From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026

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What Members Thought

Mary Lee
I will hand this book to students who have read HOW TO STEAL A DOG (and/or HOLD FAST). Jennifer Jacobson doesn't shy away from all the tough situations that arise when Ari and her brother Gage leave their guardian's home and try to make it on their own.

This book grabbed me and wouldn't let me put it down. It is beautifully crafted with several plot lines that weave together without ever feeling forced. I especially like the role Louisa May Alcott and LITTLE WOMEN plays.
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Maria Caplin
Aug 09, 2015 rated it it was amazing
I was pulled into this book and thankful I had the time to not put it down. I agree with ML it had similarities to How to Steal a Dog. The big brother watching and caring for his younger sister was inspiring and knowing he was doing the best he could. This book will stay with me as I continue to think about similar children in today's world. I wonder if our eyes are open wide enough as educators? ...more
Travis
Aug 30, 2015 rated it it was amazing
What a powerful book. While Ari is a little bit of a Pollyanna, she is not unrealistic; actually, her personality reminds me of several students I've had. What is also painfully true-to-life is Ari's homelessness, and that's what makes this novel incredibly important. The weight of this message doesn't reduce the book to Very Special Episode territory; Jacobson powerfully and honestly portrays life as a twenty-first century homeless girl. I have to say, though, that it was an oversight on the pu ...more
Tina
Jun 26, 2015 rated it really liked it
Shelves: middle-readers
After finishing this book the story lingers with you. It seeps into your bones. The story of Ari and her brother Gage is heartbreaking, haunting and triumphant. I appreciate that some of the Adults in her life realized that something was wrong and tried to help, that friends gave of their space so they could be someplace safe and warm but it made reflect on homeless children who don't have that support. I want to go and find and help homeless children. I gave the book 4 stats because while it ha ...more
Karen
I loved this book as much as I loved her other, Small as an Elephant. Beautiful story that focuses on unique family units as well as homelessness.
Shari (Shira)
Jun 14, 2015 rated it liked it
Shelves: childrensbooks
Ari is a fifth grade orphan. Her brother comes to her guardian's house to take her to live with him. But he's actually homeless. Ari struggles with real life issues such as being hungry, having no clean clothes, and no place to do her homework. I wonder why most of Ari's teachers missed the clues that something was wrong. Some people think that this book is a Newbery 2016 contender. I disagree. ...more
Sara
Nov 16, 2014 marked it as to-read
Maegen
Dec 14, 2014 marked it as to-read
Wendy Garland
Dec 28, 2014 marked it as to-read
Mrs. Chatel
Jan 07, 2015 rated it liked it
Shelves: troybery-2015
Rachel
Feb 04, 2015 marked it as to-read
Elisabeth
Feb 09, 2015 marked it as to-read
Sherry Holland
Mar 10, 2015 rated it it was amazing
Jaclyn
Mar 18, 2015 rated it really liked it
Jeri
Mar 23, 2015 rated it really liked it
Kristin McIlhagga
Mar 29, 2015 marked it as to-read
Marisa
Apr 04, 2015 marked it as to-read
G
Apr 06, 2015 rated it liked it
Maggi Rohde
Apr 26, 2015 marked it as to-read
Katie Day
May 16, 2015 marked it as to-read
J.j.
Jun 29, 2015 marked it as to-read
Melody
Jul 26, 2015 rated it really liked it
Shelves: jfic
Lizzie K
Jul 31, 2015 rated it it was amazing
Kris Springer
Oct 08, 2015 marked it as to-read
Maria
Feb 20, 2016 marked it as to-read
Alison
Jun 11, 2016 rated it really liked it
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