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Spillworthy
A Spillworthy is an idea so good, it has to be shared and ten-year-old Ulysses Finch doesn't let being homeless get in his way. He scrawls his best thoughts on pizza boxes, releases them into the wild, and relishes every response. After moving to Idaho, Ulysses finds Gem Rost's journal and dives into reading it. She must be a kindred spirit! Or is she?
293 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Johanna Harness
3 books65 followersJohanna Harness writes middle grade and young adult stories in both Northwest and fantastic settings, often forgetting which is which. She created the #amwriting community on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 11, 2014
Goodreads keeps asking me what I thought of the book I wrote. Hmm. We were very close for a number of months--inseparable even. Everywhere I went, the characters kept talking to me and pestering me to have their stories finished. I found myself reacting to the world as if I were ten years old. I looked at children and saw my characters in their eyes.
Then came the editing, with favorite scenes falling to the cutting room floor. Ulysses put a hand on my shoulder, reassuring me. "It's not like those things didn't happen," he said. "Some things should stay between us."
And now? Spillworthy is traveling the world, going places I've only dreamed of going. Somehow this fledgling story has grown up into a discussion. People talk about the characters as if they've heard the voices in my head.
That's a little weird.
It's also amazing.
Many thanks to all the genuine reviewers of this book. You are the power that makes this writer-reviewer-reader circle spin.
Then came the editing, with favorite scenes falling to the cutting room floor. Ulysses put a hand on my shoulder, reassuring me. "It's not like those things didn't happen," he said. "Some things should stay between us."
And now? Spillworthy is traveling the world, going places I've only dreamed of going. Somehow this fledgling story has grown up into a discussion. People talk about the characters as if they've heard the voices in my head.
That's a little weird.
It's also amazing.
Many thanks to all the genuine reviewers of this book. You are the power that makes this writer-reviewer-reader circle spin.
April 24, 2014
"A note rolled up inside a note, left in the fence:
Some truths are kept hidden in the basement of our souls. We should never stop trying to find them."
Spillworthy by Johanna Harness has left me baffled, surprised, speechless, and with the deep wish that all schools all over the world put this middle-grade novel in their libraries, and not only one copy, but fifty. Or maybe one-hundred. Or maybe enough copies so every child can take it home and then "release" it into the world so it becomes a real Spillworthy, a piece of writing set free into the world.
I just know that kids will devour this book, and maybe not only kids. When I began reading I had a text marker in my hand to highlight notable passages, only I gave up a few pages into the book. Every page is noteworthy, full of observations, insight, philosophy.
This: "Maybe we're all supposed to be making music together whether it feels like we belong together or not. Maybe it's not enough to live your own lives with quiet respect for others. Maybe we're supposed to be reaching and connecting – even when it seems like there's no way that's possible."
This novel reminds me of To Kill a Mockingbird; the kids are of about the same age, and sometimes the tone is similar. Then again, it's something completely different, something not attempted before, both in style and form.
Buy this book. Read it. Share it. It's a wonderful book!
Some truths are kept hidden in the basement of our souls. We should never stop trying to find them."
Spillworthy by Johanna Harness has left me baffled, surprised, speechless, and with the deep wish that all schools all over the world put this middle-grade novel in their libraries, and not only one copy, but fifty. Or maybe one-hundred. Or maybe enough copies so every child can take it home and then "release" it into the world so it becomes a real Spillworthy, a piece of writing set free into the world.
I just know that kids will devour this book, and maybe not only kids. When I began reading I had a text marker in my hand to highlight notable passages, only I gave up a few pages into the book. Every page is noteworthy, full of observations, insight, philosophy.
This: "Maybe we're all supposed to be making music together whether it feels like we belong together or not. Maybe it's not enough to live your own lives with quiet respect for others. Maybe we're supposed to be reaching and connecting – even when it seems like there's no way that's possible."
This novel reminds me of To Kill a Mockingbird; the kids are of about the same age, and sometimes the tone is similar. Then again, it's something completely different, something not attempted before, both in style and form.
