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Halfway Normal
“A lovely, heartbreaking, warm, funny, and ultimately hopeful map of the way back home.” —Jordan Sonnenblick, author of Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie
A cancer survivor must readjust to “normal” middle school life in this “powerful story about surviving and thriving” ( School Library Journal , starred review) from the author of Star-Crossed and Truth or Dare .
Norah Levy has just completed two years of treatment for leukemia and is ready to go back to the “real world” of middle school. She knows it’ll be tricky—but like the Greek mythological characters she read about while she was sick, Norah’s up for any challenge.
But seventh grade turns out to be harder than she thought. Norah’s classmates don’t know what to make of her. Her best friend, Harper, tries to be there for her, but she doesn’t get it , really—and is hanging out with a new group of girls. Norah’s other good friend, Silas, is avoiding her. What’s that about, anyway?
When Norah is placed with the eighth graders for math and science, she meets Griffin, a cute boy who encourages her love of Greek mythology and art. And Norah decides not to tell him her secret—that she was “that girl” who had cancer. But when something happens to make secret-keeping impossible, Norah must figure out a way to share her story.
But how do you explain something to others that you can’t explain to yourself? Can Nora take her cue from her favorite Greek myth? And then, once she finds the words, can she move forward with a whole new “normal?”
A cancer survivor must readjust to “normal” middle school life in this “powerful story about surviving and thriving” ( School Library Journal , starred review) from the author of Star-Crossed and Truth or Dare .
Norah Levy has just completed two years of treatment for leukemia and is ready to go back to the “real world” of middle school. She knows it’ll be tricky—but like the Greek mythological characters she read about while she was sick, Norah’s up for any challenge.
But seventh grade turns out to be harder than she thought. Norah’s classmates don’t know what to make of her. Her best friend, Harper, tries to be there for her, but she doesn’t get it , really—and is hanging out with a new group of girls. Norah’s other good friend, Silas, is avoiding her. What’s that about, anyway?
When Norah is placed with the eighth graders for math and science, she meets Griffin, a cute boy who encourages her love of Greek mythology and art. And Norah decides not to tell him her secret—that she was “that girl” who had cancer. But when something happens to make secret-keeping impossible, Norah must figure out a way to share her story.
But how do you explain something to others that you can’t explain to yourself? Can Nora take her cue from her favorite Greek myth? And then, once she finds the words, can she move forward with a whole new “normal?”
272 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2017
78 people are currently reading
1967 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
January 5, 2019
Halfway Normal follows a young girl who is returning to school after battling luekemia for two years. When she meets an boy named Griffin who doesn't treat her like 'a sick girl' but like a normal friend Norah does everything she can to seem as normal as possible. The book follows Norah through the trials of seventh grade. This was definitely a book that I could see myself in even as someone without cancer I could definitely relate to some of the feelings and insecurities that Norah felt.
I loved that it wasn't your typical cancer story but it was a story where the survivor cherished those memories of having cancer and used her experiences to better the lives for others and herself.
Halfway normal was such a good read. I devoured this book. I loved this book it felt so real and like I was in the story feeling everything that Norah felt. Everything about this book was just great.
Overall 4.5 stars.
I loved that it wasn't your typical cancer story but it was a story where the survivor cherished those memories of having cancer and used her experiences to better the lives for others and herself.
Halfway normal was such a good read. I devoured this book. I loved this book it felt so real and like I was in the story feeling everything that Norah felt. Everything about this book was just great.
Overall 4.5 stars.
August 23, 2017
Completely original and heartbreakingly honest, this novel about a girl re-entering middle school after cancer is a required purchase for middle school libraries and classrooms.
Thanks to the author for providing me with an advance copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
I first learned about this book from a post on the Nerdy Book Club blog back in February 2017, in which Dee talks about her motivation for this book (her son's cancer experience) and I KNEW I had to read it. It is just as wonderful as I expected it would be! Re-entry into real life after being out for an illness is an experience that all too many kids have to deal with, but very few of us are able to even remotely understand what that experience is like. Enter HALFWAY NORMAL.
Norah is such a relatable character, with her love of Greek mythology and doodling and completely understandable preteen angst. And that's even before you add in the cancer thing, which she does NOT want to define her. But how can you be normal when the world is so dangerous for your health and your parents are trying to protect you? Dee has captured the middle school world so very perfectly, and is able to write about cancer so realistically due to her own experiences as a parent.
