I wish there had been something, anything, listing sources.

A good reminder of ways to make and keep friends.

This book gave me...feelings. Rather strong ones. I thought it was depressing. Why do all these people have to die? I suppose it is historically accurate, but wow. I'm not sure I would have chosen to stay in Phippsburg. Also, it made me wonder, after having read some of this other books, if Schmidt isn't writing some version of the same thing over and over (which is not to say it is bad; quite the opposite: Wednesday Wars and Okay for Now are two of my favorites). However, all three seem to feature a dad that is kind of a jerk who somewhat reforms at the end, with a stoically sweet mom. There are crazy (in a good way) adults in the male children's lives who make them feel better, and a female sidekick turned potential love interest. Although this book did make me want to drive down the coast to Phippsburg, I was quite horrified by what actually happened on Malaga Island--bad Maine! This book wasn't as strong for me as his later works. Too depressing.

I thought the first half of the book was quite good, but ending with the three short stories felt a little weird to me. I can see why millions love this series though.

This book was kind of traumatizing. People normally read this in school?

I really enjoyed this memoir about life in Mexico, Maine.

I think, as a kid, I would have gobbled this book up. The adult in me wants more information about the lives of all the people included. Luckily for me, there is a section at the end with more information.

I liked this, but I've seen it on the short list for the Newbery and I don't think it's quite that good. I did like the dental aspect though. That was new and different.