Buy this book. Read it. Share it. It's a wonderful book!
April 2, 2014
What ages would I recommend it too? Twelve and up.
Length? About six hours.
Characters? Memorable, several characters.
Setting? Real world, recent times.
Written approximately? 2014.
Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? What happens to the characters later?
Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? No.
Short storyline: A group of kids find each other and rescue another, and one of their own.
Notes for the reader:
Themes: parents, children's rights, children's knowledge, abuse of power, use of power, homelessness, the importance of sharing with the world expecting nothing in return.
This novel is written for middle grade. There is one scene that might be difficult for sensitive minded children.
This is a novel where I could connect with almost all of the characters. And, recognize why some became the way they did, even if I have never gone to that dark place myself.
For low vision readers - Font is probably 12 point. A bit small. Page numbers may blur. Chapter headings can be difficult to see. Plan accordingly.
Length? About six hours.
Characters? Memorable, several characters.
Setting? Real world, recent times.
Written approximately? 2014.
Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? What happens to the characters later?
Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? No.
Short storyline: A group of kids find each other and rescue another, and one of their own.
Notes for the reader:
Themes: parents, children's rights, children's knowledge, abuse of power, use of power, homelessness, the importance of sharing with the world expecting nothing in return.
This novel is written for middle grade. There is one scene that might be difficult for sensitive minded children.
This is a novel where I could connect with almost all of the characters. And, recognize why some became the way they did, even if I have never gone to that dark place myself.
For low vision readers - Font is probably 12 point. A bit small. Page numbers may blur. Chapter headings can be difficult to see. Plan accordingly.
August 5, 2016
It’s been a while since I finished a book in one sitting. But this one I just couldn’t put down.
The story is laid out like breadcrumbs. It begins very small. The way it’s written prevents you from zooming out and seeing the bigger picture. It keeps you hanging on. One more page. One more, one more. Right until the very end.
Without copying the style the story and pacing remind me of one of my childhood favourites. (The Famous Five).
Great ending and a lovely underlying message, which I will not spoil here. Not everything is Spillworthy.
Sssh. Don’t look up…
The story is laid out like breadcrumbs. It begins very small. The way it’s written prevents you from zooming out and seeing the bigger picture. It keeps you hanging on. One more page. One more, one more. Right until the very end.
Without copying the style the story and pacing remind me of one of my childhood favourites. (The Famous Five).
Great ending and a lovely underlying message, which I will not spoil here. Not everything is Spillworthy.
Sssh. Don’t look up…
April 27, 2014
Spillworthy is a touching and powerful novel – one that is sure to stick with you long after the end of the book. Written in journal style from multiple viewpoints, author Johanna Harness’ debut novel taps into the adolescent voice. As adults, we can lose touch with how it feels to be on the brink of adulthood; this novel helps us remember the challenges that tweens and teens face in our modern world.
One of the strongest themes in Spillworthy is the idea that we all have a voice. No matter what age we are, we all are worthy of being heard, whether it’s through a spillworthy or through being heard literally from friends and family. The book touches on the idea that we are interesting, we are valuable and we are loved, even when we feel we are not. The novel is a great conduit to open up conversations about feeling worthy, an important topic to discuss with young people.
The journal style makes the story move along easily and is enjoyable at a surface-level for younger readers. More mature readers will have an opportunity to explore more complex themes and real-world issues, such as drug addiction and child trafficking.
I appreciate the questions Spillworthy poses, such as: the definition of family, what ‘home’ means, the importance of friendship, and whether or not we should trust our institutions. These are hard topics to discuss with children, but it provides an excellent way to open up conversation with curious minds.
One of the strongest themes in Spillworthy is the idea that we all have a voice. No matter what age we are, we all are worthy of being heard, whether it’s through a spillworthy or through being heard literally from friends and family. The book touches on the idea that we are interesting, we are valuable and we are loved, even when we feel we are not. The novel is a great conduit to open up conversations about feeling worthy, an important topic to discuss with young people.