Librarian note: Excellent representation of diversity in race/culture/sexuality in a completely natural way.
I can't recommend this book highly enough - it's a required purchase for all middle school libraries and classrooms, and a must-read for middle school teachers, administrators and guidance counselors.
Thanks to the author for providing me with an advance copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
I first learned about this book from a post on the Nerdy Book Club blog back in February 2017, in which Dee talks about her motivation for this book (her son's cancer experience) and I KNEW I had to read it. It is just as wonderful as I expected it would be! Re-entry into real life after being out for an illness is an experience that all too many kids have to deal with, but very few of us are able to even remotely understand what that experience is like. Enter HALFWAY NORMAL.
Norah is such a relatable character, with her love of Greek mythology and doodling and completely understandable preteen angst. And that's even before you add in the cancer thing, which she does NOT want to define her. But how can you be normal when the world is so dangerous for your health and your parents are trying to protect you? Dee has captured the middle school world so very perfectly, and is able to write about cancer so realistically due to her own experiences as a parent.
Librarian note: Excellent representation of diversity in race/culture/sexuality in a completely natural way.
I can't recommend this book highly enough - it's a required purchase for all middle school libraries and classrooms, and a must-read for middle school teachers, administrators and guidance counselors.
June 5, 2019
(Opening line)-"The second I stepped into the room, someone screamed."
12-year-old Norah finds 7th grade difficult to navigate when she re-enters school after a lengthy absence due to leukemia.
Sometimes it's a bit mind-boggling to read middle grade realistic fiction as an adult, because I sympathize with the younger characters as well as the grown-up ones. If I was the parent of a child with cancer, I know I would find it difficult to let go and not be totally overprotective. I can also remember my middle school years though, and the one universal truth about kids that age is that they Do Not want to stand out from their peers!
Memorable Scenes/Quotes:
(Pg. 31) - The chapter entitled Lucky Me in which Norah describes the cancer arch-villains and super-heroes that are a running joke between she and her dad (you just have to read it to get it!)
(Pg.119)- I liked Norah's doctor! "That was another thing he did; treating my parents politely, but making it clear that they weren't the patient and that he wanted to hear from ME."
Overall, this was an enjoyable and inspiring read. I plan to add this one to my personal library!
12-year-old Norah finds 7th grade difficult to navigate when she re-enters school after a lengthy absence due to leukemia.
Sometimes it's a bit mind-boggling to read middle grade realistic fiction as an adult, because I sympathize with the younger characters as well as the grown-up ones. If I was the parent of a child with cancer, I know I would find it difficult to let go and not be totally overprotective. I can also remember my middle school years though, and the one universal truth about kids that age is that they Do Not want to stand out from their peers!
Memorable Scenes/Quotes:
(Pg. 31) - The chapter entitled Lucky Me in which Norah describes the cancer arch-villains and super-heroes that are a running joke between she and her dad (you just have to read it to get it!)
(Pg.119)- I liked Norah's doctor! "That was another thing he did; treating my parents politely, but making it clear that they weren't the patient and that he wanted to hear from ME."
Overall, this was an enjoyable and inspiring read. I plan to add this one to my personal library!
October 20, 2021
این کتاب خیلی نرم و ناز بود. روایتش اونقدر تازه و شگفتانگیز نبود؛ اما مهمم نیست. مگه کلاً چند تا روایت در جهان داریم؟ مهم شیوۀ بیان شدنش بود. از اینکه به کمک اسطورهها داستان دختری که با سرطان دستوپنجه نرم کرده بود در دل دنیای امروزی بیان میشد خیلی خوشم اومد. و چقدرمعلم ادبیاتشون خلاق بود که برای یاد دادن اسطورهها و اهمیتشون به بچهها چنین فعالیتهایی براشون طراحی میکرد. از اینکه بچهها در اون سن تفاوت همدلی و همدردی رو خیلی خوب یاد گرفتن هم شگفتزده شدم. نورا خودِ پرسفونه بود و خیلی خوب تونست به کمک این اسطوره اندوهی رو که پشت سر گذاشته بود، به جای سرکوب، بپذیره و ازش چیز زیبایی بسازه.
August 14, 2023
خیلی ساده بود، ولی واقعا دوستش داشتم. از اون کتابهای معمولی که خوندنشون کلی حس خوب بهت میده.
