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True
True: Delly Pattison likes surpresents (presents that are a surprise). The day the Boyds come to town, Delly's sure a special surpresent is on its way. But lately, everything that she thinks will be good and fun turns into trouble. She's never needed a surpresent more than now.
True: Brud Kinney wants to play basketball like nothing anybody's ever seen. When the Boyds arrive, though, Brud meets someone who plays like nothing he's ever seen.
True: Ferris Boyd isn't like anyone Delly or Brud have ever met. Ferris is a real mysturiosity (an extremely curious mystery).
True: Katherine Hannigan's first novel since her acclaimed Ida B is a compelling look at the ways friendships and truths are discovered.
It's all true ( . . . sort of).
True: Brud Kinney wants to play basketball like nothing anybody's ever seen. When the Boyds arrive, though, Brud meets someone who plays like nothing he's ever seen.
True: Ferris Boyd isn't like anyone Delly or Brud have ever met. Ferris is a real mysturiosity (an extremely curious mystery).
True: Katherine Hannigan's first novel since her acclaimed Ida B is a compelling look at the ways friendships and truths are discovered.
It's all true ( . . . sort of).
368 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2011
105 people are currently reading
666 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Hannigan
9Ìýbooks128ÌýfollowersKatherine Hannigan's first novel, Ida B . . . and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World was a New York Times bestseller, a Book Sense bestseller, and a Parents' Choice Gold Award winner, and it appeared on more than twenty-five state award lists. She (and several wild rabbits) live at the edge of a meadow in northeastern Iowa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 811 reviews
May 14, 2014
Reread in 2014. Still one of my all time favorite read alouds. Ever.
Reread in 2013. So this is on hold because I didn't finish the book to my class ( sob) because I moved rooms. And I forgot to bring the book home. And I can't find it now.
I FOUND THE BOOK! Filled me with warmth just as much as the first time!
Original review: Happy Hallelujah! One of THE best books I have ever read. It's about a girl, who's a troublemaker, and another girl, who is mute, and a boy, who loves to play basketball, and another boy, who loves his troublemaker sister. Read. This. Book.
Reread in 2013. So this is on hold because I didn't finish the book to my class ( sob) because I moved rooms. And I forgot to bring the book home. And I can't find it now.
I FOUND THE BOOK! Filled me with warmth just as much as the first time!
Original review: Happy Hallelujah! One of THE best books I have ever read. It's about a girl, who's a troublemaker, and another girl, who is mute, and a boy, who loves to play basketball, and another boy, who loves his troublemaker sister. Read. This. Book.
July 23, 2020
10 fricken stars!!! My heart!! I rarely read middle grade books which is clearly a huge mistake on my part. This story grabbed hold of my heart right from the first page and never let it go! I loved Delly and her Dellyisms. There’s nothing more beautiful than the pure joy and innocence of a child experiencing life! But Delly isn’t always innocent and life gets tough sometimes. It’s awfully hard to follow the rules when they’re so very un-fun! Delly has to learn new ways to navigate life to keep the fun while still following the rules. It’s a Dellyventure for sure. And who knows? You might discover that you can be someone’s hero along the way. Delly is one of the best hummin bins I’ve ever encountered in a book!
I wish we all spoke Delly’s language. Please read this little treasure. You’ll fall in love with it, I promise!
I wish we all spoke Delly’s language. Please read this little treasure. You’ll fall in love with it, I promise!
August 17, 2011
A bad-girl story invites comparison to, of course, the great . The difference between Gilly and Delly of , is that there's no obvious reason for Delly to be bad. She's not a damaged foster kid. Her family isn't unstable or cruel. She's just a girl with very little impulse control, and between fun Dellyventures to be had and fights that need to be fought, Delly's found herself in plenty of trouble, from the principal's office to police cruisers. Finally, her teachers and her parents have had it. Delly's got to shape up or she's off to the school for troubled kids. Delly wouldn't be convinced except for the tears she sees on her mom's face. In an effort to finally be good, Delly is drawn to Ferris Boyd, a new girl in class who dresses like a boy, never speaks, and cannot be touched. During recess, Ferris sits and reads so still that birds and squirrels scamper around her without fear. At first, Delly is attracted to Ferris because she seems boring and trouble-free. But gradually, Delly begins to look forward to time spent with this new friend, who communicates so much despite her lack of speech.
