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Someone Else's Shoes
Izzy, a twelve-year-old budding comedian, feels pretty miserable about her family life—her father is remarried with a new baby on the way, her mother is dating Izzy's dentist, Dr. Gustino, whose rebellious sixteen-year-old son Ben is a huge hassle, and now her cousin Oliver and Uncle Henderson are moving in with Izzy and her mother. Of course, Izzy feels bad for her ten-year-old cousin—his mother recently committed suicide—and Uncle Henderson has become zombie-like ever since.
When Uncle Henderson disappears one day, Izzy finds herself on an impromptu road trip to upstate New York with Oliver and Ben, the three of them seeking family and acceptance.
When Uncle Henderson disappears one day, Izzy finds herself on an impromptu road trip to upstate New York with Oliver and Ben, the three of them seeking family and acceptance.
Hardcover
Published September 11, 2018
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About the author
Ellen Wittlinger
34 books271 followersEllen Wittlinger is the critically acclaimed author of 15 young adult novels including Parrotfish, Heart on My Sleeve, Love & Lies: Marisol's Story, Razzle, What's in a Name, and Hard Love (an American Library Association Michael L. Printz Honor Book, a Lambda Literary Award winner, and a Booklist Editors' Choice). She has a bachelor's degree from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, and an M.F.A. from the University of Iowa Writer's Workshop. A former children's librarian, she lives with her husband in western Massachusetts.
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September 9, 2018
Trigger warning for suicide and bullying.
Twelve year old Izzy wants to be a comedian but life hasn’t been funny for a while now. Since her parent’s divorce she rarely sees her father. He’s remarried to someone too young for him and they’re having a baby soon so Izzy feels like she’s been replaced. Izzy lives with her mother who seems too preoccupied with everyone else’s problems to listen to Izzy’s.
Her mother’s dentist boyfriend has a 16 year old son, Ben, who is mean and scary. Plus Izzy now has to share her home with her annoying 10 year old cousin, Oliver, and her Uncle Henderson. Oliver’s mother died by suicide and while Izzy is sad about her aunt’s death she doesn’t really understand why it happened or why it’s making her uncle act so strangely.
I initially found Izzy’s attitude annoying and sorry, Izzy, but I think your comedy routine needs some work. She grew on me though. Throughout the book Izzy becomes more empathetic and learns that not all change is bad. I thought Oliver was a sweetheart from the beginning. The character that surprised me the most was Ben who, while I think we’re supposed to dislike him (at least initially), I loved from our first meeting.
I did have a problem with one aspect of the discussion surrounding suicide. I’m not sure how others will feel about this and perhaps I’m being overly sensitive but I was wary of the discussion of the method used. While all of the details are not revealed enough were that I wondered about the wisdom of their inclusion.
Given the subject matter this could have been a devastating book but it was ultimately hopeful, with a focus on the children supporting one another and becoming family.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for the opportunity to read this book.
10 September is World Suicide Prevention Day. In America National Suicide Prevention Week is the Sunday through Saturday of the week surrounding this date. In 2018 this is 9 to 15 September.
If you are thinking about suicide, please know that you are not alone and help is available.
In Australia you can call 13 11 14 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au
In America you can call 1-800-273-8255 or visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
A list of international suicide hotlines can be found at https://www.befrienders.org
Twelve year old Izzy wants to be a comedian but life hasn’t been funny for a while now. Since her parent’s divorce she rarely sees her father. He’s remarried to someone too young for him and they’re having a baby soon so Izzy feels like she’s been replaced. Izzy lives with her mother who seems too preoccupied with everyone else’s problems to listen to Izzy’s.
Her mother’s dentist boyfriend has a 16 year old son, Ben, who is mean and scary. Plus Izzy now has to share her home with her annoying 10 year old cousin, Oliver, and her Uncle Henderson. Oliver’s mother died by suicide and while Izzy is sad about her aunt’s death she doesn’t really understand why it happened or why it’s making her uncle act so strangely.
Izzy knew from experience that when something bad happened to you, your friends got scared, as if they could catch your problems.Izzy, Ben and Oliver come from different worlds and don’t seem to have any common ground but they wind up on a road trip together searching for Uncle Henderson when he suddenly goes missing. The three kids, through death or divorce, have all experienced the loss of a parent and they all feel abandoned. They each deal with feeling invisible in their own way. They’re kids that wouldn’t normally choose to spend time together but discover they’re not so different after all.
I initially found Izzy’s attitude annoying and sorry, Izzy, but I think your comedy routine needs some work. She grew on me though. Throughout the book Izzy becomes more empathetic and learns that not all change is bad. I thought Oliver was a sweetheart from the beginning. The character that surprised me the most was Ben who, while I think we’re supposed to dislike him (at least initially), I loved from our first meeting.
“Be always tender, a little fragile.I loved that this book didn’t shy away from difficult discussions. Izzy asks questions about her aunt’s death by suicide that I expect would be typical of any child trying to understand and I thought her mother’s answers were quite sensitive and age appropriate. I appreciated that grief wasn’t one size fits all in this book; each character responds to loss in their own way.
It’s not a weakness if your heart breaks just a little.”
I did have a problem with one aspect of the discussion surrounding suicide. I’m not sure how others will feel about this and perhaps I’m being overly sensitive but I was wary of the discussion of the method used. While all of the details are not revealed enough were that I wondered about the wisdom of their inclusion.
Given the subject matter this could have been a devastating book but it was ultimately hopeful, with a focus on the children supporting one another and becoming family.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for the opportunity to read this book.
December 18, 2017
I was discussing this book with a friend, today. I said that I thought the book was good, but found it odd that the three main characters had gotten together because they were broken. There had been a two divorces with two of the kids's families and a suicide in the other.
He laughed. "Sounds like middle-school," he said. "That is what happens," he explained. "The outcast kids find each other. They bound that way."
And then, the book which had been a mystery to me, made sense. Of course, like the saying goes, misery loves company. Of course the outcasts would join together.
