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The Jigsaw Puzzle King
2021 Silver Birch Fiction Award ― Winner • 2022 Diamond Willow Award ― Shortlisted • 2022 Rocky Mountain Book Award • 2022 Chocolate Lily Award ― Shortlisted
Being yourself isn’t always easy.
When you’re new in school, all you want is to fit in. When eleven-year-old Warren and his family move to a new city, his twin brother, who has Down syndrome, attracts too much attention for Warren’s liking. Bennie’s different and doesn’t care about it. But while Bennie may be oblivious to those who are curious or uneasy with him, Warren notices every smirk, comment, and sideways glance.
Warren is weary of flip-flopping between trying to be just like everyone else and being the protective brother of a boy with special needs. Sometimes he thinks his life would be easier if he had no brother. But what he really needs is to stop worrying about what other people think.
Being yourself isn’t always easy.
When you’re new in school, all you want is to fit in. When eleven-year-old Warren and his family move to a new city, his twin brother, who has Down syndrome, attracts too much attention for Warren’s liking. Bennie’s different and doesn’t care about it. But while Bennie may be oblivious to those who are curious or uneasy with him, Warren notices every smirk, comment, and sideways glance.
Warren is weary of flip-flopping between trying to be just like everyone else and being the protective brother of a boy with special needs. Sometimes he thinks his life would be easier if he had no brother. But what he really needs is to stop worrying about what other people think.
176 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2020
5 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Gina McMurchy-Barber
10 books11 followersGina McMurchy-Barber is an award winning Canadian author. Her books are favourites with teachers and librarians looking for stories that will touch the heart. Her latest book, The Jigsaw Puzzle King, was the winner of the 2021 Silver Birch Award and is nominated for three more awards in 2022. It's the story of 11 year old Warren coming to terms with how society judges his brother who has Down syndrome. Anyone with a family member with any kind of exceptionality will relate.
Gina's archaeology adventure series brings history to life. Themes include First Nations, building the railroad, fur trade, Vikings and more.
Gina's other passions in life include animals (she was a research assistant in Borneo with Birute Galdikas, studying orangutans), archaeology (she earned her degree from Simon Fraser University), writing (she is working on her eighth book for kids), and teaching (she has been a classroom teacher for over twenty years, and writes plays and stories that inspire her students.)
Gina started writing while studying archaeology at university. This led her to study journalism and become a freelance writer. After the birth of her two sons she discovered the amazing world of children's books.
In 2004 Gina received the Governor General's Award for Teaching Excellence in Canadian History. Since then she has been nominated for the Governor General's Literary Award, the Canadian Library Association Book Award, BC Book Prize, Saskatchewan's Willow Awards, the Silver Birch Awards, Hackmatack and various other book awards.
Gina's books incorporate her love of history, archaeology, children and animals. She continues to teach and visit schools to talk about her work.
Gina's archaeology adventure series brings history to life. Themes include First Nations, building the railroad, fur trade, Vikings and more.
Gina's other passions in life include animals (she was a research assistant in Borneo with Birute Galdikas, studying orangutans), archaeology (she earned her degree from Simon Fraser University), writing (she is working on her eighth book for kids), and teaching (she has been a classroom teacher for over twenty years, and writes plays and stories that inspire her students.)
Gina started writing while studying archaeology at university. This led her to study journalism and become a freelance writer. After the birth of her two sons she discovered the amazing world of children's books.
In 2004 Gina received the Governor General's Award for Teaching Excellence in Canadian History. Since then she has been nominated for the Governor General's Literary Award, the Canadian Library Association Book Award, BC Book Prize, Saskatchewan's Willow Awards, the Silver Birch Awards, Hackmatack and various other book awards.
Gina's books incorporate her love of history, archaeology, children and animals. She continues to teach and visit schools to talk about her work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 22, 2020
Warren and his family have recently moved to a new town. He misses his friends and is nervous about starting over at a new school where he doesn’t know anyone. He spends a lot of time worrying about what others think of him. Warren enjoys playing soccer and ball hockey.
Warren’s twin brother, Bennie, doesn’t have any trouble making new friends. He doesn’t worry about what other people think of him. Bennie likes inventing games and loves peanut butter and pickles sandwiches.
I absolutely adored Bennie. I also really liked Maya, a young spitfire who constantly stands up for what’s right, regardless of whether it’s the easy or difficult choice. I spent most of the novel waiting to be introduced to Owen and he did not disappoint. I’d love to read companion books that delve into both Maya and Owen’s backgrounds and tell me what happens in their lives after this novel ends.
