Summary: Tillie is ashamed and embarrassed of herself, so she hides behind her camera, which she uses to help her classmates find lost objects. However, when her classmate comes asking for help finding not something but someone, she begins getting a bit in over her head and learning more about herself than she ever knew.
Review: This book made me cry. That right there makes it an automatic winner! Admittedly, though, I did go into this book quite hesitantly… like VERY hesitantly. I forced myself to read it basically, and it was only because there was such a high rating for it on GoodReads. I really really really didn't want to based on the synopsis, but I forced myself to try it, and I'm so glad I did. It was funny, though, because from the very beginning, my hesitancy was clear to myself and I was becoming meta cognitive. I was actively trying to dislike it to prove my initial feeling right, but I found myself so intrigued with the plot and getting invested so quickly that I had no choice but to admit it was a hit.
One of the things that really interested me about the book was the mystery aspect. It was a fun mystery without being do-or-die. Tillie liked finding things, and she found Jake's dad. That was all it was. It was interesting, simple, and I was intrigued to find out the truth behind it.
I also enjoyed Tillie having the hobby of photography. It was different than a lot of other books (being that it wasn't a sport), but it made a lot of sense for her as a character. The photography also helped contribute a lot to her personality and conflicts throughout the story, so it all fit together well and wasn't just random.
She was also pretty likeable as a protagonist. There were a few times throughout the story where I found her to be a bit grating and too self-deprecating, but I was still rooting for her the whole time. More than that, I loved Jake as her foil throughout the story. He was so much fun, full of joy, and motivated in comparison to Tillie. Tillie was a bit more mysterious, but Jake was who really kept the story moving forward.
Also worth noting: all of their parents sucked. Tillie's mom was excessively overprotective because of Tillie's minor disability with her leg. Her dad was emotionally nonexistent because he blamed himself for their car crash and couldn't talk to his own daughter. Jake's mom was disengaged in every possible way. Then worst of all, his dad straight up abandoned him to be with another woman and came back like "oh no… you're upset?!" So many problematic family dynamics, which did allow for more interesting conflicts, but also many frustrating moments.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Recommended reader: Anyone who likes:
- Realistic Fiction
- Stories about friendship
- Elements of romance
- Elements of mystery
- Stories about family
- Father-child relationships
- Photography
- Characters with disabilities
- Heartwarming stories
- The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
Discussion Questions:
- Jake tells a lot of stories about what could've happened to his dad, but at the end of the story, he reveals to Tillie that he hasn't told her everything. What did he withhold from her? Why do you think he would keep this information a secret? Why would he make up all of the other stories he told?
- Compare the reactions that Tillie's parents had to the car crash. How do they handle things, and Tillie herself, differently? How does Tillie feel about each of their reactions? What does she wish they would've done differently?
- Why does Tillie enjoy photography? How has it helped her in her life? How has her photography HURT her in her life?
- Why does Jake value Tillie as a friend? Why does Tillie value Jake as a friend? How does their friendship grow and evolve through the course of the story?
- How does Tillie view herself differently as a result of her limp? What is she afraid of, and how does she let that fear impact her life? What does she learn throughout the story about how others perceive her? How is she different because of this realization?
- How do Jake's parents treat him? How does their treatment impact Jake and his personality? Do you believe that Jake has the better parents, or Tillie? Explain your answer.
Specifics of the book:
- Genre: Realistic Fiction
- Lexile Level: 700L
- Accelerated Reader Level: 4.7 (8)
- Content Level: 6th
- Pages: 273
- Controversial Issues: None
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