And once I understood, it wasn't that the author was trying to bunch all these kids together, rather it was that the kids were bunching themselves together. The kids knew the pain the others were suffering.
The book started off rather slow, but picked up speed from there. It is probably a 3.5 star, because of the second part of the book.
I really loved Izzy. The name of the book both refers to walking in someone else's shoes figuratively, but also the theme of shoes runs through this because of a poor choice Izzy made in footwear in the beginning of the story.
Likable, human children. Sad situation. And human adults. Well done.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
He laughed. "Sounds like middle-school," he said. "That is what happens," he explained. "The outcast kids find each other. They bound that way."
And then, the book which had been a mystery to me, made sense. Of course, like the saying goes, misery loves company. Of course the outcasts would join together.
And once I understood, it wasn't that the author was trying to bunch all these kids together, rather it was that the kids were bunching themselves together. The kids knew the pain the others were suffering.
The book started off rather slow, but picked up speed from there. It is probably a 3.5 star, because of the second part of the book.
I really loved Izzy. The name of the book both refers to walking in someone else's shoes figuratively, but also the theme of shoes runs through this because of a poor choice Izzy made in footwear in the beginning of the story.
Likable, human children. Sad situation. And human adults. Well done.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
September 11, 2018
ARC provided via NetGalley
Some spoilers ahead!
Based on the book's page on NetGalley, Someone Else's Shoes was meant to be a about suicide prevention and metal health but, honestly, I think they failed to portray that well in the story. All we got was a glimpse; it was never fully discussed and dealt with. Instead this book is about children coping with issues they have with their single parents, such as the possibility that their mom or dad could get involved with somebody else eventually. It's also about how kids may feel invisible and would do unusual things to stand out and be noticed. But most of all, it's the story of finding friends and families in the unlikeliest of people.
I was halfway through the book before I got to the promised problem in the synopsis and Uncle Henderson (finally!) went missing. The search for him was a fun and very brave adventure, I admit. It was reckless and almost impossible, but who am I to judge? I've never attempted one like it.
The character's issues could have been more diverse. Both cousins were struggling with their parents, their dads in particular; Oliver's dad was mourning his wife's suicide thus neglecting his son most of the time, while Izzy's has a new family and so she was feeling neglected as well. There's also Ben, Dr. Gustino's son, who also has his own reasons to rebel against his dad who's dating Izzy's mother.
What I liked best is that the author smoothly developed the characters and their relationships with each other. The three children matured very well along the way and began to understand things differently, seeing the goodness that wasn't apparent at first.
Despite all the things I wish was improved, I really enjoyed this book. Do I recommend it? Yes, definitely!
Some spoilers ahead!
Based on the book's page on NetGalley, Someone Else's Shoes was meant to be a about suicide prevention and metal health but, honestly, I think they failed to portray that well in the story. All we got was a glimpse; it was never fully discussed and dealt with. Instead this book is about children coping with issues they have with their single parents, such as the possibility that their mom or dad could get involved with somebody else eventually. It's also about how kids may feel invisible and would do unusual things to stand out and be noticed. But most of all, it's the story of finding friends and families in the unlikeliest of people.
I was halfway through the book before I got to the promised problem in the synopsis and Uncle Henderson (finally!) went missing. The search for him was a fun and very brave adventure, I admit. It was reckless and almost impossible, but who am I to judge? I've never attempted one like it.
The character's issues could have been more diverse. Both cousins were struggling with their parents, their dads in particular; Oliver's dad was mourning his wife's suicide thus neglecting his son most of the time, while Izzy's has a new family and so she was feeling neglected as well. There's also Ben, Dr. Gustino's son, who also has his own reasons to rebel against his dad who's dating Izzy's mother.
What I liked best is that the author smoothly developed the characters and their relationships with each other. The three children matured very well along the way and began to understand things differently, seeing the goodness that wasn't apparent at first.
Despite all the things I wish was improved, I really enjoyed this book. Do I recommend it? Yes, definitely!
September 23, 2018
How do three sort of broken young people start to reassemble themselves? They make some bad choices, go on a road trip, and most importantly, they find each other and learn to open up about their losses.
• Pro: I wasn't sure about Izzy, but she grew on me. At first she seemed a little selfish. However, as she opened up more, I discovered she was also hurting. She did change quite a bit from her experience, and I saw it happening, bit by bit, and each time, I was quite proud of all the progress she made.
• Pro: Ben, Oliver, and Izzy seemed so different from each other, but they all shared the loss of a parent in some way. Oliver's was probably the most devastating, but I like that Wittlinger didn't make Ben and Izzy's "losses" seem like non-events, because they weren't for them. The different degree of loss also gave the other characters some perspective, and helped them work through their issues. I like how it put that "in someone else's shoes" thing into practice.
• Pro: The portrayal of a father in the throes of grief can be quite meaningful to a child, who is in the same situation. Men are so often portrayed as "strong", and this father wore his grief on the outside, in full view. Sometimes we need to see things like this.
• Pro: The road trip was so wrong, but also pushed the characters in the right direction. It was an opportunity to see a different side of Ben and Izzy, as well as, finally see Oliver release all the pent up anger, fear, and sadness he had been hiding from his dad.
• Pro: Wittlinger's discussion involving Oliver's mother's suicide was handled in a gentle and considerate manner. They discussed the mother's existing mental health issues and her battle with them, while also standing behind therapy and medication as a way to deal with grief and depression.
• Pro: The ending was full of hope, and a story with so many heavy things needed to be capped off with a healthy does of hope. So, thank you, Ellen Wittlinger for that, and for the cute comedy bits in-between, which gave this story balance, and kept it from being too heavy.
Overall: A tender and heartwarming story of grief and loss, but also of connection and healing, which thoughtfully tackled some very big issues.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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• Pro: I wasn't sure about Izzy, but she grew on me. At first she seemed a little selfish. However, as she opened up more, I discovered she was also hurting. She did change quite a bit from her experience, and I saw it happening, bit by bit, and each time, I was quite proud of all the progress she made.