July 6, 2020
یک رمان دغدغه مند نوجوان خیلی خوب.
یک سیر روایی خیلی خوب درباره دختری که به بیماری سرطان دچار بوده و زندگی و مشکلات او پس از بهبودی از بیماری
و در پس از زمینه آن ، روایت مشکلاتی دیگر مانند : طلاق والدین ، جمعیت مهاجر ، تبعیض نژادی و شفاف سازی برای پذیرفتن و احترام به عقاید.
ترجمه کتاب روان بود ولی حقیقتا نپسندیدم ولی اگر روزی فرصت بشه به احتمال زیاد ، نسخه اصلی کتاب رو خواهم خوند.
پ.ن : اینکه روایت زندگی این دختر از خلال دیدگاه هایش نسبت به اساطیر یونان نظیر : هادس ، زئوس ، پرسفونه ، ارفئوس و... اشاره شده بود ، به نظرم ایده جذابی بود و نویسنده هم تا حدودی در این امر موفق شده بود و جذاب بود
یک سیر روایی خیلی خوب درباره دختری که به بیماری سرطان دچار بوده و زندگی و مشکلات او پس از بهبودی از بیماری
و در پس از زمینه آن ، روایت مشکلاتی دیگر مانند : طلاق والدین ، جمعیت مهاجر ، تبعیض نژادی و شفاف سازی برای پذیرفتن و احترام به عقاید.
ترجمه کتاب روان بود ولی حقیقتا نپسندیدم ولی اگر روزی فرصت بشه به احتمال زیاد ، نسخه اصلی کتاب رو خواهم خوند.
پ.ن : اینکه روایت زندگی این دختر از خلال دیدگاه هایش نسبت به اساطیر یونان نظیر : هادس ، زئوس ، پرسفونه ، ارفئوس و... اشاره شده بود ، به نظرم ایده جذابی بود و نویسنده هم تا حدودی در این امر موفق شده بود و جذاب بود
September 29, 2022
این کتاب رو با همخوانی دوستان باشگاه افق خوندم و بخاطرش فرصت حرف زدن با خانم نجف خانی رو پیدا کردم و خدا میدونه که این تجربه تا چه حد لذت بخش بود .
این کتاب برای من داستان تازه ای نداشت اما چیزی که برای من خیلی لذت بخشش کرد این بود که من و شخصیت اصلی علایق بسیار مشابهی داشتیم و از اون طرف من تقریبا داستان هایی که راجع به سرطان هستند رو میپسندم .
اگه کتابی برای گروه سنی نوجوان میخواید این انتخاب خوبیه
این کتاب برای من داستان تازه ای نداشت اما چیزی که برای من خیلی لذت بخشش کرد این بود که من و شخصیت اصلی علایق بسیار مشابهی داشتیم و از اون طرف من تقریبا داستان هایی که راجع به سرطان هستند رو میپسندم .
اگه کتابی برای گروه سنی نوجوان میخواید این انتخاب خوبیه
September 27, 2017
It’s not your typical cancer book. Focused on what it’s like to get back to regular life after spending years in the hospital worried about nothing but the illness, this novel is a great read from start to finish.
October 20, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Norah's voice really worked for me. I thought the story was pretty intricate, which is refreshing in middle grade fiction.
February 13, 2020
This book is so fun! I hade so much fun reading this book I recommend this book if you like any type of fiction book. The girl in this book had cancer and it's about her returning to "normal."
June 20, 2021
ما هیچ وقت به بعد از سرطان فکر نکردیم. نوجوان های مبتلا به سرطان در کتاب ها یا از دنیا می رفتند یا داستانشان ناتمام می ماند (مثل خطای ستارگان بخت ما) اما در «معمولی مثل بقیه» که نشر پرتقال در ایران منتشرش کرده است با نوجوانی مواجه می شویم که سرطان را شکست داده و به زندگی برگشته. پیش از خواندن کتاب تصور می کردم شکست سرطان پایان مسیر است، اما داستان «نورا» وجهه دیگری از زندگی بچه های مبتلا به سرطان را نشان داد. نورا باید تلاش می کرد که این دو سال فاصله را جبران شود
کتاب را چند ساعته خواندم. بعد از خواندنش هم یک گوشه مغزم در مدرسه نورا و کنار همکلاسی هایش جا مانده بود. مدام احساس می کردم هنوز باید داستان ادامه داشته باشد. می شود گفت این از شخصیت پردازی خوب کتاب بود که با وجود کوتاه بودن دلم برای شخصیت هایش تنگ می شد.
