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Edward's Eyes
Jake is a part of an extraordinary family. He has a life filled with art, music, and long summer nights on the Cape. He has hours and days and months of baseball. But, more than anything in this world, Jake knows he has Edward. From the moment he was born, Jake knew Edward was destined for something. Edward could make anyone laugh and everyone think. During one special year, he became the only one in the neighborhood who could throw a perfect knuckleball. It was a pitch you could not hit. That same year, Jake learned there are also some things you cannot hold.
Patricia MacLachlan, one of the most beloved children's book authors writing today, has painted a deeply stirring, delicately lyrical portrait of a child, a son, a family, and a brother. Through Edward's eyes, we see what gifts all of these things truly are to those around them, and how those gifts live on and grow.
116 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
29 people are currently reading
1117 people want to read
About the author
Patricia MacLachlan
125 books806 followersPatricia MacLachlan was born on the prairie, and always carried a small bag of prairie dirt with her wherever she went to remind her of what she knew first. She was the author of many well-loved novels and picture books, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal; its sequels, Skylark and Caleb's Story; and Three Names, illustrated by Mike Wimmer. She lived in western Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews
June 29, 2022
Although I feel a bit guilty rating Patricia MacLachlan's 2006 novel Edward's Eyes with but two stars, I also firmly do stand by this rating, as I (and once again) find that with Edward's Eyes MacLachlan has penned yet another text that reads more like an outline or a rough draft than a finished and polished novel.
For honestly and of course in my opinion, there are so very many characters inhabiting the pages of Edward's Eyes that for me it certainly seems as though Patricia MacLachlan is actually kind of textually trying out which of them work and which do not work, but that she, that MacLachlan then does not bother trimming down and weeding out the list, leaving a major load of undeveloped, non nuanced individuals in Edward's Eyes, leaving characters who are basically rather majorly indistinguishable and as such pretty much robot like and not at all like actual and living/breathing people. And in my opinion, the former is also and primarily the main reason that I continuously am having trouble figuring out exactly who is who in Edward's Eyes, that therefore much of Patricia MacLachlan's story for Edward's Eyes feels like being simply and only a list of names, with each and every person feeling totally one-dimensional and the Edward of the book title so annoyingly perfect and full of himself that he is extremely tedious and not really all that personable.
But while the ending for Edward's Eyes is most definitely horribly sad (or at least is supposed to be), since none of the characters ever feel all that real and authentic, sorry, Edward's death does not really emotionally grab me all that much either. Well yes, the epilogue and the prologue for Edward's Eyes, they are indeed both touching and sweet, and show how the deceased Edward's eyes have managed to save another little boy's vision. But because both of them feel as though they have been added and superimposed by Patricia MacLachlan as somewhat of an afterthought on a tale full of holes and lacking in any kind of narrative depth, that the prologue and the epilogue of Edward's Eyes are sufficiently emotional and even rather delightfully readable, even if of course also a bit sad and heart wrenching, this is most definitely not in any manner enough to rescue potential reading pleasure for me and to consider Edward's Eyes with more than two stars, since I have been not only less than textually impressed but also majorly annoyed with the lack of verbal quality of Patricia MacLachlan's featured text.
For honestly and of course in my opinion, there are so very many characters inhabiting the pages of Edward's Eyes that for me it certainly seems as though Patricia MacLachlan is actually kind of textually trying out which of them work and which do not work, but that she, that MacLachlan then does not bother trimming down and weeding out the list, leaving a major load of undeveloped, non nuanced individuals in Edward's Eyes, leaving characters who are basically rather majorly indistinguishable and as such pretty much robot like and not at all like actual and living/breathing people. And in my opinion, the former is also and primarily the main reason that I continuously am having trouble figuring out exactly who is who in Edward's Eyes, that therefore much of Patricia MacLachlan's story for Edward's Eyes feels like being simply and only a list of names, with each and every person feeling totally one-dimensional and the Edward of the book title so annoyingly perfect and full of himself that he is extremely tedious and not really all that personable.