• Pro: Ben, Oliver, and Izzy seemed so different from each other, but they all shared the loss of a parent in some way. Oliver's was probably the most devastating, but I like that Wittlinger didn't make Ben and Izzy's "losses" seem like non-events, because they weren't for them. The different degree of loss also gave the other characters some perspective, and helped them work through their issues. I like how it put that "in someone else's shoes" thing into practice.
• Pro: The portrayal of a father in the throes of grief can be quite meaningful to a child, who is in the same situation. Men are so often portrayed as "strong", and this father wore his grief on the outside, in full view. Sometimes we need to see things like this.
• Pro: The road trip was so wrong, but also pushed the characters in the right direction. It was an opportunity to see a different side of Ben and Izzy, as well as, finally see Oliver release all the pent up anger, fear, and sadness he had been hiding from his dad.
• Pro: Wittlinger's discussion involving Oliver's mother's suicide was handled in a gentle and considerate manner. They discussed the mother's existing mental health issues and her battle with them, while also standing behind therapy and medication as a way to deal with grief and depression.
• Pro: The ending was full of hope, and a story with so many heavy things needed to be capped off with a healthy does of hope. So, thank you, Ellen Wittlinger for that, and for the cute comedy bits in-between, which gave this story balance, and kept it from being too heavy.
Overall: A tender and heartwarming story of grief and loss, but also of connection and healing, which thoughtfully tackled some very big issues.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
March 1, 2018
Meet middle grade readers' new best friend: Izzy! I can guarantee you've never seen a seventh grader quite like her. A little bit Ramona, a dash of Scout Finch, and finished by a good dose of Tina Fey, Izzy is a triumph with the hair of Big Bird.
In SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOES, the summer before Izzy's seventh grade year is coming to a close. Her house and world, usually filled with only herself and her mother, is now home to her uncle and younger cousin who are grieving in the aftermath of her aunt's suicide. Izzy is chafing at the intrusion, as well as the sting of her father's second marriage which seems to be pushing him further and further out of her life. Her only friends were away for the whole summer and came back completely changed. As if all of that weren't enough, her mother is dating a dentist with a tattooed delinquent for a son. What's a budding stand-up comic to do?!
As I was reading SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOES, I worried that the sheer number of issues to tackle might overwhelm the narrative. It's hard for some books to address just one of these difficult topics well, let alone a host of them. But from the beginning, I appreciated Wittlinger's unflinchingly approach to all the problems facing Izzy and her family. In particular, the book handles the topics of depression and suicide openly and honestly. That in itself is rare, and should definitely be applauded. Her characters' takes on divorce and abandonment are likewise refreshing.
When I was a bookseller, I can't tell you how difficult it was to find a book to recommend for children dealing with some of life's harsher realities, but this title should be on every bookseller's list-- not to mention school counselors, therapists, and librarians!
Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
In SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOES, the summer before Izzy's seventh grade year is coming to a close. Her house and world, usually filled with only herself and her mother, is now home to her uncle and younger cousin who are grieving in the aftermath of her aunt's suicide. Izzy is chafing at the intrusion, as well as the sting of her father's second marriage which seems to be pushing him further and further out of her life. Her only friends were away for the whole summer and came back completely changed. As if all of that weren't enough, her mother is dating a dentist with a tattooed delinquent for a son. What's a budding stand-up comic to do?!
As I was reading SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOES, I worried that the sheer number of issues to tackle might overwhelm the narrative. It's hard for some books to address just one of these difficult topics well, let alone a host of them. But from the beginning, I appreciated Wittlinger's unflinchingly approach to all the problems facing Izzy and her family. In particular, the book handles the topics of depression and suicide openly and honestly. That in itself is rare, and should definitely be applauded. Her characters' takes on divorce and abandonment are likewise refreshing.
When I was a bookseller, I can't tell you how difficult it was to find a book to recommend for children dealing with some of life's harsher realities, but this title should be on every bookseller's list-- not to mention school counselors, therapists, and librarians!
Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 5, 2021
I do love reading about strong relationships and broken hearts finding healing, which is what I expected from this book. They are there, yes, but there is so. much. loss to wade through first.
Izzy is the main character and watching her lose more and more through the course of the story was painful. The characters around her were drowning in their own loss, so they weren’t any help to her at all. There was some support and healing eventually, in the last third of the book, but it didn’t quite feel sufficient for all the weight of her previous experience. If her best friends abandoned her because of a haircut, what is their friendship actually worth now that they’re paying attention to her again just because she’s famous?
If nothing else, this book shows how far reaching a person’s decisions can be. Izzy, Oliver, Ben, and Henderson are each reeling from the fallout of other people’s choices and this book shows the devastation well. Never, ever doubt that your actions matter.
Izzy is the main character and watching her lose more and more through the course of the story was painful. The characters around her were drowning in their own loss, so they weren’t any help to her at all. There was some support and healing eventually, in the last third of the book, but it didn’t quite feel sufficient for all the weight of her previous experience. If her best friends abandoned her because of a haircut, what is their friendship actually worth now that they’re paying attention to her again just because she’s famous?
If nothing else, this book shows how far reaching a person’s decisions can be. Izzy, Oliver, Ben, and Henderson are each reeling from the fallout of other people’s choices and this book shows the devastation well. Never, ever doubt that your actions matter.
August 21, 2018
I had really enjoyed another book that I read by Wittlinger (Saturdays with Hitchcock), so I was excited to get an advance copy of this book and read it. Like that one, it's an easy read with an interesting plot and good characters.
It also deals with some heavy topics. The three main characters in the book end up spending time together because they're all forced to live in the same house due to their circumstances - Izzy's parents are divorced, Ben's parents are divorced, and Oliver's mother committed suicide. The three of them end up on a crazy road trip with an important mission, and despite being very different they ultimately bond over their losses and struggles in life. I really liked all of the characters but especially Ben.