I’m sure plenty of readers will be left hanging, not knowing . I would have liked to have been privy to Danny’s backstory as I’m certain I would have had more compassion for him had I known what had contributed to his behaviour.
I love novels that give me a glimpse inside the worlds of people whose experiences are different to my own. This story, through different characters’ responses to Warren and Bennie, highlights both what is helpful and what is harmful when interacting with those who are different from ourselves.
Although this book allowed me to see some of the joy and struggles of a family that includes a child with Down syndrome, its message is transferrable. Anyone who feels different for whatever reason could take hold of the hope infused in its pages.
Even though children are this book’s intended audience there are valuable lessons for adults as well, who may need a reminder to not waste their time and energy worrying about what others think of them. Learning this was a personal story for its author added weight to the authenticity I already felt reading about Warren’s often conflicting feelings towards his brother.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for the opportunity to read this book. I’m interested in reading more books by this author.
Warren’s twin brother, Bennie, doesn’t have any trouble making new friends. He doesn’t worry about what other people think of him. Bennie likes inventing games and loves peanut butter and pickles sandwiches.
Sometimes people who didn’t know Bennie thought he was weird. I liked to ease him into new situations slowly so we might avoid that.Warren wishes he could only be responsible for himself but he also wants to protect his younger (by four minutes) brother. Bennie would never hurt anyone but sometimes he does and says things that embarrass Warren, like calling him Wart in public.
And then it came, the question someone always asked. “So anyway, what’s your brother got?”Bennie has Down syndrome. Not everyone understands what they means and some people stare and say mean things about Bennie.
I absolutely adored Bennie. I also really liked Maya, a young spitfire who constantly stands up for what’s right, regardless of whether it’s the easy or difficult choice. I spent most of the novel waiting to be introduced to Owen and he did not disappoint. I’d love to read companion books that delve into both Maya and Owen’s backgrounds and tell me what happens in their lives after this novel ends.
I’m sure plenty of readers will be left hanging, not knowing . I would have liked to have been privy to Danny’s backstory as I’m certain I would have had more compassion for him had I known what had contributed to his behaviour.
I love novels that give me a glimpse inside the worlds of people whose experiences are different to my own. This story, through different characters’ responses to Warren and Bennie, highlights both what is helpful and what is harmful when interacting with those who are different from ourselves.
Although this book allowed me to see some of the joy and struggles of a family that includes a child with Down syndrome, its message is transferrable. Anyone who feels different for whatever reason could take hold of the hope infused in its pages.
Even though children are this book’s intended audience there are valuable lessons for adults as well, who may need a reminder to not waste their time and energy worrying about what others think of them. Learning this was a personal story for its author added weight to the authenticity I already felt reading about Warren’s often conflicting feelings towards his brother.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for the opportunity to read this book. I’m interested in reading more books by this author.
April 24, 2021
How would you feel if everyone around you looks at you only as being someone's sibling or someone's child and never for you yourself? That's the struggle our eleven year old protagonist is going through.
Warren has just shifted to a new city with his parents and his twin brother Benny. He's hoping for a fresh start with his identity here because in his earlier residence, he was known only as Benny's brother. This is because Benny has Down Syndrome and hence attracts attention without knowing it. Warren wants to have his own identity without being the caretaker of his twin. He hates others staring or laughing at them. In due course, however, he realises that he has allowed his insecurities to rule over his love for his brother. With the help of his parents and his new school friend Maya, Warren understands that he must not allow what others think of him to dominate his perspective of himself.
You really feel for Warren in this book. When he says "To granddad, I was the special one, not Benny", you feel the pain in his heart at always being the caretaker. There are many books about children with Down Syndrome or their parents. But what exactly goes on in their siblings' hearts is a topic rarely explored in fiction. Perhaps the book will also help parents and guardians to let the sibling have some me-time instead of constantly letting them be the bodyguard of the child with the disability. Another USP of this book is that it has a male protagonist who ends up as a good role model. Usually, books depict the sensitive side of girls. So it was a nice experience to see the thoughts of a little boy struggling with his feelings.
The book is exceptional without being outstanding, and that's where it falls a little short. All the points it covers are relevant, but it doesn't go out of the way to aim higher. It simple walks the predictable path. A younger reader will certainly enjoy the whole story. The adult in me wanted something more.
There are many thought-provoking lines in the book, with one of my favourite quotes being: "It's hard for people to laugh at you when you are laughing with them." This is something I've always believed in, so it was wonderful to see it in writing.