The journal style makes the story move along easily and is enjoyable at a surface-level for younger readers. More mature readers will have an opportunity to explore more complex themes and real-world issues, such as drug addiction and child trafficking.
I appreciate the questions Spillworthy poses, such as: the definition of family, what ‘home’ means, the importance of friendship, and whether or not we should trust our institutions. These are hard topics to discuss with children, but it provides an excellent way to open up conversation with curious minds.
April 27, 2014
Spillworthy, by Johanna Harness, is terrific and I am thrilled to spill about it!
Introducing Ulysses via his journal-writing is brilliant – who doesn’t love reading someone’s journal? The story is woven together in the form of journal entries, between friends who meet each other as they read each other’s journals that they hide from adults in the woods. Some of their words are only for their private journals, but others they write are so good and important that they are spillworthy.
I couldn’t put it down, eager to hear what they would discover next, and anxious to see how the author would weave together the personal journeys of each of the children, and how the intersection would enrich and ultimately save each of them from one evil or another.
This book tenderly tackles some tough subjects, but only in enough detail to prompt discussion especially if you are a parent searching for a way to discuss with your children the very real dangers they might encounter in the world.
Buy the book. Read it with your kids or to them, and use it as a catalyst to give them a voice for their questions, fears, and ideas. You will love it!
Introducing Ulysses via his journal-writing is brilliant – who doesn’t love reading someone’s journal? The story is woven together in the form of journal entries, between friends who meet each other as they read each other’s journals that they hide from adults in the woods. Some of their words are only for their private journals, but others they write are so good and important that they are spillworthy.
I couldn’t put it down, eager to hear what they would discover next, and anxious to see how the author would weave together the personal journeys of each of the children, and how the intersection would enrich and ultimately save each of them from one evil or another.
This book tenderly tackles some tough subjects, but only in enough detail to prompt discussion especially if you are a parent searching for a way to discuss with your children the very real dangers they might encounter in the world.
Buy the book. Read it with your kids or to them, and use it as a catalyst to give them a voice for their questions, fears, and ideas. You will love it!
May 1, 2014
Ulysses, a ten year old homeless boy from Portland Oregon is transplanted to small town/rural Idaho. He leaves his journal in a tree with a twelve year old girl's journal.
The conversations the middle-graders have through their written journals begin to reflect not only their own sad, colorful, and sometimes profound circumstances, but also those of others around them.
Some of those others are in serious straits and those in positions of authority seem unwilling or unable to help.
As sometimes happens in real life they are on their own, forced by the actions of others and their own consciences to deal with what is beyond the pale.
Johanna Harness entertains us so well with an adventurous yet totally believable story that sometimes we might not realize just how deeply she is delving into the human condition and some of the myriad ways we react both as individuals and as a society to the all-too-human creatures of those depths.
This book will teach your children and it will teach you, and the groove it will carve in your brain will be deep and wide and you will have enjoyed the carving.
I tell you three times, this is one to pay attention to.
The conversations the middle-graders have through their written journals begin to reflect not only their own sad, colorful, and sometimes profound circumstances, but also those of others around them.
Some of those others are in serious straits and those in positions of authority seem unwilling or unable to help.
As sometimes happens in real life they are on their own, forced by the actions of others and their own consciences to deal with what is beyond the pale.
Johanna Harness entertains us so well with an adventurous yet totally believable story that sometimes we might not realize just how deeply she is delving into the human condition and some of the myriad ways we react both as individuals and as a society to the all-too-human creatures of those depths.
This book will teach your children and it will teach you, and the groove it will carve in your brain will be deep and wide and you will have enjoyed the carving.
I tell you three times, this is one to pay attention to.
August 19, 2014
Terrific. I tend to like epistolary novels and this was a good one. I don't read much YA these days but my mom recommended this and I'm glad I took her advice to read it. Harness incorporates all the elements of great fiction for kids. She gives them a world of their own and a voice. They tell their own story and learn their own lessons. Through their eyes we see adults in their lives learning their own lessons too. The novel moves at a quick pace without feeling rushed or underdeveloped. I admire how Harness really didn't give much of a physical description of any character yet I still have a clear sense of all of them in my mind. Very well written book at every level.