While I enjoyed it overall, the major downside to this book for me was seeing how totally not understanding the adults were. I know this is a common theme in children's books, and in the real world for that matter, but it felt like the book was trying to say that Izzy had parents who did care about her - they just didn't act like it. Her parents are divorced and when her dad announces that his new wife is going to have a baby, both mom and dad expect her to be happy about this and just get frustrated with her when she's upset. Telling your 12 year old that you're going to have a new little half brother or sister? Don't you anticipate that being pretty rough for her? Not surprisingly, Izzy is very worried that her dad (who has already been preoccupied with his new wife) won't have any time for her anymore. While the parents EVENTUALLY figure out this might be an issue, they seem totally oblivious to it at first. And this is something that seems to come up a lot with many of the issues that she's dealing with. As an adult, it is frustrating to me to read that because I'm going "how can you not realize why your kid is upset???"
One other possible weak point was Izzy's goal of being a stand-up comedian. I just didn't find her jokes very funny. Maybe kids will, but they felt pretty overdone or just corny.
Regardless, overall the book was a good read and I thought she handled the sensitive topics really well and created realistic kids who are going through some tough times. A+ for the characters in this book.
It also deals with some heavy topics. The three main characters in the book end up spending time together because they're all forced to live in the same house due to their circumstances - Izzy's parents are divorced, Ben's parents are divorced, and Oliver's mother committed suicide. The three of them end up on a crazy road trip with an important mission, and despite being very different they ultimately bond over their losses and struggles in life. I really liked all of the characters but especially Ben.
While I enjoyed it overall, the major downside to this book for me was seeing how totally not understanding the adults were. I know this is a common theme in children's books, and in the real world for that matter, but it felt like the book was trying to say that Izzy had parents who did care about her - they just didn't act like it. Her parents are divorced and when her dad announces that his new wife is going to have a baby, both mom and dad expect her to be happy about this and just get frustrated with her when she's upset. Telling your 12 year old that you're going to have a new little half brother or sister? Don't you anticipate that being pretty rough for her? Not surprisingly, Izzy is very worried that her dad (who has already been preoccupied with his new wife) won't have any time for her anymore. While the parents EVENTUALLY figure out this might be an issue, they seem totally oblivious to it at first. And this is something that seems to come up a lot with many of the issues that she's dealing with. As an adult, it is frustrating to me to read that because I'm going "how can you not realize why your kid is upset???"
One other possible weak point was Izzy's goal of being a stand-up comedian. I just didn't find her jokes very funny. Maybe kids will, but they felt pretty overdone or just corny.
Regardless, overall the book was a good read and I thought she handled the sensitive topics really well and created realistic kids who are going through some tough times. A+ for the characters in this book.
May 12, 2018
Yes! Thank you to @netgalley (#partner) for the advance reader copy of Someone Elses's Shoes by Ellen Wittlinger. Set for release on 11/09/18, this is the perfect book to share in the month of September (National Suicide Prevention Month). Even the dedication got me: "For every comedian who has ever made me forget, even briefly, how heartbreaking life can be."
This is a character-driven middle grade novel that ends with a rush of action and a stolen car! This novel delves into the complicated emotions of a seventh grade girl struggling to come to terms with the serious changes in her life. After her aunt commits suicide, Uncle Henderson and his son (grade 5) come to live with Izzy and her mother. Izzy is also dealing with the divorce of her parents, her father's new wife and baby on the way... and to kick it all off, her mother is now dating a dentist whose older son has a reputation for being aggressive and rude. Izzy is confused about how her relationships are changing at school... why isn't she clicking with her friends anymore? Has she changed through all this adversity?
This is a lot to deal with. Some may feel there are too many issues packed into one novel, but I disagree. Kids today seem to be dealing with far more complicated issues than I ever had to as a middle grader. Kids need to connect their own feelings to imperfect characters and witness the way they cope with problems, make mistakes, and become more resilient.
This is why Izzy's story is so important. Her emotions are raw, especially when it comes to her aunt's suicide. This is handled with such care, I would consider this book as a read aloud for grades 5+ because of the opportunities for class discussion/response. "She was quite and nervous- just the opposite of Uncle Henderson- and when she smiled, it never seemed like a real smile, bu more like a mask she didn't want anyone to see behind. Izzy's mother said Aunt Felicia's depression was an illness, and that mental illness was not that different from physical illness."
I loved the way Izzy "coached" her cousin to share his grief even though she hasn't faced her own demons. It's surprising what Izzy learns about herself when she chooses to make up her own mind about someone, instead of believing the gossip and opinions of her peers. Wittlinger writes with such emotion and voice, allowing us to explore our perceptions of mental illness, then laugh out loud three pages later so you never really feel weighed down. "Katie Altshuler's mother is never NOT pregnant. She's like the old woman who lived in a shoe... only she's the middle-aged woman who lives in size ten Uggs."
Ultimately, this book is about empathy and understanding other points of view. I will definitely be purchasing a copy for our K-8 library. "Our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought." -Percy Bysshe Shelley
This is a character-driven middle grade novel that ends with a rush of action and a stolen car! This novel delves into the complicated emotions of a seventh grade girl struggling to come to terms with the serious changes in her life. After her aunt commits suicide, Uncle Henderson and his son (grade 5) come to live with Izzy and her mother. Izzy is also dealing with the divorce of her parents, her father's new wife and baby on the way... and to kick it all off, her mother is now dating a dentist whose older son has a reputation for being aggressive and rude. Izzy is confused about how her relationships are changing at school... why isn't she clicking with her friends anymore? Has she changed through all this adversity?
This is a lot to deal with. Some may feel there are too many issues packed into one novel, but I disagree. Kids today seem to be dealing with far more complicated issues than I ever had to as a middle grader. Kids need to connect their own feelings to imperfect characters and witness the way they cope with problems, make mistakes, and become more resilient.
