This was an enjoyable read, written for middle grades I do not think I will let my Daughter read this book. There is no foul language, but it is a bit sad and one of the adults in the book was unfaithful. I do not feel that topic is something a middle grader needs to read about in there stories. (there are no descriptions of the unfaithfulness just talk of where they have gone and finding out with whom they went with.) But as an adult reader I quite enjoyed this book and would like to read more from this author. The random southern jargon took a bit to get past, it felt a bit have hazard to me. Yes I know the book is placed in the south but the jargon flip fops a bit for me not embracing the southern or lack of southern jargon. Still I really did enjoy this book. It was a good reminder of how hard those middle years are when life changes even though we so much want it to stay the same. side not this is another book where I would have chosen another title. In my opinion the swift boys are just a sideline in the story. It is really all bout Nola. Also the photo on the book dose not fit the description of Nola... just saying Sorry it is a pet peeve of mine so I had to share. I would say this book would be a good read for ages 14 and up.(because of the unfaithfulness if you take that out I would say 12 and up) Good perspective on the stress a pre-teen might encounter. Themes:- best friends father leaving the family- trying to solve problems for your friends- trying to handle everything yourself and not worry mother- getting a new step-dad and moving- surly grandmother who loves you anyway- anger management and making poor friend choicesCover doesn't jive with the book as text repeatedly mentions Nola being a little overweight.Some mention of economically depressed area but language of kids seems to be trying to "prove" the lack of money...feels like a misguided assumption on the part of the author. Especially since we need to constantly put what's "right" in front of kids so that they aren't confused by desultory language.
It was a good middle grade, but it meandered a little bit too much for my taste.
—Nick
I loved this book it's such a heartwarming story!
—LizzieBorden
The pink cover is misleading.
—rose12
it is nice
—melsky