Delly's relationships are beautiful to read and experience. The reader watches as Delly's sense of self-worth grows with her relationship with Ferris Boyd. Similarly, Ferris, clearly damaged by something or someone, slowly lets her guard down and lets first Delly, then others, into her silent world. also masterly portrays sibling relationships, from the good - Delly's little idolizing brother who ends up helping her control herself - to the not-so-good, in Delly's relationship with an older sister who seems to despise her. In moments both life-changing and everyday, Hannigan exposes the honesty, beauty, and truth of a young person's feelings and connections with those around her. And there's nothing sort-of about it.
Delly's relationships are beautiful to read and experience. The reader watches as Delly's sense of self-worth grows with her relationship with Ferris Boyd. Similarly, Ferris, clearly damaged by something or someone, slowly lets her guard down and lets first Delly, then others, into her silent world. also masterly portrays sibling relationships, from the good - Delly's little idolizing brother who ends up helping her control herself - to the not-so-good, in Delly's relationship with an older sister who seems to despise her. In moments both life-changing and everyday, Hannigan exposes the honesty, beauty, and truth of a young person's feelings and connections with those around her. And there's nothing sort-of about it.
March 9, 2011
Katherine Hannigan takes risks that I admire a lot. She allows her child characters to behave like real people, with the kind of honest emotions that aren't always endearing. IdaB was allowed to feel true rage at her circumstances, and to not get over it quickly. Delly, in this book, is allowed to be defensive and quarrelsome, and to deliberately wear blinders where her friend's trouble is concerned. And yet Hannigan does such a good job of getting inside her characters that you understand them and love them despite their flaws. I really love that.
What I didn't love in this book was the Delly vocabulary, so extensive that it required a glossary at the back. Hannigan slides over the line from quirky to precious, for me. And yet minus the annoying speech patterns and the way she kept repeating the word "rasped" every time Delly spoke--surely something an editor should have corrected--it was a very touching book. Her setting is beautifully realized, and all of the secondary characters came to life with all their humanity. She's a talented and very skilled writer with some narrative quirks that I find annoying. However, I felt the same way about DiCamillo's "dear reader" narrative in Tale of Despereaux, so this will probably win the Newbery.
What I didn't love in this book was the Delly vocabulary, so extensive that it required a glossary at the back. Hannigan slides over the line from quirky to precious, for me. And yet minus the annoying speech patterns and the way she kept repeating the word "rasped" every time Delly spoke--surely something an editor should have corrected--it was a very touching book. Her setting is beautifully realized, and all of the secondary characters came to life with all their humanity. She's a talented and very skilled writer with some narrative quirks that I find annoying. However, I felt the same way about DiCamillo's "dear reader" narrative in Tale of Despereaux, so this will probably win the Newbery.
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February 28, 2011I did not rate this because certain devices Katherine used bugged me enough to not enjoy reading the book, I suspect though, that those same bits that I did not like will charm others.
At the same time, the story is great, the characterizations lovely and the plot important and meaningful.
I would recommend the book highly to fans of Ida B. It might even work as a classroom read aloud. Schools using the Cornerstone model will like this tale of friendship. Our hearts go out to the characters and the hard decisions they must face.
At the same time, the story is great, the characterizations lovely and the plot important and meaningful.
I would recommend the book highly to fans of Ida B. It might even work as a classroom read aloud. Schools using the Cornerstone model will like this tale of friendship. Our hearts go out to the characters and the hard decisions they must face.
July 4, 2012
Other than the fact that I really didn't like the use of "noncuss" words that really sounded like cuss words (bawlgrammit instead of GD, for instance), I loved this book! Delly is a sweet girl with a quick temper and too many temptations to be naughty or mean. After she begins to make a concsious effort to control her temper, life begins to change for the better, she begins to see other people, their flaws, their needs, and their greatness. True was a story that made me smile, cringe, cry, and celebrate the triumphs and tribulations of Delaware Pattison.
March 17, 2020
There is so. much. good. in this book. I loved it. Read it. You will love it too.