All in all, a beautiful, straightforward read with a lovely message. Recommended for independent readers aged 7+.
The narrator Mark Sanderlin did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life. I enjoyed this audiobook tremendously because of his spirited performance.
Thank you, NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio, for the Advanced Audio Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
Warren has just shifted to a new city with his parents and his twin brother Benny. He's hoping for a fresh start with his identity here because in his earlier residence, he was known only as Benny's brother. This is because Benny has Down Syndrome and hence attracts attention without knowing it. Warren wants to have his own identity without being the caretaker of his twin. He hates others staring or laughing at them. In due course, however, he realises that he has allowed his insecurities to rule over his love for his brother. With the help of his parents and his new school friend Maya, Warren understands that he must not allow what others think of him to dominate his perspective of himself.
You really feel for Warren in this book. When he says "To granddad, I was the special one, not Benny", you feel the pain in his heart at always being the caretaker. There are many books about children with Down Syndrome or their parents. But what exactly goes on in their siblings' hearts is a topic rarely explored in fiction. Perhaps the book will also help parents and guardians to let the sibling have some me-time instead of constantly letting them be the bodyguard of the child with the disability. Another USP of this book is that it has a male protagonist who ends up as a good role model. Usually, books depict the sensitive side of girls. So it was a nice experience to see the thoughts of a little boy struggling with his feelings.
The book is exceptional without being outstanding, and that's where it falls a little short. All the points it covers are relevant, but it doesn't go out of the way to aim higher. It simple walks the predictable path. A younger reader will certainly enjoy the whole story. The adult in me wanted something more.
There are many thought-provoking lines in the book, with one of my favourite quotes being: "It's hard for people to laugh at you when you are laughing with them." This is something I've always believed in, so it was wonderful to see it in writing.
All in all, a beautiful, straightforward read with a lovely message. Recommended for independent readers aged 7+.
The narrator Mark Sanderlin did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life. I enjoyed this audiobook tremendously because of his spirited performance.
Thank you, NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio, for the Advanced Audio Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
July 29, 2021
This book gave me all the good feelings. Perfect for a grade 5 read aloud. Touches on differences, acceptance and brotherly love.
January 19, 2021
It was very good
March 9, 2021
Amazing!!
November 12, 2019
"Every one of us is like a piece of a puzzle, each one unique, with our own special place where only we can fit. And without every one of us, the picture wouldn't be complete"
3.5 stars.
The Jigsaw Puzzle King follows Warren and his twin brother, Bennie, who have just moved to a new school. Bennie has Down syndrome and Warren is torn between wanting acceptance for his brother and being embarrassed by Bennie. When people stare or make comments about Bennie, Bennie doesn't notice it. He is always happy and eager to make new friends, but Warren is very concerned about what other people think of him. He just wants to fit in and be "normal". He decides he will no longer play with or hang out with his brother, whether this means forgoing family events or ignoring his brother at school. In his bid to be "normal", he begins hanging out with guys at school he does not particularly like and does not think are very nice. When he learns his brother is going to be entering the talent show at school, showcasing his special talent of being able to quickly put together puzzles, he is sure both of them will be teased, and is determined to try to put a stop to Bennie getting on that stage.
I really loved the message of The Jigsaw Puzzle King about celebrating differences and realizing you have no control of what other people will think, so you should just focus on being yourself. The author was inspired to write this book as her sister had Down syndrome, so she draws on her own experiences and feelings. This book would be a good introduction to Down syndrome for children and will teach them to embrace differences. I also really loved the character of Maya. She was very sweet and a great friend to Bennie and Warren.
I am glad publishers are showcasing more diversity and perspectives into children's literature. However, this book focuses more on Warren's feelings and experiences, and I feel there should be more of a focus on Bennie's feelings. Many of the the references to his Down syndrome were very stereotypical-always happy and friendly. I would love to see some #ownvoices literature, written from the POV of a character with Down syndrome. The author also alluded to the bully having a bad home life, but this is never expanded upon or explained. It seemed like she was going to include something about why he behaves the way he does, but in the end does not explore his story line further .
Overall, I think this book will appeal to children who loved Wonder and will be a great resource to begin a conversation about disabilities.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review
3.5 stars.
