I know that many middle grade age kids will likely love this book told from the perspective of a beloved dog, Ripley. The book did not, unfortunately, work for me, nor do I believe it to be a particular stand out. I simply could not suspend my belief enough to go along with the fact that the entire narrative is supposedly told through Ripley’s point of view including her limited understanding of human words
and issues. Ripley tells the reader multiple times that she understands only a few human words and has to try really hard for any more yet somehow the reader hears all the dialogue crystal clearly that Ripley hears.
I picked this up shortly after reading a rave review which heightened my expectations a little, unfortunately. While there’s nothing glaringly wrong or off-putting about this book, there’s nothing compelling or interesting about it either. I do not see how it would appeal to more than a very small number of YA readers, which in my opinion, makes it not the best book to put on an award long list like the SCASL list it appears on.
This book is adorable and heart-warming. After seeing Ashely from RealmofKidLitComics’ rave review, I knew I had a strong chance of enjoying the narrative. This book chronicles Clare’s journey as the go-between for deceased animal souls and the afterlife, content in his job although feeling coerced into it because he did not want to enter the afterlife of pain. When a persistent badger shows up on his doorstep, he must
face the fact that it’s time for him to move on. In his efforts to avoid what he believes is his fate, Clare discovers and reckons with so much that continues to develop his character while also dealing with incredibly difficult topics in an age appropriate way. I loved this book and the possibility laid out in the epilogue that more may come in this world.
I continue to highly enjoy this series. Although I expected for the characters to find the fourth and final guardian, I ended up really appreciating the direction that Jae-Jones took the story. Since this book is the third in a series, I cannot share details. however, I will say that Jae-Jones continues to maintain a strong level of intrigue while also expanding the world. I really loved the new perspective she added and the minor cliffhanger that makes me eager to pick up the next installment.
Only a few days after reading and many of the details have quickly faded from my memory. This book deals with fairly series topics, but – in my opinion – does not treat them as carefully as I think they should. I also struggled with the idea that a middle school girl with dyslexia would be an avid read of classics. Don’t misunderstand me. I know that dyslexia does not mean that a person will never become an avid reader, far from it. My
issue lies with the choice of books. Those do not appear realistic. Also, the the relationship between the sisters as well as the characterization of the older sister did not make much sense, making it difficult to engage with the narrative. Even with that, I did not dislike the book. It just did not live up to what it should.
I loved the premise of this book and appreciated how Garrett dealt with the idea of grief and how it continues to affect us. I also appreciated the idea of a portal protecting the historic African American village of Seneca with its hints of magic. A few things, unfortunately, keep me from wholeheartedly recommending it, things like Garrett’s choice to omit all contractions from the speech of the Seneca villagers in what I think may have
been the author’s attempt at distinguishing the speech patterns. Since this is a debut (I think) I will definitely give this author another chance.
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