This is why Izzy's story is so important. Her emotions are raw, especially when it comes to her aunt's suicide. This is handled with such care, I would consider this book as a read aloud for grades 5+ because of the opportunities for class discussion/response. "She was quite and nervous- just the opposite of Uncle Henderson- and when she smiled, it never seemed like a real smile, bu more like a mask she didn't want anyone to see behind. Izzy's mother said Aunt Felicia's depression was an illness, and that mental illness was not that different from physical illness."
I loved the way Izzy "coached" her cousin to share his grief even though she hasn't faced her own demons. It's surprising what Izzy learns about herself when she chooses to make up her own mind about someone, instead of believing the gossip and opinions of her peers. Wittlinger writes with such emotion and voice, allowing us to explore our perceptions of mental illness, then laugh out loud three pages later so you never really feel weighed down. "Katie Altshuler's mother is never NOT pregnant. She's like the old woman who lived in a shoe... only she's the middle-aged woman who lives in size ten Uggs."
Ultimately, this book is about empathy and understanding other points of view. I will definitely be purchasing a copy for our K-8 library. "Our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought." -Percy Bysshe Shelley
March 11, 2018
Twelve-year-old Izzy has hit a rough patch in her life. Her parents recently divorced, and her father seems to only have time for his new wife. Izzy's mom has a habit of trying to fix everyone else's problems, and when her sister-in-law commits suicide, Izzy's mom decides her brother, Henderson, and his son, Oliver, need to come live with them. Izzy is tasked with helping out with her cousin, and having to put everyone else first has her feeling ignored and forgotten.
When another tragedy strikes, another person ends up staying with them. Ben, the sixteen-year-old son of Izzy's mom's new boyfriend, has to stay with them while his dad handles an emergency out of town. While Ben is a great companion for Oliver, he is yet another presence around to annoy Izzy. Even her two best friends seem to be growing up and away from her, leaving her all alone.
When Oliver's dad disappears and leaves him alone with Izzy and her mom, the kids know they must do something since no one else is. They set off on a trip to find him and bring him back, and end up finding friendship along the way.
At the end of the book, I was glad I had read it, and it was definitely moving at times and had a great message. The main problem with it, however, is that Izzy was a pretty horrible protagonist for 2/3 of the book. It's difficult to read a book when you actively dislike the main character. By the end everything was better, but the lack of a connection made the book seem less moving. Overall, it was a good read, even if it had some significant flaws.
When another tragedy strikes, another person ends up staying with them. Ben, the sixteen-year-old son of Izzy's mom's new boyfriend, has to stay with them while his dad handles an emergency out of town. While Ben is a great companion for Oliver, he is yet another presence around to annoy Izzy. Even her two best friends seem to be growing up and away from her, leaving her all alone.
When Oliver's dad disappears and leaves him alone with Izzy and her mom, the kids know they must do something since no one else is. They set off on a trip to find him and bring him back, and end up finding friendship along the way.
At the end of the book, I was glad I had read it, and it was definitely moving at times and had a great message. The main problem with it, however, is that Izzy was a pretty horrible protagonist for 2/3 of the book. It's difficult to read a book when you actively dislike the main character. By the end everything was better, but the lack of a connection made the book seem less moving. Overall, it was a good read, even if it had some significant flaws.
July 10, 2019
Someone Else’s Shoes by Ellen Wittlinger, 292 pages. Charlesbridge, 2018, $17.
Language: R (41 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content PG13; Violence: PG;
BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Izzy is an aspiring stand up comedian beginning 7th grade and life seems pretty dismal. Not only has her father remarried, but her mother’s new boyfriend has an annoying teenage son who is staying at her house. If that isn’t bad enough, her aunt committed suicide and her uncle has come to stay with them with his son, her younger cousin, Oliver. Her uncle is only a shell of a man because of his wife’s loss. When her uncle goes missing, Izzy, Ben, and Oliver fear the worst and go on a quest to find him.
There are great themes of what it means to be a family, and how to redefine those relationships, even under adversity. The characters discover things about themselves and each other that help them to grow.
Michelle in the Middle, Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
Language: R (41 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content PG13; Violence: PG;
BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Izzy is an aspiring stand up comedian beginning 7th grade and life seems pretty dismal. Not only has her father remarried, but her mother’s new boyfriend has an annoying teenage son who is staying at her house. If that isn’t bad enough, her aunt committed suicide and her uncle has come to stay with them with his son, her younger cousin, Oliver. Her uncle is only a shell of a man because of his wife’s loss. When her uncle goes missing, Izzy, Ben, and Oliver fear the worst and go on a quest to find him.
There are great themes of what it means to be a family, and how to redefine those relationships, even under adversity. The characters discover things about themselves and each other that help them to grow.
Michelle in the Middle, Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
May 9, 2020
Some books I read mention suicide and divorce, making light of it or over romanticizing it. This book, though humorous (then main character literally wants to be a comedian), deals with those topics very well. It doesn't lighten the mood at the mention of a mother's intentional death; it tears at you as it does the characters, just like a real suicide would. And for divorce, a lot of stories I read have brief or mild conflict from the main character about their separated parents, but it doesn't often become a major plot point in the actually story. Here, it does. It's painful and agonizing, making you stressed and worried for the main character.
Also, this book made me good cry. Any book that does that is worth reading.
I'm gonna have to say Ben is my favorite character.
Also, this book made me good cry. Any book that does that is worth reading.
I'm gonna have to say Ben is my favorite character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2020
This book is a heavy read. It is well written. The story and characters are well written and developed. I really liked Izzy and her story drew me in.
I think the book gives a realistic picture of the life of teenagers today. I think the way the kids with hard stories gravitate to each other is reality. I enjoyed this book despite the heaviness of the material. I think this story will help to develop higher levels of empathy.
The publisher provided an ARC through Netgalley. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts
I think the book gives a realistic picture of the life of teenagers today. I think the way the kids with hard stories gravitate to each other is reality. I enjoyed this book despite the heaviness of the material. I think this story will help to develop higher levels of empathy.