Oddly, I am reading The Odyssey with a book group even now. Serendipitous timing.
Oddly, I am reading The Odyssey with a book group even now. Serendipitous timing.
April 28, 2014
SPILLWORTHY is a terrific story to read along with your middle grade child - or just by yourself as an adult. Harness easily examines the characters via their own writing, showing us distinct personalities and voices. As the story evolves through their journals hidden in the woods, the urgency of suspense is added. Read the story to see how these outsider kids come together for a heroic act.
I found SPILLWORTHY to be one of the finest stories I've read. Johanna Harness has a talent for presenting the world she builds in clear, fully realized images. The characters stayed with me long after I finished the book.
I found SPILLWORTHY to be one of the finest stories I've read. Johanna Harness has a talent for presenting the world she builds in clear, fully realized images. The characters stayed with me long after I finished the book.
August 20, 2014
I found this book! And would gladly set it free!
Not to diminish the idea of a Spillworthy, but,
I would like to describe the book
and its characters with descriptive words only:
page turner,
clever,
interesting,
suspenseful,
thought provoking,
cute,
real,
tender,
crazy,
raw,
strong,
deep,
inspiring,
vulnerable,
honest,
teachable,
hard,
weird,
growth,
memorable.....
Not to diminish the idea of a Spillworthy, but,
I would like to describe the book
and its characters with descriptive words only:
page turner,
clever,
interesting,
suspenseful,
thought provoking,
cute,
real,
tender,
crazy,
raw,
strong,
deep,
inspiring,
vulnerable,
honest,
teachable,
hard,
weird,
growth,
memorable.....
May 4, 2014
Spillworthy is powerful and will resonate with readers who've ever been homeless, at-risk, or who work in the helping fields with vulnerable populations. This book should be part of every school district's McKinney-Vento staffer's tool box. Review to follow on the blog. (My copy will be released on Mass Ave. in Cambridge tomorrow, where I know it will find a reader who needs it.)
May 28, 2014
This is such a cute book. I read this to my great grandchildren and they loved it. I enjoyed reading it to them too!
November 25, 2021
This book caught me by surprise. It was the selection for our school book club and I wasn’t even going to read it- but I did- and I am so glad!
Spillworthy tells the story of a boy named Ulysses. He is sent to live with his grandmother while his mom goes to rehab. While in this small Idaho town he becomes friends through writing notes and letters with two other kids. Soon they uncover a mystery and find themselves in danger. They have to rely on this new friendship to save the day.
The book is short and quick. It deals with some heavy topics without being too detailed or grim. Plus like most children’s books- the kids win in the end. Great read for readers in grades 5-7. I’m excited to hand this off to my students- they love thrillers!
Spillworthy tells the story of a boy named Ulysses. He is sent to live with his grandmother while his mom goes to rehab. While in this small Idaho town he becomes friends through writing notes and letters with two other kids. Soon they uncover a mystery and find themselves in danger. They have to rely on this new friendship to save the day.
The book is short and quick. It deals with some heavy topics without being too detailed or grim. Plus like most children’s books- the kids win in the end. Great read for readers in grades 5-7. I’m excited to hand this off to my students- they love thrillers!
June 11, 2018
This book got me to cry on page 8, 120 and a few more. It also got me to laugh and cry, and worry and hope with the 5 kids, aged 6 to 17, who were lost, homeless or incomplete in some way. The wonderful thing is that they found each other and helped each other find their family. Their stories are both real and surreal, filled with fears and courage, innocence and wisdom. Though classified as a children's book, it's a wonderful book for readers of all ages.
October 2, 2019
I finished this book in a day. It is so well written and I’m surprised I didn’t hear about it until my friend told me. It is deep and has so many lessons to teach. I wouldn’t recommend this book for younger kids or immature ones. This book is special. It is amazing.
