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A sad little book about a girl who has lost her older brother and whose parents are so lost in their grief that they cannot help her cope with hers.

I read this as it's one of the Sequoyah nominees this year and it seems to be the obligatory "death" book from this year's selections. The story would have been somewhat more enjoyable had it not been for the protagonist's too-Junie-B.-Jonesish narrative voice. There comes an age when that type of voice is just not acceptable. If it was meant to offset the weight of the topic, I'm not sure it exactly succeeded. Some aspects were quite realisitc and enjoyable but overall...eh. Two stars may be a
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I know this one probably won't win the 2010 Newbery but I loved it. I loved all of the clever characters and funny, real-life situations. Lisa Graff is excellent at drawing characters and making them matter, and she is terrific at showing how children really act. This one is about Annie, whose older brother Jared died in the past year. Annie's 10 and Jared was 11 when he died. Jared was a fun older brother, and he died of an unexpected heart problem. So Annie decides that she'll avoid all danger
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After the sudden death of her older brother Annie copes by becoming ultra cautious about injuries and illness. Instead of racing her friends on her bike she decides to make turtle tracks, a competition to see who can ride the slowest and that is really just the tip of the iceberg. Band-aides covering her body, wearing a helmet, knee pads and ace bandages everywhere she goes Annie is taking no chances.
This was a sweet book about loss, sorrow and friendship. Some great characters, especially Anni ...more
This was a sweet book about loss, sorrow and friendship. Some great characters, especially Anni ...more

Mar 29, 2010
Karen Gibson
rated it
it was amazing
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review of another edition
Shelves:
2010-100-book-project,
bluebonnet-10-11
I loved this book. The main character is Annie who reminds me somewhat of Junie B. Jones. Annie is facing the loss of her brother and is worried that she might die too. It's hard to imagine a book where you are chuckling one minute and crying the next. Lisa Graff definitely has her pulse on the feelings of childhood.
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After her brother's sudden death, 10-year-old Annie worries about everything that could possibly hurt her or be risky. A new neighbor who is suffering her own loss helps Annie to see that life goes on.
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A sweet, engaging story of a girl dealing with fears after her brother's unexpected death. For all of that, it manages to be funny and avoids becoming maudlin, helped along by a cast of likable characters. Its strengths are a depiction of childhood fears that feels real and the avoidance of any preaching or pat answers, combined with story that should appeal particularly to elementary school girl who like the occasional sad moment and realistic stories.
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Aug 11, 2009
Megan
marked it as to-read


Sep 16, 2009
Kristen Jorgensen
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
mock-newbery-book-2010


Jul 03, 2013
Julie
marked it as to-read

Dec 10, 2014
Marisa
marked it as to-read

Mar 29, 2015
Kristin McIlhagga
marked it as to-read

Jun 23, 2015
Maggi Rohde
marked it as to-read

Jul 01, 2015
Tina
marked it as to-read

Jan 15, 2016
Margo Jantzi
marked it as to-read