The publisher provided an ARC through Netgalley. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts
October 11, 2018
A deep read that takes on difficult issues like suicide, depression, divorce, and running away with sensitivity and realness.
While the subjects are painful none of them were done in horrific manners. It felt very real. I really enjoyed the main character Izzy. She is a bold, strong, female character who I felt gave complete realism to the story. She is balancing a lot; friends, family, her parents divorce and how she feels about her father's new family, her mother's new boyfriend and life all while trying to protect her cousin and uncle from ridicule and trying to make sense of it all herself. She is also feeling invisible as we all have and tries something to make herself be seen!
What I liked most about this read was that none of the kids were bad! It is all about appearances and how we may look to others. Ben has a reputation but turns out being a really good 16 year old who is dealing with his own family issues. He turns out to be somewhat of a hero in the end and poor Oliver. My heart hurt for him and what he was going through. I loved everything about him.
Ellen Wittlinger does a wonderful job of showing how we are all going through our own personal hell and how we don't always truly know the people we are closest to but at the root of it all, we are all good and doing the best we can. I also appreciated how she wrote the characters explaining suicide in a way that works for everyone stating that it is not that they don't love their family, their love is what they are thinking of. They believe they are doing everyone a favor by removing themselves. They think the family will be better off without them.
Very well done!
While the subjects are painful none of them were done in horrific manners. It felt very real. I really enjoyed the main character Izzy. She is a bold, strong, female character who I felt gave complete realism to the story. She is balancing a lot; friends, family, her parents divorce and how she feels about her father's new family, her mother's new boyfriend and life all while trying to protect her cousin and uncle from ridicule and trying to make sense of it all herself. She is also feeling invisible as we all have and tries something to make herself be seen!
What I liked most about this read was that none of the kids were bad! It is all about appearances and how we may look to others. Ben has a reputation but turns out being a really good 16 year old who is dealing with his own family issues. He turns out to be somewhat of a hero in the end and poor Oliver. My heart hurt for him and what he was going through. I loved everything about him.
Ellen Wittlinger does a wonderful job of showing how we are all going through our own personal hell and how we don't always truly know the people we are closest to but at the root of it all, we are all good and doing the best we can. I also appreciated how she wrote the characters explaining suicide in a way that works for everyone stating that it is not that they don't love their family, their love is what they are thinking of. They believe they are doing everyone a favor by removing themselves. They think the family will be better off without them.
Very well done!
October 7, 2018
I received an eARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Izzy’s family is going through a difficult time. While they used to be a family of comedians, nothing is really funny anymore. She never gets to see her father anymore, since her parent’s divorce. It seems like he has completely forgotten about her and is moving on with his new wife in another city. Her friends seem to be growing up without her and she doesn’t know where she fits anymore. Izzy’s role is further complicated when her uncle and younger cousin move in after her aunt’s suicide. Izzy and her mother are pulling together to help their family members, but Izzy’s mother also relies on her new boyfriend and his son. Izzy is scared of Ben, the boyfriend’s son, because she has heard some not great things about him. However, he might be the only one who can really understand Izzy and her cousin Oliver. When Izzy’s uncle disappears, the three will have to work together to repair the breaking family.
This novel seemed realistic. I appreciated the good of the characters, there are many times when step-families are painted as terrible, but this book gets into the nuances of blended families. I just wanted to hug Oliver and I am frustrated by the lack of psychological assistance in this novel. I wouldn’t mind seeing more from this family.
Izzy’s family is going through a difficult time. While they used to be a family of comedians, nothing is really funny anymore. She never gets to see her father anymore, since her parent’s divorce. It seems like he has completely forgotten about her and is moving on with his new wife in another city. Her friends seem to be growing up without her and she doesn’t know where she fits anymore. Izzy’s role is further complicated when her uncle and younger cousin move in after her aunt’s suicide. Izzy and her mother are pulling together to help their family members, but Izzy’s mother also relies on her new boyfriend and his son. Izzy is scared of Ben, the boyfriend’s son, because she has heard some not great things about him. However, he might be the only one who can really understand Izzy and her cousin Oliver. When Izzy’s uncle disappears, the three will have to work together to repair the breaking family.
This novel seemed realistic. I appreciated the good of the characters, there are many times when step-families are painted as terrible, but this book gets into the nuances of blended families. I just wanted to hug Oliver and I am frustrated by the lack of psychological assistance in this novel. I wouldn’t mind seeing more from this family.
January 28, 2019
Someone Else's Shoes has so many heavy topics, but Ellen Wittlinger them deftly. Izzy, a middle school student who is dealing with her parents' divorce and their new families, gets thrown for a loop when her aunt commits suicide. Afterward, Izzy's uncle and cousin move in, and Izzy finds it hard to get the attention she so desperately wants in such a distracted household. Grief and loss are big themes in this book, but perhaps what I liked most about it was how Wittlinger pulls back the veil on what it means to be human (for adults and kids alike): Grappling with the "right" thing to do is hard! The author also shows characters processing with friends, trusted adults, and counselors, which I thought was well done.
Of course, there is lightness to this book, too! Izzy is a stand-up comic! And her mom's boyfriend's son miiiiight just be a juvenile delinquent... and there is a quest in which the kids in Izzy's extended family have some absurd - and some heartfelt - moments.
I recommend this book to mature 6th graders and up!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Of course, there is lightness to this book, too! Izzy is a stand-up comic! And her mom's boyfriend's son miiiiight just be a juvenile delinquent... and there is a quest in which the kids in Izzy's extended family have some absurd - and some heartfelt - moments.
I recommend this book to mature 6th graders and up!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free review copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2018
I love a story about the “outsider” kid finding their place in the world, especially in a middle grade story. This story gave me three of these characters who were all broken and made “other” for sad (and even tragic) reasons.