The Jigsaw Puzzle King follows Warren and his twin brother, Bennie, who have just moved to a new school. Bennie has Down syndrome and Warren is torn between wanting acceptance for his brother and being embarrassed by Bennie. When people stare or make comments about Bennie, Bennie doesn't notice it. He is always happy and eager to make new friends, but Warren is very concerned about what other people think of him. He just wants to fit in and be "normal". He decides he will no longer play with or hang out with his brother, whether this means forgoing family events or ignoring his brother at school. In his bid to be "normal", he begins hanging out with guys at school he does not particularly like and does not think are very nice. When he learns his brother is going to be entering the talent show at school, showcasing his special talent of being able to quickly put together puzzles, he is sure both of them will be teased, and is determined to try to put a stop to Bennie getting on that stage.
I really loved the message of The Jigsaw Puzzle King about celebrating differences and realizing you have no control of what other people will think, so you should just focus on being yourself. The author was inspired to write this book as her sister had Down syndrome, so she draws on her own experiences and feelings. This book would be a good introduction to Down syndrome for children and will teach them to embrace differences. I also really loved the character of Maya. She was very sweet and a great friend to Bennie and Warren.
I am glad publishers are showcasing more diversity and perspectives into children's literature. However, this book focuses more on Warren's feelings and experiences, and I feel there should be more of a focus on Bennie's feelings. Many of the the references to his Down syndrome were very stereotypical-always happy and friendly. I would love to see some #ownvoices literature, written from the POV of a character with Down syndrome. The author also alluded to the bully having a bad home life, but this is never expanded upon or explained. It seemed like she was going to include something about why he behaves the way he does, but in the end does not explore his story line further .
Overall, I think this book will appeal to children who loved Wonder and will be a great resource to begin a conversation about disabilities.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review
February 10, 2025
In general this book was mild in terms of how much drama there was, and that's the kind of book that’s perfect for this book club assignment. Gina wrote this book in the most flowy and homey way possible. I feel she wrote the book from a perspective people usually tend to forget, the family members of a disabled person.
Warren, our protagonist, varies from being a jerk to being a normal grade 6 kid in terms of how confusing his intentions are. One day he wants to stand up for Bennie, then another day he is the one being a jerk to him( the book revolves around this notion a bunch). The book basically highlights Warren's growth of acceptance and other themes like, peer pressure, bullying and fear of the public.
A very common but mild theme was appreciation for friendship. This was between Maya, Bennie and a character you’d be seeing later on in the book is Owen. My personal duo was Maya and Bennie, they didn't get as much attention but when they did they stole the show. I truly adore Maya's determined and welcoming spirit and that was a key to the friendship.
Unlike his twin brother , Warren, Bennie trusts a lot of people very easily, some might even say he is very gullible. I’d like to argue , his decision to trust Maya was one of the best so far. I say this because trusting the right person opened up a new view of Bennie and sense of appreciation to Bennie's family. For example Bennie is ridiculously good at solving jigsaw puzzles ( Thus the Jigsaw puzzle king) but that was just a norm in the eyes of Warren and their parents. But when Maya being her pushy self told them how amazing that is , they appreciated his talent even more.
I really wish we had a lot more of Maya's perspective and Owen too. With the little bit of Owen spotlight we got at the ending , I'd say the book would have been extra awesome with Owen being more prominent in the book too.
I’d say kids from grade 5 and up could read this book because the book like I've been saying isn't heavy or light. It's right in the middle and that's quite cool.
There's a lot of ups and downs in this book but it's worth that mild roller coaster. I'd rate the book a 3.5 stars.
Warren, our protagonist, varies from being a jerk to being a normal grade 6 kid in terms of how confusing his intentions are. One day he wants to stand up for Bennie, then another day he is the one being a jerk to him( the book revolves around this notion a bunch). The book basically highlights Warren's growth of acceptance and other themes like, peer pressure, bullying and fear of the public.
A very common but mild theme was appreciation for friendship. This was between Maya, Bennie and a character you’d be seeing later on in the book is Owen. My personal duo was Maya and Bennie, they didn't get as much attention but when they did they stole the show. I truly adore Maya's determined and welcoming spirit and that was a key to the friendship.
Unlike his twin brother , Warren, Bennie trusts a lot of people very easily, some might even say he is very gullible. I’d like to argue , his decision to trust Maya was one of the best so far. I say this because trusting the right person opened up a new view of Bennie and sense of appreciation to Bennie's family. For example Bennie is ridiculously good at solving jigsaw puzzles ( Thus the Jigsaw puzzle king) but that was just a norm in the eyes of Warren and their parents. But when Maya being her pushy self told them how amazing that is , they appreciated his talent even more.
