much. He has been through so much in his short life and while he is so sweet and kind, he doesn't show that side to anyone. He loves his aunt, uncle and cousin, but knows that him being there is causing problems and he doesn't like that. My heart just broke for him.
Hannah had a easy life and with Cal joining their family she was resentful. I just wished that Cal showed her who he really was! I also wish his uncle was nicer to him. I felt the uncle was to wishy washy with how he felt about Cal.
The writing, as always was perfect. I highly recommend this book. I will definitely be purchasing a copy for my classroom!
I loved this story! It was so sad but I loved Cal so much. He has been through so much in his short life and while he is so sweet and kind, he doesn't show that side to anyone. He loves his aunt, uncle and cousin, but knows that him being there is causing problems and he doesn't like that. My heart just broke for him.
Hannah had a easy life and with Cal joining their family she was resentful. I just wished that Cal showed her who he really was! I also wish his uncle was nicer to him. I felt the uncle was to wishy washy with how he felt about Cal.
The writing, as always was perfect. I highly recommend this book. I will definitely be purchasing a copy for my classroom!
February 25, 2021
“If a stranger peeked in the window right now, they’d think our family dynamics were working just fine.� But for Hannah and Cal nothing is as it seems. This novel-in-verse is brilliantly told in two alternating perspectives. Hannah is trying to cope with her cousin, Cal who moves in with her family after his mom dies. He has a lot of baggage and seems to be the reason her parents are fighting. Living with Hannah, is no picnic for Cal either. He doesn’t want to be a charity case and tries to fit in. However, no one appreciates his sense of humor and his pranks. Both of which are defense mechanisms designed to push people away.
Sadly, I think many of our students will be able to relate to the characters and situations in this beautiful story of empathy, family, and understanding as they try and find their place in this world. I can’t wait to share this book with my students.
Sadly, I think many of our students will be able to relate to the characters and situations in this beautiful story of empathy, family, and understanding as they try and find their place in this world. I can’t wait to share this book with my students.
February 20, 2021
I had expectations for this book. And the book exceeded them.
Although the beginning was very slow, I really liked the characters and I could somewhat relate to them. I mean, Hannah was your typical gymnast, dancer girl which is kind of overused in books these days. But I really did like Cal. I thought he was neat and really liked his point of view. I though he looked at the world in a neat way.
I enjoyed this book and though it was very interesting and fun to read. Very well done.
-m
Although the beginning was very slow, I really liked the characters and I could somewhat relate to them. I mean, Hannah was your typical gymnast, dancer girl which is kind of overused in books these days. But I really did like Cal. I thought he was neat and really liked his point of view. I though he looked at the world in a neat way.
I enjoyed this book and though it was very interesting and fun to read. Very well done.
-m
November 23, 2020
I just want to thank Ellen Hopkins for writing this story. It's true, heart felt, and was a story that needed to be shared. Her books have saved me on countless occasions and I'm sure this book will do the same for children. Her books make u feel heard, understood, and not alone. This book is no exception and as her first middle grade, this one is special. Please give it a read :)
June 26, 2021
I really loved this MG debut from Ellen Hopkins. Her YA books are some of my favorites to read (though they deal with some heavy subjects) and she did a wonderful translating that to a younger audience. It's still a more serious book but I loved getting to know both Cal and Hannah, as the book flips back and forth between the two, and seeing them get to understand each other more throughout the book. Hopkins' verse is as beautiful as ever and really gets to the heart of the matter with her sparse but effective storytelling. I'm excited to read more MG from her in the future!
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