January 14, 2011
If Delly is a shout then Ferris is no more than a whisper. Locked up like a treasure chest, Ferris won’t talk. Not to the teachers at her new school. Not to her classmates. Not to the boy who (thinking Ferris is also a boy) joins her for a weekly game of basketball. Not even to Delly � impulsive but well-intentioned Delly � and her loving little brother, RB, who soon become Ferris’s closest and most steadfast companions. As Delly and Ferris grow ever closer, exploring the woods around their town and hatching adventurous plans, Delly unravels the secret behind her best friend’s silence, uncovering a truth both too big and too dangerous for her to keep quiet.
With a light, deft touch, Katherine Hannigan (author of 2004’s smash hit Ida B.), delivers a memorable, moving, and altogether lively story about friendship, honesty, and the sounds of silence. Readers will come to understand that Ferris is being abused by her father, but all such scenes happen “off screen,� making the story appropriate for middle grade readers. Delly, Ferris, and RB are all terrific role models � imperfect but well-intentioned. Kids (and adults!) can learn much from the tricks Delly uses to quell her emotional outbursts and impulsive behavior, and all readers can learn from her experiences with understanding when to stay quiet and when to yell FIRE. This will surely be hailed as one of the best novels of 2011, and with good reason.
With a light, deft touch, Katherine Hannigan (author of 2004’s smash hit Ida B.), delivers a memorable, moving, and altogether lively story about friendship, honesty, and the sounds of silence. Readers will come to understand that Ferris is being abused by her father, but all such scenes happen “off screen,� making the story appropriate for middle grade readers. Delly, Ferris, and RB are all terrific role models � imperfect but well-intentioned. Kids (and adults!) can learn much from the tricks Delly uses to quell her emotional outbursts and impulsive behavior, and all readers can learn from her experiences with understanding when to stay quiet and when to yell FIRE. This will surely be hailed as one of the best novels of 2011, and with good reason.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2014
I just finished this book, and I want so badly to write a review right now so that someone will read it and immediately start reading TRUE. That's how much I everyone to read it.
I can't articulate my thoughts yet, though. More to come.
I can't articulate my thoughts yet, though. More to come.
March 13, 2018
RTC, large soapbox necessary.
**Review added!!**
I read this because I needed to know why NO ONE was finishing it. And I mean NO ONE.
There are several copies of this book sitting in my library, and are checked out on a surprisingly frequent basis---especially considering the above statement. The cover and back blurb apparently are quite appealing to my library's audience. However, it was either held onto for multiple weeks, then finally being shelved with a sigh from a frustrated reader, or brought back almost immediately.
"It's interesting at first, but then it got boring."
"I couldn't get into it."
"I wanted to like it, but I just couldn't read it."
Well, it had 3rd grade reading level sticker on it, so I figured I'd grab it and make a fast read of it, and figure out the WHY behind all of this.
And here it is. WHY all of these students have been setting it aside, yet I have the AUDACITY to rate it 4 stars.
Let me preface this with this: I like the AR program. I see the benefits, I really do.
BUT. The leveling system as a be-all-end-all is NOT ok.
This is a WONDERFUL, PROFOUND text that is being attempted by an audience that it is NOT meant for, and COMPLETELY IGNORED by its intended audience, simply because it dares to wear a green "3rd grade" sticker.
The problem is, none of these books are being evaluated for CONTENT (a fact that the creators of ATOS leveling readily admit), only vocabulary.
And we make our students only take AR quizzes on books their level and up. Which is effectively cheating them out of getting their hands on certain fantastic books that are written for older students, and just happen to have vocabulary ATOS thinks is at level for 3rd graders. Meaning that 2nd and 3rd graders are checking this book out instead of 5th graders (several of whom I know would ADORE this story). It's this same trouble I have with Big Nate. ATOS levels it at 2nd grade, but its audience is more aligned to 5th graders. It's very frustrating.
/endrant
True is the story of a girl that just has a hard time thinking before she acts or speaks. Because of that, she's deemed "trouble" by everyone around her. And pretty soon, sadly, she believes it for herself.
True is the story of a child that is hurting so badly that they show it in a way that not everyone understands. And that child is actually shown in 3 children.
True is the story of what it really means to have a friend. To be a friend. And to let others be friends, too.
It really is a beautiful story. I only took 1 star because the made-up words grated on me after awhile.
**Warning--references to child abuse and related sensitive topics.
**Review added!!**
I read this because I needed to know why NO ONE was finishing it. And I mean NO ONE.