But while the ending for Edward's Eyes is most definitely horribly sad (or at least is supposed to be), since none of the characters ever feel all that real and authentic, sorry, Edward's death does not really emotionally grab me all that much either. Well yes, the epilogue and the prologue for Edward's Eyes, they are indeed both touching and sweet, and show how the deceased Edward's eyes have managed to save another little boy's vision. But because both of them feel as though they have been added and superimposed by Patricia MacLachlan as somewhat of an afterthought on a tale full of holes and lacking in any kind of narrative depth, that the prologue and the epilogue of Edward's Eyes are sufficiently emotional and even rather delightfully readable, even if of course also a bit sad and heart wrenching, this is most definitely not in any manner enough to rescue potential reading pleasure for me and to consider Edward's Eyes with more than two stars, since I have been not only less than textually impressed but also majorly annoyed with the lack of verbal quality of Patricia MacLachlan's featured text.
November 7, 2025
This is one of the most beautiful and nearly perfect stories I have ever read. Nothing I say could properly convey the emotional response triggered by these pages.
In a year full of books I adored, I may have awarded the 2008 Newbery Medal to Patricia MacLachlan's Edward's Eyes. Outside of Charlotte's Web, I have never seen a story that came so close to perfection.
In a year full of books I adored, I may have awarded the 2008 Newbery Medal to Patricia MacLachlan's Edward's Eyes. Outside of Charlotte's Web, I have never seen a story that came so close to perfection.
August 14, 2017
I heard it was sad. But that?! Help me! :(
June 25, 2014
Warning: MAJOR Spoilers ahead! Do not read unless you have read this book, or are at least past page 85
That was a really quick read. Literally took me 45 minutes or so. And wow, was it emotional.
At first I was ticked off. There's this kid who everyone practically worships! "He's so perfect!" they say, "Look at his eyes!", they say. I was like, "He's just a kid! He's not that great!". But then I was under Edward's spell like everyone else. Wow!
And then IT happened. Edward died! (I did say major spoilers) I was horrified. I had no idea this book was about death. This took me minutes to get over. Tears were shed, I admit. A few minutes before I was scoffing at him, now I'm like "He was such a perfect boy! Why did it have to be him?!". Yah, that's what an author can do to you.
Edward's death seemed a little odd. Running into a tree? If he was riding his bike on the road, there shouldn't have been any trees in the middle of the road. So...how did he run into one? And they said he died instantly, but I don't see how. Did he just ram into the tree head first, snapping his neck? Who knows.
This book started off a little boring, but i got used to it and now I love it. SO. EMOTIONAL. Even now I can't keep a straight lip (I just finished the book seconds ago).
Things tend to happen quickly in this book, as if the author was trying to make it as short as possible. But I like this quick, short read. It will literally rip your heart to pieces, and leave it ripped in the end. No healing here, people. Sadness to the bone. Seriously, this depressing sadness it torture. I'm dying here, as if I've lost on of my own family members. I want to sob my eyes out (Did I mention the part about the donated corneas was awful?).
This book is like WENNY HAS WINGS (by Janet Lee Carey) times 1,000. You will hate yourself for reading this book because it's so darn sad, but love the book after the trauma has worn off. WAH!
P.S. The bad part is that I keep crying each time I look at the book.
Alternate rating: A+
That was a really quick read. Literally took me 45 minutes or so. And wow, was it emotional.
At first I was ticked off. There's this kid who everyone practically worships! "He's so perfect!" they say, "Look at his eyes!", they say. I was like, "He's just a kid! He's not that great!". But then I was under Edward's spell like everyone else. Wow!
And then IT happened. Edward died! (I did say major spoilers) I was horrified. I had no idea this book was about death. This took me minutes to get over. Tears were shed, I admit. A few minutes before I was scoffing at him, now I'm like "He was such a perfect boy! Why did it have to be him?!". Yah, that's what an author can do to you.
Edward's death seemed a little odd. Running into a tree? If he was riding his bike on the road, there shouldn't have been any trees in the middle of the road. So...how did he run into one? And they said he died instantly, but I don't see how. Did he just ram into the tree head first, snapping his neck? Who knows.
This book started off a little boring, but i got used to it and now I love it. SO. EMOTIONAL. Even now I can't keep a straight lip (I just finished the book seconds ago).