I really wish we had a lot more of Maya's perspective and Owen too. With the little bit of Owen spotlight we got at the ending , I'd say the book would have been extra awesome with Owen being more prominent in the book too.
I’d say kids from grade 5 and up could read this book because the book like I've been saying isn't heavy or light. It's right in the middle and that's quite cool.
There's a lot of ups and downs in this book but it's worth that mild roller coaster. I'd rate the book a 3.5 stars.
June 7, 2021
Shortlisted for the 2021 Silver Birch Fiction Award, this middle-grade novel moves along quickly with a wide variety of well-developed characters. Its perspective on the challenges of being a sibling of a mentally-challenged child (the sense that he draws more attention from your parents than you, that you are but shouldn’t be embarrassed by him, that it’s difficult to forge an identity apart from him) is fresh and important, thoughtful and engaging. The fact that the author herself was in that situation gives depth to what is a carefully constructed novel.
That being said, it’s also fun, with punchy dialogue and true-to-life annoying and/or bullying characters. The eleven-year-old protagonist is utterly believable, as are all his classmates.
Only two aspects made me scratch my head, and perhaps lowered the power of the novel by a titch: the inclusion of a character who is mentioned regularly throughout as if he were important to the story, and yet doesn’t physically show up until nearly the end of the novel. (That didn’t really work for me.) And the final two paragraphs, in which the protagonist reflects on what he has learned as a result of his experiences -- as if he needs to spell out his own character arc in case the reader didn’t “get it” through the story itself.
On the whole, a superb novel in concept and execution.
- P.W.
This review also appears at www.YAdudebooks.ca
That being said, it’s also fun, with punchy dialogue and true-to-life annoying and/or bullying characters. The eleven-year-old protagonist is utterly believable, as are all his classmates.
Only two aspects made me scratch my head, and perhaps lowered the power of the novel by a titch: the inclusion of a character who is mentioned regularly throughout as if he were important to the story, and yet doesn’t physically show up until nearly the end of the novel. (That didn’t really work for me.) And the final two paragraphs, in which the protagonist reflects on what he has learned as a result of his experiences -- as if he needs to spell out his own character arc in case the reader didn’t “get it” through the story itself.
On the whole, a superb novel in concept and execution.
- P.W.
This review also appears at www.YAdudebooks.ca
December 1, 2019
I was sent this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.5 stars
This was a sweet story about Warren and his twin brother, Bennie, who has Down syndrome and how Warren navigates a new school and learns to not worry about what others think of him and his brother.
The representation in here is wonderful. I love that Gina McMurchy-Barber used her own experience to spread more knowledge about Down syndrome and what it’s like being a sibling of someone with Down syndrome.
Bennie and Maya are honestly my favorite characters in this book and their friendship is just so heartwarming. Bennie is just such a sweet character who looks up to his brother, Warren, and wants to make him proud. It’s described in the book that he gives everyone big bear hugs and I could just feel that through the story as he has this pure view of the world around him.
Warren did have a few cringy moments that I really had a hard time getting through but in the end he was there for his brother and owned up to being wrong about his actions.
3.5 stars
This was a sweet story about Warren and his twin brother, Bennie, who has Down syndrome and how Warren navigates a new school and learns to not worry about what others think of him and his brother.
The representation in here is wonderful. I love that Gina McMurchy-Barber used her own experience to spread more knowledge about Down syndrome and what it’s like being a sibling of someone with Down syndrome.
Bennie and Maya are honestly my favorite characters in this book and their friendship is just so heartwarming. Bennie is just such a sweet character who looks up to his brother, Warren, and wants to make him proud. It’s described in the book that he gives everyone big bear hugs and I could just feel that through the story as he has this pure view of the world around him.
Warren did have a few cringy moments that I really had a hard time getting through but in the end he was there for his brother and owned up to being wrong about his actions.
April 20, 2021
This is a great books for upper primary and lower middle school students. Other than the preachy speech at the end, the rest of the book handled lots of difficult topics and ideas naturally and with such a wonderful soft touch.
From the struggle of having a special needs sibling to the sudden physical challenges caused by an accident; from the power of friendship to the power of overcoming a bully; this book deftly covers a wide range of experiences and emotions. Yes, most of the problems seem a bit easily overcome, but it’s not done in an obvious or obnoxious way. I really liked Bennie and Warren, Maya and Owen, and I wanted to understand why Danny acted the way he did. I cared about these characters and would love to read further books that focus on other adventures and mishaps of this group of kids. I can definitely see this being in my classroom library and I think it would be a popular choice for a lot of my students. The audio was easy to listen to and the nuances of the voice actor were enjoyable but never cartoonish or melodramatic.