There are several copies of this book sitting in my library, and are checked out on a surprisingly frequent basis---especially considering the above statement. The cover and back blurb apparently are quite appealing to my library's audience. However, it was either held onto for multiple weeks, then finally being shelved with a sigh from a frustrated reader, or brought back almost immediately.
"It's interesting at first, but then it got boring."
"I couldn't get into it."
"I wanted to like it, but I just couldn't read it."
Well, it had 3rd grade reading level sticker on it, so I figured I'd grab it and make a fast read of it, and figure out the WHY behind all of this.
And here it is. WHY all of these students have been setting it aside, yet I have the AUDACITY to rate it 4 stars.
Let me preface this with this: I like the AR program. I see the benefits, I really do.
BUT. The leveling system as a be-all-end-all is NOT ok.
This is a WONDERFUL, PROFOUND text that is being attempted by an audience that it is NOT meant for, and COMPLETELY IGNORED by its intended audience, simply because it dares to wear a green "3rd grade" sticker.
The problem is, none of these books are being evaluated for CONTENT (a fact that the creators of ATOS leveling readily admit), only vocabulary.
And we make our students only take AR quizzes on books their level and up. Which is effectively cheating them out of getting their hands on certain fantastic books that are written for older students, and just happen to have vocabulary ATOS thinks is at level for 3rd graders. Meaning that 2nd and 3rd graders are checking this book out instead of 5th graders (several of whom I know would ADORE this story). It's this same trouble I have with Big Nate. ATOS levels it at 2nd grade, but its audience is more aligned to 5th graders. It's very frustrating.
/endrant
True is the story of a girl that just has a hard time thinking before she acts or speaks. Because of that, she's deemed "trouble" by everyone around her. And pretty soon, sadly, she believes it for herself.
True is the story of a child that is hurting so badly that they show it in a way that not everyone understands. And that child is actually shown in 3 children.
True is the story of what it really means to have a friend. To be a friend. And to let others be friends, too.
It really is a beautiful story. I only took 1 star because the made-up words grated on me after awhile.
**Warning--references to child abuse and related sensitive topics.
June 22, 2011
Review written by my 10 year old sister for IceyTween
There’s a new kid in Delly Pattison’s class. She thinks the kid's a boy but she doesn’t know for sure. Once Delly figures out the new kid’s name, Ferris Boyd, she also learns the rules. Ferris Boyd can’t talk and you’re not allowed to touch her. But Delly is trouble so how do you know she won’t touch Ferris? Becoming friends with shy and scared Ferris, Delly now knows that Ferris is a girl and that she’s afraid of a man in a green Impala. Can Delly help Ferris?
This book is one of my top three favorite books. True, has a lot of things from a bad girl to a good and strong friendship. The book has a lot of ‘Dellyventures� - one of Katherine Hannigan’s many made up words and meanings. Once I started reading this book I just couldn’t put it down and I never wanted the book to finish. If there is a second book, which I hope there is, I’m really looking forward to reading it. I’d say that True... Sort of, is the right book for people who like a little bit of mystery and a ton of adventure.
There’s a new kid in Delly Pattison’s class. She thinks the kid's a boy but she doesn’t know for sure. Once Delly figures out the new kid’s name, Ferris Boyd, she also learns the rules. Ferris Boyd can’t talk and you’re not allowed to touch her. But Delly is trouble so how do you know she won’t touch Ferris? Becoming friends with shy and scared Ferris, Delly now knows that Ferris is a girl and that she’s afraid of a man in a green Impala. Can Delly help Ferris?
This book is one of my top three favorite books. True, has a lot of things from a bad girl to a good and strong friendship. The book has a lot of ‘Dellyventures� - one of Katherine Hannigan’s many made up words and meanings. Once I started reading this book I just couldn’t put it down and I never wanted the book to finish. If there is a second book, which I hope there is, I’m really looking forward to reading it. I’d say that True... Sort of, is the right book for people who like a little bit of mystery and a ton of adventure.
January 9, 2011
There are not enough superlative adjectives to describe how beautiful this novel is. "Amazing", "brilliant" and "incredible" are too mild. I sincerely think it's a masterpiece... and I was utterly gobsmacked by it, in the best possible way. (I think Delly would appreciate the non-cuss word "gobsmacked", even though it's not one of her own). Stunned speechless with awe and appreciation.