Things tend to happen quickly in this book, as if the author was trying to make it as short as possible. But I like this quick, short read. It will literally rip your heart to pieces, and leave it ripped in the end. No healing here, people. Sadness to the bone. Seriously, this depressing sadness it torture. I'm dying here, as if I've lost on of my own family members. I want to sob my eyes out (Did I mention the part about the donated corneas was awful?).
This book is like WENNY HAS WINGS (by Janet Lee Carey) times 1,000. You will hate yourself for reading this book because it's so darn sad, but love the book after the trauma has worn off. WAH!
P.S. The bad part is that I keep crying each time I look at the book.
Alternate rating: A+
December 18, 2007
Just read this one for SSBRC - the newest Patricia MacLachlan. So good! Ever since his little brother Edward was born, Jake has taken care of him. Theirs is a large family and the sibling look out for one another as much as the parents do. Jake toilet trains Edward, teaches him to read, and instructs him in the rules of baseball. Edward LOVES baseball, and the summer he is 8 he teaches himself to throw a knuckleball that none of the neighborhood kids can hit.
I don't want to give away the ending - suffice to say that it's very sad. Not all kids will enjoy this book, as there's not a lot of action, but the right kind of reader will love it.
I don't want to give away the ending - suffice to say that it's very sad. Not all kids will enjoy this book, as there's not a lot of action, but the right kind of reader will love it.
January 4, 2009
This is my first book by Patricia MacLachlan, and I enjoyed reading it, and although it is sad, it teaches a good lesson. I didn't like the ending very much, but then I read the epilogue and I liked how that wrapped the story up.
This book was intended for grades 3-7 because it is a quick and easy read, but I don't think this is the kind of book that a 8-12 year old would enjoy or want to read. I think mature/older readers would enjoy this more, but I would encourage anyone to read this if they were looking for a nice short book.
This book was intended for grades 3-7 because it is a quick and easy read, but I don't think this is the kind of book that a 8-12 year old would enjoy or want to read. I think mature/older readers would enjoy this more, but I would encourage anyone to read this if they were looking for a nice short book.
February 7, 2017
this is a story about a boy named Edward. He plays baseball and is one of the best in his town. But, then everything went downhill.
One thing i liked about Edward is that he isnt conceeded like most people that are really good at something. Something that bothered me is that, i was really confused about which character was who. This is a really sweet story. Until Edward had to be rushed to the hospital. They took Edwards eyes. People who like to read realistic fiction books about sports would like this story because its about baseball. Its also an emotional story.
One thing i liked about Edward is that he isnt conceeded like most people that are really good at something. Something that bothered me is that, i was really confused about which character was who. This is a really sweet story. Until Edward had to be rushed to the hospital. They took Edwards eyes. People who like to read realistic fiction books about sports would like this story because its about baseball. Its also an emotional story.
June 28, 2016
I don't really understand this book. I feel like this reads more like a first draft than a finished book.
There are so many names flying around that it's hard to keep track of the characters. Jake calls his parents and all other adults - even police officers and nurses - by their first names, which means it's just a flurry of names. I'm still unsure of who Trick is. I don't know any of the neighborhood kids, despite having a list of their names in just about every chapter. Other than the fact that Albert is black, I don't know what any of the characters look like.
The characters are all very one-dimensional. Edward is perfect. He's clairvoyant or something, always looking for signs and the like. He never does anything wrong and his parents let him do pretty much anything he wants. When his parents brought him home from the hospital, everyone just knew he was special. Since he was born, he seemed to always know more than anyone else. I just couldn't find a reason to like him, honestly. I thought from the summary of the book that Edward would have autism or Down Syndrome, but if he does, it was never mentioned.
None of the kids ever argue. The parents are always happy and madly in-love - which is not a bad thing - but even when tragedy strikes, they're not mad. Just sad. No one but Jake seems to show any emotion.
The familial dynamics were odd. Like how each of the older children "raises" one of their younger siblings. I don't know the ages of any of the kids, and, except for Sola being the oldest, I can't keep track of who's older and who's younger.
The ending is sad, yes, but since none of the characters ever seemed real to me, I really didn't care that much. Overall, it was just a poorly written story that needed more fleshing out.
