Review Detail

As someone who was tormented growing up and someone who is currently raising a middle school girl, Joshua's Island really struck a chord with me. Told from the rotating perspectives of Joshua, a bullied, sullen child, and Eve, his out-going science partner, this story beautifully depicts the harsh reality of what it means to be on the outside looking in. Hodges skillfully crafts each diary entry so the reader feels the heartache of each painful day, and although from an adult perspective it may seem, at times, over-the-top, I can assure you it's a realistic take as emotions are magnified during this stage of growing up. This book is a wonderful reminder that there is a part of each of us longing to fit it and so showing kindness to others in our daily life is time well spent, even as adults. Bravo to Hodges for crafting such a lovely novel. Looking forward to sharing his other offerings with my family.