The character of Delly just leaped right off the page, grabbed me firmly by the imagination and the funny-bone, then dragged me right into her story... without asking first, naturally. :) And Ferris Boyd made me cry in sympathy... and wish I could stand guard at her hideawaysis and protect her.
The character of Delly just leaped right off the page, grabbed me firmly by the imagination and the funny-bone, then dragged me right into her story... without asking first, naturally. :) And Ferris Boyd made me cry in sympathy... and wish I could stand guard at her hideawaysis and protect her.
October 5, 2016
Delly is always in trouble. Ferris Boyd, her new friend, never talks. This story shows that friends don't have to verbally speak to be there for each other. It helped me think about what I say or how I act with students. It also is a good reminder that being a bystander and not speaking up can be very harmful. This story is friendship at it's best.
February 12, 2019
Amazing book.
October 9, 2013
This book was incredible. I loved every second of reading it, and as soon I finished, I wanted to start over again. Katherine Hannigan has created a dynamic cast of characters, leading captivating, incredibly honest lives and the result is a book so tender and real and insightful that reading it teaches you more about the world and yourself, without even really trying. I would happily read this book to my students, to my own children, to my nephew, to myself- to anyone who will listen! It's the kind of book that children and adults alike can see themselves in, and I believe, the type of book that will encourage children to read more and more, simply because they now know what beauty is out there in books.
The novel is narrated by a young girl named Delly, who has spent her entire life being trouble. At school, at home, with teachers, with her town- Delly is known for her wild adventures and mishaps. But, it isn't until Ferris Boyd moves to town that Delly discovers who she really is, someone who is more than trouble, and what it means to be a human being. The plot is filled with twists and turns and the terribly sad and terribly beautiful things that make life so worth while, and the reader cannot wait to turn the page on Delly and her friends' journey. Although on the surface, this book seems like a simple story about a little girl, it is much, much more. True (…Sort Of) is a book that illuminates what life is all about, and it does so in a beautiful, heartfelt way. The text is full of lovely descriptions, descriptive language and invented words that make Delly's story all her own, and will have audiences pulled in from the very first page.
I honestly could not recommend this book highly enough. It is beautiful and intricate and real and so beyond what is normally thought of as a children's novel. If you want your students or children to love reading, learn about themselves, and better understand all the wonderfully good and bad things about life, read this book with them.
The novel is narrated by a young girl named Delly, who has spent her entire life being trouble. At school, at home, with teachers, with her town- Delly is known for her wild adventures and mishaps. But, it isn't until Ferris Boyd moves to town that Delly discovers who she really is, someone who is more than trouble, and what it means to be a human being. The plot is filled with twists and turns and the terribly sad and terribly beautiful things that make life so worth while, and the reader cannot wait to turn the page on Delly and her friends' journey. Although on the surface, this book seems like a simple story about a little girl, it is much, much more. True (…Sort Of) is a book that illuminates what life is all about, and it does so in a beautiful, heartfelt way. The text is full of lovely descriptions, descriptive language and invented words that make Delly's story all her own, and will have audiences pulled in from the very first page.
I honestly could not recommend this book highly enough. It is beautiful and intricate and real and so beyond what is normally thought of as a children's novel. If you want your students or children to love reading, learn about themselves, and better understand all the wonderfully good and bad things about life, read this book with them.
May 30, 2011
Oh dear me, no. Folks who disliked Hannigan's equally twee novel will do well to steer clear of this novel. Delly is a kid that's just prone for trouble. She doesn't mean to, but anytime she does something fun she gets yelled at. Told to shape up or she'll have to ship out, Delly meets Ferris, a completely silent girl at school who doesn't like to be touched. Through Ferris, Delly is able to work out some problems and help the girl in kind.