There are so many names flying around that it's hard to keep track of the characters. Jake calls his parents and all other adults - even police officers and nurses - by their first names, which means it's just a flurry of names. I'm still unsure of who Trick is. I don't know any of the neighborhood kids, despite having a list of their names in just about every chapter. Other than the fact that Albert is black, I don't know what any of the characters look like.
The characters are all very one-dimensional. Edward is perfect. He's clairvoyant or something, always looking for signs and the like. He never does anything wrong and his parents let him do pretty much anything he wants. When his parents brought him home from the hospital, everyone just knew he was special. Since he was born, he seemed to always know more than anyone else. I just couldn't find a reason to like him, honestly. I thought from the summary of the book that Edward would have autism or Down Syndrome, but if he does, it was never mentioned.
None of the kids ever argue. The parents are always happy and madly in-love - which is not a bad thing - but even when tragedy strikes, they're not mad. Just sad. No one but Jake seems to show any emotion.
The familial dynamics were odd. Like how each of the older children "raises" one of their younger siblings. I don't know the ages of any of the kids, and, except for Sola being the oldest, I can't keep track of who's older and who's younger.
The ending is sad, yes, but since none of the characters ever seemed real to me, I really didn't care that much. Overall, it was just a poorly written story that needed more fleshing out.
November 19, 2024
once a year or so i’ll just be going about my business and just randomly remember i read this book with my class in like 5th grade and i’ll go to my people and ask “do you remember this book” and describe the plot bc i forget the name and they’ll go “what the HELL?!” and i’ll go “you didn’t read this when you were 10?” and yeah
March 11, 2010
It was a so-so book but the ending was sad... I love a good emotional book but... I like happy endings more. I know I'm talking fairytale stories but it feels good when you know that a book has a happy ending...
August 1, 2010
Ouch. I struggled through this one, skimming, dreading what I realized was coming. I actually thought the ending was the better part of the book, even though I kind of hated that it made me cry despite the fact that I hadn't liked the all-too-precious lead up. Curious to see what others think…
May 23, 2014
I like MacLachlan, especially her prairie stories. This isn't one of those, and I found it too convenient, too contrived. It is a sweet, moving story, but it's evident what is going to happen from the very start, and it's a matter of waiting for it to happen.
April 11, 2018
At first I thought this book was trying too hard to make me read between the lines, but I did like how it wrapped up. I think it is one of those where you know what is going to happen in the end, so the middle becomes painful because you know what's coming. I got a little teary reading this one, but it left me with a happy feeling. I look forward to reading it with my children when they are a bit older--I think it will give us the opportunity to talk about important topics (organ donation, family relationships, death, grieving, etc).
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February 6, 2018great book!!*spoiler* i truly expected the ending in which Edward died, really. though it is really a great story from Patricia MacLachlan!!
November 29, 2022
Wow- another stupendous Patricia MacLachlan book that I would highly recommend!!!! Her books always make me laugh, cry, or glean something new that makes me think deeply!
May 25, 2022
I found this book somewhat confusing. It is about a large, interesting family, but because everybody, even the parents, goes by first names, I had trouble keeping them straight - this was annoying, especially for a fairly simple children's book. There is a lot of foreshadowing of some impending Terrible Event, but it wasn't revealed until near the end of the book. When the Terrible Event occurs, it is supposed to be made less terrible by an act of benevolence. I just found the whole thing a little creepy.
November 26, 2011
The narrator Jake first met Edward when he was three years old. His mother who he never called mother just put him in his arms. Edward opened his beautiful eyes and it was like he was his. He pretty much raised him and read to him about Baseball which he grew to love. Edward even managed to pitch a Knuckleball which was nearly impossible. Everyone pretty much think Edward is great. He is a very insightful kid. He even knows when his sister Sabine is going to be born and he named her too! It's really weird. It's like one new kid gets born and the the one before it takes care of them. Edward likes to believe in signs. So does Albert or maybe it was Trick? Trick is a 90 year old man and Albert is his son who is almost equally as old. They hang around with the rest of the family. A very weird family. There's a couple of older kids but I can't really describe them. I know one loves to read. There mother likes to dance and sing and they own a bookstore.