May 6, 2014
Firstly, as an author myself, I love the idea of a Spillworthy. To release your words unto the world, to share your art, even with just one person, is powerful and the idea of this ten-year-old homeless boy has so many hardships yet still wants to be able to touch the lives of others is a pretty amazing one.
The story is told via journal entries which allows the reader to really get to know the characters. You get to join them as they have their adventures but the reader can see the bigger picture, the problems of these characters, how they deal with them and how other people see them.
Some of Ulysses’s actions and reactions contradict his large (for a homeless ten-year-old) vocabulary and more adult philosophies but I liked the character so much I could suspend disbelief and just go with the flow of the story.
It’s a powerful story about having a voice. Even though it’s aimed towards a middle grade reader, adults will enjoy it and it can be a great read for parents and their children to read together and discuss.
The story is told via journal entries which allows the reader to really get to know the characters. You get to join them as they have their adventures but the reader can see the bigger picture, the problems of these characters, how they deal with them and how other people see them.
Some of Ulysses’s actions and reactions contradict his large (for a homeless ten-year-old) vocabulary and more adult philosophies but I liked the character so much I could suspend disbelief and just go with the flow of the story.
It’s a powerful story about having a voice. Even though it’s aimed towards a middle grade reader, adults will enjoy it and it can be a great read for parents and their children to read together and discuss.
December 7, 2016
Highly recommended. One of the best books I've ever read. The characters felt very real to me, if I searched around hard enough, I feel like I could find them.
I finished this book in a day, but I wouldn't recommend doing that. There is a lot to take in with this book, it should all be read carefully, not that it needs to be, but mostly because that's what it deserves.
This book, however, makes me eXTREMELY ANGRY. This is only due to being in complete suspension for pretty much 80% of it. But I also LOVE that about the book. I was honestly emailing my best friend about the plot when I needed to rant before continuing. Most of those emails were along the lines of, "THIS CANNOT BE BECAUSE THIS CHARACTER AND THIS" or "THIS THING HAS TO HAPPEN BECAUSE THE OTHER THING CANNOT AND THIS FACT AND HELP," and even, "WHAT WHY IS THIS THING HAPPENING NO ABSOLUTELY NOT IM NOT READY."
Read with caution. (The suspense will kill you.)
I finished this book in a day, but I wouldn't recommend doing that. There is a lot to take in with this book, it should all be read carefully, not that it needs to be, but mostly because that's what it deserves.
This book, however, makes me eXTREMELY ANGRY. This is only due to being in complete suspension for pretty much 80% of it. But I also LOVE that about the book. I was honestly emailing my best friend about the plot when I needed to rant before continuing. Most of those emails were along the lines of, "THIS CANNOT BE BECAUSE THIS CHARACTER AND THIS" or "THIS THING HAS TO HAPPEN BECAUSE THE OTHER THING CANNOT AND THIS FACT AND HELP," and even, "WHAT WHY IS THIS THING HAPPENING NO ABSOLUTELY NOT IM NOT READY."
Read with caution. (The suspense will kill you.)
June 22, 2015
Such a fun book to read! The plot is laid out slowly--takes a little while to get your bearings but then BAM! It's got you! I loved the style of writing--through journal entries from multiple characters, and the story definitely kept me thinking till the end. Lots of great quotes and thoughts in here (even if Ive never met a 10 year old who could think of them. Although I've never met a 10 year old homeless child, so maybe?). Fun read and great discussion.
October 5, 2014
Incredible read! I'm still crying at this touching tale of a homeless child: his life, his love of writing, and the friends he finds. Author shows storytelling greatness with a special sharing of journals. Great mystery with heart! Strongly recommend this for adults or children, although it read more 14/15 to me.
April 3, 2015
I loved the unique writing style of the book, probably more than I liked the actually story itself.
The only thing that puzzled me was the ages that she put her main characters. I'm pretty sure a 10 year old doesn't think that analytically.
The only thing that puzzled me was the ages that she put her main characters. I'm pretty sure a 10 year old doesn't think that analytically.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews