Foster, Stewart Bubble, Pgs. 346. Simon & Schuster Books
for Young Readers, 2017. $16.99. Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G.
Joe has never felt a cool breeze or sun on his face. All he
knows is what people have told him or what he can experience within the walls
of his hospital room. Joe has a severe immune disease and must live in a germ
free “bubble” to survive. His friends are his nurses and a boy named Henry, who
he communicates with through a computer. Life for Joe is uneventful until a new
nurse, Amir, joins the team. Amir says and does weird things. He insists that
aliens will invade earth. Even stranger, he manages to install 12 television
screens in Joe’s room while he sleeps. Neither of those curiosities come close
to what Amir is planning for Joe.
This book is packed with great themes: friendship, family,
perseverance, acceptance, risk. Kids who wonder what it would be like to be
confined indoors forever might be drawn to this book. Unfortunately, the plot
drags at times, because it is extremely repetitive. Every day, is basically the
same for Joe. About 2/3 in, the plot takes an exciting turn, but that’s a long
time to wait. The writing style is simplistic, which makes the main character
come off as emotionally flat. All of this can make the book tough to get
through, but fascination with life in a bubble will carry the right reader to
the end.
EL, MS – OPTIONAL
Valerie McEnroe, Media Specialist
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment