libscote's profile picture

libscote 's review for:

Sardines by Sashi Kaufman
3.75
emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Lucas recently lost his brother, and his mom disappeared. He lives with his dad, who is isn't especially close to, and now has to go to afterschool care as a sixth grader. This is where he meets his first friends, and after playing a game called Sardines, they start to reveal secrets to each other and help them come true. Lucas doesn't want to reveal his, because he doesn't think they can make it come true. And why doesn't Finn, who is sort of the ringleader, want to reveal his either? 

I liked this one a lot. It does deal with some heavy topics (bullying, parental neglect, death of a loved one, foster care) but it's done appropriately. I liked it.