به نظرم «معمولی مثل بقیه» یک کتاب مفید برای همه ی نوجوان هاست. کتاب فضای آمریکایی دارد و علاقه دختر و پسر به صورت خیلی ضمنی در آن وجود دارد. اگر خانواده ایرانی نسبت به این موارد حساسیت دارند بهتر است بعد از خواندن کتاب این تفاوت فرهنگی را برای نوجوانشان توضیح بدهند.
جدای نوجوانان، این کتاب برای بزرگسالان هم مفید است. هم از نظر التذاذ ادبی هم از نظر دیدن دنیا از نگاه یک دختر نجات یافته از سرطان.
کتاب را چند ساعته خواندم. بعد از خواندنش هم یک گوشه مغزم در مدرسه نورا و کنار همکلاسی هایش جا مانده بود. مدام احساس می کردم هنوز باید داستان ادامه داشته باشد. می شود گفت این از شخصیت پردازی خوب کتاب بود که با وجود کوتاه بودن دلم برای شخصیت هایش تنگ می شد.
به نظرم «معمولی مثل بقیه» یک کتاب مفید برای همه ی نوجوان هاست. کتاب فضای آمریکایی دارد و علاقه دختر و پسر به صورت خیلی ضمنی در آن وجود دارد. اگر خانواده ایرانی نسبت به این موارد حساسیت دارند بهتر است بعد از خواندن کتاب این تفاوت فرهنگی را برای نوجوانشان توضیح بدهند.
جدای نوجوانان، این کتاب برای بزرگسالان هم مفید است. هم از نظر التذاذ ادبی هم از نظر دیدن دنیا از نگاه یک دختر نجات یافته از سرطان.
July 13, 2021
داستانش رو دوست داشتم و اینکه در داستان از اساطیر هم استفاده کردهبود، برام جالب بود. اینکه آخر کتاب هم درمورد چندتا اسطورهی معروف توضیح دادهبود، خیلی خوب بود بهنظرم. تشویق شدم برم سراغ چندتا کتاب درمورد اساطیر.
خیلی هم روون بود. گاهی میشستم سرش و بعد میدیدم ۱۰۰ صفحه خوندهام.
خوندنش خیلی بهم چسبید، خیلی دوستش داشتم. خوشحالم که خوندمش.
خیلی هم روون بود. گاهی میشستم سرش و بعد میدیدم ۱۰۰ صفحه خوندهام.
خوندنش خیلی بهم چسبید، خیلی دوستش داشتم. خوشحالم که خوندمش.
April 10, 2017
What a pitch-perfect middle grade voice, and a masterfully created and emotional book. Barbara Dee mixes together Greek myths and Norah's journey in such a great way, and this is so, so vivid and well-researched.
October 8, 2017
Thank you @kidlitexchange for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Middle school is hard enough, but how does one adjust when they've missed two years due to an awful illness. Norah Levy will tell you. She just completed treatment for leukemia and is ready to start a "normal" life as she heads into seventh grade. However, no one can quite define her normal. She has parents who are overprotective, but for different, understandable reasons. She has friends, but the relationships feel strained. She hates receiving pity or having certain privelages just because of her illness. And please, just call it cancer - don't tiptoe around the subject! She has to deal with people making fun of or mistaking her identity based on her new appearance. Plus how can she possibly explain to a new, cute student about her experience when she just wants to move on.
Norah's story will stick with me for quite some time. It was easy to get lost in her struggles and sympathize with the challenges that she was facing. There are many books that focus on sick children, but I love that this one told the other half of the story. How hard it is to step back into your old life and pick up on relationships and experiences that were so abruptly halted once your world was flipped completely upside down. I love Norah. She has a great voice and I definitely felt her many frustrations. I absolutely love her doodling and all of the mythology that was woven into the story.
The author was inspired to share this story after her son faced his own cancer battle. You can tell that her writing drew from personal experiences and felt incredibly real. This book would make a wonderful addition to any middle school bookshelves, a great resource for counselors and even a special gift to bestow on children and their parent's once they are on the other side of treatment.
