Welcome to my tour stop! Check out my review for this new release below...
Paul, Big, and SmallYA Contemporary
Hardcover, Audiobook & ebook, 336 Pages
October 1st 2019 by Shadow Mountain
Summary
Paul Adams has always been short, but he’s an excellent rock climber. And his small size means he can hide from the bullies that prowl the halls of his high school.
Top on his list of “People to Avoid” are Conor, from his Language Arts class, Hunter, who hangs around the climbing gym, and Lily Small, who happens to be the tallest girl in school. But he might be able to be friends with a new kid from Hawaii who insists that everyone call him “Big.” He’s got a way of bringing everyone into his circle and finding the beauty in even the worst of situations.
When the three of them—Paul, Big, and Small—are assigned to the same group project, they form an unlikely friendship. And Paul realizes that maybe Lily isn’t so bad after all. He might even actually like her. And maybe even more than like her.
Paul and Lily team up for a rock-climbing competition, but when Lily is diagnosed with leukemia, Paul ends up with Conor on his team. And when Paul learns that Conor is dealing with bullies of his own—as well as some deep emotional pain—he realizes that the bullying in his school has got to stop.
Paul, Big, and Small is about the turbulent, emotional lives of young adults who are struggling with life’s challenges openly and sometimes in secret.
My Review
PAUL, BIG, AND SMALL is a heartfelt, genuine story about a boy who has been teased and bullied his whole life because of how small he is. It's about finding surprising friendship and connection, and learning that not everyone is who we perceive them to be. Highly recommended!
I can't tell you guys how much I loved this story! I loved the frankness, matter-of-fact way that Paul's voice resonates as I read this. He's a boy who is skinny and short and has learned to try to disappear to prevent being bullied. It's about his own misconceptions about those around him and a new kid who helps change his world a little. It's about family as well, those found in our own homes and those that can be found at school.
There were lots of cringe-worthy moments dealing with kids and teens. Moments that made me sad and angry (I hate bullying so much!). Then there were sweet and funny moments as well. It made for a read that pulled on my emotions, while being fun and rewarding to read. I love it when a book can make me feel good at the end and care for its characters like this. I also have to note that I loved how rock climbing was weaved in this story. Just so well done!
In the end, was it what I wished for? This is a highly recommended read for middle-school aged kids on up! An entertaining story full of heart and lovable characters.
Content: Some instances of bullying, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
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