I'd been told that if you disliked Hannigan's previous novel than you'd like her newest much more. This, sadly, is not the case. Though she's a fine writer, Hannigan is a sucker for cutesy writing that just rubs a certain kind of reader (read: me) the wrong way. In this particular case she has a heroine who makes up her own adorable word combinations on a regular basis. I had a great deal of difficulty not throwing the book down after the first two chapters. However, I was trapped in a doctor's office with nothing else to read so I made it through. I've no doubt that sentimental kids will take to this book. For me, though, the combination of cutesy writing and incredibly serious subject matter (an abused, probably sexually abused, child) really really rankled. Plus there's the whole notion that if you get abused enough you'll be able to communicate mentally with adorable woodland creatures. Very disturbing. - B
I'd been told that if you disliked Hannigan's previous novel than you'd like her newest much more. This, sadly, is not the case. Though she's a fine writer, Hannigan is a sucker for cutesy writing that just rubs a certain kind of reader (read: me) the wrong way. In this particular case she has a heroine who makes up her own adorable word combinations on a regular basis. I had a great deal of difficulty not throwing the book down after the first two chapters. However, I was trapped in a doctor's office with nothing else to read so I made it through. I've no doubt that sentimental kids will take to this book. For me, though, the combination of cutesy writing and incredibly serious subject matter (an abused, probably sexually abused, child) really really rankled. Plus there's the whole notion that if you get abused enough you'll be able to communicate mentally with adorable woodland creatures. Very disturbing. - B
March 31, 2014
From the time she was very young, Delaware has found herself in trouble of one kind or another, and it is only when she sees her mother crying when she is given one last chance by her school principle to avoid being sent to a school for troubled children, does Delly attempt to mend her ways. Each day is a struggle, until she discovers the one thing that can make her change, and she discovers true friendship in the form of the new girl in town, Ferris Boyd, a selective mute who fears human contact of any kind.
This was a really sweet novel, perfect for listening to in the car with young kids, though not without it's sadness and heartache. Through some of the issues that the kids had to deal with I had a hard time not wanting to just wrap my arms around my own kids and hold them close, especially my oldest who is the same age as Delly and Ferris. I highly recommend this book for children between the ages of 9-12. None of the major issues (I can not be more specific as I don't want to spoil the plot) are explicitly stated or even illustrated so that should not be a reason to shelter your kids from it. I find even more than the somewhat dark topics upon which this book touches, that at it's core this book is most truly about love and friendship.
This was a really sweet novel, perfect for listening to in the car with young kids, though not without it's sadness and heartache. Through some of the issues that the kids had to deal with I had a hard time not wanting to just wrap my arms around my own kids and hold them close, especially my oldest who is the same age as Delly and Ferris. I highly recommend this book for children between the ages of 9-12. None of the major issues (I can not be more specific as I don't want to spoil the plot) are explicitly stated or even illustrated so that should not be a reason to shelter your kids from it. I find even more than the somewhat dark topics upon which this book touches, that at it's core this book is most truly about love and friendship.
May 1, 2011
Most people would call this a quiet story. There aren't any epic battles between good and evil. No faeries, vampires or other magical creatures fill the pages. Yet each of the characters struggles to deal with a different kind of magic: the power of words.
Delly has been called bad so many times that she's starting to believe it herself. Instead of walking away from fights, she's causing them and breaking her mother's heart. Feris doesn't talk at all, burying a pain so deep and dark that words have failed to penetrate. Brud stumbles over words when he tries to speak, making him the butt of jokes from other kids. Each of these characters has learned first hand how words can hurt. By reaching out to each other in unexpected ways, they also learn how words can heal.
This beautifully written story was recommended to me by my 8-year-old daughter. She insisted that I read it and I'm so glad that I listened to her. The achingly real portrayals of friendship and families bring a sense of hope to the lives of three children who had almost given up. Highly recommended.
Delly has been called bad so many times that she's starting to believe it herself. Instead of walking away from fights, she's causing them and breaking her mother's heart. Feris doesn't talk at all, burying a pain so deep and dark that words have failed to penetrate. Brud stumbles over words when he tries to speak, making him the butt of jokes from other kids. Each of these characters has learned first hand how words can hurt. By reaching out to each other in unexpected ways, they also learn how words can heal.
This beautifully written story was recommended to me by my 8-year-old daughter. She insisted that I read it and I'm so glad that I listened to her. The achingly real portrayals of friendship and families bring a sense of hope to the lives of three children who had almost given up. Highly recommended.
September 25, 2011
This book was a little hard to get into. I was not connecting with the main character at all. Finally, half way through the book, I started to like little Miss Delly Pattinson and who she was becoming. I wish I could've understood her sooner in the story, though. I wanted more of her by the end. As for the writing itself, I didn't love it. Granted, it is a children's novel. Perhaps too much hype after the author's very successful "Ida B". I still don't quite know how the title goes with the book either. However, this story did have some good messages in it. These are some lessons that I gleamed from this story.