This book was disappointing for me. I know some people who just loved it but I don't get it. It was pretty obvious what was going to happen and it was very touching and all but still. The family is really weird and so are the parents. The way they handle the kids it was really weird. I thought they were foster kids in the beginning but there not. It really needed some background information. It had no depth to it. It is a small book and it could have been bigger but even a small book could have been better. It was just confusing and weird and not as great as it could have been. I mean there was so much potential! Oh well...
http://shesgotbooksonhermind.blogspot...
This book was disappointing for me. I know some people who just loved it but I don't get it. It was pretty obvious what was going to happen and it was very touching and all but still. The family is really weird and so are the parents. The way they handle the kids it was really weird. I thought they were foster kids in the beginning but there not. It really needed some background information. It had no depth to it. It is a small book and it could have been bigger but even a small book could have been better. It was just confusing and weird and not as great as it could have been. I mean there was so much potential! Oh well...
http://shesgotbooksonhermind.blogspot...
January 18, 2011
Jake is lucky. He has a life filled with art, music, books, and long summer nights on the Cape. He has months of baseball. But, more than anything in this world, Jake knows he has Edward. From the moment he was born, Jake knew Edward was destined for something. Edward could make anyone laugh and everyone think. And Edward's eyes. They were so beautiful, you could spend hours staring at them. During one special year, he became the only one in the neighborhood who could throw a perfect knuckleball. It was a pitch you just could not hit. That was when Jake learned there are also some things you cannot hold.
This was one of the most sensitive and personal books I have ever read. It made me feel like I was there with Jake and Edward, and I almost cried at the end. I think this book had good word choice and pulled me in so much once the story started to make sense. The thing I didn't like about this book was that the prologue was not easy to understand and it started the story of on the wrong foot. I think Ms. MacLachlan was trying to say was that their are some things that you just can't hold on to, and that some things you just have to let go.
I think this was more of and adult book, but I would recommend this to pretty much everybody.
This was one of the most sensitive and personal books I have ever read. It made me feel like I was there with Jake and Edward, and I almost cried at the end. I think this book had good word choice and pulled me in so much once the story started to make sense. The thing I didn't like about this book was that the prologue was not easy to understand and it started the story of on the wrong foot. I think Ms. MacLachlan was trying to say was that their are some things that you just can't hold on to, and that some things you just have to let go.
I think this was more of and adult book, but I would recommend this to pretty much everybody.
August 8, 2014
Once again, MacLachlan's writing touches me deeply. I've not found a book of hers that I didn't like, some of which move me to tears.
In this story, a large, loving family welcomes and embraces each new baby. The parents are loving and kind. The sound of music fills the air as the mother sings and dances while cooking. The children respect each other and each one helps to raise the next. When Jake is three and baby Edward is born, he reluctantly holds him. Looking into Edward's eyes, he finds a pure soul and instantly connects.
Edward is especially unique and the bond Jake and he form transcends words and goes right to the heart. Baseball is a game played each summer and many memories are created.
In particular, Edward learns how to bat a knuckleball, which is but another sign of his unique abilities.
When the next pregnancy is announced, in his wisdom Edward knows it will be a girl and should be named Sabine. Just as Jake bonded with Edward, Edward and Sabine now share an unconditional love.
Tragicially, the family looses Edward because of a bike accident. Without over dramatazation, MacLachlan deftly writes of a family in grief, and finds many ways in which the celebrate the life that was Edward.
Five Stars for this one.
In this story, a large, loving family welcomes and embraces each new baby. The parents are loving and kind. The sound of music fills the air as the mother sings and dances while cooking. The children respect each other and each one helps to raise the next. When Jake is three and baby Edward is born, he reluctantly holds him. Looking into Edward's eyes, he finds a pure soul and instantly connects.
Edward is especially unique and the bond Jake and he form transcends words and goes right to the heart. Baseball is a game played each summer and many memories are created.
In particular, Edward learns how to bat a knuckleball, which is but another sign of his unique abilities.
When the next pregnancy is announced, in his wisdom Edward knows it will be a girl and should be named Sabine. Just as Jake bonded with Edward, Edward and Sabine now share an unconditional love.
Tragicially, the family looses Edward because of a bike accident. Without over dramatazation, MacLachlan deftly writes of a family in grief, and finds many ways in which the celebrate the life that was Edward.
Five Stars for this one.
September 6, 2008
Book review book #1 for my school library system...
