Books and Jams Readalong discussion

So what did you all think of this one? Did you feel like there was good resolution to both Sal and Phoebe's stories? What stands out to you about this 1/2...characters...plot...writing style...ending? It did win a Newbery Medal in 1995. Do you think that was well-deserved or no? What will you rate it?

OMG is all I can say such a wonderful story. 5/5 for me. I still can barely see through my tears as I type this. The ending was such a surprise I was not expecting that at all. I loved the characters especially Gramps and Grandma. I am glad that Mrs. Cadaver finally explained to Sal where she meet her father. It definitely deserved a Newbery Medal. This will stick with my for awhile. So heartbreaking.
Thanks again Krista for picking another fabulous book.

So when I first started this book, I wasn’t sure I was digging it. But I was pleasantly surprised at the end. It ended up being a 4 star book for me. I loved how it portrayed different family types, as well as illustrated different ways one might experience loss.

I really didn’t like Mr. Birkway — I mean, what gave him the idea to read their journals out loud when they very clearly asked him not to?! And the passages he chose to read — he didn’t expect that to cause problems amongst the students?
But Grandma and Gramps are relationship goals! They were so cute! Overall I enjoyed this book. Now on to read Sweep!

I absolutely loved this book! I gave it five stars. I definitely think it disserved to win the Newberry Medal in 1995. Grandma and Gramps relationship with one another was so tender and loving. I love how they referred to Sal as Chickabiddy. I enjoyed the writing style as well.

However, I do agree with Andrea's point on Mr. Birkway. I was so frustrated with the thought of him reading the students' journals aloud in class.


This was a wonderful reading experience for me and I'm really looking forward to starting Sweep.

I was just reading through your reactions and realized I never posted mine! This was one of the first books I read this month and it was so wonderful! I just loved so much about it. Gramps and Grams, obviously are just the best! Their love for each other and for Sal was so precious. The end of their story broke my heart!

One thing that stands out to me is that Sal telling the story of Phoebe helped her to process what was going on with herself as well. I love how stories have a way of opening windows into our own thought processes and emotions and even help us see things from different perspectives. Walk Two Moons is a beautiful picture of that happening for Sal's character.

Yes, that teacher was so very clueless! What an awful thing to read the journal entries aloud!

I'm so glad so many of you loved this one too. It will be among my favorites this month for sure.

I loved this book so much. I did not see the ending coming so I was just so touched that her grandparents took her on that road trip. What a healing and powerful experience!

I really liked this book. I gave it five stars. I definitely think it deserved to win the Newberry Medal in 1995.

Now I am going to read Sweep.