Middle school is hard enough, but how does one adjust when they've missed two years due to an awful illness. Norah Levy will tell you. She just completed treatment for leukemia and is ready to start a "normal" life as she heads into seventh grade. However, no one can quite define her normal. She has parents who are overprotective, but for different, understandable reasons. She has friends, but the relationships feel strained. She hates receiving pity or having certain privelages just because of her illness. And please, just call it cancer - don't tiptoe around the subject! She has to deal with people making fun of or mistaking her identity based on her new appearance. Plus how can she possibly explain to a new, cute student about her experience when she just wants to move on.
Norah's story will stick with me for quite some time. It was easy to get lost in her struggles and sympathize with the challenges that she was facing. There are many books that focus on sick children, but I love that this one told the other half of the story. How hard it is to step back into your old life and pick up on relationships and experiences that were so abruptly halted once your world was flipped completely upside down. I love Norah. She has a great voice and I definitely felt her many frustrations. I absolutely love her doodling and all of the mythology that was woven into the story.
The author was inspired to share this story after her son faced his own cancer battle. You can tell that her writing drew from personal experiences and felt incredibly real. This book would make a wonderful addition to any middle school bookshelves, a great resource for counselors and even a special gift to bestow on children and their parent's once they are on the other side of treatment.
August 10, 2017
I thought this was a fantastic book that will help readers understand the complications and challenges that come even when someone has recovered or is recovering from a long term illness. Norah has missed school for two years as she is going through treatment for ALL, the most common form of leukemia. As she comes back to school and enters seventh grade she struggles to have a "normal" existence while also taking care of her physical needs that come from recently going through chemotherapy treatments. She battles having a normal middle school life that includes boys and friends, while also carefully managing her health under the fearful and watchful eyes of her parents. It has typical middle school moments tied together with a story of family, friendship, and having courage to keep moving forward. I'm excited to share it with students.
September 18, 2017
Thanks to the #kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own
Halfway Normal by Barbara Dee
Is about a girl who returns to school after two years of cancer treatment. Barbara Dee's ability to capture the voice of children and their perception of parents and adults is both spot on and
insightful. Norah made many mistakes in this story but I found myself cheering her on throughout.
The element of Greek mythology (which I love) was neatly woven in such a way that it correlated to Norah's journey perfectly. I can appreciate the amount of research that needed to go into this book to make that seem so effortless.
This book is for all readers, it has something for everyone. I found myself laughing, shaking my head and empathizing. It is funny, heartfelt and inspiring. It should be in all middle school classrooms and libraries. I simply loved it.
Halfway Normal by Barbara Dee
Is about a girl who returns to school after two years of cancer treatment. Barbara Dee's ability to capture the voice of children and their perception of parents and adults is both spot on and
insightful. Norah made many mistakes in this story but I found myself cheering her on throughout.
The element of Greek mythology (which I love) was neatly woven in such a way that it correlated to Norah's journey perfectly. I can appreciate the amount of research that needed to go into this book to make that seem so effortless.
This book is for all readers, it has something for everyone. I found myself laughing, shaking my head and empathizing. It is funny, heartfelt and inspiring. It should be in all middle school classrooms and libraries. I simply loved it.
January 31, 2019
I can see why this book is on the Mark Twain List for 2019. Reading a book from the perspective of a girl who has overcome leukemia will be new to many middle grade readers. Norah's voice is authentic and reveals the inner turmoil of returning to school after two years in treatment-- and to middle school, no less. Her parents are also divorced which adds an additional layer of empathy to be gained for those who read this book. A favorite theme of mine -- Greek myths -- is an integral piece of the plot and helps pull the story together nicely.
December 12, 2018
Nora is trying to be halfway normal, as normal as a 7th grader can be who has been out of school for the past two years fighting leukemia.
This book grabbed me from page one. Barbara Dee did a great job making Nora's feelings, emotions, questions all so realistic and believable. Can't wait to get this one into the hands of my students!
This book grabbed me from page one. Barbara Dee did a great job making Nora's feelings, emotions, questions all so realistic and believable. Can't wait to get this one into the hands of my students!
March 13, 2021
This book is about a girl named Noora who has fight with a very scary monster called cancer. I think this book's teenager, is a real teenager. I am a teenager too and while I was reading this book, I really could understand Noora. She wanted to be normal, like others!
I think this book is the best choice for teens and teachers, and actually doctors who works with sick teens .
I think this book is the best choice for teens and teachers, and actually doctors who works with sick teens .
July 10, 2021
از این کتاب خیلی خوشم اومد.
داستان خوب و جالبیه، شخصیتها دوستداشتنیان، فضاسازی و همهچی کاملا مناسبه و حتی طرح و رنگ و جنس جلدش هم خیلی خیلی زیباست.
در حدی نیست که بگم عاشقشم یا جزء کتابهای موردعلاقهمه، اما واقعا از خوندنش لذت بردم.
داستان خوب و جالبیه، شخصیتها دوستداشتنیان، فضاسازی و همهچی کاملا مناسبه و حتی طرح و رنگ و جنس جلدش هم خیلی خیلی زیباست.
در حدی نیست که بگم عاشقشم یا جزء کتابهای موردعلاقهمه، اما واقعا از خوندنش لذت بردم.
June 13, 2017
Wonderful mirror/window book. I think every middle grader will walk away from this book with a feeling of understanding or perspective.
November 25, 2017
Another wonderful middle grade novel by Barbara Dee — this time about a 7th grader who returns to school after recovering from a cancer diagnosis that caused her to miss two years of school.
On one hand, Norah wants everything to be the same as it was, and she imagines her friendships as they were before she became sick. On the other hand, she recognizes that things have changed; she’s not exactly the same person she used to be and neither are her friends. They have grown up. Some have moved on.
Additionally, while Norah wants her classmates to understand what the last two years have been like for her, she doesn’t want their pity, she doesn’t want her every move scrutinized, and she doesn’t want to have to constantly explain herself. She just wants to be “normal.”
Dee’s touch here is light and loving. Norah is allowed to be lovable and awkward and frustrating and imperfect as are her friends and family. She’s allowed to make mistakes and try again. Eventually (and after lots of resistance) Norah finds just the right way to tell her story.
English teacher friends: A GREAT addition to any middle school classroom library. (Get this one.) As a plus, Dee also weaves all kinds of Greek mythology into the narrative.
On one hand, Norah wants everything to be the same as it was, and she imagines her friendships as they were before she became sick. On the other hand, she recognizes that things have changed; she’s not exactly the same person she used to be and neither are her friends. They have grown up. Some have moved on.
Additionally, while Norah wants her classmates to understand what the last two years have been like for her, she doesn’t want their pity, she doesn’t want her every move scrutinized, and she doesn’t want to have to constantly explain herself. She just wants to be “normal.”
Dee’s touch here is light and loving. Norah is allowed to be lovable and awkward and frustrating and imperfect as are her friends and family. She’s allowed to make mistakes and try again. Eventually (and after lots of resistance) Norah finds just the right way to tell her story.
English teacher friends: A GREAT addition to any middle school classroom library. (Get this one.) As a plus, Dee also weaves all kinds of Greek mythology into the narrative.
August 13, 2021
این کتاب ماجرای دختری به نام نورا رو روایت میکنه که بعد دو سال مبارزه با بیماری سرطان و بستری بودن تو بیمارستان، حالا برگشته به مدرسه ولی رفتار اطرافیان نورا و همچنین بعضی از دوستان نورا باهاش عوض شده و به قول خود نورا طوری باهاش رفتار میکنن که انگار از یک رشته ابر باریک یا گل قاصدک درست شده که با یک حرکت اشتباه برای همیشه از هم میپاشه.
January 19, 2024
Halfway Normal was a good book but it had a slow start. It was kind of boring, but I did enjoy the ending.
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January 10, 2025The start of the book was good then the middle got boring
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October 30, 2025
Trigger & Content Warnings
Parental divorce
Protagonist is in remission for leukemia
Discussions of past hospitalisation & medical treatment
Parental divorce
Protagonist is in remission for leukemia
Discussions of past hospitalisation & medical treatment
August 14, 2023
کتاب زیبایی بودش و واقعا باید میخوندمش.
دردِ راوی داستان، کاملا متفاوت و بزرگتر از دردهایی بودش که تا حالا داشتم توی زندگیم، و نکتهی عجیب این بودش که تا این حد احساس همذاتپنداری میکردم باهاش.
جدیدا هر کتابی که میخونم، به این فکر میکنم که «اگر من دوست صمیمی شخصیت اصلی کتاب بودم، چی کار میکردم؟».
دردِ راوی داستان، کاملا متفاوت و بزرگتر از دردهایی بودش که تا حالا داشتم توی زندگیم، و نکتهی عجیب این بودش که تا این حد احساس همذاتپنداری میکردم باهاش.
جدیدا هر کتابی که میخونم، به این فکر میکنم که «اگر من دوست صمیمی شخصیت اصلی کتاب بودم، چی کار میکردم؟».
September 9, 2017
E-ARC provided by Edelweiss
This is an excellent middle grade story about a girl's transition back to school and "normal" life after being hospitalized/home because of leukemia.
This is an excellent middle grade story about a girl's transition back to school and "normal" life after being hospitalized/home because of leukemia.
August 1, 2017
I received a digital ARC from Edelweiss + all opinions are my own!
Loved this middle grade novel! Sweet & funny, it allows the reader insight into how it might feel when your "normal" was having cancer for two years and finally returning to school hoping everyone forgets why you were gone. A mythology tie in gives this book the extra star and all readers will empathize w/ the main character and her goal to be 'halfway normal'. A perfect addition to any middle grade collection!
Loved this middle grade novel! Sweet & funny, it allows the reader insight into how it might feel when your "normal" was having cancer for two years and finally returning to school hoping everyone forgets why you were gone. A mythology tie in gives this book the extra star and all readers will empathize w/ the main character and her goal to be 'halfway normal'. A perfect addition to any middle grade collection!
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October 2, 2017 The first sentence of Halfway Normal grabbed me with its pathos and humor and I immediately cared about Norah and her story. My niece's daughter had leukemia when she was just beginning school, but she is now in middle school and I can see how this story still relates to her. It will resonate with cancer survivors of all ages as the disease takes over the lives of the patient and all those who are involved, especially family and dear friends. Norah and her family are able to find humor where it might seem unlikely but make clear how much it keeps them sane. Luke Emia is a bad, bad guy.
This story will capture the minds of all readers, whether they have been touched by a serious illness or not, because Norah also is juggling the real concerns of middle grade students and the fears they have about being different and keeping secrets. Norah's friends and classmates are very much the students I see every day at the school where I work. They are struggling to work out a pecking order and a bit confused when new people enter into the mix. They are working out their own identities. Norah just brings something new to the mix. The adults--parents, teachers, counselors, and medical professionals--are real people, too. They have flaws and make mistakes, often trying too hard to be nice and missing the point or the depth of Norah's feelings entirely.
The inclusion of Greek mythology is a beautiful touch, offering the opportunity to express the lessons of the story in a universal way. Greek mythology is very much in vogue with my students and they will love the gentle and humorous ways that they are retold. The lessons of the myths will stick with them for a long time. (I am not so secretly going to hint to some language arts teachers I know that they should steal this idea for their own classrooms.)
Frankly, the cover of this book did not appeal to me when I opened the box that contained it. (I received it free from the author.) It seemed too pink and frilly. That is the only complaint I have about the entire book and now I understand a bit better why the hair was so important to the story. (But I still am not fond of it.)
In short, this is a book I am eager to share with my students and to pass on to my grand niece. They will learn and grow and be entertained by it, as was I.
This story will capture the minds of all readers, whether they have been touched by a serious illness or not, because Norah also is juggling the real concerns of middle grade students and the fears they have about being different and keeping secrets. Norah's friends and classmates are very much the students I see every day at the school where I work. They are struggling to work out a pecking order and a bit confused when new people enter into the mix. They are working out their own identities. Norah just brings something new to the mix. The adults--parents, teachers, counselors, and medical professionals--are real people, too. They have flaws and make mistakes, often trying too hard to be nice and missing the point or the depth of Norah's feelings entirely.
The inclusion of Greek mythology is a beautiful touch, offering the opportunity to express the lessons of the story in a universal way. Greek mythology is very much in vogue with my students and they will love the gentle and humorous ways that they are retold. The lessons of the myths will stick with them for a long time. (I am not so secretly going to hint to some language arts teachers I know that they should steal this idea for their own classrooms.)
Frankly, the cover of this book did not appeal to me when I opened the box that contained it. (I received it free from the author.) It seemed too pink and frilly. That is the only complaint I have about the entire book and now I understand a bit better why the hair was so important to the story. (But I still am not fond of it.)
In short, this is a book I am eager to share with my students and to pass on to my grand niece. They will learn and grow and be entertained by it, as was I.
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