It would have been easy for these characters to be one dimensional, but they all felt like realistic teens and preteens. None of their behaviors felt fixed to move the plot along; they felt natural. Izzy, especially, was so relatable in her starting middle school confusion and upset at everything and everyone around her changing so much.
This book would be wonderful for a middle grader dealing with any of the tough topics discussed: divorce, new siblings/partners for divorced parents, and grief. It shows that all of the characters deal in their own ways, but life goes on and things do get better. This was a quick, but so powerful, read.
Thank you to Netgalley for sending me an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
It would have been easy for these characters to be one dimensional, but they all felt like realistic teens and preteens. None of their behaviors felt fixed to move the plot along; they felt natural. Izzy, especially, was so relatable in her starting middle school confusion and upset at everything and everyone around her changing so much.
This book would be wonderful for a middle grader dealing with any of the tough topics discussed: divorce, new siblings/partners for divorced parents, and grief. It shows that all of the characters deal in their own ways, but life goes on and things do get better. This was a quick, but so powerful, read.
Thank you to Netgalley for sending me an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 13, 2018
I received an early copy of this book from NetGalley.
Budding comedian Izzy's life isn't going the way she'd planned. Her father and his new wife are expecting a baby, her mother is dating Izzy's dentist (which means his surly sixteen-year-old son Ben is around all the time), and worst of all, her aunt just killed herself so her Uncle Henderson and Cousin Oliver are living with Izzy and her mom. When her uncle disappears, Izzy, Oliver, and Ben go on the adventure of a lifetime to find him and bring him home.
What a ride this book was. Wittlinger excellently portrays three-dimensional characters with real hopes and fears. Kids will relate to Izzy's struggle feeling invisible in the midst of her parents' divorce, and empathize with Oliver as he navigates his life after his mother's suicide. The sibling-esque relationship Izzy, Oliver, and Ben cultivate together is one of the best parts of this book. It was a joy to read.
Budding comedian Izzy's life isn't going the way she'd planned. Her father and his new wife are expecting a baby, her mother is dating Izzy's dentist (which means his surly sixteen-year-old son Ben is around all the time), and worst of all, her aunt just killed herself so her Uncle Henderson and Cousin Oliver are living with Izzy and her mom. When her uncle disappears, Izzy, Oliver, and Ben go on the adventure of a lifetime to find him and bring him home.
What a ride this book was. Wittlinger excellently portrays three-dimensional characters with real hopes and fears. Kids will relate to Izzy's struggle feeling invisible in the midst of her parents' divorce, and empathize with Oliver as he navigates his life after his mother's suicide. The sibling-esque relationship Izzy, Oliver, and Ben cultivate together is one of the best parts of this book. It was a joy to read.
August 24, 2018
5/6th&up
Recent changes have left Izzy feeling that life is out to get her. When her world expands to include a young grief-stricken cousin & a rebellious teenage stranger, she begins to see beyond her own self interests, and put herself into someone else's shoes.
The main character is bratty & self absorbed for far too long, and her interest in stand up comedy might not match many readers interests, but those who stick with Izzy will ultimately be rewarded by a heartfelt and moving story.
This ARC was provided by Charlesbridge in exchange for an honest review>
Side note: Grade level chosen due to frank talk about suicide, a relative who frequently smokes marijuana, tattoos on an under-aged teen, & the facts that the kids hitchhike.
Recent changes have left Izzy feeling that life is out to get her. When her world expands to include a young grief-stricken cousin & a rebellious teenage stranger, she begins to see beyond her own self interests, and put herself into someone else's shoes.
The main character is bratty & self absorbed for far too long, and her interest in stand up comedy might not match many readers interests, but those who stick with Izzy will ultimately be rewarded by a heartfelt and moving story.
This ARC was provided by Charlesbridge in exchange for an honest review>
Side note: Grade level chosen due to frank talk about suicide, a relative who frequently smokes marijuana, tattoos on an under-aged teen, & the facts that the kids hitchhike.
December 11, 2018
ARC provided via NetGalley
I love books that tackle the hard topics. While I am a strong fantasy/sci-fi reader, realistic fiction that is actually real is hard to come by, especially for middle grade readers. People always kind of forget about them.
The different family dynamics, and subject matter (suicide) is hard stuff to write about and deliver in a way that students this age would understand. The telling of this story is not neat and pretty. It's messy a little rough and dark. Izzy, Oliver, and Ben really put together the story of what it sometimes can be like for children living with different and hard circumstances like this.
I applaud this book so very much and recommend it.
I love books that tackle the hard topics. While I am a strong fantasy/sci-fi reader, realistic fiction that is actually real is hard to come by, especially for middle grade readers. People always kind of forget about them.
The different family dynamics, and subject matter (suicide) is hard stuff to write about and deliver in a way that students this age would understand. The telling of this story is not neat and pretty. It's messy a little rough and dark. Izzy, Oliver, and Ben really put together the story of what it sometimes can be like for children living with different and hard circumstances like this.
I applaud this book so very much and recommend it.
September 8, 2018
A sweet story about three young people who help each through times of trauma. 12-year old Izzy Shepherd is none too happy about her cousin Oliver (10) an his father Henderson coming to stay with her mother and her after Oliver’s mom commits suicde. She is even less happy when the tattoo-wearing 16-year old son of the man her mom is seeing is foisted on the family as well when his father has to leave town on an emergency trip. However, when Oliver’s father disappears, the three join forces and learn a lot about what it means to be a family — even if it isn’t the one you’re born into. Some good discussions of the guilt children can feel when a parent leaves.
September 8, 2018
So glad to see Ellen Wittlinger still in the game. Her YA novel Hard Love is one of my all-time favorites.
Izzy is 12 years old, a bratty, self-centered, budding comedian, and the child of a broken home. Her dad is remarried with a baby on the way, and her mom is dating a dentist with a gruff teen son named Ben. Also, her cousin and uncle are staying at her house because her aunt recently killed herself. When her uncle goes missing, the three kids fear the worst and embark on a mission to track him down. Along the way, Izzy learns to be less self-absorbed and to sometimes put others first. This is heavy-hitting middle reader book that deals with suicide, loss, divorce, and abandonment.