This book got rave reviews. Certainly the author of "Sarah Plain and Tall" can't go wrong. And while the story of Edward, Jake's younger brother is touching, it is a book very few children in grades 4-6 would pick up on their own. The story is not told in a straight-forward way, but skips around and delves into Jake's thoughts during events. Edward's death at the end of the story is foreshadowed, and the conclusion is appealing in Jake's beginning acceptance of his brother's death after he meets one of the people who was an organ recipient. But again, I do not have a single student who I think would enjoy this book and I am frustrated by reviewers who seem to review children's books with the thought that if adults like them, then children must.
This book got rave reviews. Certainly the author of "Sarah Plain and Tall" can't go wrong. And while the story of Edward, Jake's younger brother is touching, it is a book very few children in grades 4-6 would pick up on their own. The story is not told in a straight-forward way, but skips around and delves into Jake's thoughts during events. Edward's death at the end of the story is foreshadowed, and the conclusion is appealing in Jake's beginning acceptance of his brother's death after he meets one of the people who was an organ recipient. But again, I do not have a single student who I think would enjoy this book and I am frustrated by reviewers who seem to review children's books with the thought that if adults like them, then children must.
August 1, 2010
I loved this one too- it's very short and the story is very simple, but also profound. It deals with the death of a child, introducing it from the beginning so that it's not a shock but almost a relief when it inevitably arrives. Also, the author demonstrated a lot of skill by not dwelling on the death but on the set up of his life and then the resolution. Additionally, while non-conventional and large, the family is completely believable. One last thing to hit- the subject of organ donation is something that doesn't appear in children's literature often but could be a good time to introduce it in the interests of encouraging becoming a donor and understanding what happens when someone donates. All this in less than 150 pages is a miracle!
December 1, 2010
A typical family-centered book from MacLachlan, this time about a large family of baseball fans whose games center around brother Edward. Edward is an intelligent, sensitive, loving boy with particularly notable eyes. Most of the story describes this unusual family's dynamic, until tragedy strikes. Read it to find out how they cope.
July 2, 2009
A teacher at my school loves this book and says it’s a great tool for teaching foreshadowing. I love and respect her, but... umm, yeah. I think it would be a great way to introduce the term “plot anvil.” It’s hard to care that much for a character more marked for death than a golden retriever in a ’60s YA novel. My tears refused to be jerked.
October 29, 2012
A great book. Feelings and emotions- extremely strong. When Edward died at the end, I completely had a mental breakdown. Jake loved his little brother so much. Edward and him had a very STRONG connection. Got so much anecdotes in the book. Plus, Edward was going to give Sabine a hat the shows Edward's love for baseball. My classmates and I loved it!
November 11, 2009
Read this book yesterday after school. It took about an hour to read it. If you are looking for a quick read - this is the book for you. It is sorta sad at the end, but uplifting also. Another one of the Charlie May Simon series.
January 9, 2009
This book is a great book to read if you like baseball or sad and happy stories. I liked this book because it was abou t baseball and i love baseball. YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 24, 2018
Edward's Eyes has a great plot and it has a good story. In Edward's Eyes, it is about a boy named Jake, his mom and dad, Maeve and Jack, give everyone of their kids a friend. Jake gets Edward. Edward is very smart and loves baseball, he even knows a cool trick, In the end Edward gets a baby girl, then he leaves and... something happens!
In this book their are so many different characters, but I am going to talk about Jake and Edward. Jake is Edwards gardian, but they are very different. Edward is very smart he knows a lot of different languages, but as for Jake, he only knows English. Jake doesn't really like riding his bike, but for Edward it is the best thing ever! Edward has a wired type of sense, he can tell when things will happen, but Jake doesn't ever understand his little friend. Now for what they have in common. Edward and Jake both love each other so much.
I liked this book, it was great, I really liked it. It did help you see what it could be like to be in Jake and Edwards shoes. It really did teach a lesson, like most other books do, but this one told a good one. It helped you see how you can do anything, and you can only do it if you try.
In this book their are so many different characters, but I am going to talk about Jake and Edward. Jake is Edwards gardian, but they are very different. Edward is very smart he knows a lot of different languages, but as for Jake, he only knows English. Jake doesn't really like riding his bike, but for Edward it is the best thing ever! Edward has a wired type of sense, he can tell when things will happen, but Jake doesn't ever understand his little friend. Now for what they have in common. Edward and Jake both love each other so much.
I liked this book, it was great, I really liked it. It did help you see what it could be like to be in Jake and Edwards shoes. It really did teach a lesson, like most other books do, but this one told a good one. It helped you see how you can do anything, and you can only do it if you try.
October 21, 2024
I first read this book in late elementary school and have revisited it every couple of years when I forget what it’s about.
This has always been a unique yet very simple story book. It is told by Edward’s older brother, I think Jake is like 8, so the narration is straightforward and the characters seem one dimensional. But that is not a complaint, it makes the story seem more genuine. All the siblings never argue, the parents are madly in love—lol it is all what the kids can see, which is very sweet.
“I want to say that I love him more than anything or anyone I know. But I am only three, and when I try to talk I can't say all those words." <3
I love this story so much because it sends me back to the love I have for my siblings and all my cousins. I was way too young to express the love I had when my little sister was born. I did not yet have the vocabulary. But I will always remember when I was 10 holding my baby girl cousins and thinking that I felt true love finally.
Of course Edward is displayed as clairvoyant or special or unique. Maybe he wasn’t but it was clear that Jake loved him so that we all believed he was.
Very sad ending of course, but I won’t spoil. Good for all ages, maybe too complex for elementary school though.
This has always been a unique yet very simple story book. It is told by Edward’s older brother, I think Jake is like 8, so the narration is straightforward and the characters seem one dimensional. But that is not a complaint, it makes the story seem more genuine. All the siblings never argue, the parents are madly in love—lol it is all what the kids can see, which is very sweet.
“I want to say that I love him more than anything or anyone I know. But I am only three, and when I try to talk I can't say all those words." <3
I love this story so much because it sends me back to the love I have for my siblings and all my cousins. I was way too young to express the love I had when my little sister was born. I did not yet have the vocabulary. But I will always remember when I was 10 holding my baby girl cousins and thinking that I felt true love finally.
Of course Edward is displayed as clairvoyant or special or unique. Maybe he wasn’t but it was clear that Jake loved him so that we all believed he was.
Very sad ending of course, but I won’t spoil. Good for all ages, maybe too complex for elementary school though.
September 14, 2022
Jake, our narrator, is part of a large family who love books, baseball, music, and enjoying life together. Jake and his younger brother, Edward, are particularly close. Although younger, Edward is more outgoing and confident than Jake. Everyone in the family and in the neighborhood are charmed by Edward's charismatic and easy-going nature. Although Jake doesn't always understand his younger brother, he knows he's something special. It isn't until a sudden accident that Jake comes to realize just how important his brother meant to him and his family.
This is one book that I enjoy reading every summer. It just has that "summer vacation" type of feel for me. Maybe it was all the talk about Jake and his siblings spending their summers reading, the afternoon baseball games in the front yard, and the evening barbecues. This was one of my favorite books by Patricia Machlachlan and showcases her signature style of making the ordinary things and moments in life into something more extrodinary.
This is one book that I enjoy reading every summer. It just has that "summer vacation" type of feel for me. Maybe it was all the talk about Jake and his siblings spending their summers reading, the afternoon baseball games in the front yard, and the evening barbecues. This was one of my favorite books by Patricia Machlachlan and showcases her signature style of making the ordinary things and moments in life into something more extrodinary.
May 12, 2017
As always, I just picked this book knowing nothing in the world about it and not reading any reviews or being told anything either. I read it in about an hour, and I wasn't reading very quickly. It was a bit hard to follow, and it was very deep. I mean, it was simple, yet...you had to really concentrate to get the characters right at the beginning and when you did you wanted to go back to the front and re-read the prologue. I of course made myself WAIT and re-read it again after I had read the whole story. But I'm just saying if you have trouble following books, maybe this isn't the one for you, but...maybe still, you SHOULD give it a try because the characters are all so very important and it lets you in on a little bit of each of their actual personalities and points of view. I'm glad I read it. It's a touching story. And wow, HOW SMART these kids are! How wise beyond their years. What an amazing family, actually.
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