Monday, October 7, 2024

Middle Grade Review: Buckle Up

 


This week, I'm talking about:


Lonnie's parents are recently divorced. He's not happy about all the changes. Car rides with his parents allow them to have hard conversations. He requests that his parents drop him off at the corner - not in front of the school. Lonnie's embarrassed about the divorce and doesn't want the other kids to tease him. He also doesn't feel at home in his dad's new place. All these changes are making him emotional. Will these car conversations help?
My Thoughts: I really love this idea - most of the book takes places in the car. A few scenes take place within the two homes. Lonnie doesn't know how to express his feelings. With all the changes, he's left feeling uncomfortable. I like how he and his dad talk - his father calls him out for his bad behavior. HIs father also says some questionable things and Lonnie calls him out on it. The back and forth is between them is nice. I think it's important when Lonnie's dad says that he's still learning to talk about his feelings and that he says the wrong things sometimes. We're all still learning.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
 Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A great graphic novel for your school or public library's collection.

8 comments:

Brenda said...

Interesting plot and the cover is cute. Happy MMGM

Valinora Troy said...

What an unusual concept! I'm impressed that it works, it can't have been easy. Thank you for sharing!

Greg Pattridge said...

I like the way the setting in the car drives the story (no pun intended). I'll be looking to read this one myself. Happy MMGM!

Natalie Aguirre said...

The car is definitely an interesting setting. I'm glad you enjoyed it so much.

Patricia T. said...

I like the intimate conversations that take place in the car. Good to see a father admit he makes mistakes too. Very different book. Sounds great!

Kasey @ The Story Sanctuary said...

Your blog is so pretty. I love the way you lay out your posts, too. This book sounds really interesting-- I'm not sure if I've read a book in which the car was the major setting. It's a really cool idea. Thanks for sharing this!

Rosi said...

This soundslike a book that might help kids learn to talk to their parents about difficult topics. I'll try to check it out. Thanks for the review.

DMS said...

Definitely sounds like an interesting book. I know from friends that a lot of important conversations take place in the car. Thanks for sharing.