Izzy is 12 years old, a bratty, self-centered, budding comedian, and the child of a broken home. Her dad is remarried with a baby on the way, and her mom is dating a dentist with a gruff teen son named Ben. Also, her cousin and uncle are staying at her house because her aunt recently killed herself. When her uncle goes missing, the three kids fear the worst and embark on a mission to track him down. Along the way, Izzy learns to be less self-absorbed and to sometimes put others first. This is heavy-hitting middle reader book that deals with suicide, loss, divorce, and abandonment.
September 22, 2019
Wow! I loved this book. At first, I didn't really like Izzy, because she seemed very bossy and rude. But then I got to know her and why she acted that way. The characters were very realistic, with flaws and imperfections, just like us, which made me like them all the more. The book had a good message about how we make judgments about people, even when we don't know them, and how we can spread those false impressions to many others by gossiping. A great message, but the book wasn't preachy about it- just presented it in a very realistic way. I wish there was a sequel, so I could see how the friendship between Izzy, Ben, and Oliver progresses.
November 18, 2019
Although I had a copy of this book to preview, I kept putting it off because the problems faced by the various characters seemed overwhelming. However, when I finally started reading, I quickly was drawn into the lives of Izzy, Oliver and Ben. They are dealing with difficult situations - divorce, blended families, a boy known as a bully, a mother who committed suicide and a father sinking deeper and deeper into depression. But what comes through more strongly are the deep family ties that grow between the three kids on their road trip adventure. Heavy, yes, but filled with love and hope. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
April 29, 2021
Gut Instinct Rating: 4
Characters: 4.75
Believability:4
Uniqueness: 5
Writing Style: 5
Excitement Factor: 4
Story Line: 5
Title Relevance: 4
Artwork Relevance: 5
Overall: 4.53🏳️🌈
•
Review In Short: This is exactly the kind of middle-grade book we need in the world because it covers all of the heavy topics like divorce, suicide, depression, bullying, childhood illness, mental health treatment and care - and also the lighter ones, like rebellion, finding yourself, the ability to start over, prejudices and judgments that can be overcome. It was a truly heartwarming story - and admittedly, I teared up at the very end. Read the full review on my blog.
Characters: 4.75
Believability:4
Uniqueness: 5
Writing Style: 5
Excitement Factor: 4
Story Line: 5
Title Relevance: 4
Artwork Relevance: 5
Overall: 4.53🏳️🌈
•
Review In Short: This is exactly the kind of middle-grade book we need in the world because it covers all of the heavy topics like divorce, suicide, depression, bullying, childhood illness, mental health treatment and care - and also the lighter ones, like rebellion, finding yourself, the ability to start over, prejudices and judgments that can be overcome. It was a truly heartwarming story - and admittedly, I teared up at the very end. Read the full review on my blog.
November 6, 2018
Not sure why I waited so long to read this thoroughly enjoyable middle grade read by author Eileen Wittlinger. With a charismatic 12 yr old protagonist named Izzy and a multitude of real life struggles teens and preteens face with family and friends, “Someone Else’s Shoes” hits it out of the park with authentic character voice and meaningful plot points. Focusing on issues of bullying and suicice is never easier but Wittlinger offers a sensitive yet realistic portrayal of how these issues impact not only those directly involved but also those feeling the emotional waves that unrelenting move outwards for the source.
Highly recommend.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Highly recommend.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2018
ARC from NetGalley
This middle school book tackles some serious subjects- suicide, depression, divorce, and feeling invisible to the ones you love- but it does it well.
12 year old Izzy has a full household. Her younger cousin (Oliver), her uncle Hendersen, and now her moms boyfriend’s son (Ben) is staying with them. When Oliver’s depressed father goes missing- Izzy, Oliver, and Ben take a road trip to find him-and end up learning somethings about themselves and the people they love.
This middle school book tackles some serious subjects- suicide, depression, divorce, and feeling invisible to the ones you love- but it does it well.
12 year old Izzy has a full household. Her younger cousin (Oliver), her uncle Hendersen, and now her moms boyfriend’s son (Ben) is staying with them. When Oliver’s depressed father goes missing- Izzy, Oliver, and Ben take a road trip to find him-and end up learning somethings about themselves and the people they love.
July 4, 2018
*I received this book from NetGalley in return for a honest review*
This book took a little bit to get into but as soon as I did, I was hooked. Seeing how these three sort of misfit kids wind up finding each other and going on an adventure was so interesting to read about. These stories were real and touched my heart, but it wasn't too heavy which is important in a book for this age group. Overall I really enjoyed the story, the characters, and their growth throughout this novel.
This book took a little bit to get into but as soon as I did, I was hooked. Seeing how these three sort of misfit kids wind up finding each other and going on an adventure was so interesting to read about. These stories were real and touched my heart, but it wasn't too heavy which is important in a book for this age group. Overall I really enjoyed the story, the characters, and their growth throughout this novel.
July 23, 2018
Someone Else’s Shoes is a tough topic book. 3 characters struggling w acceptance, loss, divorce & a suicide. What happens “When hope leaks out of your heart?” Big ideas around mental illness/depression. Out in time for suicide prevention month. Can’t do it justice. Thought would be hard to handle as MG book, but a necessary tool for conversations around mental illness, suicide and the implications for those left behind. https://www.charlesbridge.com/product...
October 25, 2018
A decent book about loss and empathy that will appeal to middle grade readers who enjoy sad realistic stories with (not necessarily entirely credible) happy endings. See my full review here.
Reviewed from an ARC
Reviewed from an ARC
July 27, 2020
I purchased this for our Middle Grade collection at the library and honestly it was a little "meh". I did appreciate the way it dealt with heavy subjects (suicide, depression, etc.) in a way that a middle grade reader could understand, but I found the story to be dragging and couldn't connect strongly with any of the characters.
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