Thank you to NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
From the struggle of having a special needs sibling to the sudden physical challenges caused by an accident; from the power of friendship to the power of overcoming a bully; this book deftly covers a wide range of experiences and emotions. Yes, most of the problems seem a bit easily overcome, but it’s not done in an obvious or obnoxious way. I really liked Bennie and Warren, Maya and Owen, and I wanted to understand why Danny acted the way he did. I cared about these characters and would love to read further books that focus on other adventures and mishaps of this group of kids. I can definitely see this being in my classroom library and I think it would be a popular choice for a lot of my students. The audio was easy to listen to and the nuances of the voice actor were enjoyable but never cartoonish or melodramatic.
Thank you to NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 17, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"Every one of us is like a piece of a puzzle, each one unique, with our own special place where only we can fit. And without every one of us, the picture wouldn't be complete"
Yes, that's so true. I loved listening to this touching and moving story about an 11 years old boy named Warren who with his parents and twin brother moved to a new city which means, a new school and new people who are not yet used to his brother Bennie who actually has Down syndrome. Warren is annoyed by the attention that Bennie is getting and just want to fit in.
This story was so beautiful, it's about love, acceptance, brotherhood, friendship. I hope that this kind of books will be read by a lot of kids and adults so they can realize that every life however it came to this world is worth loving and respecting.
I loved the narrator's voice which was pretty amazing and made the story so much enjoyable to listen to. Also,I liked the author's style and how she tackled such a sensitive theme with such creativity knowing that she also has a sister with Down syndrome.
"Every one of us is like a piece of a puzzle, each one unique, with our own special place where only we can fit. And without every one of us, the picture wouldn't be complete"
Yes, that's so true. I loved listening to this touching and moving story about an 11 years old boy named Warren who with his parents and twin brother moved to a new city which means, a new school and new people who are not yet used to his brother Bennie who actually has Down syndrome. Warren is annoyed by the attention that Bennie is getting and just want to fit in.
This story was so beautiful, it's about love, acceptance, brotherhood, friendship. I hope that this kind of books will be read by a lot of kids and adults so they can realize that every life however it came to this world is worth loving and respecting.
I loved the narrator's voice which was pretty amazing and made the story so much enjoyable to listen to. Also,I liked the author's style and how she tackled such a sensitive theme with such creativity knowing that she also has a sister with Down syndrome.
January 20, 2020
In this book we meet Warren and his twin brother Bennie who calls Warren Wart, his nickname in front of the new kids where they move to.
Maya is a bold girl and breaks free of the judgemental neighbourhood kids to befriend the new guys especially Bennie as she reveals her kind and caring nature throughout the book when we're introduced to her other friend Owen.
As Bennie's brilliant at puzzles and their new school is putting on a talent show, Maya encourages him to take part while Warren wants to stop his brother from being made more of a target to the bullies in the school and so he teams up with them to try and put a stop to his brothers performance...
All about learning to love and appreciate the family and friends you have it was a unique book and I loved the powerful girl Maya was in the book and how she stuck up for Bennie all the way through too.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
Maya is a bold girl and breaks free of the judgemental neighbourhood kids to befriend the new guys especially Bennie as she reveals her kind and caring nature throughout the book when we're introduced to her other friend Owen.
As Bennie's brilliant at puzzles and their new school is putting on a talent show, Maya encourages him to take part while Warren wants to stop his brother from being made more of a target to the bullies in the school and so he teams up with them to try and put a stop to his brothers performance...
All about learning to love and appreciate the family and friends you have it was a unique book and I loved the powerful girl Maya was in the book and how she stuck up for Bennie all the way through too.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
January 23, 2020
A great story for young readers to raise the awareness of Down Syndrome, it provides enough humor and ease to make it a comfortable read. While Warren's brother Bennie is the one with Down Syndrome, it is Warren who has a hard time about it - the reaction of other kids, their pitiful looks or teasing behind his back. While Bennie doesn't seem to recognize any of that, Warren is constantly aware of it, and it bothers him to no end. When Bennie starts visiting a class at the same school as Warren, Warren decides to distance himself - he no longer wants to be recognized as the weirdo's brother, but as Warren himself. This leads to a number of complications and at the end, Warren has to ask himself if he made the right decision...