Even the "baddest" kids have good in them...they just don't know where to find it.
Words are not always needed to express feelings. If we listen long enough, we can hear so much more than words.
The best surprises come in ways we least expect them, especially friends.
Patience is a virtue.
On the fence with this new book.
Even the "baddest" kids have good in them...they just don't know where to find it.
Words are not always needed to express feelings. If we listen long enough, we can hear so much more than words.
The best surprises come in ways we least expect them, especially friends.
Patience is a virtue.
On the fence with this new book.
April 13, 2011
It's nice when we can leave an outstanding author alone for a while so she can craft another perfect novel. Ida B. was once of the most memorable and lovely reads for kids and now, her second novel is not a disappointment.
Dellie has always had an irrepressible spirit and boundless energy and sense of fun. Unfortunately, many things she sees as fun get her into trouble. After being told over and over again that she is "bad," one day Dellie begins to think she really is bad and she loses her buoyancy. She slouches, she picks fights, she makes her mother cry. When the mysterious new girl in school absorbs Dellie's attention, she realizes that by watching and making a new friend, maybe she can stay out of trouble. Thus begins a beautiful friendship and the healing of Dellie's issues. This book is absolutely heartbreaking and equally full of love and joy.
Dellie has always had an irrepressible spirit and boundless energy and sense of fun. Unfortunately, many things she sees as fun get her into trouble. After being told over and over again that she is "bad," one day Dellie begins to think she really is bad and she loses her buoyancy. She slouches, she picks fights, she makes her mother cry. When the mysterious new girl in school absorbs Dellie's attention, she realizes that by watching and making a new friend, maybe she can stay out of trouble. Thus begins a beautiful friendship and the healing of Dellie's issues. This book is absolutely heartbreaking and equally full of love and joy.
May 29, 2014
I stayed up late on a school night to finish this one. I was drawn in from the start by the tone of the book and dedication "For the children who don't speak and for those who hear them anyway, and make a safe place", and picked it up every chance I could. All the main characters felt very real to me and I was rooting for them to find their way, their empathy for others, and their own voices. There is no graphic violence, but (spoiler alert) there is definitely an abusive situation that we come to realize includes physical violence and has had a profound affect on one of the characters we grow to love. I would be comfortable with most of my 5th graders reading this as I think the story unfolds in a way that will help them to become more empathetic toward many different kids in their lives. Grades 5+ Read May, 2014
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2013
I picked another good one off the display at the library! I read about 80% of it, then decided to read it out loud to Daniel from the beginning, so I've essentially read it twice in two weeks. This was a beautiful story with beautiful characters. It was fun and funny, but had some serious issues for teens/tweens to think about.
January 26, 2016
Sometimes the twee bits came really super-duper close to crossing the line, but overall it was held in check and I quite like this charming, well-written story, which manages to deal with tough issues without being an "issue book."
July 20, 2011
This book is about bullies, friendships, child abuse, and trust.
I don't want to spoil the book for you so that is all of the review I will offer. I will say that for a children's book there is a lot of substance to the book. I thoroughly enjoyed every page.
I don't want to spoil the book for you so that is all of the review I will offer. I will say that for a children's book there is a lot of substance to the book. I thoroughly enjoyed every page.
August 10, 2016
The 9yo picked TRUE (...SORT OF) for his LA/Lit project. He read it every day, sitting curled in a ball on the couch, alternately laughing out loud and sighing with heartbreak. As soon as he finished, he asked me to read it. How could I say no?
He knows a great book when he reads it.
He knows a great book when he reads it.
August 15, 2015
This is a great story and it's told beautifully, I think everyone would enjoy reading it. I also learned many things from it. It teaches some necessary life skills in such beautiful ways that would make a deep impression on anyone.
May 28, 2011
One Sentence Review: If the twee language doesn't get you the abused girl who can commune with animals might.
October 18, 2011
After reading this book I wanted to send a thank you note to the author. Some stories just need to be written.
August 15, 2012
I really think I'd give this six stars if I could...
April 6, 2016
I loved it so much that I read it 5 times and it was so amazing
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