(thanks to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of the book, all opinions are my own)
(thanks to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of the book, all opinions are my own)
January 19, 2021
Warren and his family moved and Warren and his twin brother, Bennie, are about to start school. Bennie has Downs Syndrome, and Warren is struggling between the expectations that he should always be helping his brother, and finding his own identity separate from his brother. This book covers the topics of moving, making new friends, bullying, family relationships, Downs Syndrome, and siblings with special needs.
The author has done a good job describing the joys and challenges that can come with a child with Downs Syndrome. Bennie is very sweet, loving, and humorous and readers will love him. Warren alternates between being a good brother, and someone who comes across as selfish and self-centered, but this conflict of actions and emotions makes him feel real.
This book is a nominee for this year's Silver Birch Fiction award, and I think it was a great choice.
The author has done a good job describing the joys and challenges that can come with a child with Downs Syndrome. Bennie is very sweet, loving, and humorous and readers will love him. Warren alternates between being a good brother, and someone who comes across as selfish and self-centered, but this conflict of actions and emotions makes him feel real.
This book is a nominee for this year's Silver Birch Fiction award, and I think it was a great choice.
February 17, 2020
A great middle-grade book about brothers, twin brothers. Warren has made it his life mission to look out for his twin brother, Bennie, who has Down Syndrom. But when Bennie wants to enter into the talent show at their new school, Warren is determined to stop him before he embarrasses both of them. The characters of Warren, Bennie, and their classmates are very real 21st-century eleven-year-olds. Kids will love this book filled with cool stuff like hockey, peanut butter, and stink bombs. I enjoyed the references to familiar places in the Vancouver area. When Warren has to choose between his family and the cool kids, he finds himself in a sticky situation. This book is perfect for tweens and adults like me, who love tweens.
December 14, 2019
"Being yourself, isin't always easy"
This book was so real, so full of emotions and thoughts. here we have twin brothers Bennie and Warren, two 11year olds. One with Down Syndrome who are super at puzzles and loves peanut and pickle sandwich and another who loves hockey and soccer. But being yourself and supporting your brother isin't always easy and it takes guts to be yourself and be true to your familiy and stand up to others who are mean. I liked how it devoloped and how we could see both bad and good sides from the brothers, and that despite it all - they support each other no matter what, it just takes some time to get there.
This book was so real, so full of emotions and thoughts. here we have twin brothers Bennie and Warren, two 11year olds. One with Down Syndrome who are super at puzzles and loves peanut and pickle sandwich and another who loves hockey and soccer. But being yourself and supporting your brother isin't always easy and it takes guts to be yourself and be true to your familiy and stand up to others who are mean. I liked how it devoloped and how we could see both bad and good sides from the brothers, and that despite it all - they support each other no matter what, it just takes some time to get there.
December 29, 2019
Warren and Bennie are twins, but that’s as far as their similarities go. Bennie has Down Syndrome, and Warren does not. While Warren is trying to navigate the difficulties of fitting in, Bennie is living in the joy of the moment. Warren has always looked out for his brother in every way possible, but now he’s struggling with his identify being tied to Bennie's. For the first time in his young life, he’s having a hard time accepting Bennie for who he is.
I’m always looking for great young adult books with a heartfelt storyline. This one checks off all the boxes. Great message, believable and likable characters, suitable for all ages.
I’m always looking for great young adult books with a heartfelt storyline. This one checks off all the boxes. Great message, believable and likable characters, suitable for all ages.
June 3, 2021
Format: audiobook
Author: Gina McMurchy-Barber ~ Title: The Jigsaw Puzzle King ~ Narrator: Mark Sanderlin
Story: 4 stars ~ Narration: 5 stars
Complete audiobook review
The Jigsaw Puzzle King is a heartwarming story about eleven-year-old Warren, whose twin brother has Down Syndrome. Warren always plays with him and accompanies him everywhere. He is tired of the constant looks and remarks that people say about his brother Benny. For once, he wants to live like he doesn't have a brother with a disability.
Author: Gina McMurchy-Barber ~ Title: The Jigsaw Puzzle King ~ Narrator: Mark Sanderlin
Story: 4 stars ~ Narration: 5 stars
Complete audiobook review
The Jigsaw Puzzle King is a heartwarming story about eleven-year-old Warren, whose twin brother has Down Syndrome. Warren always plays with him and accompanies him everywhere. He is tired of the constant looks and remarks that people say about his brother Benny. For once, he wants to live like he doesn't have a brother with a disability.
June 7, 2021
"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
This is a great middle grade book about dealing with the challenges and emotions involved with being a family member of someone with special needs. While I wanted to shake some sense into Warren at times, I think it was written in an authentic way for an 11 year old boy processing big feelings. I did like how he resolved some of his issues in the end and I think overall it was well written.
I listened to the audiobook version, and it was well read and engaging.
This is a great middle grade book about dealing with the challenges and emotions involved with being a family member of someone with special needs. While I wanted to shake some sense into Warren at times, I think it was written in an authentic way for an 11 year old boy processing big feelings. I did like how he resolved some of his issues in the end and I think overall it was well written.
I listened to the audiobook version, and it was well read and engaging.
November 27, 2019
I received this ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a sweet an honest story of a boy whose identical twin brother has Down Syndrome. Moving to a new town, he's ready to start new, hoping to be his own person and not just his brother's brother. Soon a friend shows him both how much he has underestimated his brother and how being his brother's brother can be a positive in his life.
This was a sweet an honest story of a boy whose identical twin brother has Down Syndrome. Moving to a new town, he's ready to start new, hoping to be his own person and not just his brother's brother. Soon a friend shows him both how much he has underestimated his brother and how being his brother's brother can be a positive in his life.
June 12, 2020
The characters in this book feel very real. Bennie's personality will melt your heart, and Warren's struggle to balance his need for independence with his love for his brother will tug at your heartstrings. But this poignant story offers lots of laughs, too.
Without preaching, Gina teaches us about Down syndrome and exposes our biases toward people with special needs. She's a great storyteller.
Without preaching, Gina teaches us about Down syndrome and exposes our biases toward people with special needs. She's a great storyteller.
August 30, 2021
Warren and Bennie are twins, but Warren couldn’t feel any more detached from his brother than he does when they move to a new city where Bennie’s Down’s syndrome seems to attract too much attention for Warren’s comfort.
This is an incredibly heartfelt and cute read about being proud of who you are and not worrying about what others think. There are lessons about learning who your real friends are and fitting in. It is a great book for kids around the fifth grade age.
This is an incredibly heartfelt and cute read about being proud of who you are and not worrying about what others think. There are lessons about learning who your real friends are and fitting in. It is a great book for kids around the fifth grade age.
August 11, 2023
What a cute book! Written for children, it heartily applies to adults who fear standing out in a world where everyone wants to fit in.
This book was written by a Canadian, so it was super fun to read a lot of the colloquiallisms that are common to me, as I'm an American married to a Canadian, living in Ontario.
For the American reader:
Runners = tennis shoes/sneakers
Thanksgiving = Second Monday in October
Pencil Crayons = Coloured Pencils
Hockey = A way of life
This book was written by a Canadian, so it was super fun to read a lot of the colloquiallisms that are common to me, as I'm an American married to a Canadian, living in Ontario.
For the American reader:
Runners = tennis shoes/sneakers
Thanksgiving = Second Monday in October
Pencil Crayons = Coloured Pencils
Hockey = A way of life
October 19, 2020
1st book for the junior book club at my school. This is one with so many messages, a couple of teary moments and a very good story line. I enjoyed the family dynamic in this book. Not sure what the rest of the books will be like but this is an excellent start. Congrats to Gina McMurchy-Barber for your nomination for the Silver Birch award this year.
May 12, 2020
My grade 4 son fell in love with this book. He read it 3 times and it is amongst his favourite books on his book shelf. Beautifully written story that touches the heart to seed deep values in the young mind.
May 13, 2020
The Jigsaw Puzzle King is a joyous book to read. The author Gina McMurchy-Barber is a great story teller who builds her characters with love and warmth. The book leads you through fun and adventourous times.
May 17, 2020
I enjoyed this book very much. It comes together as a feel good story. Children are honest with their thoughts and feelings and can be unkind at times and others are always kind and generous. Goodness and kindness prevails. Caring for others is a lesson learned in this story
June 9, 2020
A nice story about identical twin boys, one of whom lives with Downs Syndrome. I think it did a good job of highlighting the struggles that siblings often face. An interesting title to add to my book list about twins.
November 16, 2020
The title caught my eye when I was in the library because I have been doing a lot of puzzles during this time of Covid-19. It is a story about eleven year old twins. One has Down Syndrome. This story is full of good life lessons.
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April 8, 2021I read this book with my class. My teacher wanted us to choose our favourite book and read the entire thing. I obviously choose this one, it is so interesting and shows you people are different, and that’s what makes them unique
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